Bolivia, pioneer in requesting prejudicial interpretations to the Andean Community

By Orpan

Bolivia is a pioneer in requesting prejudicial interpretations to the Andean Community of Nations (CAN, for its name in Spanish), according to Cecilia Ayllón, judge of the Andean Tribunal of Justice. During a bilateral event held on December 7 and 8 at the National Intellectual Property Service (Senapi) of Bolivia, Ayllón said that Bolivia has sent 13 requests for prejudicial interpretations to the CAN, therefore being one of the most active countries of the region.

The Andean Community is a customs union comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Prejudicial interpretation is a mechanism by which Andean Community member countries request guidance from the Andean Tribunal of Justice in relation to specific points of Andean Community law. It is an essential component of the Andean legal system in that it allows for the uniform application of Andean legislation throughout the territory. 

The meeting between members of the Andean Tribunal of Justice and employees of Senapi allowed the exchange of ideas regarding prejudicial interpretations. "As a result of the requests for prejudicial interpretations, Senapi has made good progress and is respecting the Tribunal's interpretation parameters" said Ayllón.