Breadcrumb

Measures Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Seal Products


Status: Pending

Subject: Environment,

Respondent: European Communities

Complainant(s): Canada, Norway,

Dispute Number: DS400/DS401

Link to Dispute Site: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds400_e.htm



DS400: 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.

Canada claims that the above measures are inconsistent with the obligations of the European Communities under Article 2.1 and 2.2 of the TBT Agreement; Articles I:1, III:4 and XI:1 of the GATT 1994 and Article 4.2 of the Agriculture Agreement.

DS401: On 5 November 2009, Norway 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 (the “EC seal regime”). According to Norway, the EC seal regime prohibits the importation and sale of processed and unprocessed seal products, while containing certain exceptions that afford privileged access to the EU market to seal products originating in the EC and certain third countries, but not Norway.

Norway claims that the above measures are inconsistent with the obligations of the European Communities under Article 4.2 of the Agriculture Agreement; Article 2.1 and 2.2 of the TBT Agreement; and Articles I:1, III:4 and XI:1 of the GATT 1994.

Panel Proceedings
Brief Date Brief Description
03/15/2013 U.S. Integrated Executive Summary
03/08/2013 U.S. Answers to the Panel’s Questions
02/19/2013 U.S. Third Party Oral Statement
02/01/2013 U.S. Third Party Submission

 

Appeal Proceedings
Brief Date Brief Description
03/17/2014 U.S. Third Party Oral Statement
02/14/2014 U.S. Third Party Submission