A WTO Safe Harbour for the Dolphins - The Second Compliance Proceedings in the US – Tuna II (Mexico) Case

28 Pages Posted: 21 Sep 2022

See all articles by Elisa Baroncini

Elisa Baroncini

Università di Bologna - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna

Claire Brunel

American University School of International Service

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: October 1, 2019

Abstract

Subsequent to the 2016 modifications concerning the strengthening of the administrative requirements on dolphin-safety outside the ETP fishery zone, the second WTO compliance proceedings has finally found the US Dolphin-Safe labelling scheme compatible with the multilateral trade system. We provide an overview of the long running US-Mexico dispute and assess the final findings of the WTO adjudicators attempting to determine the effects of the multilateral litigation on the involved non-trade values and the real winners of the case. We find an improvement in dolphin protection, though more could be achieved through a qualification of the US measure under the principle of sustainable development also contemplated in the Preamble of the WTO Agreement, as well as an enhancement on consumer information, since declaration of dolphin-safety may now be better monitored and enforced through the new discipline for non-Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean tuna products. However, we also observe that with no change to the appearance of the label or an informational campaign, the improved credibility of the label may hardly be passed-through to the average consumer. Furthermore, despite an increase in the stringency of the regulation for their competitors, Mexican producers do not gain greater access to the US and instead have been diversifying towards other markets. We then highlight that the Appellate Body missed an opportunity to reinforce the transparency of the system by supporting the first-ever decision to grant partially open panel meetings.

Keywords: TBT Agreement; Labelling Schemes; Consumer Information; Animal Welfare; Sustainable Development; Article XX, lett. g) of the GATT 1994; Transparency

JEL Classification: K33; F13

Suggested Citation

Baroncini, Elisa and Brunel, Claire, A WTO Safe Harbour for the Dolphins - The Second Compliance Proceedings in the US – Tuna II (Mexico) Case (October 1, 2019). EUI Department of Law Research Paper No. 2019/75, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4224385

Elisa Baroncini (Contact Author)

Università di Bologna - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna ( email )

Bologna
Italy

Claire Brunel

American University School of International Service ( email )

4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States

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