Definition. Trade Policies: Guiding principles that govern the matters concerning trade. Non-tariff Barriers: All means or situation other than common tariffs that may prevent achieving cheaper and faster trade flows.

Overview. Non-tariff barriers, which may be under the umbrella of special standards and/or technical requirements, hinder trade and lower social welfare. Disguised protectionism trade policies and non-tariff barriers seriously enhance conformity costs, which leads to higher deadweight loss of social welfare than the equivalent tariff barriers. The resulting transaction cost may reach the choking level that practically eliminates potential trade partners, in particular the small vulnerable ones, from the market. Increasing trade policy transparency and reducing non-tariff barriers are essential to the deepening of trade liberalisation.

Where to Start. Analysis of Non-Tariff Measures: The Case of Export Restrictions; Overview of Non-Tariff Barriers: Findings from Existing Business Surveys

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