WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/DS291/5
10 June 2003
(03-3009)
Original:  English
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES – MEASURES AFFECTING THE APPROVAL
AND MARKETING OF BIOTECH PRODUCTS
Request to Join Consultations
Communication from Australia
The following communication, dated 28 May 2003, from the Permanent Mission of Australia
to the Permanent Delegation of the European Commission, the Permanent Mission of the United
States and to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with
Article 4.11 of the DSU.
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In conformity with paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures
Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), I hereby notify Australia’s desire to be joined in the
consultations requested by the United States on 13 May 2003 pursuant to Article 4 of the DSU ,
Article 11 of the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Article 19 of the Agreement on
Agriculture , Article 14 of the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade  and Article XXII of the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994  with regard to certain measures taken by the European
Communities and its member States affecting products of biotechnology.  The request for
consultations by the United States was circulated to Members on 20 May 2003 (WT/DS291/1,G/L/627, G/SPS/GEN/397, G/AG/GEN/60 and G/TBT/D/28 refer).
Australia is a significant producer and exporter of agricultural products.  As such, Australia
has a substantial trade interest in the consultations requested by the United States.
We look forward to the European Communities’ confirmation of receipt and acceptance of
this request to join the consultations and advice regarding the timing and venue for the consultations.
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