The GATT is the historical origin of the World Trade Organization and to this day remains one of its core agreements. In force for over 60 years its rules have provided a framework for trade in goods which has seen such trade grow to unprecedented size. The Agreement has been referred to in roughly 200 disputes initiated under GATT 1947 and many of the currently roughly 400 WTO disputes. Its provisions have inspired similar rules in many other agreements. A thorough knowledge of the GATT is indispensable for practitioners and scholars alike.
Article-by-article this volume explains the GATT 1994, its Introductory Note and Annexes, the Understandings on Arts II:1 lit. b, XVII, XXIV and XXVIII GATT, the Understandings on Balance-of-Payments Provisions and Waivers of Obligations, the Enabling Clause and the Waiver on Preferential Tariff Treatment for Least-Developed Countries. It also covers the Agreements on Customs Valuation, Preshipment Inspection and Rules of Origin. The format allows the reader quick and easy access and reference both with respect to provisions which would otherwise require the parsing of innumerable documents and with respect to provisions hitherto neglected. Written by distinguished practitioners and scholars, the volume is an indispensable reference work for everyone working on or interested in international trade; trade practitioners, diplomats, scholars and activists alike.