Exempting and Justifying Covid-19 Related Export Restrictions Under WTO Law

Abstract

WTO Members have adopted various trade-related measures under their domestic laws in response to the outbreak of Covid-19. The article discusses ways to exempt or justify quantitative export restrictions or bans which are in principle prohibited by Article XI:1 GATT.To this end, it sheds a light on the different scopes and requirements of Article XI:2 (a), Article XX (b) and ( j) GATT, as well as of Article XXI (b) (iii) GATT. The article finds that the GATT provides a solid legal framework for both the exemption and justification for Covid-19 related trade measures; additionally, it raises the question of whether Article XXI (b) (iii) GATT likewise provides an appropriate legal basis to justify Covid-19 related trade restrictions. Covid-19, pandemic and trade, export restrictions, WTO exceptions, national security