Countries were unhappy that the rounds were long, that GATT findings were often ignored, and that countries were making their own rules for problems the GATT did not cover. The 1993 Uruguay Round agreement was ratified in 1994, and the WTO came into being on January 1, 1995. Members cannot ignore the findings of dispute settlements. If they do, they face penalties. One country complains that another has unfairly restricted the import of its products, and an arguments starts.
Arguments are especially difficult if they involve non-tariff barriers.
The country accused of an unfair trading practice can claim that its policy has nothing to do with trade, that it is supposed to make people healthy, save the environment, promote education, and so forth. That country is likely to argue that it should have control over policies within its own borders. The country bringing the complaint usually , says the policy is trade protection in disguise. The GATT and the WTO have rules for deciding whether a policy should be allowed. A country could have high barriers, as long as they are the same for everyone.