China files WTO request over EU poultry tariff concessions

China has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) secretariat of a request for consultations with the European Union (EU) about its measures to modify its tariff concessions on a few poultry meat products.

According to the WTO, a request for consultations formally initiates a dispute and gives equal opportunity to parties to consult and reach a satisfactory solution without proceeding with litigation.

However, if the dispute fails to reach a resolution after 60 days, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

In 2012, the EU had signed a quota assignment treaty with Brazil and Thailand on poultry meat products that was implemented in March 2013. This move is believed to have flouted WTO rules.

China has repeatedly submitted requests for consultation since it joined the WTO and this is its thirteenth submission and fourth complaint against EU-adopted measures.

The country said that the EU measures affect imports of certain Chinese poultry meat products and are inconsistent with the obligations of the union under the current relevant provisions of the WTO agreements.

China claims that the EU did not negotiate or consult its decision, as required for the agreements.

According to a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce of China, Sun Jiwen, the agreement led to a reduction in the interests of China’s poultry meat exporters and did not ease concerns after the country’s repeated calls for a settlement.

Jiwen further added that China hoped the dispute could be settled within the WTO mechanism so that the interests of domestic market players could be protected.

---

Image: China has submitted its fourth complaint against EU-adopted measures. Photo: courtesy of Simon Howden/freedigitalphotos.net.