Canada's Request Halts WTO Dispute Panel on Chinese Canola Seed Import Restrictions

The work of a dispute panel at the World Trade Organization looking into a Chinese measure concerning the import of canola seed from Canada has been suspended at Canada's request, according to a Sept.1 communication from the panel.

Canada in 2019 requested consultations with China at the WTO over two sets of measures affecting the import of Canadian canola seed: a measure suspending the import of canola seed from two Canadian companies and a measure applying enhanced inspections on all imports of Canadian oil seed. In 2021, Canada requested the establishment of a panel. The panel was established, though its chair told the Dispute Settlement Body that the panel didn't anticipate issuing a final report before year's end, the WTO said.

Canada then moved to suspend the panel's work, and China welcomed the request. The chair agreed to the suspension and did so Aug. 30. The panel can suspend its work at the request of the complaining party for up to 12 months, after which the authority for its establishment lapses.