The WTO's appeals court upheld the ruling that China has been too restrictive in importation policies for entertainment, including CDs, DVDs and books, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said.
The ruling gives the WTO Dispute Settlement Body 30 days to confirm the decision, which then gives China 30 days to declare its position on whether or not it will implement changes and how it will do so.
China argued its entertainment import restrictions were consistent with exceptions from standard policies granted some imports based on moral grounds. It also said entertainment items, such as movies and CD's were not classified as "goods."
The appellate body rejected those arguments.
U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk called the decision "a big win," as it could open an enormous market for publishers and producers.
"The appellate body's findings are key to ensuring full market access in China for legitimate, high-quality entertainment products," he said.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
Post new comment