The World Trade Organization is set to hear arguments regarding India's restrictions against US poultry and eggs, according to news reports.
In May 2012, the United States requested the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel to resolve claims of India's restrictions against US agriculture products. The US requested formal talks with India in March 2012. Consultations were held in April, but without a resolution of the claims.
India’s government has argued that restrictions are crucial at preventing the spread of even mild strains of avian influenza in India. Currently, there is no ban on US poultry products or chicken. But the government could reinstate a ban as soon as an avian flu outbreak is detected at any US poultry farm, according to news reports. The US has argued India’s measures are inconsistent with relevant science, international guidelines, and India's own standards for domestic poultry production.
