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Science-based Rules of Trade: A Mantra for Some, An Anathema for Others

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  • Kerr, William A.

Abstract

The concept of science-based rules for the establishment of trade barriers was a new development that arose from the Uruguay Round. It is an attempt to de-politicise decision making in the complex areas of human, animal and plant health as well as aspects relating to the environment. In the short time it has been in operation it has become a mantra for some but an anathema to others with an interest in trade policy. It is now at the heart of a major trade dispute between the EU and the United States over trade in the products of biotechnology. The paper discusses the controversies relating to the science-based system and provides suggestions to improve its efficacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerr, William A., 2003. "Science-based Rules of Trade: A Mantra for Some, An Anathema for Others," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 4(2), pages 1-12.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ecjilt:23883
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.23883
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. K.K. Klein & W.A. Kerr, 1995. "The Globalization of Agriculture: A View from the Farm Gate," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 43(4), pages 551-563, December.
    2. William A. Kerr & Jill E. Hobbs, 2002. "The North American–European Union Dispute Over Beef Produced Using Growth Hormones: A Major Test for the New International Trade Regime," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(2), pages 283-296, February.
    3. W. H. Furtan & R. S. Gray & J. J. Holzman, 2003. "The Optimal Time to License a Biotech “Lemon”," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 21(4), pages 433-444, October.
    4. Perdikis, Nicholas, 2000. "A Conflict of Legitimate Concerns or Pandering to Vested Interests? Conflicting Attitudes Towards the Regulation of Trade in Genetically Modified Goods - The EU and the US," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 1(1), pages 1-15.
    5. Furtan, William Hartley & Gray, Richard S. & Holzman, J.J., 2005. "Regulatory Approval Decisions in the Presence of Market Externalities: The Case of Genetically Modified Wheat," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 30(1), pages 1-16, April.
    6. James D. Gaisford & William A. Kerr, 2001. "Economic Analysis for International Trade Negotiations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2243.
    7. Nicholas Perdikis & William A. Kerr Shelburne & Jill E. Hobbs, 2001. "Reforming the WTO to Defuse Potential Trade Conflicts in Genetically Modified Goods," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(3), pages 379-398, March.
    8. James D. Gaisford & Jill E. Hobbs & William A. Kerr & Nicholas Perdikis, 2001. "The Economics of Biotechnology," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2305.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tothova, Monika & Oehmke, James F., 2004. "Biotechnology And The Emergence Of Club Behavior In Agricultural Trade," 2004 Annual meeting, August 1-4, Denver, CO 20023, American Agricultural Economics Association (New Name 2008: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association).
    2. Maier, Matthias Leonhard, 2007. "Normentwicklung durch WTO-Gremien am Beispiel von Handel und Gesundheitsschutz: der SPS-Ausschuss," TranState Working Papers 68, University of Bremen, Collaborative Research Center 597: Transformations of the State.
    3. Jackson, Lee Ann & Jansen, Marion, 2009. "Risk assessment in the international food safety policy arena: Can the multilateral institutions encourage unbiased outcomes?," WTO Staff Working Papers ERSD-2009-01, World Trade Organization (WTO), Economic Research and Statistics Division.
    4. William A. Kerr, 2010. "What is New in Protectionism? Consumers, Cranks, and Captives," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 58(1), pages 5-22, March.
    5. Kerr, William A., 2006. "International Harmonization and the Gains from Trade," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 7(2), pages 1-10.
    6. Jackson, Lee Ann & Jansen, Marion, 2010. "Risk assessment in the international food safety policy arena. Can the multilateral institutions encourage unbiased outcomes?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 538-547, December.
    7. Kerr, William A., 2004. "The Changing Nature of Protectionism: Are "Free Traders" Up to the Challenges It Presents?," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 5(2), pages 1-11.
    8. Gerstetter, Christiane & Maier, Matthias Leonhard, 2005. "Risk regulation, trade and international law: debating the precautionary principle in and around the WTO," TranState Working Papers 18, University of Bremen, Collaborative Research Center 597: Transformations of the State.

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