In a recent preliminary ruling, the World Trade Organization upheld France’s ban on asbestos imports from Canada, a decision that has some enviros and labor rights activists wondering whether the global trade group is becoming a little more sensitive to their issues. The ruling is expected to be made final by September. This is the first time the WTO has upheld a member nation’s trade restriction designed to protect human health. Other WTO member nations might now use the ruling as a precedent to justify similar bans on imports of hazardous materials.
