WTO CONFIRMS DECISION AND FAVORS MEXICO ON U.S. CERTAIN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
From NAFTAWorks, Washington, D.C.

Today, the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) published its final decision in favor of Mexico regarding the U.S. country of origin labeling requirements (COOL). These requirements that the United States applies on beef products have adversely modified the conditions of competition in the U.S. market forimported livestock from Mexico for feed and slaughter.

Following the favorable decision issued by the WTO on November 18, 2011, the Appellate Body affirmed that the COOL requirements are inconsistent with some provisions of the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement. With this ruling, the United States should adjust its measures in conformity with the Appellate Body’s recommendations to ensure that the Mexican livestock is granted equal conditions of competition as the U.S. livestock.

For further information on the WTO Appellation Body’s decision, visit the following link:
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news12_e/384_386abr_e.htm