Brussels, 27/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission said on Tuesday 21 September that it would not challenge the WTO ruling against the EU tariff regime towards certain information and communication technology (ICT) products imported from third countries, after complaints lodged by the United States, Japan and Taiwan (DS 375, DS 376 and DS 377). “As in any dispute, there are certain aspects where we would have preferred the panel to rule differently. On balance, however, the EU has decided it was preferable not to appeal this report and will instead focus its efforts on implementation and - in the hope other WTO countries will now engage - negotiations of an updated Information Technology Agreement (ITA) which will be fit for the 21st century,” said John Clancy, spokesman for Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
The ITA, the aim of which was to increase trade in ITC goods and remove tariffs on an agreed range of goods, presently has 43 signatories, accounting for 97% of global trade in these goods. After coming into force in 1997, the ITA brought in a gradual phasing out of customs duties on the products covered, until complete removal on 1 January 2000.
In 2008, complaints were lodged at the WTO by United States, Japan and Taiwan against the EU for tariffs imposed on a raft of products - flat screen computer monitors, (satellite and cable) set-top boxes and multifunction printers (scanner, fax and photocopier) - which it considered not to be covered by the ITA. The three complainant countries won their case at the WTO, that the products concerned were, indeed, covered by the ITA. The Commission, however, continues to argue for the ITA to be updated. (E.H./transl.rt)