The WTO is launching today (26 March 2018) a new version of its Analytical Index, issued for the first time in a new electronic-only format that will allow the content to be updated on an ongoing basis. The Index is an article-by-article guide to the interpretation and application of the WTO agreements by WTO bodies. It covers the jurisprudence of the WTO Appellate Body, panels and arbitrators as well as related decisions and other significant actions taken by other relevant WTO bodies.
The Index, which is freely available via the WTO website, is divided into files on an article-by-article basis for all WTO agreements. These files cover “jurisprudence” – relevant WTO Appellate Body reports, panel reports, and arbitral awards and decisions – and “practice” – including relevant decisions and other significant activities of WTO committees, councils and other relevant WTO bodies.
The new format will allow for continual updating of the relevant files to reflect the latest jurisprudence and developments in practice. The vast majority of the files in this new version of the Analytical Index have been updated to reflect the situation as of early 2018. The limited number of files that have not yet been updated currently reflect the information contained in the print edition of the Analytical Index, which was published in 2011. These files will be updated as and when resources permit.
The Index includes for the first time the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, which entered into force in February 2017. It also covers the amended Agreement on Government Procurement of 2012. In addition, the platform incorporates the contents of the GATT Analytical Index (1995) under the relevant GATT provisions.
The WTO Analytical Index was previously made available as a printed publication, with updates provided in the form of electronic-only supplements. The new electronic-only edition updates and replaces these previous versions.
Find out more: http://www.wto.org/analyticalindex
Source:wto.org