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DISPUTE SETTLEMENT SYSTEM TRAINING MODULE

Table of Contents

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Preface

Chapter 1 — Introduction to the WTO dispute settlement system

1.1 Importance of the WTO dispute settlement system

1.2 The Dispute Settlement Understanding

1.3 Functions, objectives and key features of the dispute settlement system
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1.4 Participants in the dispute settlement system

1.5 Substantive scope of the dispute settlement system

1.6 Developing country Members and the dispute settlement system

Chapter 2 — Historic development of the WTO dispute settlement system

2.1 The system under GATT 1947 and its evolution over the years

2.2 Major changes in the Uruguay Round

Chapter 3 — WTO Bodies involved in the dispute settlement process

3.1 The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB)

3.2 The Director-General and the WTO Secretariat

3.3 Panels

3.4 Appellate Body

3.5 Arbitrators

3.6 Experts

3.7 Rules of Conduct

Chapter 4 — Legal basis for a dispute

4.1 Legal provisions in the multilateral trade agreements and the DSU

4.2 Types of complaints and required allegations in GATT 1994
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4.3 Types of dispute in the other multilateral agreements on trade in goods

4.4 Types of dispute in the GATS

4.5 Types of dispute in the TRIPS Agreement

4.6 Disputes on Articles I to XVI of the WTO Agreement and the DSU

Chapter 5 — Possible Object of a Complaint — Jurisdiction of Panels and the Appellate Body

5.1 Article 1.1 of the DSU

5.2 Action and inaction; binding and non-binding acts of Members

5.3 Only governmental measures of Members?

5.4 Measures taken by regional or local subdivisions of a Member

5.5 The possibility of challenging laws “as such”

Chapter 6 — The process — Stages in a typical WTO dispute settlement case

6.1 Flow chart of the Dispute Settlement Process

6.2 Consultations
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6.3 The panel stage
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6.4 Adoption of panel reports

6.5 Appellate review
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6.6 Adoption of the reports by the Dispute Settlement Body

6.7 Implementation by the “losing” Member
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6.8 Non-implementation

6.9 Compensation

6.10 Countermeasures by the prevailing Member (suspension of obligations)
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6.11 Surveillance until final implementation

6.12 Special procedures for non-violation and situation complaints

Chapter 7 — Legal effect of panel and appellate body reports and DSB recommendations and rulings

7.1 Legal effects within the context of a particular dispute

7.2 Legal status of adopted/unadopted reports in other disputes

Chapter 8 — Dispute Settlement without recourse to Panels and the Appellate Body

8.1 Mutually agreed solutions
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8.2 Arbitration pursuant to Article 25 of the DSU

Chapter 9 — Participation in dispute settlement proceedings

9.1 Parties and third parties and principle of confidentiality

9.2 Legal representation

9.3 Amicus Curiae submissions

Chapter 10 — Participation in dispute settlement proceedings

10.1 Standing

10.2 Claims versus arguments; autonomous reasoning of a panel

10.3 Necessity for the respondent to invoke exceptions

10.4 Judicial economy

10.5 Standard of review

10.6 Burden of proof

10.7 The panel’s right to seek information

10.8 The nature of domestic legislation as an object of a dispute

Chapter 11 — Developing countries in WTO dispute settlement

11.1 Developing country Members in dispute settlement — theory and practice

11.2 Special and differential treatment
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Chapter 12 — Evaluation of the WTO dispute settlement system: results to date

12.1 Statistics: the first eight years of experience

12.2 Achievement of the objectives?

12.3 Strengths and weaknesses

12.4 Current negotiations

Further information

Annexes

A.1 Table of cases cited in this publication

A.2 Decision of 5 April 1966 on procedures under Article XXIII

A.3 Decision of 12 April 1989 on improvements to the GATT dispute settlement rules and procedures

A.4.1 Working practices concerning dispute settlement procedures as agreed by the Dispute Settlement Body

A.4.2 Article 4.11 of the DSU — Replies to requests to be joined in ongoing consultations

A.5 Example of Panel Working Procedures

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