 
  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/DS323/1 
G/L/724 
G/AG/GEN/67 G/LIC/D/38 
3 December 2004 
 
 
(04-5280) 
 Original:   English 
 
  
JAPAN – IMPORT QUOTAS ON DRIED LAVER AND SEASONED LAVER 
 
Request for Consultations by Korea
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated 1 December  2004, from the delegation of Korea to the 
delegation of Japan and to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in 
accordance with Article 4.4 of the DSU. 
 
_______________ 
 
  My authorities have instructed me to request  consultations with the Government of Japan 
pursuant to Article 4 of the Understanding on Ru les and Procedures Governing the Settlement of 
Disputes (DSU), Article XXIII:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994), 
Article 19 of the Agreement on Agriculture, and Article 6 of the Agreement on Import Licensing 
Procedures regarding Japan's import quotas on dried laver (1212.20-1-(1 )) and seasoned laver 
(2106.90-2-(2)-E-(b)).  
 The Republic of Korea believes that the extremely restrictive import quotas on dried laver and 
seasoned laver maintained by Japan are inconsistent with Japan's obligations under Article XI of the 
GATT 1994 and in particular, but not necessarily ex clusively, Article 4.2 of the Agreement on 
Agriculture.  Moreover, these quotas are administered  in a partial and unreasonable manner, and in 
violation of Japan's obligations under Article X:3 of the GATT 1994 and in particular, but not 
necessarily exclusively, Article 1.2 and 1.6 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures. 
  Through these violations of WTO rules, the import quotas have created trade distortions between Japan and Korea and undermined important  objectives of the GATT 1994 and other relevant 
WTO agreements.  
 The Republic of Korea reserves its right to ra ise further factual claims and legal matters 
during the course of consultations.   We look forward to receiving your reply to the present request and to fixing a mutually 
convenient date for consultations. 
 
__________ 
 
  