Brussels, 24/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - Russia has rejected the EU's request aimed at setting up a special group at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to rule on the legality of a recycling fee that Russia has placed on imported cars.
After an objection filed by Russia, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) postponed, on 22 October, the setting up of a panel to examine the EU's grievance (DS 462). If the EU maintains its request at the DSB meeting in November, Russia will not be able to block it a second time.
On Tuesday, the EU restated its grievances concerning the serious consequences that such a recycling fee on imported vehicles, introduced by Russia on 1 September 2012, would have on its exports. The fee can be between €420 and €2,700 for a new vehicle and between €2,600 and €17,200 for a vehicle over three years old. Vehicles produced in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus are exempt from such a tax. The EU also stated it has noted the recent adoption, by the Duma, of a law amending such measures but that it has not yet received any clarification on this matter from the Russian authorities.
In its defence, Russia argues by saying it finds the EU request deplorable, as it has already answered its questions and provided additional information. It states the fee at issue was subject to a process of legislative modification at the Duma, being brought under scrutiny on 8 and 16 October. Considering that the issue could be settled by consultation means, Russia is therefore opposed to a panel being set in place.
After months of bilateral discussion in vain, the EU initiated a procedure at the WTO on 9 July, calling for consultations. Japan followed suit on 24 July. However, after consultations came to nothing, the EU requested, on 10 October, that a panel be formed (see EUROPE 10940). (EH/transl.jl)