Non Tariff Measures
Non Tariff Measures (NTMs) are all measures other than normal tariffs namely trade related procedures, regulations, standards, licencing systems and even trade defense measures such as anti-dumping duties etc which have the effect of restricting trade between nations. Some of these measures could be justified under the provisions or the exceptions provided under the various multilateral agreements governing international trade. On the other hand, certain non tariff measures which cannot be justified under any of these legal provisions are normally termed as non tariff barriers (NTBs).
With the lowering of tariffs across the globe, NTMs have come into prominence with Members using these measures to erect entry barriers for goods and services. It is therefore, not surprising that the developed countries with relatively lower tariffs are the more prolific users of NTMs / NTBs especially to keep out developing country exports.
To make the website more user friendly, we have divided the regulations/notification requirements of products that have been described at eight digit HS Code into two parts.
Ø SPS Requirements
Ø TBT Requirement
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS):
SPS requirements are those regulations, which are directly or indirectly related to food for human, animal and plants. Chapters 1 to Chapter 24 of the harmonized system of codes for products are included into this category.SPS requirements are further subdivided into four categories.
1. General Regulations
2. Special Regulations
3. Food Additives
4. Pesticides and Drugs
1. General Regulations:
General regulations are those general import guidelines or requirements prescribed by any country, which exporters need to follow while exporting products into the respective country. General regulations are common for all HS codes. However, if any product specific regulations or requirements or guidelines or standard exist, then these regulations will only form the base for exporting that particular product. In cases where no product specific regulation exists then these regulations fully govern the import requirement for that product. Therefore, when you open SPS regulation against your product kindly check what all requirements are put against your product. Please click first the general regulation to see what is covered under this regulation and whether you meet those requirements for export of that product to the respective country.
2. Specific Regulations:
Specific regulations cover import requirements of products at a specific level. Specific regulations cover products at a 2 digit, 4 digit, 6 digit or 8 digit levels. E.g. a specific regulation for 2-digit level is available and there is no corresponding 4 digit, 6-digit or 8-digit specific regulation available. In that case the specific regulation at 2 digit level will be applicable for the corresponding 4 digit, 6 digit and 8 digit HS codes. Kindly check if there is a specific regulation put against your product at either a 2-digit, 4-digit, 6-digit or a 8-digit level. If there is none then no such requirement is applicable. If there is a specific requirement kindly check if you meet that requirement before exporting that product to the respective country.
3. Food Additives:
Food additives are substances that are added to food to preserve flavour or enhance its taste and appearance. Countries either have their own “Web Data Base” for food additives or prescribed regulations for standards and specification of food additives used in food products. Exporters need to check the listing provided against each product to understand the food additive that is prescribed for the product of export.
4. Pesticides MRLs:
Pesticides are substances or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. Countries either have their own “Web Data Base” for pesticides or prescribed regulations for residue levels for pesticides used in food products. Exporters need to look at the list of pesticides and their residue levels from the database provided against each product.
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT):
TBT requirements are the technical requirements applicable for exports of products. Chapters 25 to Chapter 98 are included into this category. TBT requirements are further subdivided into two categories.
1. General Regulations
2. Special Regulations
1. General Regulations:
General regulations are those general import guidelines or requirements prescribed by any country, which exporters need to follow while exporting products into the respective country. General regulations are common for all HS codes. However, if any product specific regulations or requirements or guidelines or standard exist, then these regulations will only form the base for exporting that particular product. In cases where no product specific regulation exists then these regulations fully govern the import requirement for that product. Therefore, when you open TBT regulation against your product kindly check what all requirements are put against your product. Please click first the general regulation to see what is covered under this regulation and whether you meet those requirements for export of that product to the respective country.
2. Specific Regulations:
Specific regulations cover import requirements of products at a specific level. Specific regulations cover products at a 2 digit, 4 digit, 6 digit or 8 digit levels. E.g. a specific regulation for 2-digit level is available and there is no corresponding 4-digit, 6-digit or 8-digit specific regulation available. In that case the specific regulation at 2-digit level will be applicable for the corresponding 4 digit, 6 digit and 8 digit HS codes. Kindly check if there is a specific regulation put against your product at either a 2-digit, 4-digit, 6-digit or a 8-digit level. If there is none then no such requirement is applicable. If there is a specific requirement kindly check if you meet that requirement before exporting that product to the respective country.
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