USTR Seeks Comments on Russia's WTO Commitments

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is asking industry stakeholders to comment on Russia’s implementation of its World Trade Organization commitments. The interagency Trade Policy Staff Committee will also use the stakeholder comments to craft its annual report on Russia’s WTO obligations, USTR said. The agency will also convene a Sept. 28 hearing on the matter. The 2016 report criticized Russia for opaque customs regulations for import valuation, tedious import licensing requirements, and troublesome rules for imports of alcoholic products, among other things (see 1612220050). Russia imposed a ban in 2014 on some U.S. agricultural products after the Obama administration and allies sanctioned Russia over its involvement in the Ukraine conflict (see 14082620). Comments for the 2017 report are due on Sept. 22.