The EU has requested dispute settlement consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) with Egypt on the latter’s compulsory import registration requirements. The EU considers that these requirements violate WTO rules because they place import restrictions on a vast range of goods, from agricultural products to household appliances. EU exports to Egypt of the goods concerned fell by 40% following the imposition of the compulsory import registration requirements in 2016.
Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said: “The EU is today acting to defend EU exporters who are facing unfair restrictions in accessing the Egyptian market. These import restrictions are illegal under WTO rules and we regret that Egypt has not acted to remove these, despite our repeated requests and efforts to resolve this issue. This is why we are now taking the next step by requesting consultations at the WTO.”
The dispute settlement consultations that the EU has requested are the first step in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. If they do not lead to a satisfactory solution, the EU can request the WTO to set up a panel to rule on the matter. More information is available in this press release.
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