WTO sets up panel to address S. Korean import ban on Canadian beef

SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Yonhap) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) has set up a panel
to address a dispute over South Korea's ban on imports of Canadian beef, Seoul's
trade ministry said Monday.
South Korea has barred Canadian beef imports since May 2003 after the country
reported its first case of mad cow disease.
Canada, which received a "controlled risk" classification from the Paris-based
World Organization for Animal Health in May 2007 -- the same status as the United
States -- has been pushing South Korea to open the market to its beef without
restrictions.
South Korea banned the import of U.S. beef in December 2003, but partially lifted
the ban last year.
In May this year, Canada filed a petition to the Geneva-based WTO to settle the
bilateral dispute over beef imports, hoping that both sides can resolve
differences through consultations.
Both countries have been engaged in bilateral talks for several years to resolve
the beef issue but have made little headway.
Seoul has maintained that while it could open its market somewhat, it must limit
imports to protect public health. Canada insists that South Korea open up its
beef market fully because its beef is safe.
Even after a WTO panel is established, reaching a definitive ruling can take up
to two years. Ottawa formally requested the establishment of the panel in July,
according to the ministry.
The panel can take action to compel a country to change its policies and
authorize punitive measures in the case of non-compliance.
Before the ban went into effect, Canada was the fourth-largest supplier of beef
to South Korea after the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
sam@yna.co.kr
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