On March 25, 2011, the dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) granted Canada's request to hear its challenge of the European Union (EU)'s ban on the import of seal products. Canada had requested establishment of a panel to hear the dispute in January 2010. Canada contended that the ban resulted in less favorable treatment of seal products from Canada when compared with seal products originating from the EU and created an unnecessary obstacle to international trade. The EU defended the law banning seal imports as consistent with its international obligations and a response to concerns by its citizens about seal products. The EU Court of Justice had reinstated the ban on the import of seal products in October 2010.

Learn more about the World Trade Organization and Canada from the JURIST news archive.

Also on This Day at Law:


US House committee approved journalist shield bill
Indonesian court rejected pornography ban challenge