Wto Adopts Panel Ruling Against Japan On Liquor Tax

A majority of WTOs 125 member states were present for the closed-door meeting and no one challenged the quorum, he added.

After the neutral WTO panel reached its decision on October 4, finance minister Wataru Kubo said Japan would consider making tax changes later this year in the context of a broader review.

The WTO Dispute Settlement Body adopted the report on a complaint by the European Union, United States and Canada that tax differentials on liquor sold in Japan effectively favour the popular domestic shochu over imported whisky and other spirits.

It was meant to adopt the panel report on Tuesday, but Japan objected when only 37 delegations showed up for the meeting.

 

It demanded that 63 members, a simple majority, take part in the consensus decision, in line with standard WTO procedures.