Philippines - Taxes on Distilled Spirits

On 29 July 2009, the European Communities requested consultations with the Philippines concerning the Philippines' current Excise Tax regime on distilled spirits, which has been in place since 1997. The European Communities contends that the regime discriminates against imported distilled spirits by taxing them at a substantially higher rate than domestic spirits. The European Communities cites a number of specific measures under the regime in its request. The European Communities considers that these measures are inconsistent with the Philippines' obligations under GATT 1994, in particular Article III:2. On 10 August 2009, the United States requested to join the consultations. Subsequently, the Philippines informed the DSB that it had accepted the request of the United States to join the consultations.