Russia has appealed a World Trade Organization decision that found its ban on pork products from the European Union breached international trade rules. 

The appeal, filed on 23 September, concerns a case brought to the WTO for arbitration by the EU. In a statement, the WTO confirmed the Russian Federation filed an appeal against its panel ruling on pork import restrictions, which was delivered in August.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The ruling concerns a ban imposed by Russia in early 2014. According to the EU, the ban was imposed because of a “limited number” of cases of African Swine Fever in areas in the EU close to the border with Belarus.

The EU argued its internal livestock movement and veterinary controls mean pigs and pigmeat products from areas unaffected by the disease are safe, so Russia’s ban breaks WTO sanitary and phytosanitary rules. 

The WTO disputes settlement panel largely backed the EU and acknowledged Russia’s refusal to accept imports of certain EU products and to adapt EU-Russia import certificates accordingly amounts to an EU-wide import ban. 

See Also:

The EU said the ruling sent a “strong signal” to Russia regarding “their obligation to respect international standards”.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Russia’s restrictions on pork came into effect before Moscow banned a range of foodstuffs, including meat, from markets such as the US and the EU in response to sanctions from the West at the height of the Crimea crisis. Russia has since extended these trade restrictions until 2017. 

The WTO will now consider Russia’s appeal over the swine fever related pork ban, which remains in place. If Moscow refuses to comply with its ultimate decision, the WTO could authorise retaliatory EU import duties on Russian exports to the bloc, to compensate its member states.