Author
Ms Ronjini Ray
Organisation/Institution
National Law School of India University
Country
INDIA
Panel
International Regulation of Trade
Title
The EU Deforestation Regulation - A WTO consistency analysis and implications on Asian countries
Abstract
This paper examines the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as a paradigm shift in EU law and analyses its implications on certain Asian economies. It maps the core provisions and its stringent legal consequences as well as analysing the specific scope of the covered products viz. cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. Thereafter, the paper evaluates the consistency of the EUDR with international trade law, in particular WTO law. While the EUDR measure may be justifiable on environmental grounds, it risks disproportionate burdens for Asian suppliers, especially SMEs and smallholders in palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, and timber value chains. The paper analyses such implications by synthesising some of the political responses to the EUDR and examining secondary literature demonstrating the quantitative and qualitative impact of the EUDR. In this context, the paper also offers an India-focused case study on domestic law implications, problems that may be faced with compliance and possible additional costs that may be incurred. The paper concludes with recommendations that address some ways the EUDR's disproportionate impact may be mitigated.
Biography
Ronjini is an Assistant Professor at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. Prior to switching to academia, she advised the Government of India on issues related to international economic law in different capacities. She also represented the Government of India in disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Ronjini did her BBA-LLB from Symbiosis Law School, Pune and her LL.M in International Laws specialising in international economic laws from the Graduate Institute, Geneva. Her primary areas of interest are international economic laws, particularly international trade law and its interaction with other international law disciplines.
