Thailand appeals compliance panel report regarding Thai measures on imported cigarettes
Thailand filed an appeal on 9 January concerning the WTO compliance panel report in the case brought by the Philippines in “Thailand — Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines (Article 21.5 — Philippines)” (DS371). The compliance panel report was circulated to WTO members on 12 November 2018.
Further information will be available within the next few days in document WT/DS371/27
Parties to a dispute can appeal a panel’s ruling. Appeals have to be based on points of law, such as legal interpretation — they cannot re-open factual findings made by the panel. Each appeal is heard by three members of an Appellate Body comprising persons of recognized authority and unaffiliated with any government. Each member of the Appellate Body is appointed for a fixed term. Generally, the Appellate Body has up to 3 months to conclude its report.