EU challenges Russian export restrictions on wood at WTO

The EU has requested consultations with Russia at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning export restrictions placed by Russia on wood products. The export restrictions consist of significantly increased export duties on certain wood products and a drastic reduction in the number of border crossing points through which exports of wood products can take place.

The dispute settlement consultations that the EU has requested are the first step in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. If they do not lead to a satisfactory solution, the EU can request that the WTO set up a panel to rule on the matter.

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation intends, within the framework of consultations in the WTO, to present to the EU evidence of the groundlessness of these claims. “We hope that our explanations will convince the European Commission that the EU’s claims are not justified, and Russia’s measures are in line with WTO rules,” said Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Vladimir Ilyichev