Also known as: NTBs, Non-tariff measures, Trade barriers
Restrictions on international trade other than tariffs, including quotas, permits, technical standards, sanitary requirements, and other obstacles that hinder or increase the cost of importing goods.
Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are all restrictions on international trade that do not consist of tariff charges. They include a wide range of government measures that can hinder, increase the cost of, or prevent the import or export of goods. While tariffs have decreased globally thanks to WTO agreements, NTBs have become the main obstacle to world trade.
Not all NTBs are protectionist. Sanitary, phytosanitary, and safety standards are legitimate and necessary. The problem arises when these measures are designed or applied in a discriminatory manner to favor domestic producers.
Free trade agreements, in addition to reducing tariffs, include chapters on non-tariff measures, customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade, seeking to minimize NTBs between member countries.
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)
Measures other than tariffs that countries impose on international trade to protect health, safety, environment, and domestic industry.
RegulationsMexican Official Standard (NOM)
Mandatory technical regulation establishing requirements and specifications that products and services must meet in Mexico.
TradeDumping
An unfair trade practice of exporting goods at a price lower than their normal value in the domestic market of the country of origin, causing or threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry of the importing country.
TariffsTariff-Rate Quota (TRQ)
A quota or determined volume of goods that can be imported at a reduced preferential tariff; once the quota is exhausted, additional imports pay the higher general tariff.