On Legal Issues Of GMP Trade Dispute

The genetically modified product (GMP), which is obtained through biotech, a new scientific discovery, has become one of the main products in world trade. However, as a strange product, GMP is characterized a risk to human, animal, plant life and health as well as the environment. Conflicts arose when measures were taken by many countries to restrict the importation of GMP. And both sides can rectify themselves with MEAS and WTO Agreements respectively. What is the relationship of MEAS and WTO Agreements? No clues can be found in the texts of the agreements in question. But dispute settlement system provided in WTO Agreements is compulsory while that in MEAS optional. Then, it is most likely that DSB will obtain the power of settling the dispute at issue. According to the rules of WTO Agreements and the ruling of decided cases, the future ruling of this case will not benefit countries applying measures of GMP restriction. However, the ruling is far from the end of this dispute, and further discussion in a broader view will be needed.