US, Japan file WTO complaint against EU.

GENEVA--The US and Japan in May filed complaints with the World Trade Organization over tariffs the European Union imposes on certain electronics devices.

The EU says at least three new technology products fall outside the 1996 Information Technology Agreement to eliminate duties worldwide; the US Trade Representative's office says the original agreement is being undermined. The contested products include computer monitors, cable converter boxes and printers.

US Trade Representative Susan Schwab advises the EU to permanently abolish new duties and cease controlling tariffs to deter technological advances, say published reports.

The original accord eliminates tariffs on high-tech products among the largest makers and consumers of electronic goods, saving producers $5 billion annually, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (cea.org).

In a statement, the EU's executive European Commission "strongly rejects" the US and Japanese complaints, and says it is "willing to reassess the current ITA product coverage to reflect new technology in a negotiation with all ITA signatories. However, the US refuses to do this."

The US is required to file a request for consultations at the WTO first, and then could ask for a panel to judge the complaint after 60 days.