Agriculture food and safety
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement
A new booklet launched on 27 July highlights strong engagement from WTO members at all levels of development in transparency and prevention of trade disputes. The information contained in the booklet is based on the 2020 review of members’ implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the “SPS Agreement”).
The WTO Agreements Series: Agriculture, 3nd Edition (2016)
This new edition provides an introduction to the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture outlining its key principles the work of the Agriculture Committee and how disputes have interpreted WTO law on agriculture. The publication includes the full text of the Agriculture Agreement as well as the decisions taken on agriculture at the 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference. A frequently asked questions section provides a handy overview of the Agriculture Agreement and the issues covered by it. The publication also provides an update on agriculture negotiations at the WTO. This publication forms part of the WTO Agreements Series a set of compact booklets on selected WTO agreements. Other publications in the series include Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade.
Trade and Food Standards
Co-published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
The WTO Secretariat has prepared this booklet to assist public understanding of the SPS Agreement it concerns the application of food safety and animal and plant health regulations. The first section of the booklet presents the basic structure of WTO agreements; the second looks at the key features of the SPS Agreement; the third addresses a number of frequently-asked questions; and the fourth is the legal text of the agreement.
Acuerdo sobre la aplicación de medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias
En un nuevo folleto presentado el 27 de julio se destaca el firme compromiso de los Miembros de la OMC en todos los niveles de desarrollo con la transparencia y la prevención de diferencias comerciales. La información contenida en el folleto se basa en el examen de 2020 de la aplicación por los Miembros del Acuerdo sobre la Aplicación de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias (el “Acuerdo MSF”).
Accord sur les mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires
Une nouvelle brochure présentée le 27 juillet souligne le ferme engagement des Membres de l’OMC quel que soit leur niveau de développement en faveur de la transparence et de la prévention des différends commerciaux. Les renseignements contenus dans cette brochure sont fondés sur l’examen de la mise en œuvre par les Membres de l’Accord sur l’application des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires (Accord SPS) réalisé en 2020.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Agricultural products worth over US$ 1765 billion were traded in 2013. WTO rules help to ensure that these products are traded safely and that health protection measures are not used as an excuse for protecting domestic producers. This brochure produced to mark the WTO’s 20th anniversary looks into the key provisions of the Agreement and the work of the SPS Committee.
Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement
Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement The Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement aims to ensure that regulations standards testing and certification procedures followed by WTO members do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade. Annual Review of TBT Agreement The WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade collects data on an annual basis on the implementation of the TBT Agreement. The information in this brochure is based on the 2022 review.
Accord sur les obstacles techniques au commerce
Accord sur les obstacles techniques au commerce L’Accord sur les obstacles techniques au commerce (OTC) vise à faire en sorte que les règlements les normes et les procédures d’essai et de certification appliqués par les Membres de l’OMC ne créent pas d’obstacles non nécessaires au commerce. Examen annuel de l’Accord OTC Le Comité des obstacles techniques au commerce de l’OMC recueille chaque année des données sur la mise en oeuvre de l’Accord OTC. Les renseignements contenus dans la présente brochure sont basés sur l’examen de 2022.
Implementing the WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference marks a major step forward for ocean sustainability by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies which are a key factor in the widespread depredation of the world’s fish stocks. Implementing the new disciplines will present challenges for many developing country members especially least-developed countries. The objective of this report is to examine existing bilateral and multilateral assistance in support of sustainable fisheries including how this may help countries meet obligations under the new Agreement.
Acuerdo sobre Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio
Acuerdo sobre Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio El Acuerdo sobre Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio tiene por objeto velar por que los reglamentos las normas y los procedimientos de prueba y certificación aplicados por los Miembros de la OMC no creen obstáculos innecesarios al comercio. Examen anual del Acuerdo OTC El Comité de Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio de la OMC recopila anualmente datos sobre la aplicación del Acuerdo OTC. La información que figura en este folleto se basa en el examen de 2022.
Illicit trade in food and food fraud
International trade in food has helped to reduce global poverty and hunger. However illicit trade in food and food fraud undermine the global food system and endanger public health. This publication looks into the challenges of combating illicit practices such as smuggling and counterfeiting. Contributors examine the topic from a variety of perspectives discussing how best to address illegal food trade and the role the WTO could play.
Leveraging Global Partnerships to Implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies aims to enhance the sustainability of fisheries resources by prohibiting some of the most harmful types of fisheries subsidies. Implementation of the Agreement will enhance fisheries sustainability which in turn will make an important contribution to strengthening global food security. This report highlights the importance of international collaboration in assisting developing and least developed country (LDC) members in overcoming the challenges associated with implementing the Agreement.
The Benefits Of Taking Part
Part I described the system of food standards and trade rules created by members for members. With such a system in place what is then required to keep it working and fit for purpose? And how can members take advantage of the benefits it has to offer?
A Dynamic System
Methods of production and processing as well as the paths that food travels along from farm to fork are continuously evolving. The standards world must be ready to adjust to ensure that food trade can continue to flow smoothly. Stakeholders will need to be prepared able to pick up the signals that change is taking place and to steer their national frameworks accordingly.
Executive summary
This publication explains how international food safety standards are set through the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) Food Standards Programme – the Codex Alimentarius Commission – and how these standards are applied in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).
Introduction
The annual value of trade in agricultural products has grown almost three-fold over the past decade largely in emerging economies and developing countries reaching USD 1.7 trillion. Over the past two decades the reduction in tariffs through global and regional trade agreements has provided greater opportunities for the expansion of global food trade. However in order to trade internationally and access markets for high-value products producers must be able to meet food standards. Governments apply food standards to ensure that food is safe and meets quality and labelling requirements. The use of international food standards worldwide helps reduce trade costs by making trade more transparent and efficient allowing food to move more smoothly between markets.
The Institutional Framework
Trade can be more complicated than we think. What happens when two countries define the same product differently or if they set out different criteria to check that a product is safe? Let us think for example of the inconvenience as a traveller in havin 15 different types of electrical outlet plugs in the world or the enormous infrastructure investment required for train cargo and passengers to travel across the border between two countries that have different track gauge. Then consider the benefits of being able to plug in and use a USB key with any computer worldwide or the advantages of standard cables standard operating systems or the standard size of a credit card.
Acknowledgements
This publication Trade and Food Standards has been jointly prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Legal texts on agriculture
Having decided to establish a basis for initiating a process of reform of trade in agriculture in line with the objectives of the negotiations as set out in the Punta del Este Declaration.
Introduction
The WTO Agreement on Agriculture entered into force when the World Trade Organization (WTO) came into being on 1 January 1995. Its main objective is to reform agricultural trade so that it is closer to competitive market conditions — but also to serve other objectives.
Agriculture Agreement
Historically governments have intervened in the agriculture sector more than in other sectors. Agriculture was always covered by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade which entered into force in 1948. But numerous exemptions meant agricultural trade escaped most of the disciplines that applied more generally to trade in industrial products. The result was the widespread use of measures that obstructed imports — import bans limits on quantities that could be imported (quotas) high import duties import duties whose rates varied and so created market uncertainty minimum import prices and various impediments not related to tariffs such as regulations and the activities of state trading enterprises. Major agricultural products such as cereals meat dairy sugar and a range of fruits and vegetables faced trade barriers on a scale unseen in the rest of merchandise trade.
Frequently asked questions
Agriculture is important but trade is distorted by subsidies and protectionism — hurting producers (and some consumers) who are not supported or protected. The 1994 agreement is a first step in the effort to reduce the distortion.
Foreword
Trade in food is difficult to imagine without standards. Food standards give confidence to consumers in the safety quality and authenticity of what they eat. By setting down a common understanding on different aspects of food for consumers producers and governments standards enable trade to take place. If every government applies different food standards trade is more costly and it is more difficult to ensure that food is safe and meets consumers' expectations.
Acknowledgements
This publication is the first WTO publication on illicit trade in food and food fraud. It includes contributions from participants in the WTO’s Annual Agriculture Symposium held on 11 and 12 December 2023 which explored this topic. The Symposium was organized by the Agriculture and Commodities Division with the cooperation of the Office of the Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam.
Protecting the international food supply chain from fraud
Global trade has both brought significant benefits to reducing hunger around the world but it has also increased the complexity of the food supply chain. This complexity is a strong enabler for food fraud. The more links across the supply chain and the longer the distance between where food is originally grown or produced and finally consumed provides opportunities for fraudsters to act for their benefit. The role of the WTO is fundamental in helping to reduce fraud. The WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) sit at the heart of global trade in food and help along with other international agreements standards and enforcement bodies strengthen our global food supply while reducing cross-border food fraud activity. This chapter argues that it is very important for all stakeholders of the food system to work together to keep the system resilient and safe from fraudulent activity with the final responsibility for keeping consumers safe ultimately resting with the food producer.
A snapshot of illegal practices in the trade in seeds and associated challenges
Seed is the most important input in crop production. Reliable high-quality seeds are vital to agriculture and the food supply chain. High-quality seeds enable farmers to boost crop productivity improve livelihoods and feed a growing world population. In recent years there has been an increase in illegal seed practices. Many of these practices constitute a violation of intellectual property rights such as trademark infringements including the production of counterfeit seeds the illegal reproduction of seeds in violation of a plant breeder’s right (PBR) and the theft of proprietary material. This chapter demonstrates through three case studies the impact of illegal practices on breeders farmers consumers the seed value chain and the entire agricultural production process. It highlights the need for cooperation among all actors involved in the global seed supply chain emphasizing the crucial role that must be played by regulatory authorities at the national regional and international levels and the actions required to better combat illegal seed practices in future.
Addressing illicit trade in food and food fraud
The WTO rulebook can be used by members in the fight against illicit trade in food and food fraud in particular the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement). This chapter explores the various definitions of food fraud providing an overview of the main food products that have been the target of fraud and the most notable incidents that have arisen over the past two decades. Building on the outcomes of the WTO’s Annual Agriculture Symposium in December 2023 dedicated to this topic the chapter asks whether it is time for a more explicit conversation at the WTO.
Mapping the negative impacts of illicit trade in agri-food and beverages against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Agriculture forestry and fishing contributed 4.3 per cent of global GDP in 2022 and account for large shares of the GDP for developing economies. A healthy agricultural sector is vital to eradicating hunger and poverty. Illicit trade in agri-food and beverages in its various manifestations undermines sustainable farming limits crop yields and jeopardizes the delivery of fair safe and sustainable food supplies. This chapter examines how this form of illicit activity threatens the achievement of 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Examples from illicit trade in food commodities processed foods and pesticides demonstrate how fraud and failures in the food supply chain hinder progress on the vital goals to eradicate hunger and poverty improve health and well-being strengthen consumers’ ability to make educated and eco-friendly decisions and generate sustainable economic growth.
Foreword
The WTO has long been committed to the fight against illicit trade which undermines legitimate business activity fosters corruption and denies governments potential tax revenue needed to improve socioeconomic conditions. Under the leadership of Director-General Okonjo-Iweala the WTO Secretariat has been examining how WTO rules help members to resolve some of the challenges posed by such illicit trade.
Bringing criminal justice to illicit trade in food and food fraud
This chapter presents an overview of food fraud cases through a criminal justice lens primarily focusing on the varied tactics employed by criminals to infiltrate the legitimate food supply chain and market fraudulent food products to unsuspecting consumers. These deceptive practices typically involve the manipulation of legal entities and operations. Our findings emphasize the need for a multifaceted criminal justice response one that considers the complex operations of these criminals to devise effective countermeasures. The role of emerging technologies in facilitating law enforcement investigations is also highlighted underscoring their potential to support successful criminal investigations and prosecutions.
WTO rulebook and combating illicit trade in food and food fraud
As the only global organization dealing with the rules of international trade the WTO has a key role to play in members’ efforts to tackle illicit agri-food trade through its rules and institutional framework. Specifically the WTO offers members a variety of tools and best practices as well as the opportunity to exchange information and implement policies both within and at the border that can assist them in combating this phenomenon. This chapter examines the most relevant parts of the WTO rulebook to fight the trade in illicit agri-food and the provisions which allow WTO members to derogate from commitments when fulfilling legitimate public policy goals. This chapter highlights that the lack of disciplines expressly addressing illicit agri-food trade does not prevent the WTO agreements from providing members with several important tools that they can use to tackle the problem.
Introduction
This is the first WTO publication on illicit trade in food and food fraud. It includes contributions from participants in the WTO’s Annual Agriculture Symposium held in Geneva 11-12 December 2023 which explored this topic. At the Symposium prominent experts discussed the various forms and definitions of illicit trade in food and food fraud the links to international trade and ways to combat the phenomenon effectively.
Regulatory solutions and food systems thinking to counter food fraud in supply chains
All of the people and activities that play a part in growing transporting supplying and consuming food – known as the (agri-)food system – need to be involved in addressing the complexities of food fraud. Trade globalization the lengthening of food supply chains the fast growth of e-commerce of food and vast informal food economies all provide new possibilities for food fraud. This chapter presents different strategies for policymakers and regulators to counter food fraud – from regulatory strategies to intersectoral collaboration private-sector engagement and consumer information. It addresses the status of food fraud discussions in various intergovernmental bodies and advocates for broad food systems thinking and strengthened cooperation at the global regional and national levels.
Estados Unidos - Medidas que afectan a la producción y venta de cigarrillos de clavo de olor
El 02 de septiembre de 2011 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Medidas que afectan a la producción y venta de cigarrillos de clavo de olor”.
Communautés Européennes - Regime applicable à l’importation, à la vente et à la distribution des bananes
Le 09 septembre 1997 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Communautes Europeennes - Regime applicable a l’importation a la vente et a la distribution des bananes”.
European Communities - Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas
Complaints by Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Mexico and the United States. The complainants in this case other than Ecuador had requested consultations with the European Communities on the same issue on 28 September 1995 (DS16). After Ecuador’s accession to the WTO the current complainants again requested consultations with the European Communities on 5 February 1996. The complainants alleged that the European Communities’ regime for importation sale and distribution of bananas is inconsistent with Articles I II III X XI and XIII of the GATT 1994 as well as provisions of the Import Licensing Agreement the Agreement on Agriculture the TRIMs Agreement and the GATS.
Chile - Sistema de bandas de precios y medidas de salvaguardia aplicados a determinados productos agrícolas
El 03 de mayo de 2002 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Chile - Sistema de bandas de precios y medidas de salvaguardia aplicados a determinados productos agrícolas”.
Estados Unidos - Trato fiscal aplicado a las “empresas de ventas en el extranjero”
El 30 de agosto de 2002 la OMC hizo público el informe arbitral sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Trato fiscal aplicado a las “empresas de ventas en el extranjero””.
Communautés européennes - Subventions à l’exportation de sucre
Le 15 octobre 2004 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Subventions à l’exportation de sucre”.
European Communities - Measures Affecting the Importation of Certain Poultry Products
On 24 February 1997 Brazil requested consultations with the EC in respect of the EC regime for the importation of certain poultry products and the implementation by the EC of the Tariff Rate Quota for these products. Brazil contended that the EC measures are inconsistent with Articles X and XXVII of GATT 1994 and Articles 1 and 3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures. Brazil also contended that the measures nullify or impair benefits accruing to it directly or indirectly under GATT 1994.
Estados Unidos - Medidas de salvaguardia definitivas impuestas a las importaciones de gluten de trigo procedentes de las Comunidades Europeas
El 22 de diciembre de 2000 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Medidas de salvaguardia definitivas impuestas a las importaciones de gluten de trigo procedentes de las Comunidades Europeas”.
États-Unis - Traitement fiscal des “sociétés de ventes à l’étranger”
Le 08 octobre 1999 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Traitement fiscal des “sociétés de ventes à l’étranger””.
Estados Unidos - Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO) - Recurso 1
El 20 de octubre de 2014 la OMC emitió los informes del Grupo Especial sobre el cumplimiento en las diferencias “Estados Unidos — Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO) — Recurso del Canadá y México al párrafo 5 del artículo 21 del ESD” (DS384 y DS386).
United States - Subsidies on Upland Cotton
On 27 September 2002 Brazil requested consultations with the United States regarding prohibited and actionable subsidies provided to US producers users and/or exporters of upland cotton as well as legislation regulations statutory instruments and amendments thereto providing such subsidies (including export credits) grants and any other assistance to the US producers users and exporters of upland cotton (“US upland cotton industry”). Brazil contended that these measures were inconsistent with the obligations of the United States under the following provisions: Articles 5(c) 6.3(b) (c) and (d) 3.1(a) (including item (j) of the Illustrative List of Export Subsidies in Annex I) 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement; Articles 3.3 7.1 8 9.1 and 10.1 of the Agreement on Agriculture; and Article III:4 of GATT 1994. Brazil was of the view that the US statutes regulations and administrative procedures listed above were inconsistent with these provisions as such and as applied. On 9 October and 11 October 2002 Zimbabwe and India respectively requested to join the consultations. On 14 October 2002 Argentina and Canada requested to join the consultations. The United States informed the DSB that it had accepted the requests of Argentina and India to join the consultations.
Estados Unidos - Pautas para la gasolina reformulada y convencional
El 29 de enero de 1996 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Pautas para la gasolina reformulada y convencional”.
Corea - Medidas que afectan al comercio de embarcaciones comerciales
El 07 de marzo de 2005 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Corea - Medidas que afectan al comercio de embarcaciones comerciales”.
Indonesia - Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products
On 9 November 2017 the WTO Appellate Body issued its report in the cases brought by New Zealand and the United States in “Indonesia - Importation of Horticultural Products Animals and Animal Products”.
Union Européenne - Mesures communautaires concernant les viandes et les produits carnés (Hormones)
Le 18 août 1997 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “European Communities - Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones)”.
United States - Certain Country of Origin Labelling (Cool) Requirements
On 1 December 2008 Canada requested consultations with the United States concerning certain mandatory country of origin labelling (COOL) provisions in the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 as amended by the 2008 Farm Bill and as implemented through an Interim Final Rule of 28 July 2008. These include the obligation to inform consumers at the retail level of the country of origin in respect of covered commodities including beef and pork. The eligibility for a designation of a covered commodity as exclusively having a US origin can only be derived from an animal that was exclusively born raised and slaughtered in the United States. This would exclude such a designation in respect of beef or pork derived from livestock that is exported to the United States for feed or immediate slaughter.
États-Unis - Certaines prescriptions en matière d’étiquetage indiquant le pays d’origine (EPO) - Recours 1
Le 20 octobre 2014 l’OMC a publié les rapports du Groupe spécial de la mise en conformité dans les différends “États-Unis — Certaines prescriptions en matière d’étiquetage indiquant le pays d’origine (EPO) — Recours du Canada et du Mexique à l’article 21:5 du Mémorandum d’accord sur le règlement des différends” (DS384 et DS386).
Indonésie - Importation de produits horticoles, d’animaux et de produits d’origine animale
Le 9 novembre 2017 l’Organe d’appel de l’OMC a publié son rapport dans les affaires introduites par la Nouvelle-Zélande et les États-Unis “Indonésie — Importation de produits horticoles d’animaux et de produits d’origine animale” (DS477 et DS478).
Fédération de Russie - Mesures visant l’importation de porcins vivants, de viande de porc et d’autres produits du porc en provenance de l’Union européenne
Le 19 août 2016 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire engagée par l’Union européenne “Fédération de Russie — Mesures visant l’importation de porcins vivants de viande de porc et d’autres produits du porc en provenance de l’Union européenne” (WT/DS/475).
Australia - Measures Affecting the Importation of Apples from New Zealand
On 31 August 2007 New Zealand requested consultations with Australia concerning measures imposed by Australia on the importation of apples from New Zealand. On 27 March 2007 Australia's Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine determined a policy for the importation of apples from New Zealand: “Importation of apples can be permitted subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 and the application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final import risk analysis report for apples from New Zealand November 2006”. New Zealand considers that these restrictions are inconsistent with Australia's obligations under the SPS Agreement and in particular Articles 2.1 2.2 2.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.5 5.6 8 and Annex C. On 13 September 2007 the European Communities requested to join the consultations. On 14 September 2007 the United States requested to join the consultations. Subsequently Australia informed the DSB that it had accepted the requests of the European Communities and the United States to join the consultations. On 6 December 2007 New Zealand requested the establishment of a panel. At its meeting on 17 December 2007 the DSB deferred the establishment of a panel.
Corée - Mesures affectant les importations de viande de bœuf fraîche, réfrigérée et congelée
Le 31 juillet 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Corée - Mesures affectant les importations de viande de bœuf fraîche réfrigérée et congelée”.
Canada - Measures Affecting the Importation of Milk and the Exportation of Dairy Products - Recourse 1
On 8 October 1997 the United States requested consultations with Canada in respect of export subsidies allegedly granted by Canada on dairy products and the administration by Canada of the tariff-rate quota on milk. The United States contended that these export subsidies by Canada distort markets for dairy products and adversely affect US sales of dairy products. The United States alleged violations of Articles II X and X1 of the GATT 1994 Articles 3 4 8 9 and 10 of the Agreement on Agriculture Article 3 of the SCM Agreement and Articles 1 2 and 3 of the Import Licensing Agreement.
Estados Unidos - Trato fiscal aplicado a las “empresas de ventas en el extranjero”
El 08 de octubre de 1999 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Trato fiscal aplicado a las “empresas de ventas en el extranjero””.
États-Unis - Mesures affectant la production et la vente de cigarettes aux clous de girofle
Le 2 septembre 2011 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner la plainte déposée par l’Indonésie au sujet de l’interdiction imposée par les États-Unis visant les cigarettes aux clous de girofle (DS406)
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan al amianto y a los productos que contienen amianto
El 12 de marzo de 2001 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan al amianto y a los productos que contienen amianto”.
México - Medidas compensatorias definitivas sobre el aceite de oliva procedente de las Comunidades Europeas
El 4 de septiembre de 2008 un Grupo Especial de la OMC emitió su informe con respecto a la reclamación de las CE relativa a las medidas compensatorias definitivas impuestas por México sobre el aceite de oliva procedente de las Comunidades Europeas (DS341).
Korea - Measures Affecting the Importation of Bovine Meat and Meat Products from Canada
On 9 April 2009 Canada requested consultations with Korea concerning measures affecting the importation of bovine meat and meat products from Canada. According to Canada since May 2003 Korea prohibits the importation of Canadian bovine meat and meat products. The alleged objective of this prohibition would be that of protecting against risks arising from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Inde - Mesures concernant l’importation de certains produits agricoles
Le 14 octobre 2014 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial concernant le différend soumis par les États-Unis “Inde — Mesures concernant l’importation de certains produits agricoles” (DS430).
Estados Unidos - Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO) - Recurso 1
El 18 de mayo de 2015 el Órgano de Apelación de la OMC emitió su informe sobre el cumplimiento en la diferencia “Estados Unidos — Prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen” (WT/DS384/386). Los demandantes en este asunto fueron el Canadá y México.
Japón - Medidas que afectan a la importación de manzanas
El 15 de julio de 2003 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Japón - Medidas que afectan a la importación de manzanas”.
Communautés Européennes - Mesures concernant les viandes et les produits carnés - Plainte initiale des États-Unis
Le 18 août 1997 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “European Communities - Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones)”.
United States - Subsidies on Upland Cotton
On 27 September 2002 Brazil requested consultations with the United States regarding prohibited and actionable subsidies provided to US producers users and/or exporters of upland cotton as well as legislation regulations statutory instruments and amendments thereto providing such subsidies (including export credits) grants and any other assistance to the US producers users and exporters of upland cotton (“US upland cotton industry”). Brazil contended that these measures were inconsistent with the obligations of the United States under the following provisions: Articles 5(c) 6.3(b) (c) and (d) 3.1(a) (including item (j) of the Illustrative List of Export Subsidies in Annex I) 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement; Articles 3.3 7.1 8 9.1 and 10.1 of the Agreement on Agriculture; and Article III:4 of GATT 1994. Brazil was of the view that the US statutes regulations and administrative procedures listed above were inconsistent with these provisions as such and as applied. On 9 October and 11 October 2002 Zimbabwe and India respectively requested to join the consultations. On 14 October 2002 Argentina and Canada requested to join the consultations. The United States informed the DSB that it had accepted the requests of Argentina and India to join the consultations.
Comunidades Europeas - Subvenciones a la exportación de azúcar
El 15 de octubre de 2004 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Subvenciones a la exportación de azúcar”.
Chile - Price Band System and Safeguard Measures Relating to Certain Agricultural Products
On 5 October 2000 Argentina requested consultations with Chile concerning: the price band system established by Law 18.525 (as subsequently amended by Law 18.591 and Law 19.546) as well as implementing regulations and complementary and/or amending provisions; and the provisional safeguard measures adopted on 19 November 1999 by Decree No. 339 of the Ministry of Economy and the definitive safeguard measures imposed on 20 January 2000 by Decree No. 9 of the Ministry of Economy on the importation of various products including wheat wheat flour and edible vegetal oils. Argentina considered that these measures raised questions concerning the obligations of Chile under various agreements. According to Argentina the provisions with which the measures relating to the said price band system are inconsistent include but are not limited to the following: Article II of the GATT 1994 and Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture. According to Argentina the provisions with which the safeguard measures are inconsistent include but are not limited to the following: Articles 2 3 4 5 6 and 12 of the Safeguards Agreement and Article XIX:1(a) of the GATT 1994
Chile - Sistema de bandas de precios y medidas de salvaguardia aplicados a determinados productos agrícolas - Recurso 1
El 08 de diciembre de 2006 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Chile - Sistema de bandas de precios y medidas de salvaguardia aplicados a determinados productos agrícolas - Recurso”.
Estados Unidos - Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO)
El 29 de junio de 2012 el Órgano de Apelación de la OMC emitió sus informes sobre los asuntos “Estados Unidos — Determinadas prescripciones en materia de etiquetado indicativo del país de origen (EPO)” (DS384 y DS386).
Japón - Medidas que afectan a la importación de manzanas - Recurso 1
El 23 de junio de 2005 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Japón - Medidas que afectan a la importación de manzanas - Recurso”.
Corea - Medidas que afectan a las importaciones de carne vacuna fresca, refrigerada y congelada
El 11 de diciembre de 2000 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Corea - Medidas que afectan a las importaciones de carne vacuna fresca refrigerada y congelada”.
United States - Certain Measures Affecting Imports of Poultry from China
On 17 April 2009 China requested consultations with the United States concerning certain measures taken by the United States affecting the import of poultry products from China. The measure primarily at issue is Section 727 of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 which effectively prohibits the establishment or implementation of any measures that would allow Chinese poultry to be imported into the United States because it denies the use of any funding by USDA for this purpose. China considers that the United States through Section 727 and any closely related measures is in violation at a minimum of Articles I:1 and XI:1 of GATT 1994 and Article 4.2 of the Agriculture Agreement. In addition China also specifies that although it does not believe that the US measure or any closely related measures at issue constitute sanitary and phytosanitary measures within the meaning of the SPS Agreement if it were demonstrated that any such measure is a SPS measure China would consider such measure also to be in violation of US obligations under various provisions of the SPS Agreement.
Comunidades Europeas - Subvenciones a la exportación de azúcar
El 28 de abril de 2005 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Subvenciones a la exportación de azúcar”.
Russian Federation - Measures on the Importation of Live Pigs, Pork and other Pig Products from the European Union
On 8 April 2014 the European Union requested consultations with the Russian Federation concerning certain measures adopted by the Russian Federation affecting the importation of live pigs and their genetic material pork pork products and certain other commodities from the European Union purportedly because of concerns related to cases of African swine fever. The European Union claims that the measures at issue are inconsistent with: - Articles 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 3.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 6.1 6.2 6.3 7 8 Annex B and Annex C of the SPS Agreement; and - Articles I:1 III:4 and XI:1 of the GATT 1994.
Peru - Additional Duty on Imports of Certain Agricultural Products
On 12 April 2013 Guatemala requested consultations with Peru with respect to the imposition by Peru of an “additional duty” on imports of certain agricultural products such as rice sugar maize milk and certain dairy products. Guatemala claims that the measure at issue is inconsistent with: - Article 4.2 and footnote 1 of the Agreement on Agriculture; - Articles II:1(a) II:1(b) X:1 X:3(a) XI and XI:1 of the GATT 1994; and - Articles 1 2 3 5 6 and 7 of the Customs Valuation Agreement.
Chili - Système des fourchettes de prix et mesures de sauvegarde appliquées à certains produits agricoles - Recours 1
L’Organe d’appel a publié le 7 mai 2007 son rapport concernant la plainte déposée par l’Argentine contre le Chili dans l’affaire “Chili — Système de fourchettes de prix et mesures de sauvegarde appliqués à certains produits agricoles (Recours de l’Argentine à l’article 21:5 du Mémorandum d’accord sur le règlement des différends)” (WT/DS207/AB/RW).
Canada - Mesures visant l’importation de lait et l’exportation de produits laitiers - Recours 1
Le 03 décembre 2001 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Canada - Mesures visant l’importation de lait et l’exportation de produits laitiers - Recours”.
Communautés européennes - Subventions à l’exportation de sucre
Le 15 octobre 2004 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Subventions à l’exportation de sucre”.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la aprobación y comercialización de productos biotecnológicos
El 29 de septiembre de 2006 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la aprobación y comercialización de productos biotecnológicos”.
Argentine - Mesures affectant l’importation de marchandises
Le 15 janvier 2015 l’Organe d’appel de l’OMC a remis son rapport sur le différend “Argentine — Mesures affectant les importations de marchandises” (WT/DS438/444/445). Les plaignants dans cette affaire étaient l’Union européenne les États-Unis et le Japon.
Indonesia - Importación de productos hortícolas, animales y productos del reino animal
El 9 de noviembre de 2017 el Órgano de Apelación de la OMC emitió su informe en las diferencias “Indonesia — Importación de productos hortícolas animales y productos del reino animal” (DS477 y DS478) planteadas por Nueva Zelandia y los Estados Unidos.
Federación de Rusia - Medidas relativas a la importación de porcinos vivos, carne de porcino y otros productos de porcino procedentes de la Unión Europea
El 23 de febrero de 2017 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Federación de Rusia - Medidas relativas a la importación de porcinos vivos carne de porcino y otros productos de porcino procedentes de la Unión Europea”.
Corée - Mesures affectant les importations de viande de bœuf fraîche, réfrigérée et congelée
Le 11 décembre 2000 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Corée - Mesures affectant les importations de viande de bœuf fraîche réfrigérée et congelée”.
European Communities - Export Subsidies on Sugar - Complaint by Thailand
On 27 September 2002 Australia and Brazil requested consultations with the European Communities concerning the export subsidies provided by the EC in the framework of its Common Organisation of the Market for the sugar sector. The requests concerned Council Regulation (EC) No. 1260/2001 of 19 June 2001 on the EC’s common organization of the markets in the sugar sector and all other legislation regulations administrative policies and other instruments relating to the EC regime for sugar and sugar containing products including the rules adopted pursuant to the procedure referred to in Article 42(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1260/2001 and any other provision related thereto. On 14 March 2003 Thailand requested consultations with the European Communities on the same matter.
United States - Standards for Reformulated and Conventional Gasoline
The US appealed on 21 February 1996. On 22 April the Appellate Body issued its report modifying the panel report on the interpretation of GATT Article XX(g) but concluding that Article XX(g) was not applicable in this case. The Appellate Report together with the panel report as modified by the Appellate Report was adopted by the DSB on 20 May 1996.
Japón - Medidas que afectan a la importación de manzanas
El 26 de noviembre de 2003 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Japón - Medidas que afectan a la importación de manzanas”.
Pérou - Droit additionnel visant les importations de certains produits agricoles
Le 20 juillet 2015 l’Organe d’appel de l’OMC a remis son rapport dans l’affaire “Pérou — Droit additionnel visant les importations de certains produits agricoles” (DS457) soumise par le Guatemala.
Canadá - Medidas que afectan a la importación de leche y a las exportaciones de productos lácteos
El 17 de mayo de 1999 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Canadá - Medidas que afectan a la importación de leche y a las exportaciones de productos lácteos”.
Korea - Measures Affecting Imports of Fresh, Chilled and Frozen Beef
On 1 February 1999 the US requested consultations with Korea in respect of a Korean regulatory scheme that allegedly discriminates against imported beef by inter alia confining sales of imported beef to specialized stores (dual retail system) limiting the manner of its display and otherwise constraining the opportunities for the sale of imported beef. The US alleged that Korea imposes a mark-up on sales of imported beef limits import authority to certain so-called “super-groups” and the Livestock Producers Marketing Organization (“LPMO”) and provides domestic support to the cattle industry in Korea in amounts which cause Korea to exceed its aggregate measure of support as reflected in Korea’s schedule. The US contended that these restrictions apply only to imported beef thereby denying national treatment to beef imports and that the support to the domestic industry amounts to domestic subsidies that contravene the Agreement on Agriculture. The US alleged violations of Articles II III XI and XVII of GATT 1994; Articles 3 4 6 and 7 of the Agreement on Agriculture; and Articles 1 and 3 of the Import Licensing Agreement.
États-Unis - Mesures antidumping et mesures compensatoires visant les gros lave linge à usage domestique en provenance de Corée
Le 13 avril 2017 un arbitre a publié sa décision au sujet du “délai raisonnable” pour la mise en oeuvre des recommandations et décisions de l’Organe de règlement des différends (ORD) dans l’affaire “États-Unis — Mesures antidumping et mesures compensatoires visant les gros lave-linge à usage domestique en provenance de Corée” (WT/DS464). L’arbitre a déterminé que le “délai raisonnable” imparti aux États-Unis pour mettre en oeuvre les recommandations et décisions de l’ORD dans ce différend serait de 15 mois à compter de l’adoption des rapports du Groupe spécial et de l’Organe d’appel dans cette affaire. Le délai résonnable viendra donc à expiration le 26 décembre 2017.
European Communities - Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas
On 09 April 1999 the WTO issued the dispute panel reports in the case "European communities - Regime for the importation sale and distribution of bananas".
États-Unis - Certaines mesures visant les importations de volaille en provenance de Chine
L’OMC a publié le 29 septembre 2010 le rapport du Groupe spécial qui avait examiné la plainte de la Chine dans l’affaire “Etats-Unis — Certaines mesures visant les importations de volaille en provenance de Chine” (WT/DS392).