Browse Hierarchy SOLM341: WTO Law: Domestic Regulations and Compliance

The module examines how WTO rules, as interpreted by adjudicators, seek to balance the tensions between free trade obligations and the right to regulate in pursuance of national policy objectives. On completion of the module, students should be able to advice public authorities, private companies or civil society organisations on the consistency of domestic regulations affecting international trade with WTO Law and the operation of the WTO System and Dispute Settlement Body. While not obligatory, students which are not familiar with WTO law are strongly advised to take SOLM192 WTO Law: Fundamental Principles. The module covers WTO rules and principles on domestic regulations and the compliance issues that have arisen under the WTO dispute settlement system. Week 1: WTO Non-discrimination obligations and their interface with domestic regulations Week 2: The Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement: Definitions, obligations and scope of application through WTO disputes Week 3: The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement: Definitions, obligations and scope of application through WTO disputes Week 4: The Government Procurement Agreement: Definitions, obligations, scope of application and relationship with WTO multilateral agreements and dispute settlement Week 5: Balancing trade liberalisation and domestic policy objectives under the WTO System