Common use of Article 189. Suspension of Benefits Clause in Contracts

Article 189. Suspension of Benefits. 1. The complaining Party may, at any time thereafter, communicate in writing to the Party complained against its intention to suspend the application of benefits in 30 days upon reception of such communication,if: (a) the disputing Parties are unable to agree on a compensation within 30 days after the period for establishing such compensation has begun, or the Party complained against has failed to observe the terms of the agreed compensation within 30 days following such agreement; (b) the Panel under the Article 187 (Examination of the Implementation) finds that the Party complained against fails to bring the measure found to be inconsistent with this Agreement into compliance with the recommendations of the Panel within the period of time established; or (c) the Party complained against expresses in writing that it will not implement the recommendations. 2. The complaining Party may initiate the suspension of benefits within 30 days following the latest date between the date of the communication pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article and the date when the Panel issued its report pursuant to Article 190 (Examination of Benefit Suspension Level). 3. The level of benefits to be suspended shall have an equivalent effect to the benefits not being received. 4. In considering what benefits to suspend pursuant to paragraph 1: (a) the complaining Party should first seek to suspend benefits in the same sector or sectors affected by the measure; and (b) if the complaining Party considers that it is not practicable or effective to suspend benefits in the same sector or sectors, it may suspend benefits in other sectors. The communication in which it announces such a decision shall indicate the reasons on which it is based.