chile - taxes on alcoholic beverages

Surveillance of Implementation of Recommendations and Rulings

Request for Arbitration by Chile

            The following communication, dated 15 March 2000, from the Permanent Mission of Chile to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated at the request of that delegation.

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            As Chile stated at the DSB meetings on 12 January and 11 February of this year, a reasonable period of time is required for compliance with the recommendations made by the DSB in Chile - Taxes on Alcoholic Beverages.

            To this end, Chile has held consultations with the European Community, which to this date have not made it possible to agree on an extension of the period of time in question.

            Chile therefore requests that the reasonable period of time for compliance be determined by means of binding arbitration as provided for in Article 21.3(c) of the Dispute Settlement Understanding.

            In accordance with footnote 12 to which the said Article 21.3(c) refers, Chile is fully prepared to hold discussions for the prompt appointment of the arbitrator.