How do you overcome non-tariff barriers?

1 Know your destination market

Before you export your goods or services, you need to research your destination market and understand the specific NTBs that apply to your product or industry. You can use online tools, such as the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (I-TIP), the International Trade Centre's (ITC) Market Access Map, or the European Commission's Trade Helpdesk, to find information on tariffs, quotas, standards, regulations, and procedures for different countries and sectors. You can also consult with trade associations, chambers of commerce, or trade promotion agencies in your country or region to get advice and support.

2 Comply with standards and certifications

One of the most common types of NTBs is technical barriers to trade (TBTs), which are standards, regulations, or certifications that aim to ensure the quality, safety, or performance of products. TBTs can vary widely across countries and regions, and often require testing, inspection, or certification by accredited bodies. To comply with TBTs, you need to ensure that your products meet the technical requirements of your destination market, and that you have the necessary documentation and labels to prove it. You can also seek recognition or equivalence of your standards or certifications with those of your trading partners, or participate in mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) or harmonization initiatives.

3 Simplify customs procedures

Another common type of NTBs is non-tariff measures (NTMs), which are policies or regulations that affect the conditions of trade, such as customs procedures, rules of origin, licensing, or quotas. NTMs can add time, cost, and uncertainty to your trade operations, and often require extensive paperwork and documentation. To simplify customs procedures, you need to ensure that you have all the required documents and information for your shipment, such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, or certificates of conformity. You can also use electronic systems, such as the Single Window, the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), or the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) Database, to submit and process your documents online and reduce delays and errors.

4 Seek preferential treatment

One of the ways to overcome NTBs is to seek preferential treatment under trade agreements or schemes that offer lower tariffs, quotas, or NTBs for certain products or countries. For example, you can benefit from preferential tariffs or quotas under free trade agreements (FTAs), regional trade agreements (RTAs), or preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) that your country or region has signed with other countries or regions. You can also benefit from preferential NTBs under trade facilitation agreements (TFAs), trade and investment agreements (TIAs), or trade and development agreements (TDAs) that aim to simplify or harmonize trade procedures, standards, or regulations. To seek preferential treatment, you need to check the eligibility and requirements of the trade agreements or schemes that apply to your product or destination market, and obtain the necessary certificates or authorizations.

5 Resolve disputes and challenges

Despite your efforts to comply with NTBs, you may still face disputes or challenges with your trading partners, such as delays, rejections, or fines. In such cases, you need to resolve them as quickly and effectively as possible, and avoid escalation or retaliation. You can use various mechanisms to resolve disputes and challenges, such as dialogue, consultation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. You can also seek assistance from trade facilitation committees, trade dispute settlement bodies, or trade defense instruments, such as the WTO's Dispute Settlement System, the ITC's Trade Obstacles Alert, or the European Commission's Trade Barriers Regulation.

6 Monitor and influence trade policy

Finally, one of the ways to overcome NTBs is to monitor and influence trade policy at the national, regional, or international level. You can stay informed of the latest developments and trends in trade policy, such as new or revised NTBs, trade negotiations, or trade disputes, and assess their impact on your business. You can also participate in trade policy dialogues, consultations, or advocacy, and voice your concerns or suggestions to your trade representatives, policymakers, or stakeholders. You can also join trade networks, coalitions, or platforms, such as the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, the International Chamber of Commerce, or the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD, and collaborate with other traders, businesses, or organizations to overcome NTBs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?