US seeks WTO action to end GM moratorium.

0 Comments | United Kingdom Environment News, June, 2003

The United States and Canada are to take action at the World Trade Organisation against the European Union for its continuing moratorium on genetically modified products. The moratorium has been in place since 1998 and a number of Member States have refused to take action to lift it until the current legislation on traceability and labelling has been finalised. It is therefore likely to take several more months before product approvals are considered for the 19 applications which are currently outstanding. The WTO procedure is expected to take between 12 and 18 months, and will consist of a three-member panel adjudicating submissions from the US and the European Union. Once a final ruling is given by the WTO, countries are given several months to comply, but it they...