WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SG/40/Suppl.7
8 March 2002
(02-1180)
Committee on Safeguards Original:  English
REQUEST FOR CONSULTATIONS FROM JAPAN UNDER
ARTICLE 12.3 OF THE AGREEMENT ON SAFEGUARDS
Imposition of a Safeguard Measure by the United States
On Imports of Certain Steel Products
Supplement
The following communication, dated 6 March 2002, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of Japan.
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Upon instructions from my authorities, I hereby wish to convey the request of the
Government of Japan for consultations with the Government of the United States pursuant to
Article 12.3 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, as a Member having a substantial interest as an
exporter of the products concerned.
Japan maintains the view that adequate opportunity for prior consultations shall be provided
before the application of the safeguard measure.  Also, all pertinent information shall be provided
under Article 12.1(c) and 12.2, now that the United States has made a public announcement to applythe safeguard measure with the issuance of the Presidential Decision on 5 March 2002.
The request does not prejudge the position of Japan about whether the period between the
announcement and the application of the proposed measures provides sufficient amount of time for a
meaningful exchange, required under Article 12.3.
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