We are confident that WTO panels will show such deference to U.S. regulators given the integrity, rigor, and open and participatory nature of the U.S. regulatory system. Under these provisions, the United States is not required to accept an import that it believes, based on such information, does not achieve the level of protection sought by U.S. regulations. In the international context, however, the use of trade restrictions based on the way products are produced has engendered controversy. However, that report also makes clear that such measures must meet the rules of the trading system which guard against abuse. For example, trade measures based on a PPM must not be unjustifiably discriminatory or a disguised restriction on trade.
Consumers have a legitimate interest in the environmental impacts of the products that they buy.
Providing accurate information to consumers is an important market-based means of engaging consumers in and achieving health and environmental objectives. We will promote a domestic and international environment that is supportive of such approaches. We believe and will defend our position that WTO rules provide sufficient flexibility to permit all forms of ecolabeling, including those involving criteria based on processes and production methods and those developed and maintained by private bodies, subject to the relevant disciplines of the multilateral trading system, including transparency and non-discrimination. The international community has developed a wide range of treaties and agreements to protect the environment. Multilateral environmental agreements are important for addressing environmental challenges of concern to all humankind.