 |
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
| Lowtax Network Sites |
| Lowtax Network Portal:
'Low-tax' business and investment in the top 50 jurisdictions covered in
exceptional detail. |
| Tax News: Global
tax news, continuously updated through the day. |
| Investors Offshore:
The independent offshore and alternative investment guide for expatriates
and the globally aware investor. Sponsored by HSBC
Bank International. |
| Law & Tax
News: Daily news and background data on tax and legal developments
for international business. |
| Offshore-e-com:
A topical guide to offshore e-commerce focused on tax and regulation. |
| Lowtax Library:
One of the web's largest and most authoritative business and investment
information sources. |
| US Tax Network:
The resource for free online US taxation information, covering: corporate
tax, individual tax, international tax, expatriates, sales and e-commerce
tax, investment tax. |
| Personal
Business Tax Guide: Providing essential tax news and information
on business for contractors, entrepreneurs, professionals, small businesses,
artists, sportspersons and entertainers. |
| Offshore Trusts
Guide: OTG publishes news, features and newsletters on the use of
offshore trust structures. |
| TreatyPro: Online
tax treaty resource. |
|
|
| US Appeals In WTO Dispute With Mexico |
by Leroy Baker, Tax-News.com, New York
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has confirmed that it is filing
an appeal in the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute with Mexico challenging
the United States’ dolphin-safe labeling measures for tuna products sold
in America.
On September 15, 2011, a WTO panel report in this dispute was released, which
found that the objectives of the US measures are legitimate; that the measures
do not treat Mexico’s tuna products any less favorably than tuna products
from the US or other WTO member countries; and that any adverse effects felt
by Mexican tuna producers from the US labeling requirements are the result of
choices made by Mexico’s own fishing fleet and canners.
However, the WTO panel also found the US measures to be more trade restrictive
than necessary to achieve the objectives of the measures. After careful review
and consideration of its report, the US has decided to file an appeal.
“Our dolphin-safe labeling measures for tuna products provide information
for American consumers as they make food purchasing decisions for their families,”
said Andrea Mead, USTR’s Press Secretary. “Our decision to appeal
the WTO ruling in this case demonstrates the commitment of the US to our dolphin-safe
labeling measures.”
Under the United States dolphin-safe labeling provisions, producers
of tuna products – whether foreign or domestic – have the option
of labeling tuna products that meet the standards of the US provisions as dolphin
safe. One such condition, challenged by Mexico, is that the label cannot be
used if dolphins are purposefully chased and encircled in order to catch tuna,
as that fishing method is harmful to dolphins. Some Mexican fishing vessels
use this method when fishing for tuna.
After, in October 2008, Mexico filed a request for WTO dispute settlement consultations
with the US regarding US provisions pertaining to the voluntary dolphin-safe
labeling of tuna and tuna products, the US invoked its North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) rights. It requested that Mexico refrain from proceeding in
the WTO and move the case to the NAFTA. The US considers that the NAFTA is the
appropriate place to litigate such issues, but Mexico has blocked that process
for settling the dispute.
.
|
|
|
|
| THE LOWTAX LIBRARY
One of the web's largest and
most authoritative business and investment information sources. Alongside
topical, daily news on worldwide
tax developments, you can receive weekly newswires or
access up-to-date intelligence
reports on a range of legal, tax and investment subjects.
FREE TRIAL NEWS SUBSCRIPTION
Our 16 constantly updated
intelligence reports cover every important aspect of 'offshore' and international
tax-planning in depth, including banking secrecy, the EU's savings tax
directive, offshore funds, e-commerce, offshore gaming and transfer pricing.
Reports are available for immediate downloading or as subscription
services with news pages.
|
|
 |
|
LAWANDTAX-NEWS.COM
