2018 – part1 – 1 – 4

Russia initiates WTO compliance proceedings over pig products import restrictions

The Russian Federation has requested WTO consultations with the European Union to address Russia’s claim that it has complied with a WTO ruling regarding its import restrictions on live pigs, pork and other pig products from the European Union. The request was circulated to WTO members on 30 January.

In its request for consultations under Article 21.5 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), Russia identifies several actions that it has taken to remove the WTO-inconsistent measures, including resuming the import of pig products from the EU and its member states (with the exception of territories affected by African swine fever). Through these measures, Russia says, it has fully implemented the rulings within the reasonable period of time.

On 19 December 2017, the EU requested WTO authorization to suspend concessions under the covered agreements in the amount of EUR 1.39 billion plus a yearly increase rate of 15%, because of Russia’s alleged non-compliance with the earlier WTO ruling.  Russia objected to this request, and the matter was referred to arbitration.

Further information is available in document WT/DS475/19.

What is Article 21.5 of the DSU?

Under Article 21.5 of the DSU, whenever there is disagreement as to the existence or consistency of measures taken to comply with a WTO ruling, the disagreement shall be decided through recourse to WTO dispute settlement procedures, including wherever possible resort to the original panel. If a panel is established, the panel shall circulate its report within 90 days after the date of referral of the matter to it.

Source: wto.org