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Dispute Settlement

The Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (Dispute Settlement Understanding or DSU), which is annexed to the WTO Agreement, provides a mechanism to settle disputes under the Uruguay Round Agreements. It is key to the enforcement of U.S. rights.

The DSU is administered by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), which consists of representatives of the entire membership of the WTO.  The DSB is empowered to establish dispute settlement panels, to adopt panel and Appellate Body reports, to oversee the implementation of panel recommendations adopted by the DSB and to authorize retaliation. The DSB makes all its decisions by consensus.

Click here for details about U.S. enforcement efforts at the WTO.