On December 18th, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed to establish a panel to examine Mexico’s claim against the restrictions imposed by Costa Rica on the importation of fresh avocados from Mexico.
Mexican authorities submitted their second request for a panel to rule on the restrictions, following Costa Rica’s decision to block Mexico’s first request at the December 4th meeting.
Mexico challenges all measures that ban or limit the importation of fresh avocados, including certain procedures related to the control, inspection and approval of avocado imports, as well as the alleged lack of adaptation of its regulations by Costa Rica on pests or diseases in certain regions.
The representatives of Mexico pointed out that Costa Rica had always been a commercial partner committed to free trade until now.
According to the WTO minutes, Costa Rican representatives said they regretted Mexico’s decision to seek a panel, particularly in light of a bilateral agreement signed recently by Mexico and Costa Rica that establishes a joint technical work program aimed at resolving the dispute.
The DSB agreed to the establishment of a panel. China, India, the United States, Panama, Honduras, Canada, Russia and the European Union reserved the right of third parties to participate in the dispute.