JAPAN - TAXES ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

                     Request for the Establishment of a Panel by the European Communities

        The following communication, dated 14 September 1995, from the Permanent Delegation of the European Commission to the Permanent Mission of Japan is circulated at the request of the Permanent Delegation of the European Commission.

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        On 21 June 1995, the European Communities requested consultations with Japan under Article XXII:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 ("GATT 1994") and Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes ("DSU") with regard to the internal taxation of certain alcoholic beverages in Japan (WT/DS8/1).

        The European Communities and Japan held consultations in Geneva on 20 July 1995 with a view to reaching a mutually satisfactory solution.  Unfortunately, the consultations failed to settle the dispute.

        The European Communities hereby request that a panel be established at the next meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body ("DSB") pursuant to Article XXIII:2 of GATT 1994 and Article 6 of the DSU.

        The European Communities claim that: