UNITED STATES – IMPORT PROHIBITION OF

CERTAIN SHRIMP AND SHRIMP PRODUCTS

Status Report by the United States

Addendum

            The following communication, dated 14 January 2000, from the Permanent Mission of the United States to the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated pursuant to Article 21.6 of the DSU.

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Status Report Regarding Implementation of the Recommendations and Rulings

in the Dispute regarding

United States ‑ Import Prohibition of Certain Shrimp and Shrimp Products

            On 25 November 1998, the United States informed the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of its intention to implement the recommendations and rulings of the DSB in connection with this matter and to do so in a manner which is consistent with our firm commitment to the protection of endangered sea turtles.  At that time, the United States also advised the DSB that a "reasonable period of time" would be required to complete this process.  On 21 January 1999, the United States and the other parties to the dispute reached agreement on 13 months as a reasonable period for implementation.  Therefore, as provided for in Article 21.6 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, this fifth and final report on the status of our implementation is being presented.

            The United States has implemented the recommendations and rulings of the DSB during the reasonable period of time.  Our implementation steps have both responded to the issues raised by the Appellate Body report, and ‑ with the cooperation of the countries in the Indian Ocean region ‑ have advanced efforts to conserve endangered sea turtles.