Canada-Action against South Korea on beef imports.

CANADA-BEEF FOR SOUTH KOREA.

A group of Canadian beef exporters yesterday raised concerns over a Korean beef law passed last year in Korea, saying it is the major cause of the trade dispute between the two countries.

Seoul has banned imports of Canadian beef since May 21, 2003, following a confirmed case of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Canada has filed complaints with the World Trade Organization on Korea’s continued ban of its beef imports, citing violation of international trade rules.

The revised version of the Prevention of Livestock Epidemics Act effectively blocks imports of Canadian beef and meats parts from cattle older than 30 months as the law requires approval from the National Assembly on sanitary conditions of beef imports from countries that have had mad cow disease cases.

The revision of the beef law prohibits imports of beef from countries with reported cases of mad cow disease within the last five years.

"The law is, in effect a discriminatory act for Canada compared to other countries because it makes it hard for countries with (past) BSE cases to export their beef products," Kim Hwan-kyu, Seoul office head of the Canada Beef Export Federation was quoted by Yonhap News as saying.

"This will be the major issue for the bilateral negotiation."

The two countries have been engaged in talks since May 2007, with bilateral talks on the resumption of imports making little headway. The talks began after the World Organization for Animal Health officially categorized Canada as a "Controlled BSE Risk" country, recognizing the effectiveness of the country’s surveillance, mitigation and eradication measures.

Seoul’s most recent on-site inspection mission to Canadian cattle farms took place from Nov. 16-27, 2008.

Kim also expressed concerns on the possibility of the National Assembly delaying the imports of Canadian beef even if the two countries reach agreements.

The law did not state how long the parliament can delay its approval on the import condition, he added.

In the face of Ottawa’s complaints over the beef import negotiations, Seoul recently said it would take an active approach in handling the situation.

"With mad cow cases being reported in the country, it raises questions about Canada’s ability to control its livestock and this is what makes it hard to alleviate public concerns," Agriculture Minister Chang Tae-pyong said recently.

Canada had shipped out 16,400 tons, or $37.4 million worth of beef to Korea the year before it was banned. At the time Canada had the fourth-largest market share in Korea, following the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Canada has reported a total of 15 mad cow cases since 2003. Ottawa says the figure represents the country’s thorough and strict monitoring standards.

It stressed that Canada exported beef to more than 55 countries in 2008, as its trading partners had accepted the OIE’s recognition of Canada’s status.