19 USC 3537 - Access to WTO dispute settlement process

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 3537.

Access to WTO dispute settlement process

(a)

In general

(b)

Notice and public comment

In any proceeding described in subsection (a), the Trade Representative shall—

(1)

promptly after requesting the establishment of a panel, or receiving a request from another WTO member country for the establishment of a panel, publish a notice in the Federal Register—

(A)

identifying the initial parties to the dispute,

(B)

setting forth the major issues raised by the country requesting the establishment of a panel and the legal basis of the complaint,

(C)

identifying the specific measures, including any State or Federal law cited in the request for establishment of the panel, and

(D)

seeking written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in the dispute; and

(2)

take into account any advice received from appropriate congressional committees and relevant private sector advisory committees referred to in subsection (a), and written comments received pursuant to paragraph (1)(D), in preparing United States submissions to the panel or the Appellate Body.

(c)

Access to documents

In each proceeding described in subsection (a), the Trade Representative shall—

(1)

make written submissions by the United States referred to in subsection (b) available to the public promptly after they are submitted to the panel or Appellate Body, except that the Trade Representative is authorized to withhold from disclosure any information contained in such submissions identified by the provider of the information as proprietary information or information treated as confidential by a foreign government;

(2)

request each other party to the dispute to permit the Trade Representative to make that party’s written submissions to the panel or the Appellate Body available to the public; and

(3)

make each report of the panel or the Appellate Body available to the public promptly after it is circulated to WTO members, and inform the public of such availability.

(d)

Requests for nonconfidential summaries

(e)

Public file

(Pub. L. 103–465, title I, § 127, Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4835.)

cite as: 19 USC 3537