Topics in Brief

• Author: International Law Group

IMO strengthens international marine pollution standards

On October 20, 2005, the secretary general of the U N.'s International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced updates in its efforts to reduce marine pollution. Annexe VI of MARPOL or the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships [London, November 2, 1973; T.I.A.S. 10561, as amended] came into force in May 2005, setting limits to sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships. It also bans the intentional emission of ozone-depleting substances. The Annexe lays down a global cap of 4.5% by mass on the sulphur content of fuel oil. The sulphur content of fuel in a specially designated control areas such as the Baltic is not to go above 1.5%. Alternatively, the ship has to install an exhaust gas cleaning system or use other methods to limit emissions. The IMO has ordered a further review of Annexe VI and of the NOX technical code in the hopes of updating the regulations by 2007. IMO's most important future aim is to set up a voluntary audit scheme for Member States to monitor their compliance (or lack of same) with IMO's anti-pollution rules.

Citation: Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC [EII], International Cruise and Ferry Review, Thursday, September 22, 2005 (copyrights of Gale Group, Inc., and EII).

WTO Council consents to Saudi Arabia's membership

On November 11, 2005, the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) finally adopted the terms of accession for Saudi Arabia. The negotiations began in 1993, and resulted in approximately 600 pages of legal texts. Among Saudi Arabia's commitments to open trade and integration into the world economy are: (1) elimination of Saudi Arabia's non-tariff measures that violate WTO trading rules; (2) avoidance of export subsidies on agricultural products; and (3) reduction of tariffs in stages until 2015. The accession will take effect on December 11, 2005.

Citation: WTO Press Release #420 of 11 November 2005.

U S., EU, Japan, Korea and Taiwan agree on...