NTBs

Non-Tariff Barriers, commonly referred to as NTBs, are restrictions on international trade that are not related to tariffs or taxes on imported goods. These barriers can take various forms, making it challenging for countries to engage in international trade and compete globally. NTBs can be initiated by governments, private sector entities, or consumer groups and can be institutional or non-institutional in nature.

Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) are a type of non-tariff barrier that refers to policies, procedures, or practices used to regulate international trade. These measures can be either internal (e.g., licensing requirements) or external (e.g., certification requirements) and may include import and export restrictions, product standards, labeling requirements, and other types of regulations. NTMs can be used for legitimate purposes, such as protecting health, safety, or the environment, but can also serve as trade-restrictive or discriminatory measures.

Examples of non-tariff barriers include sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical regulations, and customs procedures. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures refer to policies aimed at protecting human, animal, or plant life or health, while technical regulations cover standards for the design, construction, or performance of products. Custom procedures, such as customs fees and port of entry requirements, can also serve as non-tariff barriers.

The impact of NTBs on international trade is significant, as they can lead to increased trade costs, reduced market access, and higher prices for consumers. Understanding and addressing non-tariff barriers is critical for promoting trade liberalization and reducing trade tensions between countries.