Executive summary

With the fall of tariffs in many markets around the world, especially in OECD countries, the focus of trade policymakers has gradually shifted to tackling unnecessary costs associated with non-tariff measures (NTMs). A large body of evidence suggests that NTMs have become relatively more important in trade policy. These measures are mostly non-discriminatory regulations aimed at preserving legitimate interests such as protection of security and health of consumers or the environment. Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are a subset of NTMs and are defined as measures that have a protectionist and discriminatory intent, for example when they are excessive, dissimilar and unjustifiably unrelated to equivalent measures elsewhere or simply poorly implemented.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions