Government explores ‘options’ after WTO panel ruling on IT tariffs and rules out immediate impact

India has ruled out any immediate impact from a ruling by a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel that the Asian country violated global trade rules by imposing tariffs on certain IT products, said Tuesday the government in a press release.

“In accordance with the available dispute settlement procedures, India is taking the necessary steps and also exploring the available options in light of its rights and obligations under the WTO,” the government said.

Those options could include an appeal plan against the decision, Reuters reported.

Last week, the WTO panel issued its ruling in a 2019 dispute with the European Union, Japan and Taiwan over import duties on computer products.

In 2019, the EU challenged India’s introduction of import duties of between 7.5% and 20% for a wide range of IT products, such as mobile phones and components, as well as circuits incorporated, claiming that they exceeded the maximum rate. Japan and Taiwan filed similar complaints the same year.

Last week, government sources told Reuters he planned to appeal a ruling by a WTO panel that the Asian country had violated global trade rules by imposing tariffs on certain products computers.

“Yes, India will appeal,” a Commerce Ministry source told Reuters at the time, briefed on the government’s position. The manager did not want to be named because the discussions are private.

If India appeals, the case will remain in legal purgatory as the WTO’s highest appellate court no longer functions due to US opposition to the appointments of judges.

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