WTO structure and rules

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This subtopic provides an overview of the WTO’s structure and rules. It is aimed at lawyers who need a high-level overview of the legal framework. This subtopic contains the following guidance on the WTO structure and rules:

  1. •

    Practice Note: An introduction to the basic principles of trade introduces basic WTO principles as

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Latest International Trade News

Council of the EU authorises negotiations on UK agri-food and ETS agreements

The Council of the EU has formally authorised the European Commission to open negotiations with the UK on two agreements: a common sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area for agricultural products and linking emissions trading systems (ETS). The SPS agreement aims to align Great Britain's standards with EU standards, removing most certificates and checks on agricultural products. The ETS agreement would facilitate trading of emissions allowances and allow mutual exemptions from Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms. Both negotiations follow a Common Understanding reached between the Commission and UK Government.

International Trade weekly highlights—13 November 2025

This week's edition of International Trade weekly highlights includes: EU maintaining dumping duties on Chinese trichloroisocyanuric acid and revising anti-dumping duties on Chinese trichloroisocyanuric acid following an interim review published in the Official Journal of the EU, the Trade Remedies Authority launching a review of the tariff rate quota on Category 13 steel, Cabinet Office publishing the Windsor Framework Independent Monitoring Panel’s first report, and a weekly roundup of HMRC import, export and customs guidance.

China welcomes US pause on export-control ‘affiliates rule’, seeks further talks

MLex: China has welcomed the US decision to suspend for a year an export-control measure known as the ‘affiliates rule’, saying both sides will continue talks on future arrangements, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The suspension, effective from 10 November 2025 to 9 November 2026, means companies majority-owned by those already on the US Entity List will not face the same restrictions during that period. The ministry said Beijing is ready to work with Washington on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation to manage differences and create conditions for stable supply chains and mutually beneficial business cooperation.

WTO discusses proposals to strengthen collaboration on carbon emission policies

The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Committee on Trade and Environment met on 4 November 2025 to discuss proposals from China and Japan aimed at strengthening cooperation on carbon emission policies that impact trade. China presented a proposal focusing on the systematic review of carbon standards, enhanced information sharing, and increased support for developing members. The proposed non-binding guidance seeks to promote regulatory coherence without introducing new obligations for WTO members.

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