NON TARIFF MEASURES (NTMS)

Non Tariff Measures (NTMs) are all measures other than normaltariffs 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 tradebetween nations. Some of these measures could be justified underthe provisions or the exceptions provided under the variousmultilateral agreements governing international trade. On the otherhand, certain non tariff measures which cannot be justified underany of these legal provisions are normally termed as non tariffbarriers (NTBs).

With the lowering of tariffs across the globe, NTMs have comeinto prominence with Members using these measures to erectentry barriers for goods and services. It is therefore, not surprisingthat the developed countries with relatively lower tariffs are themore prolific users of NTMs / NTBs especially to keep outdeveloping country exports.