4 - The Steps in the WTO Disputing Pyramid

Summary

Chapter 4 shows the information that is made available to WTO Members through transparency in the SPS and TBT context – the ‘supply side’ of information. In this regard it presents information made available through notifications, bilateral and multilateral regulatory dialogue, through dialogue with the private sector. The SPS and TBT Agreements enable Members to obtain a considerable volume of information on each others’ domestic measures. The high volume of information about SPS and TBT measures shows that the transparency tools are made use of substantively. Information, however, remains limited on whether this information matches the information needs. The main indication in this regard, i.e. the STC discussions, suggests that Members still have a high demand for further information including about measures that have not been notified, and therefore the overall level of disclosure of SPS and TBT measures remains insufficient.