EU wins a WTO dispute on Russian pork ban

Press release 42/2017
23 February 2017

The WTO’s Appellate Body issued its ruling on an import ban dispute concerning pork products between the European Union and Russia on 23 February 2017. The EU won the dispute.

In January 2014, Russia denied the import of pork and live pigs from the entire territory of the European Union after cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) had been detected in some EU Member States. The import ban was not cancelled despite preventive measures were taken and scientific evidence was provided by the European Union.

The EU contested Russia’s measures as being inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).

Russia’s measures were condemned as discriminatory and contrary to international standards by a Panel, established by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), and by the Appellate Body.

Minister Kai Mykkänen considers that the ruling is important. “This ruling sends an important signal that all WTO Members must respect common rules. Import bans imposed to serve discriminatory and protectionist purposes are in conflict with international trade.”

This is the second time that the European Union won a dispute concerning Russia. The previous ruling was related to excess duties on paper and paperboard products. Russia’s measures have caused harm also to Finnish companies.

The WTO dispute settlement system plays a central role in that it ensures predictability in the trade system and provides legal certainty for its Members. Next, Russia must implement the rulings issued by the Panel and the Appellate Body within a reasonable period of time. The length of the time of implementation will be agreed separately during the spring.

The WTO’s ruling does not affect the import ban of foodstuffs imposed by Russia in other proceedings, which was last extended to be in force until 31 December 2017.

Inquiries: Marjut Akola, Director, Market Access Unit, tel. +358 295 351 105, Heli Honkapää, Commercial Counsellor, tel. +358 295 351 455

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected]