Canada calls for WTO dispute settlement panel on S. Korea's beef ban

• Source: Xinhua
• [19:23 July 10 2009]
• Comments

Canada urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a dispute settlement panel over the issue of South Korea's ban on its beef imports, the South Korean government said Friday.

 According to Seoul's Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ottawa formally requested the WTO to establish a panel on Thursday, which may take measures to compel South Korea to change its policies, or even take punitive actions when the country does not comply.

 Seoul objects to Ottawa's recent move as it plans to clarify its stance on the issue at the Dispute Settlement Board that will convene on July 20 to review the request, a ministry official said, adding that South Korea's trade policies in import rules are in accordance with international guidelines and standards.

 Seoul's objections may delay any decision on Ottawa's request although the WTO may acknowledge it during the next WTO board meeting scheduled for late August.

 However, even if the panel is established, the process leading up to a definitive ruling can take up to two years, delaying the already prolonged talks over the beef issue between two sides.

 South Korea has banned beef imports from Canada since May 2003 as the country reported its first case of mad cow disease.

 Later this April, the South Korean government was brought to the WTO as the Canadian government claimed that South Korea's ban on Canadian beef imports, as well as its revised livestock epidemic prevention law, is in breach of the WTO agreement.