India appeals against WTO Panel ruling

The EU on April 2, 2019, had challenged the introduction of import duties by India on a wide range of ICT products, including mobile phones and components, base stations, integrated circuits and optical instruments

New Delhi: India has appealed against a ruling of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) trade dispute settlement panel, in a case filed by the European Union (EU) against New Delhi’s import duties on certain information and technology products. The Panel in April had ruled that import duties imposed by India on certain information and technology (ICT) products violate global trading norms.

“India notified its decision to appeal the Panel report in the case brought by the European Union (EU) in India Tariff Treatment on Certain Goods. The appeal was circulated to WTO members on December 14,” WTO said in a statement.

In May, India filed another appeal in a similar dispute case initiated by Japan regarding the tariff treatment that India accords to certain goods in the ICT sector. According to WTO rules, a WTO member or members can file a case in the Geneva-based multilateral body if they feel that a particular trade measure is against the norms of WTO.

WTO’s dispute settlement body (DSB) is one of the important arms of WTO. Besides monitoring global exports and import-related rules, it adjudicates trade disputes between the member countries. Bilateral consultation is the first step to resolve a dispute. If both sides are not able to resolve the matter through consultation, either of them can approach for establishment of a dispute settlement panel.