The measures, which include import bans or import restrictions, were imposed in late January 2014 following the detection of two cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar in Lithuania and Poland.

The request also relates to alleged discriminatory treatment afforded by Russia to the EU and its member states by comparison with Ukraine and Belarus.

According to the EU, the measures are inconsistent with Russia's obligations under several articles of the SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary) Agreement and MFN (Most Favoured Nation) provisions in the GATT.

> Further information will be available within the next few days in document WT/DS475/1

What is a request for consultations?

The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

> More on consultations
> Current status of disputes