Conclusions and policy options

NTMs can both promote and inhibit trade. Regulations imposed for legitimate public policy objectives can still have trade-impeding effects. First, NTMs can be misused for protectionist reasons, e.g. by setting more stringent requirements than necessary to achieve public policy objectives. Second, companies can experience difficulties complying with NTMs, either due to companies’ capacities or due to procedural obstacles. As a result, the welfare change induced by NTMs is difficult to unravel. ITC evaluates the impact of NTMs by directly surveying exporting and importing enterprises. In order to understand how NTMs affect businesses, the survey also analyses procedural obstacles associated with NTMs and inefficiencies in the trade-related business environment.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions