Conclusions

The WTO is not likely to prevent the growth of ethical trade so long as steps are taken to ensure that such schemes do not impede trade and are inclusive. Whether the eco-label question is addressed during the Seattle Round depends on the jockeying for position in setting the agenda for these negotiations. If change is on the cards, it will not be implemented for some time to come. In the meantime, however, there are clear arguments for ensuring that eco-labelling schemes, and forest certification schemes restrict trade as little as possible both from a trade policy and equity perspective.

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