The Uruguay Round agreement also made it impossible for the country losing a case to block the adoption of the ruling. Under the previous GATT procedure, rulings could only be adopted by consensus, meaning that a single objection could block the ruling. Although much of the procedure does resemble a court or tribunal, the preferred solution is for the countries concerned to discuss their problems and settle the dispute by themselves. The first stage is therefore consultations between the governments concerned, and even when the case has progressed to other stages, consultation and mediation are still always possible. In addition, the countries can settle their dispute themselves at any stage.
Totals are also approximate.
It monitors the implementation of the rulings and recommendations, and has the power to authorize retaliation when a country does not comply with a ruling. Before taking any other actions the countries in dispute have to talk to each other to see if they can settle their differences by themselves. If that fails, they can also ask the WTO director-general to mediate or try to help in any other way. If consultations fail, the complaining country can ask for a panel to be appointed. Officially, the panel is helping the Dispute Settlement Body make rulings or recommendations.