Foreword

This Handbook explains the rules and procedures of the WTO dispute settlement system, explores the practices that have arisen in its operation since its entry into force on 1 January 1995 and provides a comprehensive account of the existing jurisprudence concerning dispute settlement procedures. It also includes useful information on the operation of the WTO dispute settlement system to date, including tips about notification procedures, templates of working procedures and timetables, timelines of actual disputes, statistical data, etc. The primary purpose of this Handbook is to explain the WTO dispute settlement system to an interested person who may not necessarily have a legal background. With its detailed content and practice-oriented focus, it may also serve as a useful reference tool to experienced practitioners of WTO law, including not only prospective panelists and private counsel but also government officials from WTO members.