Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in International Trade
Non-tariff barriers are trade restrictions that use mechanisms other than import/export duties to control the volume of goods traded between countries. They include technical regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and sustainability standards. While often framed as consumer protection or environmental goals, NTBs can function as protectionist tools.
- NTBs are governed under WTO frameworks including the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).
- Developed nations frequently impose NTBs that developing country exporters find difficult to comply with due to cost and technical capacity gaps.
- Common forms: labelling requirements, product standards, traceability mandates, carbon border adjustment mechanisms.
- The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and now the DPP represent a new generation of sustainability-linked NTBs.
● Tracked since March 06, 2026 · last seen April 01, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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