WTO DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM

Oct. 29, 2018

The World Trade Organisation's dispute settlement body has set up a panel to examine the US complaint against certain export-subsidy measures by India as both the sides failed to resolve the issue at consultation level.

About:

  • Settling disputes is the responsibility of the Dispute Settlement Body (the General Council in another guise), which consists of all WTO members.

  • The Dispute Settlement Body has the sole authority to establish “panels” of experts to consider the case, and to accept or reject the panels’ findings or the results of an appeal.

  • It monitors the implementation of the rulings and recommendations, and has the power to authorize retaliation when a country does not comply with a ruling.

  • Either side can appeal a panel’s ruling. Each appeal is heard by three members of a permanent seven-member Appellate Body set up by the Dispute Settlement Body and broadly representing the range of WTO membership. Members of the Appellate Body have four-year terms.