09/09/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 5 September, Colombia blocked the EU’s request for a WTO panel to be established to arbitrate on their dispute over the Colombian alcohol import regime. After talks with Bogota broke down in March, the EU lodged a complaint with the WTO on 22 August against Colombia’s tax treatment of imported spirits, which the EU believes is discriminatory (see EUROPE 11607). On Monday, Colombia argued that the problem was in the process of being resolved, giving assurances that new legislation was in the pipeline. The EU says that the taxes and duties on spirits imported into Colombia are higher than those imposed on local products, and complains of marketing restrictions imposed by districts and local authorities. WTO rules allow member states to block the procedure but they may not oppose a second request. (EH)