WTO Finds Country of Origin Labeling a Technical Barrier to Trade
On November 18, 2011, the World Trade Organization (WTO) published its report on the ongoing Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) dispute. Implemented in 2008 as part of the Farm Bill, U.S. manufacturers began requiring country-of-origin to be designated in labeling of meats and other goods regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Found here, the WTO report details the complaints raised by Canada and Mexico, including the contention that the labeling requirements constitute Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), in violation of international treaties between the countries.
