Brussels, 16/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - Buenos Aires is calling for consultation to be held on EU and member state restrictions on imports of biodiesel and on support measures for that sector.
On 15 May, Argentina notified the WTO secretariat of a request for consultation with the EU on measures imposed by the EU and/or its member states on the importation and marketing of biodiesel as well as measures to support the biodiesel sector.
“The aim of the procedure is to ensure respect of international regulations guaranteeing equitable access by Argentinean biofuels to the European market. The Argentine government considers the restrictions on access of Argentinean biofuels and other products to the European market as obstacles that affect the conditions needed for constructive dialogue in the context of bilateral and regional trade talks”, the Argentine trade minister explained on Wednesday.
Argentina denounces the measures applied by the EU for the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and the introduction of a mechanism to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as measures for their implementation at the level of the member states of the EU. It also refers to the establishment of support schemes for the biodiesel sector in the EU.
According to Argentina, the measures violate, among other things, several provisions of GATT 1994 regarding non-discrimination, the agreement on subsidies and countervailing measures, the trade related investment measures agreement, and the agreement on technical barriers to trade.
The consultations, which are the formal point of departure for the WTO dispute settlement procedure, last 60 days after which, if a satisfactory solution is not found between the parties concerned, the complainant may call for the question to be submitted to a special group responsible for settling the issue. (EH/transl.jl)