Dispute settlement
États-Unis - Mesures de sauvegarde définitives à l’importation de gluten de froment en provenance des Communautés européennes
Le 31 juillet 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Mesures de sauvegarde définitives à l’importation de gluten de froment en provenance des Communautés européennes”.
Estados Unidos - Determinaciones preliminares con respecto a determinada madera blanda procedente del Canadá
El 27 de septiembre de 2002 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Determinaciones preliminares con respecto a determinada madera blanda procedente del Canadá”.
Canada - Export Credits and Loan Guarantees for Regional Aircraft
On 22 January 2001 Brazil requested consultations with Canada concerning subsidies which are allegedly being granted to Canada’s regional aircraft industry. Brazil’s claims are as follows: Export credits within the meaning of Item (k) of Annex I to the SCM Agreement are being provided to Canada’s regional aircraft industry by the Export Development Corporation (EDC) and the Canada Account. Loan guarantees within the meaning of Item (j) of Annex I to the SCM Agreement are being provided by EDC Industry Canada and the Province of Quebec to support exports of Canada’s regional aircraft industry. Brazil takes the view that all of the above-mentioned measures are subsidies within the meaning of Article 1 of the SCM Agreement since they are financial contributions that confer a benefit. According to Brazil they are also contingent in law or in fact upon export and constitute therefore a violation of Article 3 of the SCM Agreement.
Australia - Subsidies Provided to Producers and Exporters of Automotive Leather - Recourse 1
On 4 May 1998 the United States requested consultations with Australia in respect of prohibited subsidies allegedly provided to Australian producers and exporters of automotive leather including subsidies provided to Howe and Company Proprietary Ltd. (or any of its affiliated and/or parent companies) which allegedly involve preferential government loans of about $A25 million and non‑commercial terms and grants of about $A30 million. The United States contended that these measures violate the obligations of Australia under Article 3 of the SCM Agreement.
Canada - Certain Measures Affecting the Renewable Energy Generation Sector. Measures Relating to the Feed-In Tariff Program
On 11 August 2011 the European Union requested consultations with Canada regarding Canada's measures relating to domestic content requirements in the feed-in tariff program (the “FIT Program”).
Estados Unidos - Determinadas medidas que afectan a las importaciones de aves de corral procedentes de China
El 29 de septiembre de 2010 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Determinadas medidas que afectan a las importaciones de aves de corral procedentes de China”.
United States - Tax Treatment for "Foreign Sales Corporations"
On 18 November 1997 the European Communities requested consultations with the United States in respect of Sections 921-927 of the US Internal Revenue Code and related measures establishing special tax treatment for “Foreign Sales Corporations” (FSC). The European Communities contended that these provisions were inconsistent with the United States' obligations under Articles III:4 and XVI of the GATT 1994 Articles 3.1(a) and (b) of the SCM Agreement and Articles 3 and 8 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
Canadá - Medidas relativas a las exportaciones de trigo y al trato aplicado al grano importado
El 30 de agosto de 2004 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Canadá - Medidas relativas a las exportaciones de trigo y al trato aplicado al grano importado”.
Canadá - Derechos adicionales sobre determinados productos procedentes de los Estados Unidos
El 11 de julio 2019 la OMC distribuyó los dos informes de los asuntos planteados por los Estados Unidos: “Canadá — Derechos adicionales sobre determinados productos procedentes de los Estados Unidos” (DS557) y “México — Derechos adicionales sobre determinados productos procedentes de los Estados Unidos” (DS560).
États-Unis - Mesure de sauvegarde visant les importations de produits photovoltaïques au silicium cristallin
Le 2 septembre 2020 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner l’affaire introduite par la Chine “États-Unis — Mesure de sauvegarde visant les importations de produits photovoltaïques au silicium cristallin” (DS562).
European Communities - Trade Description of Scallops (Request by Canada)
The complaint concerned a French Government Order laying down the official name and trade description of scallops. Complainants claimed that this Order will reduce competitiveness on the French market as their product will no longer be able to be sold as “Coquille Saint-Jacques” although there is no difference between their scallops and French scallops in terms of colour size texture appearance and use i.e. it is claimed they are “like products”. Violations of GATT Articles I and III and TBT Article 2 were alleged.
États-Unis - Traitement fiscal des “sociétés de ventes à l’étranger” - Recours 1
Le 14 janvier 2002 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “États-Unis - Traitement fiscal des “sociétés de ventes à l’étranger” - Recours”.
United States - Customs Bond Directive for Merchandise Subject to Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties
On 24 April 2006 Thailand requested consultations with the United States concerning anti-dumping measures on imports of frozen warmwater shrimp. Thailand requests consultations on the United States’ application in the Preliminary Final and Amended Final Determinations of the practice known as “zeroing” negative dumping margins the effect of which was to artificially create margins of dumping and the consequent imposition of definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of certain frozen warmwater shrimp from Thailand.
China - Medidas en materia de derechos antidumping y compensatorios sobre los productos de pollo de engorde procedentes de los Estados Unidos
El 02 de agosto de 2013 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “China - Medidas en materia derechos antidumping y compensatorios sobre los productos de pollo de engorde procedentes de los Estados Unidos”.
République dominicaine - Mesures de sauvegarde visant les importations de sacs en polypropylène et de tissu tubulaire
Le 31 janvier 2012 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial qui avait examiné les plaintes déposées par le Costa Rica El Salvador le Guatemala et le Honduras concernant l’affaire République dominicaine — Mesures de sauvegarde visant les importations de sacs en polypropylène et de tissu tubulaire (DS415 DS416 DS417 et DS418).
United States - Countervailing Measures Concerning Certain Products from the European Communities
On 10 November 2000 the EC requested consultations with the US concerning the continued application by the United States of countervailing duties on a number of products. In particular the EC claimed that the application of the “same person” methodology by the US and the continued imposition of duties based on it are in breach of Articles 10 19 and 21 of the SCM Agreement because there is no proper determination of a benefit to the producer of the goods under investigation as required by Article 1.1(b) of the SCM Agreement. The EC included in this request for consultations 14 US countervailing duty orders1 where this “same person” methodology was applied. All these cases involve alleged non-recurring subsidies granted to firms prior to a change of ownership.
Corea - Impuestos a las bebidas alcohólicas
El 18 de enero de 1999 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Corea - Impuestos a las bebidas alcohólicas”.
United States - Measures Concerning The Importation, Marketing and Sale of Tuna and Tuna Products
On 15 September 2011 the WTO issued the dispute panel reports in the case "United States - Measures concerning the importation marketing and sale of tuna and tuna products".
États-Unis - Imposition de droits compensateurs sur certains produits en acier au carbone, plomb et bismuth laminés à chaud originaires du Royaume-Uni
Le 23 décembre 1999 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Imposition de droits compensateurs sur certains produits en acier au carbone plomb et bismuth laminés à chaud originaires du Royaume-Uni”.
Estados Unidos - Prohibición de importar ciertos camarones y sus productos
El 12 de octubre de 1998 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Prohibición de importar ciertos camarones y sus productos”.
United States - Conditional Tax Incentives for Large Civil Aircraft
On 19 December 2014 the European Union requested consultations with the United States with respect to conditional tax incentives established by the State of Washington in relation to the development manufacture and sale of large civil aircraft. The European Union alleges that the measures constitute specific subsidies within the meaning of Articles 1 and 2 of the SCM Agreement. The European Union also considers that the measures are prohibited subsidies that are inconsistent with Articles 3.1(b) and 3.2 of the SCM Agreement
Brazil – Certain Measures Concerning Taxation and Charges
On 30 August 2017 the WTO issued the panel reports in the cases brought by the European Union and Japan in “Brazil - Certain Measures Concerning Taxation And Charges”.
Chile - Price Band System and Safeguard Measures Relating to Certain Agricultural Products - Recourse 1
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
Rusia - Medidas que afectan a la importación de equipo ferroviario y sus partes
El 30 de julio de 2018 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Rusia - Medidas que afectan a la importación de equipo ferroviario y sus partes”.
Unión Europea - Medidas que afectan a concesiones arancelarias relativas a determinados productos de carne de aves de corral
El 28 de marzo de 2017 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Unión Europea - Medidas que afectan a concesiones arancelarias relativas a determinados productos de carne de aves de corral”.
Comunidades Europeas - Clasificación aduanera de determinado equipo informático
El 05 de febrero de 1998 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Clasificación aduanera determinado equipo informático”.
Turquie - Restrictions à l’importation de produits textiles et de vêtements
Le 22 octobre 1999 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Turquie - Restrictions à l’importation de produits textiles et de vêtements”.
United States - Restrictions on Imports of Cotton and Man-Made Fibre Underwear
On 22 December 1995 Costa Rica requested consultations with the United States concerning US restrictions on textile imports from Costa Rica. Costa Rica alleged that these restrictions were in violation of the ATC agreement.
China - Derechos compensatorios y antidumping sobre el acero magnético laminado plano de grano orientado procedente de los Estados Unidos
El 18 de octubre de 2012 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “China - Derechos compensatorios y antidumping sobre el acero magnético laminado plano de grano orientado procedente de los Estados Unidos”.
United States - Sunset Review of Anti-Dumping Duties on Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Japan
On 30 January 2002 Japan requested consultations with the United States in respect of the final determinations of both the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and the United States International Trade Commission in the full sunset review of the anti-dumping duties imposed on imports of corrosion-resistant carbon steel flat products from Japan. These determinations were issued on 2 August 2000 and 21 November 2000 respectively. Japan claimed that these determinations were erroneous and based on deficient rulings procedures and provisions pertaining to the United States Tariff Act of 1930 as amended (“the Act”) and related regulations. Japan further claimed that the procedures and provisions of the Act and related regulations as well as the above determinations were inconsistent with inter alia Articles VI and X of GATT 1994; Articles 2 3 5 6 (including Annex II) 11 12 and 18.4 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement; and Article XVI:4 of the WTO Agreement.
European Communities - Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
On 1 June 1999 the US requested consultations with the EC in respect of the alleged lack of protection of trademarks and geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs in the EC. The US contended that EC Regulation 2081/92 as amended does not provide national treatment with respect to geographical indications and does not provide sufficient protection to pre-existing trademarks that are similar or identical to a geographical indication. The US considered this situation to be inconsistent with the EC’s obligations under the TRIPS Agreement including but not necessarily limited to Articles 3 16 24 63 and 65 of the TRIPS Agreement...
China - Countervailing and Anti-Dumping Duties on Grain Oriented Flat-Rolled Electrical Steel from the United States
On 15 September 2010 the United States requested consultations with China with respect to measures imposing countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties on grain oriented flat-rolled electrical steel (“GOES”) from the United States as set forth in Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) Notice No. 21 [2010] including its annexes. The subsidy that China determined to confer a benefit are the “Buy America” provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and also State government procurement laws. The United States alleged that China appears to be acting inconsistently with its obligations under: - Articles 10 11.2 11.3 12.3 12.4.1 12.7 12.8 15.1 15.2 15.5 19 22.2(iii) 22.3 and 22.5 of the SCM Agreement - Articles 1 3.1 3.2 3.5 6.9 and 12.2 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement; and - Article VI of the GATT 1994.
États-Unis - Mesure de sauvegarde à l’importation de viande d’agneau fraîche, réfrigérée ou congelée en provenance de Nouvelle-Zélande
Le 21 décembre 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Mesure de sauvegarde à l’importation de viande d’agneau fraîche réfrigérée ou congelée en provenance de Nouvelle-Zélande”.
Inde - Restrictions quantitatives à l’importation de produits agricoles, textiles et industriels
Le 23 août 1999 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Inde - Restrictions quantitatives à l’importation de produits agricoles textiles et industriels”.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan al amianto y a los productos que contienen amianto
El 18 de septiembre de 2000 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan al amianto y a los productos que contienen amianto”.
Estados Unidos - Subvenciones al algodón americano (upland)
La OMC ha emitido hoy (31 de agosto de 2009) dos informes relativos a los procedimientos de arbitraje con respecto a la diferencia entre los Estados Unidos y el Brasil sobre el algodón (DS267).
United States - Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act
On 26 January 1999 the European Communities requested consultations with the United States in respect of Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act as amended by the Fairness in Music Licensing Act which was enacted on 27 October 1998. The European Communities contended that Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act permits under certain conditions the playing of radio and television music in public places (bars shops restaurants etc.) without the payment of a royalty fee. The European Communities considered that this statute is inconsistent with US obligations under Article 9(1) of the TRIPS Agreement which requires Members to comply with Articles 1-21 of the Berne Convention. The dispute centred on the compatibility of two exemptions provided for in Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act with Article 13 of the TRIPS Agreement which allows certain limitations or exceptions to exclusive rights of copyright holders subject to the condition that such limitations are confined to certain special cases do not conflict with a normal exploitation of the work in question and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the right holder: The so-called “business” exemption provided for in sub-paragraph (B) of Section 110(5) essentially allows the amplification of music broadcasts without an authorization and a payment of a fee by food service and drinking establishments and by retail establishments provided that their size does not exceed a certain square footage limit. It also allows such amplification of music broadcasts by establishments above this square footage limit provided that certain equipment limitations are met. The so-called “homestyle” exemption provided for in sub-paragraph (A) of Section 110(5) allows small restaurants and retail outlets to amplify music broadcasts without an authorization of the right holders and without the payment of a fee provided that they use only homestyle equipment (i.e. equipment of a kind commonly used in private homes).
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 - Mesures à l’importation de certains produits en provenance des Communautés européennes
Le 11 décembre 2000 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “États-Unis - Mesures à l’importation de certains produits en provenance des Communautés européennes”.
India - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos y los productos químicos para la agricultura
El 24 de agosto de 1998 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “India - Protección mediante patente de los productos farmacéuticos y los productos químicos para la agricultura”.
Union européenne - Mesures compensatoires visant certains types de polyéthylène téréphtalate en provenance du Pakistan
Le 16 mai l’Organe d’appel de l’OMC a publié son rapport dans l’affaire “Union européenne — Mesures compensatoires visant certains types de polyéthyène téréphthalate en provenance du Pakistan” (DS486)
European Communities - Export Subsidies on Sugar - Complaint by Brazil
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.
European Communities - Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones)
On 28 June 1996 Canada requested consultations with the European Communities regarding the importation of livestock and meat from livestock that have been treated with certain substances having a hormonal action under Article XXII of the GATT 1994 and the corresponding provisions in the SPS Agreement TBT Agreement and the Agreement on Agriculture. Canada alleges violation of Articles 2 3 and 5 of the SPS Agreement; Article III or XI of the GATT 1994; Article 2 of the TBT Agreement; and Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
Mexico - Anti-Dumping Investigation of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) from the United States
On 8 May 1998 the US requested consultations with Mexico in respect of an anti-dumping investigation of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) grades 42 and 55 from the US conducted by Mexico. The US alleged that on 27 February 1997 the Government of Mexico published a notice initiating this anti-dumping investigation on the basis of an application dated 14 January 1997 from the Mexican National Chamber of Sugar and Alcohol Producers. The US further alleged that on 23 January 1998 Mexico issued a notice of final determination of dumping and injury in that investigation and consequently imposed definitive anti-dumping measures on these imports from the United States. The US contended that the manner in which the application for an anti-dumping investigation was made as well as the manner in which a determination of threat of injury was made is inconsistent with Articles 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 and 12 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
Mexico - Anti-Dumping Investigation of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) from the United States - Recourse 1
On 8 May 1998 the US requested consultations with Mexico in respect of an anti-dumping investigation of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) grades 42 and 55 from the US conducted by Mexico. The US alleged that on 27 February 1997 the Government of Mexico published a notice initiating this anti-dumping investigation on the basis of an application dated 14 January 1997 from the Mexican National Chamber of Sugar and Alcohol Producers. The US further alleged that on 23 January 1998 Mexico issued a notice of final determination of dumping and injury in that investigation and consequently imposed definitive anti-dumping measures on these imports from the United States. The US contended that the manner in which the application for an anti-dumping investigation was made as well as the manner in which a determination of threat of injury was made is inconsistent with Articles 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 and 12 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
Egypt - Definitive Anti-Dumping Measures on Steel Rebar from Turkey
On 6 November 2000 Turkey requested consultations with Egypt concerning an anti-dumping investigation by the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Supply with respect to imports of rebar from Turkey. The investigation was completed and the final report released on 21 October 1999. As a result of the investigation anti-dumping duties were imposed ranging from 22.63-61.00 per cent ad valorem. Turkey considered that: Egypt made determinations of injury and dumping in that investigation without a proper establishment of the facts and based on an evaluation of the facts that was neither unbiased nor objective; during the investigation of material injury or threat thereof and the causal link Egypt acted inconsistently with Articles 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.5 6.1 and 6.2 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement; and during the investigation of sales at less than normal value Egypt violated Article X:3 of the GATT 1994 as well as Articles 2.2 2.4 6.1 6.2 6.6 6.7 and 6.8 and Annex II Paragraphs 1 3 5 6 and 7 and Annex I Paragraph 7 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
Union Européenne - Mesures antidumping visant les importations de certains alcools gras en provenance d’Indonésie
Le 5 septembre 2017 l’Organe d’appel de l’OMC a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Union européenne — Mesures antidumping visant les importations de certains alcools gras en provenance d’Indonésie” (DS442).
Australia - Measures Affecting Importation of Salmon
On 5 October 1995 Canada requested consultations with Australia in respect of Australia’s prohibition of imports of salmon from Canada based on a quarantine regulation. Canada alleged that the prohibition is inconsistent with Articles XI and XIII of the GATT 1994 and also inconsistent with the SPS Agreement.
États-Unis - Mesures à l’importation de certains produits en provenance des Communautés européennes
Le 17 juillet 2000 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “États-Unis - Mesures à l’importation de certains produits en provenance des Communautés européennes”.
Canada - Measures Affecting the Importation of Milk and the Exportation of Dairy Products
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.