Non‑tariff barriers

About — Non‑tariff barriers

Non‑tariff barriers (NTBs) are regulatory or procedural measures—such as quotas, licensing requirements, or standards—that restrict imports without using customs duties. They shape trade patterns, protect domestic producers, and are a central focus of WTO dispute settlements. For instance, the EU’s stringent sanitary‑phytosanitary rules have effectively barred Argentine beef imports since 2019.