Panama requests panel to scan Columbia import restrictions
02 Oct '07
2 min read
On 28 September 2007, the DSB discussed a first time request from Panama for a panel to examine Colombia's import restrictions.
Panama requested a panel against Colombia for the first time (WT/DS366/6). Colombia did not agree to the panel which was consequently not established.
Panama stated that its action referred to restrictive measures imposed by Colombia to imports from Panama since June 2005. Panama added that in 2006, consultations between the two countries led to a “mutually satisfactory agreement” and to the withdrawal of the measures (this was notified to the DSB in December 2006).
Today Panama claimed that these measures have been reintroduced and new consultations in July 2007 have not led to a satisfactory solution.
According to Panama, these new restrictions were: • The setting of indicative prices (“arbitrary and fictitious”) for certain products originating in Panama for custom valuation purposes leading to a treatment less favourable for Panamanian exports than that given to similar Colombian products.
• Restrictive measures concerning the use of port of entries into Colombia for certain Panamanian products, mostly textiles and shoes.
• Other “discriminatory restrictions” only applied to goods of Panamanian origin.
Colombia declared that consultations were held on 31 July and explained the measures now denounced by Panama were compatible with WTO provisions. Colombia replied to 31 questions posed by Panama during the consultations. Colombia did not agree to the establishment of a panel.
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