European Union – Certain Measures Concerning
Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-based Biofuels

SUSPENSION OF PANEL WORK

Communication from the Panel

The following communication, dated 8 July 2024, was received from the Chairperson of the Panel with the request that it be circulated to the Dispute Settlement Body.

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On 4 March 2024, Indonesia requested the Panel to suspend its work for a period of two months.

Indonesia made its request pursuant to Article 12.12 of the DSU, which provides that the Panel may suspend its work at any time at the request of the complaining party for a period not exceeding 12 months. This provision also indicates that if the work of the Panel has been suspended for more than 12 months, the authority for establishment of the Panel shall lapse.

The Panel agreed to Indonesia's request. On 5 March 2024, the Panel informed the DSB that the Panel's work was suspended as from 5 March 2024 for a period of two months. For greater clarity, the Panel indicated that it would resume its work, and circulate the Panel Report, on 6 May 2024. On 3 May 2024, Indonesia requested that the Panel extend the suspension of its work from 6 May through to 6 July 2024. The Panel agreed to Indonesia's request. For greater clarity, the Panel indicated that it would resume its work, and circulate the Panel Report, on Monday 8 July 2024.

On 4 July 2024, Indonesia requested that the Panel extend the suspension of its work from 7 July through to 7 September 2024. The Panel has agreed to Indonesia's request. For greater clarity, the Panel will resume its work, and circulate the Panel Report, on Monday 9 September 2024.

I would be grateful if you would circulate this communication to the DSB.