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DISPUTE SETTLEMENT: APPELLATE BODY

Appellate Body

The Appellate Body was established in 1995 under Article 17 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU). It is a standing body of seven persons that hears appeals from reports issued by panels in disputes brought by WTO Members. The Appellate Body can uphold, modify or reverse the legal findings and conclusions of a panel, and Appellate Body Reports, once adopted by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), must be accepted by the parties to the dispute. The Appellate Body has its seat in Geneva, Switzerland.

Disclaimer
The pages on this web site regarding the Appellate Body and the Appellate Body Secretariat are intended solely for information. These pages do not constitute an authoritative interpretation of the WTO Agreements, including the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, or the Working Procedures for Appellate Review.

Introduction  back to top

Appeals in the WTO dispute settlement system
This link takes you to the section on disputes in the WTO guide “Understanding the WTO”.

News  back to top

Appellate Body Members and Secretariat  back to top

The Appellate Body is composed of seven Members who are appointed by the DSB to serve for four-year terms, with the possibility of being reappointed once. The Appellate Body membership shall be broadly representative of membership in the WTO. The Appellate Body receives administrative and legal support from the Appellate Body Secretariat.

Procedures for Appellate Review  back to top

Appeals are conducted according to the procedures established under the DSU and the Working Procedures for Appellate Review.

Current Appeals  back to top

6 November 2008: The European Communities filed a Notice of Appeal in “United States — Continued Existence and Application of Zeroing Methodology” (WT/DS350). The Appellate Body Report will be circulated no later than Wednesday, 4 February 2009.

Appellate Body Reports  back to top

The Reports of the Appellate Body for individual appeals.
> Chronological list, with links to the Reports.
> Statistics on number of appeals.
> Analytical Index: Guide to WTO Law and Practice

Appellate Body Repertory of Reports and Awards 1995–2005
> Buy from online bookshop
> Consult online version

Appellate Body Annual Report  back to top

10th Anniversary Conferences  back to top

Academic Groups to host conferences commemorating establishment of WTO Appellate Body.
> Click here for more information

> Appellate Body hosted session in the Public Forum 2007 on the impact of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism

  

Publications

Appellate Body Repertory of Reports and Awards 1995–2005 > Buy from online bookshop > Consult online version   Appellate Body Annual Report 2006 > Consult online version