The next step is for Afghanistan to deposit its instrument of ratification with the Government of Portugal - the depository of the Energy Charter Treaty. The Treaty will enter into force for Afghanistan and the country will become the 54th member of the Charter ninety days after this procedure is completed, in accordance with ECT Article 44(2).

Afghanistan signed the 1991 Energy Charter in 2006, thus becoming an observer to the organisation and making the first step towards acceding to the Energy Charter Treaty.