The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that deals with the rules of trade between nations. One of the agreements under the WTO is Annex 4. Annex 4 covers the trade in dairy products and sets out the rules for the import and export of these products.

Annex 4 was added to the agreement in 1997 as part of the Uruguay Round of negotiations. Its purpose is to establish a fair and free trade system for dairy products between WTO members. The agreement covers a range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt.

Under Annex 4, WTO members agree to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade in dairy products. The agreement also establishes rules for the labeling and testing of dairy products to ensure that they meet safety and quality standards. WTO members are required to notify the organization of any changes to their dairy regulations to ensure that they comply with the agreement.

Annex 4 has been successful in increasing trade in dairy products between WTO members. However, there are still some areas of concern. For example, some countries still maintain high tariffs on dairy products, which can make it difficult for exporters to access these markets. There are also concerns about the use of certain agricultural practices, such as hormone treatments for cows, which can impact the safety and quality of dairy products.

Overall, Annex 4 is an important agreement for the global dairy industry. It has helped to increase trade, reduce barriers to entry, and establish standards for safety and quality. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all WTO members comply with the agreement and that the dairy industry continues to grow and prosper. As such, it will continue to be an important agreement for years to come.