Canada escalates complaint over China’s block on its canola seed exports, requests WTO panel
- China suspended imports of canola seeds from Richardson International and Viterra in March 2019
- It also made shipments from other Canadian firms subject to enhanced inspections, due to the detection of pests
Canada has escalated its complaint over restrictions placed on its canola seed exports to China, which have been in effect for over two years.
Canada claims it requested consultations with China in September 2019, but after discussions in October 2019 “failed to settle the dispute”, it has now requested the Dispute Settlement Body at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a panel.
The item will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body at the end of June.
Canada has repeatedly attempted to obtain information from China regarding the scientific basis for its measures and on the process to restore full market access for Canadian canola seed
“Canada has repeatedly attempted to obtain information from China regarding the scientific basis for its measures and on the process to restore full market access for Canadian canola seed,” said Canada’s communication from its WTO delegation, which was circulated last week.