The implication of the precautionary principle on international trade

Abstract

This paper looks at the origin and nature of the precautionary principle as an emerging principle in international law that arises as a response to the impacts of human activities on the environment. As a chosen focus, this paper discusses the implication of the precautionary principle on international trade by looking at its relationship and interaction with international trade law under the World Trade Organization. This paper explores the consistency and conflicts between the precautionary principle and the rules under the WTO Agreements by examining the different and possibly similar values underlying both. This paper discusses the problem areas where the precautionary principle can conflict with WTO rules as well as explore areas where they can be made to comply with each other.