WTO争端解决机制中“禁止反言”的适用

Application of Estoppel in WTO Dispute Settlement System

禁止反言是英美法系中的一个十分重要的概念和原则。在WTO争端解决实践中,禁止反言已经数次被提及,但迄今为止,禁止反言是否适用于WTO成员方间有关WTO协定权利义务的争端还很不清楚。从已通过的专家组和上诉机构报告来看,专家组和上诉机构对将禁止反言引入WTO争端解决机制是很谨慎的。但禁止反言作为一项基本的程序公正概念,不会永远被WTO争端解决机制排除适用。

Estoppel,which is an important concept embodied in common law system,has been invoked in several WTO cases.Nevertheless,so far it is still uncertain whether estoppel can be applied by panels in settling disputes concerning rights and obligations under WTO agreements.Panel or appellate body reports show that they are quite cautious as to whether to introduce"estoppel"to WTO dispute settlement system.This thesis provides an analysis on issues concerning the application of estoppel under the background of WTO legal system,and concludes that as a basic concept on procedural equity,estoppel would not be excluded from application in WTO dispute settlement system forever.