AUSTRALIA has lodged its appeal against the World Trade Organisation decision calling for restrictions on NZ apples to be eased.
Apokesman for the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told The Weekly Times that formal notice to appeal the "disappointing decision" was lodged yesterday with the WTO appellate body in Geneva.
A WTO disputes panel last month issued its final decision on the NZ challenge to Australia's quarantine restrictions, conclusing they weren't science-based and unduly restricted trade. It called for Australia to wind them back.
"Australia believes that the WTO panel made a number of errors of law, including in its analysis of Australia’s requirements for fire blight and apple leafcurling midge," the spokesman said.
The existing measures for New Zealand apples would stay in place while the dispute was ongoing, he said. "No New Zealand apples have yet come into Australia."
WTO appeals generally take no longer than 90 days from initiation, the spokesman said. "We therefore expect the appeal to be concluded by the end of this year."
It is not helpful to speculate on possible outcomes at this early stage, the spokesman said.
"Successive Australian Governments have committed to maintaining the integrity of Australia's quarantine regime and defending vigorously Australia’s science-based quarantine system."
