Local content requirements in WTO law: between free trade and the right to development
In the international arena, there is a strong rhetoric against a type of industrial policy measure called local content requirements (LCRs). They are often characterised, especially by developed countries, as protectionist measures. However, under certain circumstances, LCRs can have a central role in a country’s development process. Indeed, both developed and developing countries use them to boost their economies.
Despite this developmental aspect of LCRs, WTO (World Trade Organization) rules restrict their use. The WTO Agreement, however, has a development dimension and WTO law is supposed to be read in light of the wider corpus of international law. The right to development, in turn, is a principle rooted in core human rights treaties, is consolidated in several instruments of soft law nature and could potentially play a role in the interpretation of WTO provisions.
In this scenario, the thesis investigates if it is possible to further a development-oriented interpretation of WTO rules affecting LCRs so that those measures that incorporate genuine development goals are not considered a violation of WTO rules.
Click here for the live stream.
Also read
-
ITEM starts a new chapter with Martin Unfried as director
As of 15 October 2025, Martin Unfried will become the new Director of the Institute for Transnational and Euregional Cross-Border Cooperation and Mobility (ITEM). He succeeds Professor Anouk Bollen-Vandenboorn, who has developed ITEM over the past ten years with great enthusiasm and determination.
-
Faculty of Law alumni are satisfied and perform strongly on the labour market
The latest Maastricht University Graduate Surveys 2025 once again show that our graduates look back positively on their studies.
-
Elvira Loibl Appointed Endowed Professor of Recognition, Dialogue, and Recovery After Intercountry Adoption by the University for Humanistic Studies
Effective October 1st, Elvira Loibl has been appointed Endowed Professor of Recognition, Dialogue, and Recovery After Intercountry Adoptions at the University of Humanistic Studies. The chair is established by the INEA Expertise Center for Intercountry Adoption.
