AreaBilateral/Multilateral

Commodity GroupOilseeds, oils and meals

CommodityRapeseed

Date01/07/2021

Policy CategoryTrade

Policy InstrumentTrade differences

DescriptionAt the request of Canada, the WTO’s dispute settlement body established a panel to examine measures in China affecting the import of rapeseed from Canada. The dispute concerns Chinese measures suspending rapeseed imports from two Canadian companies – following the alleged repeated detection of quarantine pests in shipments – and the imposition of enhanced inspection requirements for rapeseed imports from other Canadian companies.

NotesCANADA / CHINA – Trade differences (rapeseed trade): At a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) in July, WTO members agreed to the establishment of a panel at Canada’s request to examine measures in China affecting the import of rapeseed from Canada. The dispute concerns Chinese measures suspending rapeseed imports from two Canadian companies – following the alleged repeated detection of quarantine pests in shipments – and the imposition of enhanced inspection requirements for rapeseed imports from other Canadian companies (see also MPPU May/Nov.’19 & May’20). While Canada reiterated its concern that sufficient scientific evidence to justify China’s measures had not been provided, China regretted Canada\'s decision to request the establishment of a panel, stating that it had constructively engaged with Canada on the matter and responded to Canada\'s requests for information. Nine countries and the EU reserved their rights to participate in the panel’s proceedings.