September 13, 2019

Canada initiates WTO complaint against Chinese import restrictions on canola seed

Canada has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute consultations with China concerning measures imposed by China affecting the importation of canola seed from Canada.

Canada claims that measures suspending the importation of canola seed from two Canadian companies and measures applying enhanced inspections on all imports of Canadian canola seed appear to be inconsistent with China's obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and the Trade Facilitation Agreement.

A request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation.

After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request that the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel to examine the matter.