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WT/DS135 - European Communities - Measures affecting the prohibition of asbestos and asbestos products

WTO dispute settlement case - Complaint against the EU

Country or region
  • Canada
Trade topics
  • Dispute settlement
Context
  • WTO - Complaint against the EU

Summary of the case

  • Complaint by: Canada
  • Complaint against: EU
  • Third parties: Brazil, United States, Zimbabwe

Prohibition by France of the manufacture, processing, import, placing on the domestic market, possession for sale, offering, sale or transfer on any ground of asbestos and any product containing asbestos.

Relevant WTO provision: SPS (2, 5); TBT (2); GATT (III, XI)

Status

Panel report confirmed that the ban was justified on health grounds. Prohibition of asbestos can be maintained as such. Canada appealed. AB report upheld that French ban is not in violation of WTO. Panel & AB report adopted.

  • Consultations requested: 28 May 1998
  • Panel requested: 08 October 1998
  • Panel established: 25 November 1998
  • Panel report circulated: 18 September 2000
  • Appeal requested: 23 October 2000
  • Appeal report circulated: 12 March 2001
  • Panel/Appellate Body report adopted: 05 April 2001

Documents

EU submissions and other related documents

Full case details and WTO documents on the WTO website

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