Press Release: EU requests WTO panel over discriminatory taxation of distilled spirits in the Philippines

The European Union requested on 11 December 2009 the establishment of a WTO panel on the Philippines' excise tax regime on distilled spirits. The European Union considers that this regime discriminates against imported spirits and is thereby in clear breach of international trade rules. The EU raised the issue with the Philippines repeatedly over the past years without success and WTO consultations held with the Philippines in Manila on 8 October 2009 failed to lead to a satisfactory solution.