Nontariff Barriers

Nontariff Barriers (NTBs) and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Nontariff Barriers (NTBs): Measures other than tariffs that burden or restrict international trade. NTBs may be financial (e.g., internal taxes and customs fees) or nonfinancial (e.g., quantitative restrictions and excessive documentation requirements). The term is sometimes used in reference to nongovernmental actions or impediments to trade, such as internal distribution systems that discourage imports, but in GATT contexts the term refers to measures imposed by governments. Negotiations involving reduction of NTBs are generally more difficult than tariff negotiations since NTBs are almost always closely linked to other national policies or programs.