India to move WTO over drug seizures by EU: CNBC-TV 18
20 Apr 2010
India is planning to approach the World Trade Organization over the seizure of generic drug consignments by the European Union last year, CNBC-TV18's Rituparna Bhuyan quoted sources from the commerce ministry as saying.
"CNBC-TV18 learns that India and Brazil are likely to join hands against the EU at WTO," the report said, adding, "Consultation is the initial process of dispute settlement at WTO."
The drug seizures in EU violated Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and India, sources said was not happy with EU assurances.
The European Commission had earlier issued a statement that the EU had taken the drugs seizures "very seriously" and has taken measures to prevent further incidents.
But, nothing has happened beyond the assurance and New Delhi said it was still for an "amicable" settlement of its dispute with its largest trading partner.
According to both India and Brazil, the case, originally involving the seizure by Dutch customs of a blood pressure drug en route from India to Brazil, is part of the protection that rich nations extend to their big corporations.
India says the drug shipments were consistent with the WTO regulations.
Once the dispute reaches WTO, the case would move to the dispute settlement mechanism for a solution.