The Jakarta Post reports:
Indonesia will not lodge an appeal against a WTO ruling on the import ban of flavored tobacco by the US, citing satisfaction despite losing its argument on the efficacy of the ban in reducing the number of young smokers.
Director general for international trade Gusmardi Bustami told reporters on Friday that Indonesia had won the backing of the WTO on its stance regarding the discriminatory nature of the US import ban.
Recall that the Clove Cigarettes panel found a violation of TBT 2.1 (related to national treatment), but rejected Indonesia's claim under TBT 2.2 (more trade-restrictive than necessary). As noted previously, the U.S. has appealed the TBT 2.1 violation. It appears that Indonesia will not appeal the TBT 2.2 issues.
For those who are hoping for some clarification of TBT 2.2, not to worry, appeals under this provision in the U.S. - Tuna and U.S. - COOL cases are likely soon.
ADDED: I didn't mean to imply anything about what will actually happen in Tuna and COOL, as I really don't know. I should have said those appeals are "possible", not "likely."
