WTO panel's report in dispute over EU's rules on biotech products to be issued by end of March 2006

Geneva, 22 December 2005

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES - MEASURES AFFECTING THE APPROVAL AND MARKETING OF BIOTECH PRODUCTS
Communication from the Chairman of the Panel

Document number: WT/DS291/30 21 December 2005 (05-6222)

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The following communication, dated 21 December 2005, addressed to the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), is circulated in accordance with Article 12.9 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU).

The Panel in European Communities - Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (WT/DS291, WT/DS292 and WT/DS293) indicated in its communication to the DSB of 11 August 2005 (WT/DS291/29, WT/DS292/23, WT/DS293/23) that it expected to issue its final report to the parties by the end of December 2005. However, it will not be possible for the Panel to do so. Due to the large number of issues to be addressed, the Panel requires additional time to prepare and finalize its report. Also, since much more time and effort was required for this case than originally planned for, some of the Secretariat staff is no longer available to the Panel.

The Panel estimates that it will issue its final report to the parties by the end of March 2006.

World Trade Organization -- WTO