chile – TAXES ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Constitution of the Panel Established at the Request of

the European Communities

Communication from the Chairman of the DSB

1.         At its meetings on 18 November 1997 and 25 March 1998, the DSB established panels pursuant to requests by the European Communities (WT/DS87/5 and WT/DS110/4, respectively).  At its meeting of 25 March 1998, the DSB agreed, pursuant to Article 9.1, that the panel established on 18 November 1997 also examine the complaint contained in document WT/DS110/4.

2.         The terms of reference of the Panel are the following:

"To examine, in the light of the relevant provisions of the covered agreements cited by the European Communities in documents WT/DS87/5 and WT/DS110/4, the matter referred to the DSB by the European Communities in those documents and to make such findings as will assist the DSB in making the recommendations or in giving the rulings provided for in those agreements".

3.         On 10 and 11 June 1998, the European Communities and Chile, respectively, requested the Director-General, pursuant to Article 8.7 of the DSU, to compose the Panel. Article 8.7 of the DSU provides: