US request for a panel to examine EU's duty to IT products

According to Nikkei Press on Aug. 19, US requested to WTO for a panel to examine its complaint against the EU's imposition of customs duties on imports of IT products. This panel request was made together with Japan and Taiwan, as their discussion with EU was not successful.

US insist EU have violated the provision of ITA (Information Technology Agreement), which indicate an abolition of customs duty on IT products. EU express their intention to dispute against this in the panel process. It will be discussed in WTO on Aug 29 whether or not the panel will be established.

EU impose the customs duty on PC, monitor, multi-function printer, TV set top box etc. EU's interpretation of ITA is that such products are electrical commodities rather than genuine high-tech products, therefore they are not subject to duty exemption granted in ITA.