United States - Reclassification of Certain Sugar Syrups - Request for Consultations by Canada

UNITED STATES – RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SUGAR SYRUPS

 

Request for Consultations by Canada

 

 

            The following communication, dated 6 September 1999, from the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Permanent Mission of the United States and to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.4 of the DSU.

 

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            The Government of Canada requests consultations with the Government of the United States pursuant to Article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, regarding the proposed reclassification of certain sugar syrups (New York ruling letter 810328) by the United States Customs Service.

 

            The Government of Canada considers that these measures are inconsistent with obligations of the Government of the United States under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and the Agreement on Agriculture.  The provisions of these agreements with which these measures are inconsistent include, but are not limited to, Article II of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture.

 

            The Government of Canada considers that these measures nullify or impair benefits accruing to Canada directly or indirectly under Article II of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and Article 4 of the Agreement on Agriculture, regardless of whether violations of these Agreements occurred.

 

            In accordance with Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, the Government of Canada requests consultations with the Government of the United States to discuss the matter with the intention of reaching a mutually satisfactory result.  The Government of Canada welcomes any suggestions the Government of the United States may wish to make concerning dates for the consultations which are required to take place within 30 days from the date of receipt of this request.