The Legal Definition of GATT 1947 and Its Role in Global Trade

Definition & Meaning

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1947 is an international treaty established to promote trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. It was signed on October 30, 1947, and is part of the Final Act from the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Employment. GATT 1947 has been amended and modified over the years through various legal instruments that were effective before the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement came into force.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

One example of GATT 1947 in action is when a country seeks to impose tariffs on imported goods. If the tariffs exceed those agreed upon under GATT, affected countries may file a complaint through the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism. (Hypothetical example.)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
GATT 1947 An international treaty focused on reducing trade barriers. Established before the WTO; foundational for international trade.
GATT 1994 The updated version of GATT, incorporated into the WTO Agreement. Includes additional provisions and is part of the WTO framework.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in international trade and believe GATT 1947 may apply to your situation, consider the following steps:

  • Review the specific tariffs and trade agreements relevant to your goods.
  • Consult legal templates available on US Legal Forms to draft necessary documents.
  • If facing a trade dispute, seek professional legal advice to navigate the complexities of international law.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Established October 30, 1947
Purpose To promote international trade by reducing tariffs
Governing Body World Trade Organization (WTO)

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

GATT 1994 is an updated version of GATT 1947 that includes more comprehensive rules and is part of the WTO Agreement.