Technical barriers to trade
Argentina - Measures Affecting Imports of Footwear, Textiles, Apparel and Other Items
On 4 October 1996 the US requested consultations with Argentina concerning the imposition of specific duties on these items in excess of the bound rate and other measures by Argentina. The US contended that these measures violate Articles II VII VIII and X of GATT 1994 Article 2 of the TBT Agreement Article 1 to 8 of the Agreement on the Implementation of Article VII of GATT 1994 and Article 7 of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.
Australie - Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce, les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage
Le 28 juin 2014 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial dans les affaires introduites par le Honduras la République dominicaine Cuba et l’Indonésie “Australie — Certaines mesures concernant les marques de fabrique ou de commerce les indications géographiques et autres prescriptions en matière d’emballage neutre applicables aux produits du tabac et à leur emballage” (DS435 DS441 DS458 et DS467)
Communautés Européennes - Mesures concernant les viandes et les produits carnés - Plainte initiale du Canada
L’OMC a publié le 12 juillet 1999 le rapport d’arbitrage concernant l’affaire “Communautés Européennes - Mesures concernant les viandes et les produits carnés - Plainte initiale du Canada”.
European Communities - Measures Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Seal Products
On 2 November 2009 Canada requested consultations with the European Communities concerning Regulation (EC) No. 1007/2009 of the European Parliament and of the EC Council of 16 September 2009 on trade in seal products and subsequent related measures. According to Canada the regulation in question prohibits the importation and the placing on the EC market of all seal products.
Union européenne - Mesures communautaires concernant les viandes et les produits carnés (hormones)
Le 16 janvier 1998 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “European Communities - Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones)”.
Indonesia - Medidas relativas a la importación de carne de pollo y productos de pollo
El 10 de noviembrede 2020 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial sobre el cumplimiento encargado de la diferencia planteada por el Brasil “Indonesia — Medidas relativas a la importación de carne de pollo y productos de pollo” (DS484).
États-Unis - Mesures concernant l’importation, la commercialisation et la vente de thon et de produits du thon
Le 25 avril 2017 un arbitre de l’OMC a rendu une décision sur le niveau de rétorsion que le Mexique peut demander dans son différend avec les États-Unis au sujet des prescriptions en matière d’étiquetage “Dolphin Safe” imposées par ces derniers pour les produits du thon (DS381).
United States - Measures Concerning the Importation, Marketing and Sale of Tuna and Tuna Products
On 25 April 2017 the WTO issued the dispute panel reports in the case "United States - Measures concerning the importation marketing and sale of tuna and tuna products".
Communautés Européennes - Désignation commerciale des pectinides (Demande du Canada)
Le 05 août 1996 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautes Europeennes - Designation commerciale des pectinides (demande du Canada)”.
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.
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".
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”.
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.
European Communities - Trade Description of Sardines
On 20 March 2001 Peru requested consultations with the EC concerning Regulation (EEC) 2136/89 which according to Peru prevents Peruvian exporters to continue to use the trade description “sardines” for their products. Peru submitted that according to the relevant Codex Alimentarius standards (STAN 94-181 rev. 1995) the species “sardinops sagax sagax” are listed among those species which can be traded as “sardines”. Peru therefore considered that the above Regulation constitutes an unjustifiable barrier to trade and hence in breach of Articles 2 and 12 of the TBT Agreement and Article XI:1 of GATT 1994. In addition Peru argues that the Regulation is inconsistent with the principle of non-discrimination and hence in breach of Articles I and III of GATT 1994.
Federación de Rusia - Medidas que afectan a la importación de equipo ferroviario y sus partes
El 4 de febrero de 2020 el Órgano de Apelación emitió su informe sobre el asunto “Rusia - Medidas que afectan a la importación de equipo ferroviario y sus partes” (DS499) planteado por Ucrania.
European Communities - Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones)
On 26 January 1996 the United States requested consultations with the European Communities claiming that measures taken by the EC under the Council Directive Prohibiting the Use in Livestock Farming of Certain Substances Having a Hormonal Action restrict or prohibit imports of meat and meat products from the United States and are apparently inconsistent with Articles III or XI of the GATT 1994 Articles 2 3 and 5 of the SPS Agreement Article 2 of the TBT Agreement and Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (Hormonas)
El 16 de enero de 1998 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Communidades Europeas - Medidas queafectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)”.
United States - Measures Concerning the Importation, Marketing and Sale of Tuna and Tuna Products
On 24 October 2008 Mexico requested consultations with the United States with respect to the following measures: (i) the United States Code Title 16 Section 1385 (“Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act”) (ii) the Code of Federal Regulations Title 50 Section 216.91 (“Dolphin–safe labeling standards”) and Section 216.92 (“Dolphin–safe requirements for tuna harvested in the ETP [Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean] by large purse seine vessels”) and (iii) the ruling in Earth Island Institute v. Hogarth 494 F.3d 757 (9th Cir. 2007).
Estados Unidos - Pautas para la gasolina reformulada y convencional
El 29 de abril de 1996 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Pautas para la gasolina reformulada y convencional”.
European Communities - Trade Description of Sardines
On 20 March 2001 Peru requested consultations with the EC concerning Regulation (EEC) 2136/89 which according to Peru prevents Peruvian exporters to continue to use the trade description “sardines” for their products. Peru submitted that according to the relevant Codex Alimentarius standards (STAN 94-181 rev. 1995) the species “sardinops sagax sagax” are listed among those species which can be traded as “sardines”. Peru therefore considered that the above Regulation constitutes an unjustifiable barrier to trade and hence in breach of Articles 2 and 12 of the TBT Agreement and Article XI:1 of GATT 1994. In addition Peru argues that the Regulation is inconsistent with the principle of non-discrimination and hence in breach of Articles I and III of GATT 1994.
United States - Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea
On 13 April 2017 an Arbitrator issued her Award regarding the “reasonable period of time” for implementing the recommendations and rulings of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) in the dispute “United States — Anti-dumping and Countervailing Measures on large residential washers from Korea” (WT/DS464). The Arbitrator determined that the “reasonable period of time” for the United States to implement the DSB’s recommendations and rulings in this dispute is 15 months from the adoption of the panel and Appellate Body Reports in this dispute. The reasonable period of time will thus expire on 26 December 2017.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)
El 12 de julio de 1996 la OMC hizo público el informe arbitral sobre el caso “Communidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)”.
États-Unis - Mesures concernant l’importation, la commercialisation et la vente de thon et de produits du thon - Recours 1
Le 24 avril 2015 le “Groupe spécial de la mise en conformité” établi dans le cadre du règlement des différends de l’OMC a remis un rapport sur l’affaire États-Unis — Mesures concernant l’importation la commercialisation et la vente de thon et de produits du thon (DS381).
Australia - Certain Measures Concerning Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Other Plain Packaging Requirements Applicable to Tobacco Products and Packaging
On 9 June 2020 the Appellate Body issued its reports in the cases brought by Honduras and the Dominican Republic in “Australia — Certain Measures Concerning Trademarks Geographical Indications and Other Plain Packaging Requirements Applicable to Tobacco Products and Packaging” (DS435 and DS441).
Communautés Européennes - Mesures concernant les viandes et les produits carnés - Plainte initiale des États-Unis
L’OMC a publié le 12 juillet 1999 le rapport d’arbitrage concernant l’affaire “Communautés Européennes - Mesures concernant les viandes et les produits carnés - Plainte initiale des États-Unis”.
Argentine - Mesures affectant les importations de chaussures, textiles, vêtements et autres articles
Le 25 novembre 1997 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Argentine - Mesures affectant les importations de chaussures textiles vêtements et autres articles”.
Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de sardinas
El 26 de septiembre de 2002 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de sardinas”.
Indonesia - Measures Concerning the Importation of Chicken Meat and Chicken Products
On 10 November 2020 the WTO circulated the compliance panel report in the case brought by Brazil in “Indonesia — Measures Concerning the Importation of Chicken Meat and Chicken Products” (DS484).
Australia - Determinadas medidas relativas a las marcas de fábrica o de comercio, indicaciones geográficas y otras prescripciones de empaquetado genérico aplicables a los productos de tabaco y al empaquetado de esos productos
El 9 de junio de 2020 el Órgano de Apelación emitió sus informes en los asuntos planteados por Honduras y la República Dominicana en “Australia — Determinadas medidas relativas a las marcas de fábrica o de comercio indicaciones geográficas y otras prescripciones de empaquetado genérico aplicables a los productos de tabaco y al empaquetado de esos productos” (DS435 y DS441).
Estados Unidos - Medidas antidumping y compensatorias sobre lavadoras de gran capacidad para uso doméstico procedentes de Corea
El 13 de abril de 2017 el laudo del Árbitro designado estableció el “plazo prudencial” para aplicar las recomendaciones y resoluciones del Órgano de Solución de Diferencias (OSD) en la diferencia Estados Unidos — Medidas antidumping y compensatorias sobre lavadoras de gran capacidad para uso doméstico procedentes de Corea” (WT/DS464). El Árbitro determinó que el “plazo prudencial” para que los Estados Unidos aplicaran las recomendaciones y resoluciones del OSD en esta diferencia fuera de 15 meses contados a partir de la adopción de los informes correspondientes del Grupo Especial y del Órgano de Apelación. En consecuencia el plazo prudencial expirará el 26 de diciembre de 2017.
Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de los moluscos del género pectinidae
El 05 de agosto de 1996 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de los moluscos del género pectinidae”.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que prohíben la importación y comercialización de productos derivados de las focas
El 25 de noviembre de 2013 la OMC hizo públicos los informes del Grupo Especial encargado de examinar la diferencia “Comunidades Europeas — Medidas que prohíben la importación y comercialización de productos derivados de las focas” (DS400 y DS401).
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)
El 12 de julio de 1999 la OMC hizo público el informe arbitral sobre el caso “Communidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)”.
Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de sardinas
El 29 de mayo de 2002 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de sardinas”.
European Communities - Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones) - Original Complaint by Canada
On 12 July 1999 the WTO issued the dispute panel reports in the case "European Communities - Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones) - Original complaint by Canada".
European Communities - Trade Description of Scallops (Request by Peru and Chile)
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.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a ciertos productos de mantequilla
El 24 de noviembre de 1999 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a ciertos productos de mantequilla”.
Russia - Measures Affecting the Importation of Railway Equipment and Parts thereof
On 30 July 2018 the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Ukraine in “Russia - Measures affecting the importation of railway equipment and parts thereof.
Communautés européennes - Mesures affectant des produits butyreux
Le 24 novembre 1999 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Mesures affectant des produits butyreux”.
European Communities - Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (Hormones) - Original Complaint by the United States
On 12 July 1999 the WTO issued the dispute panel reports in the case "European Communities - Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones) - Original complaint by the United States".
Estados Unidos - Medidas relativas a la importación, comercialización y venta de atún y productos de atún
El 25 de abril de 2017 la OMC hizo público el informe arbitral sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Medidas relativas a la importación comercialización y venta de atún y productos de atún”.
Communautés Européennes - Désignation commerciale des pectinides (Demandes du Perou et du Chili)
Le 05 août 1996 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire “Communautes Europeennes - Designation commerciale des pectinides (demandes du Perou et du Chili)”.
Argentina - Medidas que afectan a las importaciones de calzado, textiles, prendas de vestir y otros artículos
El 27 de marzo de 1998 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Argentina - Medidas que afectan a las importaciones de calzado textiles prendas de vestir y otros artículos”.
États-Unis - Normes concernant l’essence nouvelle et ancienne formules
Le 29 avril 1996 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Etats-Unis - Normes concernant l’essence nouvelle et ancienne formules”.
États-Unis - Mesures concernant l’importation, la commercialisation et la vente de thon et de produits du thon
L’OMC a publié le 15 septembre 2011 le rapport du Groupe spécial qui avait examiné la plainte du Mexique dans le différend Etats-Unis — Mesures concernant l’importation la commercialisation et la vente de thon et de produits du thon (DS381).
Comunidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de los moluscos del género pectinidae
El 05 de agosto de 1996 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Communidades Europeas - Denominación comercial de los moluscos del género pectinidae”.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (Hormonas)
El 18 de agosto de 1997 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Communidades Europeas - Medidas queafectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)”.
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.
Argentina - Medidas que afectan a las importaciones de calzado, textiles, prendas de vestir y otros artículos
El 25 de noviembre de 1997 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Argentina - Medidas que afectan a las importaciones de calzado textiles prendas de vestir y otros artículos”.
Communautés européennes - Mesures prohibant l’importation et la commercialisation de produits dérivés du phoque
Le 25 novembre 2013 l’OMC a publié les rapports des groupes spéciaux dans le différend “Communautés européennes — Mesures prohibant l’importation et la commercialisation de produits dérivés du phoque” (DS400 et DS401).
Indonésie - Mesures concernant l’importation de viande de poulet et de produits à base de poulet
Le 10 novembre 2020 l’OMC a publié le rapport du Groupe spécial de la mise en conformité dans l’affaire “Indonésie — Mesures concernant l’importation de viande de poulet et de produits à base de poulet” introduite par le Brésil (DS484).
Estados Unidos - Medidas relativas a la importación, comercialización y venta de atún y productos de atún
El 16 de mayo de 2012 el Órgano de Apelación hizo público el informe sobre el caso “Estados Unidos - Medidas relativas a la importación comercialización y venta de atún y productos de atún”.
Comunidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)
El 18 de agosto de 1997 la OMC hizo público el informe del Grupo especial sobre el caso “Communidades Europeas - Medidas que afectan a la carne y los productos cárnicos (hormonas)”.
Communautés européennes - Désignation commerciale des sardines
Le 26 septembre 2002 l’Organe d’appel a publié son rapport sur l’affaire “Communautés européennes - Désignation commerciale des sardines”.
Russian Federation - Measures affecting the importation of railway equipment and parts thereof
On 4 February 2020 the Appellate Body issued its report in the case brought by Ukraine in “ Russia - Measures affecting the importation of railway equipment and parts thereof” (DS499).
Australia - Certain Measures Concerning Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Other Plain Packaging Requirements Applicable to Tobacco Products and Packaging
On 28 June 2018 the WTO circulated the panel report in the cases brought by Honduras the Dominican Republic Cuba and Indonesia in “Australia — Certain Measures Concerning Trademarks Geographical Indications and Other Plain Packaging Requirements Applicable to Tobacco Products and Packaging.
Australia - Determinadas medidas relativas a las marcas de fábrica o de comercio, indicaciones geográficas y otras prescripciones de empaquetado genérico aplicables a los productos de tabaco y al empaquetado de esos productos
El 28 de junio de 2014 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial en los asuntos planteados por Honduras la República Dominicana Cuba e Indonesia “Australia — determinadas medidas relativas a las marcas de fábrica o de comercio indicaciones geográficas y otras prescripciones de empaquetado genérico aplicables a los productos de tabaco y al empaquetado de esos productos” (DS435 DS441 DS458 y DS467)
Russie - Mesures affectant l’importation de matériels ferroviaires et leurs parties
Le 30 juillet l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner l’affaire introduite par l’Ukraine “Russie — Mesures affectant l’importation de matériels ferroviaires et leurs parties” (DS499).
Addressing Tensions and Avoiding Disputes
Most specific trade concerns (STCs) which are raised before the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Committee) disappear from the TBT Committee’s meeting agendas without escalating into formal disputes. At the same time a relatively small number of TBT-related disputes have been subject to the WTO dispute settlement procedures. By examining the practice of raising STCs and the relationship between STCs and disputes the paper emphasises the role of STCs as a trade tension resolution mechanism.
Trade, Testing and Toasters
Even if traders adapt to technical regulations and standards in an export market they still must prove compliance by undergoing conformity assessment procedures (CAPs) such as testing inspection or certification. Duplication delays or discrimination in CAPs can significantly increase trade costs and this risk is reflected in the growing importance of CAPs in WTO discussions and bilateral and regional free trade agreements. This paper conducts an empirical study of the trade issues that WTO Members encounter with CAPs as described in specific trade concerns (STCs) raised in the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) during 2010-2014. We observe that CAPs raise proportionally more concern among WTO Members than technical regulations do and that testing and certification are the procedures that most frequently give rise to trade problems. Within the framework of the TBT Agreement we find that questions around transparency and whether CAPs create unnecessary barriers to trade are the two most prominent issues highlighted by Members.
TBT and Trade Facilitation Agreements
The average international trade transaction is subject to numerous procedural and documentation requirements which add to the costs of doing business as an importer or exporter and also use up scarce government resources. While these requirements can be necessary to fulfil policy objectives questions are often raised about why and how they are implemented. The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) adopted by WTO Members in 2014 seeks to expedite the movement release and clearance of goods across borders and reduce these trade transaction costs - by an average of 14.3 per cent as estimated by the 2015 World Trade Report. At the same time many WTO Agreements already contain provisions aimed at facilitating trade procedures and avoiding unnecessary costs. The Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (the TBT Agreement) is one of these: its provisions on transparency and conformity assessment procedures some of which are applied at the border are of particular relevance in this context. The TFA and TBT Agreements are in fact complementary with the TFA introducing some new requirements/recommendations which are likely to apply to certain TBT measures. This paper maps out the linkages between these two Agreements. It does so with a view to informing TBT officials of the requirements and best practices emerging in the trade facilitation area as well as raising awareness amongst trade/customs officials of existing rules and evolving practices in the TBT area. The 2015 World Trade Report refers to “border agency cooperation” as the main TFA implementation challenge identified by developing countries and also points to the importance of cooperation and coordination between ministries as one of the main success factors. Considering that a significant share of import/export procedures and controls arise from the implementation of TBT measures a better understanding of the linkages between the TFA and the TBT Agreement (as well as other relevant WTO Agreements such as the SPS Agreement) will be crucial for effective implementation. It will also contribute to more streamlined technical assistance activities and raise awareness among TBT officials of the opportunities generated by trade facilitation projects. The procedures and practices of the WTO TBT Committee especially with regards to transparency and specific trade concerns could also be of interest to the future TFA Committee as it embarks on its task of furthering the implementation of the TFA. All these in turn will help reap the expected benefits of the new Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Standards, Regulations and COVID-19
Mainly affecting trade in medical products and food such standards and regulatory measures typically account for two-thirds of the notifications members submit to the WTO in line with obligations under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). These agreements set out disciplines for standards and regulatory measures used to protect human animal and plant life and health the environment and product safety. The paper notes that most of the COVID-related notifications were submitted under the emergency/urgent notification provisions in the two agreements in response to the pressing health problems posed by the pandemic. The notifications mainly concern trade in personal protective equipment food live animals medical equipment and medicines. The notified measures fall under four main categories: streamlining certification procedures; ensuring safe medical goods; making food available by relaxing technical regulations; and addressing COVID-19 risks from international trade in live animals.
TBT Provisions in Regional Trade Agreements
This paper investigates whether TBT provisions included in RTAs differ from those under the WTO TBT Agreement and if they do whether they entail broader commitments. Our analysis covers 238 RTAs of which 171 include at least one provision and focuses on the provisions on technical regulations conformity assessment procedures transparency dispute settlement marking and labelling and sector-specific commitments. We find that all RTAs signed since 2010 systematically include TBT provisions and that the most frequent provisions are those referring to the TBT Agreement and transparency. Moreover even if there are RTAs that include new or broader commitments than the TBT Agreement our study shows that their number remains very limited. For instance relatively few RTAs have included provisions to better implement WTO provisions in the area of transparency or provisions requiring the equivalence or harmonization of technical regulations among the parties or even the recognition of conformity assessment results. RTAs with a dispute settlement provision that applies exclusively to TBT issues are also very few. These RTAs give in general exclusive jurisdiction to the WTO DSM over TBT related disputes. Finally also only a minority of RTAs include provisions on new issues such as marking and labelling or sector-specific provisions typically for electric and electronic products pharmaceuticals or vehicles.
How Regional Trade Agreements Deal with Disputes Concerning their TBT Provisions?
This paper investigates how RTAs treat disputes concerning their TBT provisions in particular whether they treat them differently from other types of dispute and how they deal with any potential overlap with the WTO when the substantive obligations of the RTA and the WTO TBT Agreement are the same (or similar).
International Standards and the WTO TBT Agreement
The WTO TBT Agreement obliges governments to use international standards as a basis for regulation yet leaves a degree of flexibility with respect to the choice of standard and the manner of its use. This interplay between obligation and flexibility has given rise to tension in various fora of the WTO. This paper brings together these three distinct strands of WTO work to illustrate core aspects of the international standards debate at the WTO. In our analysis we first briefly outline the nature of the discipline in the TBT Agreement itself; next we describe where and how the discussion arises in the WTO; and finally explore some implications of governance of international standard setting. We propose that greater regulatory alignment could be achieved through a renewed focus on the procedures of setting international standards (the how) and greater emphasis on robust technical/scientific underpinnings of such standards (the what).
Trade Policy Uncertainty as Barrier to Trade
This paper studies the effects of trade policy uncertainty on the extensive and the intensive margins of trade for a sample of 149 exporters at the HS6 digit level. We measure trade policy uncertainty as the gap between binding tariff commitments under trade agreements (multilateral and regional agreements) and applied tariffs- what is also known as tariffs’ water. Our results show that trade policy uncertainty is an important barrier to export. On average the elimination of water increases the probability of exporting by 12 percent. A one percent decrease of water also increases export volumes by one percent. We also find that the negative impact of trade policy uncertainty is higher for countries with low quality of institutions and in the presence of global value chains. Finally our findings show that on average trade policy uncertainty is equivalent to a level of tariffs between 1.7 and 8.7 percentage points.