Several disputes have been resolved at this stage. The DSB appoints a panel of 3-5 expert members. After reviewing the arguments presented by the disputing countries, the panel reports on its conclusions to the disputing parties themselves, and then to the whole WTO membership. The final report becomes the DSB s ruling in 60 days. It can only be rejected by consensus, that is, if all members of the DSB, including all disputing parties, agree.
Any party can appeal.
The Appellate Body has 7 permanent members. It considers only points of law and does not review the evidence. As in the case of the panel report, the DSB can only reject the Appellate Body report if all members of the DSB agree. If it fails to do so, it must enter into negotiations with the complaining country regarding compensation for future losses resulting from its actions. One form compensation might take would be reductions in tariffs on exports from the complaining country.