Quantitative Restriction

Summary of Quantitative Restriction

A limitation on the quantity of a given commodity that may be imported into a country during a specified period of time. A quantitative restriction is manifested as a Quota (read this and related legal terms for further details).

(Main Author: William J. Miller)

Quantitative Restriction (QR) and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Quantitative Restriction (QR): A term that applies to a quota or other administratively determined ceiling on irnports or exports, usually expressed in volume terms, and sometimes specifying the amount that may be imported from each supplying country. QRs are distinguished from trade restrictions that operate through the price mechanism, “T such as a tariff or surcharge. GATT Article 11 generally prohibits QRs, although several exceptions are made.

Hierarchical Display of Quantitative restriction

Trade > International trade > Trade restriction > Non-tariff barrier
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