Handel i polityka gospodarcza · 27.10.2000

WTO Consultations Regarding Belgium-Measures Affecting Imported Rice

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice that on October 12, 2000, the United States requested consultations with Belgium under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), regarding Belgium's administration of laws and regulations establishing the customs duties applicable to rice imported from the United States. Since July 1997, Belgian customs authorities have established customs values and duties for rice by using reference prices, resulting in an assessment of duties in amounts that appear to exceed the duty required by Headnote 7 of the Schedule of Specific Commitments of the European Communities and Their Member States LXXX. Belgium's administration of its tariff regime for rice, moreover, has contributed to substantial uncertainty regarding the rate of duty that will be applicable to shipments of imported rice. The United States considers that Belgium's measures relating to imported rice appear to contravene Articles I, II, VII, VIII, X and XI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT). In addition, Belgium's administration of its customs regime for imported rice appears to be inconsistent wit