India, Brazil moving ahead with WTO complaint against EU

India and Brazil have said they intend to make the European Union defend its actions over seizures of generic drugs in transit in front of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

A Reuters report published yesterday (October 22) noted that the two countries have requested consultations over the row (for further information see also our NGOs slam EU customs seizures article), adding that this is the first stage in launching a formal trade dispute.

India and Brazil are incensed by seizures of legitimate generic drugs, manufactured in and destined for markets outside the EU, which have been intercepted at EU borders in transit to their destination.

The seizures have included essential drugs for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, schizophrenia and dementia, and are having a material impact on access to medicines for people in developing countries, they assert.

You can read the Reuters report here.