Under the PSFTA, both Parties agreed to a robust dispute settlement system that first seeks to reach mutually satisfactory resolutions through consultations.

Consultations shall be held within 30 days after the date of receipt of the request for consultations. Consultations on matters regarding perishable goods  shall commence within 10 days after the date of receipt of the request.

If the Parties are unable to resolve, then Party may in writing refer the matter to the Administrative Commission established under Article 17.1 (Administrative Commission of the Agreement) which shall endeavour to resolve the dispute. If the Administrative Commission has not resolved the dispute, then an arbitral panel can be established.

The arbitral panel shall, within 90 days, present to the Parties an initial report. If the arbitral panel considers that it cannot provide its report within 90 days, it shall inform the Parties in writing of the reasons for the delay together with an estimate of the period within which it will provide its report. It should provide the report no later than within 120 days.

The arbitral panel shall present a final report to the Parties, including any separate opinions on matters not unanimously agreed, within 45 days of presentation of the initial report. The Parties shall release the final report to the public within 15 days.