The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) deals with disputes between WTO members. Such disputes may arise with respect to any agreement contained in the Final Act of the Uruguay Round.
The DSB has a broad structure as it is made up of representatives from all member governments. The members from different countries are usually represented by ambassadors or people with equivalent position.
For the discharge of dispute settlement responsibilities, the General Council of the WTO has rules and procedures which are contained in the Dispute Settlement Understandings (DSU). Based on the DSU legal framework, the responsibility of dispute settlement is done by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB).
Dispute settlement under WTO is a process often involving many stages. There are other bodies within the DSB like dispute settlement panel and appellate body that look after the various dispute settlement procedures. The main authorities and responsibilities of the DSB are:
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To establish dispute settlement panels,
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To adopt panel and Appellate Body reports,
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To maintain surveillance of implementation of rulings and recommendations and
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To authorize the suspension of obligations under the covered agreements of the DSU.
The DSB has one regular monthly meeting. But it meets whenever it is necessary to carry out the dispute settlement functions. When a Member requests, the Director-General convenes additional special meetings.
