import clearance measures and practices in june 1995 the united states informed the committee that it had held formal consultations with korea regarding its inspection and testing methods. korea indicated that although consultations had been productive there was a high degree of ambiguity in the implementation of the agreement. the parties had noted the lack of international standards in the area and countries maintained very diverse practices. in may 1996 the united states expressed serious concern regarding koreas import clearance measures and practices which were not based on science did not conform to international practice or standards and were deliberately employed to discourage food and agricultural imports. the united states had submitted a formal request for consultations. korea replied that these issues had been discussed extensively in a series of bilateral consultations with the united states and other countries. korea had taken various measures to comply with the sps agreement but encountered problems common to developing countries a low level of sanitary infrastructure lack of experience and information and lack of relevant international standards. however korea would continue to adapt its measures to the sps agreement. in october 1996 the united states reported on ongoing discussions with korea. the united states expected reforms to shorten the import clearance process in korea without additional burdensome requirements with a period for comments by wto members. korea answered that an ambitious reform programme had been launched the previous year including the establishment of an advanced inspection and quarantine system by the end of 1996. in march 1997 the united states noted that consultations continued. although korea had implemented some changes concerns remained. korea indicated that it would continue its efforts to conform its sanitary and phytosanitary legislation to the sps agreement. in july 1997 the united states reported that after five rounds of consultations under the wto dispute settlement procedure some korean import clearance laws and regulations had been reformed. however since january new problems had arisen. the united states would continue to address these concerns in bilateral consultations until clearance times in korean ports were similar to those in similar ports. korea took note of the us comments. in october 1997 the united states noted that although some progress had been made there seemed to be problems with the implementation of certain changes korea had agreed to make. the representative of korea indicated that in his view the new import clearance system was in full compliance with the sps agreement however the us concerns would be conveyed to the competent authorities in the capital. in july 2001 the united states indicated that bilateral consultations initiated under the dispute settlement framework resulted in a mutually satisfactory and positive outcome g sps gen 265 . the united states considered this trade concern resolved.