Non-tariff measures: their purpose and effect on trade

Rizwan Mahmood
Rizwan Mahmood
Additional Collector of Customs, Pakistan Customs, Pakistan
Published 05 Nov 2023
Non-tariff measures: their purpose and effect on trade
Adobe Stock
Topic spotlight
Restrictions
According to UNCTAD, 90 % of global trade is subject to non-tariff measures (NTMs). NTMs can increase trade costs three times as much as tariffs. NTMs often lack transparency. This increases uncertainty and unpredictability in global trade. At the same time, NTMs can be beneficial for international trade, as they guarantee quality through certification, provide information about products through labelling, reflect a commitment to socially important issues through labelling and environmental standards, etc. This article briefly describes what non-tariff measures are, what purpose they fulfil and what impact they have.

Related content

Non-tariff measures: the biggest challenges in 2023

Non-tariff measures: the biggest challenges in 2023

19 Nov 2023

Where do we draw the line between non-tariff measures that help governments achieve important goals (e.g. sustainability) and non-tariff barriers that unnecessarily restrict trade? How can SMEs ensure compliance in…

Restrictions
Perspective
Requirements for labelling of vaping products (vapes) on the territory of Russia

Requirements for labelling of vaping products (vapes) on the territory of Russia

Polina Savvina
17 Dec 2021

Until recently, e-cigarettes and their accessories were not subject to precise, unambiguous regulation under Russian law, including requirements on packaging labelling. As a matter of practice, until recently, some market…

Restrictions
Country update
View glossary entry

EU prohibitions and restrictions (P&R): the border controls that aren't about duty

09 Aug 2026

Prohibitions and restrictions (P&R) are the non-fiscal EU controls on goods entering, leaving or moving through the customs territory - imposed to protect health, safety, security, the environment and other…

Restrictions
View glossary entry

CBAM: the carbon price at the EU border

02 Jun 2026

What the carbon border adjustment mechanism covers, the transitional and definitive timelines, who must become an authorised CBAM declarant, and what to present at import.

Restrictions
View glossary entry

REACH: the chemicals rules that customs helps enforce

01 Jun 2026

What REACH requires, who carries the duty to register, and when chemicals under a customs procedure fall inside its scope.

Restrictions
Non-tariff barriers: Chemicals

Non-tariff barriers: Chemicals

Mark Rowbotham
Mark Rowbotham
29 Oct 2023

This talk looks at non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in the chemicals sector, a topic of practical relevance for customs and trade compliance professionals dealing with regulated products across borders. Topics covered…

Restrictions