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Handbook on the WTO Dispute Settlement System: An Essential Guide for Practitioners and Policymakers

Devin Cox

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The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only international organization that deals with the global rules of trade. The WTO's dispute settlement system is one of the most important elements of the organization, as it provides a means for resolving disputes between member countries. The Handbook on the WTO Dispute Settlement System is a comprehensive guide to the system, providing a detailed overview of its history, structure, and procedures. The Handbook also discusses the substantive law of the WTO, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT),the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS),and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

A Handbook on the WTO Dispute Settlement System

by John Ashton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1635 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	371 pages

History of the WTO Dispute Settlement System

The WTO Dispute Settlement System was established in 1995 as part of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations. The system was designed to replace the previous dispute settlement system of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT),which had been in place since 1947. The new system was intended to be more effective and efficient than the previous system, and it has been credited with helping to resolve a number of important trade disputes.

Structure of the WTO Dispute Settlement System

The WTO Dispute Settlement System consists of three main bodies: the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB),the Appellate Body, and the panels. The DSB is the highest body in the system, and it is responsible for overseeing the dispute settlement process. The Appellate Body is responsible for reviewing the decisions of the panels. The panels are responsible for hearing the cases and making recommendations to the DSB.

Procedures of the WTO Dispute Settlement System

The WTO Dispute Settlement System is a two-stage process. In the first stage, the parties to the dispute consult with each other in an attempt to resolve the dispute. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute through consultations, they may request the establishment of a panel. The panel will hear the case and make recommendations to the DSB.

In the second stage, the DSB will review the panel's recommendations. The DSB may adopt the panel's recommendations, reject them, or modify them. If the DSB adopts the panel's recommendations, the recommendations become binding on the parties to the dispute.

Substantive Law of the WTO

The WTO Dispute Settlement System is based on the substantive law of the WTO. The substantive law of the WTO consists of the following agreements:

* The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) * The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) * The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

These agreements set out the rules of trade that are binding on all WTO members. The WTO Dispute Settlement System is used to enforce these rules.

The WTO Dispute Settlement System is an essential part of the World Trade Organization. The system provides a means for resolving disputes between member countries, and it has helped to promote free and fair trade around the world. The Handbook on the WTO Dispute Settlement System is a comprehensive guide to the system, and it is an essential resource for practitioners and policymakers who are involved in international trade.

A Handbook on the WTO Dispute Settlement System

by John Ashton

5 out of 5