WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/DS157/1
G/ADP/D15/1
19 January 1999
(99-0160)
Original:  English
ARGENTINA – DEFINITIVE ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES ON
IMPORTS OF DRILL BITS FROM ITALY
Request for Consultations by the European Communities
The following communication, dated 14 January 1999, from the Permanent Delegation of the
European Commission to the Permanent Mission of Argentina and to the Chairman of the Dispute
Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.4 of the DSU.
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On behalf of the European Communities, I hereby request consultations with Argentina
pursuant to Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of
Disputes and Articles 1, 5.10 and 17.3 of the Agr eement on Implementation of Article VI of the
GATT 1994 (the "Anti-Dumping Agreement", ADA), with regard to the definitive anti-dumping
measures imposed by Argentina on imports of drill bits from Italy.
On 12 September 1998, Argentina imposed definitive anti-dumping measures on the above
imports.  The investigation which led to the imposition of these measures had been initiated on
21 February 1997.
Article 5.10 ADA provides that "[I]nvestigations shall, except in special circumstances, be
concluded within one year, and in no case more than 18 months, after their initiation".  In this case,
Argentina's investigation exceeded 18 months.  Consequently, Argentina has not complied with this
provision and, thus, has also violated Article 1 ADA.
I look forward to receiving your reply to this request from the European Communities and to
setting a mutually convenient date for these consultations.
A copy of this letter has been sent to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body and to the
Chairman of the Anti-Dumping Committee.
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