The "free trade" or "fair trade" debate has various aspects. One facet is the possible contradiction between national environmental law and rules governing international trade. Different levels of national environmental protection - as recently exemplified in the well-known "Tuna I Dolphin" controversy - can lead to serious legal problems. This article analyzes a recent EC Regulation regarding the ban on cruel leghold traps and its compatibility with WTO rules, searching for the answer to the question "free trade or animal welfare trade?"
European Energy and Environmental Law Review