ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Viet Nam: Business perspectives - Invisible barriers to trade

Viet Nam: Business perspectives - Invisible barriers to trade

Nearly half of Vietnamese exporters face regulatory or procedural trade barriers, according to an International Trade Centre survey of 1800 businesses. Lack of trade information, complexities with certification and compliance, administrative delays in some regions, and complex visa requirements and lack of support for women entrepreneurs were among the top challenges. Abroad, Asia and Europe have the most challenging non-tariff measures. Public-private dialogues following the survey led to an action plan that emphasized business environment reforms, e-government to reduce delays and improve transparency, more international regulatory cooperation, and better trade facilitation measures. The report includes a matrix of concrete actions for the trade ecosystem as well as specific sectors.

Non-Tariff Measures in the Textile and Clothing Sector: Company Perspectives from Agadir Member States

Non-Tariff Measures in the Textile and Clothing Sector: Company Perspectives from Agadir Member States

This report offers insights into the regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade facing businesses in member states of the Agadir trade agreement, based on a comprehensive survey of exporters and importers in the textile and clothing sector. It seeks to provide an understanding of the barriers that hold back exporters and importers, and to identify potential bottlenecks to trade. In doing so, it endeavours to help the private sector and the government to create an enabling business environment, ultimately underpinning export competitiveness.

Niger : Perspective des entreprises – Les barrières invisibles au commerce

Niger : Perspective des entreprises – Les barrières invisibles au commerce

La présente enquête du Centre du commerce international (ITC) sur les mesures non tarifaires présente les nombreux défis relatifs au contrôle de la qualité des exportations et à la transparence de l’information notamment concernant : la mise en conformité des produits agricoles comme l’oignon de Galmi, le kilichi ou encore les cuirs et peaux, et le manque d’information des exportateurs sur le système de certification des produits au niveau national.

Making Regional Integration Work COMPANY PERSPECTIVES ON NON-TARIFF MEASURES IN ASIA-PACIFIC

Making Regional Integration Work COMPANY PERSPECTIVES ON NON-TARIFF MEASURES IN ASIA-PACIFIC

This joint ITC- ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) publication reveals that the integration efforts led by countries in the region have brought down tariffs, increased connectivity and helped achieve regulatory harmonisation, boosting intra- and extra-regional trade. Yet, many non-tariff obstacles to trade persist, posing challenges to exporters and importers in the region. Insights are drawn from over 9,000 interviews with businesses in 11 Asia-Pacific countries.

Made by Africa: Creating Value through Integration

Made by Africa: Creating Value through Integration

Pharmaceuticals, baby food, cotton clothing and cars are the four focus value chains of this report. Together they are poised to increase intraregional trade in Africa and create jobs for women and youth. The sectors were selected from 94 promising value chains and reflect African goals to improve food security, health and tech skills – making them strategic choices for governments and investors. The report is based on over 10 000 interviews with firms, business support organizations, industry experts and other stakeholders. The report was developed in partnership with the African Union and the European Union.

United Republic of Tanzania: Invisible barriers to trade - Business perspectives

United Republic of Tanzania: Invisible barriers to trade - Business perspectives

More than a third of Tanzanian companies have fully or partially resolved trade obstacles in the last six years. Government-led initiatives and regulatory reforms have helped ease exporters’ difficulties. This second ITC survey in the United Republic of Tanzania also finds that 72% of exporters – especially those exporting agricultural commodities – still struggle to comply with domestic and foreign trade-related regulations and procedures. These measures undermine exporters’ competitiveness and ability to access international markets. The report suggests that establishing a single window to meet export-related requirements and improving international recognition of conformity assessments are vital to develop Tanzanian exports.

Oman: Business Perspectives. Country report on non-tariff measures

Oman: Business Perspectives. Country report on non-tariff measures

This report provides insights on the regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade faced by Omani companies based on a comprehensive survey of exporters and importers. It provides a better understanding of the hurdles that hold back exporters and importers, and identifies potential bottlenecks related to trade procedures and cross-border operations.

Sudan: Business Perspectives

Sudan: Business Perspectives

Lack of transparent and timely trade-related information is a key hurdle for Sudanese exporters. ITC’s business survey on non-tariff measures found that most Sudanese exporters face regulatory or procedural trade-related obstacles. The report recommends streamlining trade procedures, upgrading domestic infrastructure and adopting digitally oriented solutions such as a trade information portal.

Invisible Barriers to Trade - Pakistan: Business perspectives

Invisible Barriers to Trade - Pakistan: Business perspectives

Upgrading quality infrastructure and enforcing quality compliance are key to Pakistan’s export development. A survey of almost 1,200 companies on non-tariff measures found that more than half of Pakistani exporters face regulatory or procedural trade-related obstacles. The report recommends strengthening the quality and customs infrastructure in Pakistan. Adopting digitally oriented solutions such as an integrated trade portal is essential to give necessary guidance to exporters.

Firms characteristics and obstacles to ICT services trade

Firms characteristics and obstacles to ICT services trade

This report provides a preliminary overview of the ICT companies’ characteristics in Uganda, focusing specifically on those which already export, in order to gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by international trade in ICT services. It is based on the Ugandan ICT sector descriptive statistics collected as part of the implementation of the ITC NTF IV Uganda project

From Europe to the World: Understanding Challenges for European Businesswomen

From Europe to the World: Understanding Challenges for European Businesswomen

Getting more women to trade beyond the European Union will require policies that go beyond trade. Policies are needed to get women to set up and grow their businesses in high-growth potential industries, enter export markets, and enjoy equal rights and opportunities in the labour market. Trade policymakers can be part of the solution, by leveraging the platform provided by free trade agreements. This report captures the links between women, companies they lead or work for, and trade outside the EU. Among the 1,118 firms surveyed in 12 EU countries, women are under-represented at all levels, and face various challenges.

 Jordan: Company Perspectives - An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Jordan: Company Perspectives - An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

More than two-thirds of Jordanian companies face difficulties with non-tariff measures when exporting or importing. Inconsistent application of regulations creates major obstacles for Jordanian exporters. The problems caused by conformity assessment requirements and procedures are a key source of concern. This report recommends strengthening officials’ capacity, increasing assistance to the private sector and deepening the dialogue with Saudi Arabia to facilitate transit and direct trade.

الأردن: وجهة نظر الشركات

الأردن: وجهة نظر الشركات

تتعرض نسبة تتجاوز ثلثي الشركات الأردنیة لصعوبات تنجم عن تطبیق تدابیر غیر تعریفیة عند الاضطلاع بعملیات تصدیر أو استیراد. وینجم عن التفاوت في تطبیق اللوائح التنظیمیة عقبات ھائلة تعترض المسار أمام شركات التصدیر الأردنیة. وتُعد المشكلات الناجمة عن المتطلبات والإجراءات ذات الصلة بتقییم المطابقة بمثابة مبعث اھتمام كبیر. ویوصي ھذا التقریر بتعزیز قدرات المسؤولین، وزیادة المساعدات الموجھة نحو القطاع الخاص، وتعمیق الحوار مع المملكة العربیة السعودیة بغیة تيسير التجارة العابرة والمباشرة على حد سواء.

Ethiopia: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Ethiopia: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

The majority of Ethiopian exporters and importers face a number of challenges associated with conformity assessments and clearance formalities, such as delays, lack of specific facilities and administrative burdens. Based on 231 interviews, this new ITC report recommends enhancing Ethiopia’s quality-related infrastructure and capacity, improving production techniques, simplifying procedures and disseminating relevant information. It also suggests integrating the business perspective in domestic procedures, and ensuring competitive services to the export sector.

Bangladesh: Company perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Bangladesh: Company perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Over 90% of Bangladeshi exporters are facing regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade. A survey of 1,000 companies in Bangladesh identified long waiting times, administrative hurdles and lack of accredited laboratories in the country to be the main causes of the reported difficulties when exporting or importing. The report recommends upgrading domestic infrastructure and streamlining procedures, enhancing enterprise competitiveness and sector development, and improving transparency in trade and trade facilitation.

Dominican Republic: Company Perspectives (Spanish)

Dominican Republic: Company Perspectives (Spanish)

Pre-export procedures are one of the main trade challenges of small businesses in the Dominican Republic, according to ITC interviews with more than 800 local businesses. The good news is that overcoming those hurdles is relatively easy. The report recommends reinforcing coordination and integration among institutions. Since 2010, ITC has conducted business surveys on non-tariff measures in 43 countries

Kyrgyzstan: Company Perspectives - An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Kyrgyzstan: Company Perspectives - An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Inadequate export quality infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan is a key obstacle for Kyrgyz exporters. A survey of over 300 companies on non-tariff measures (NTMs) found 58% of Kyrgyz exporters to be facing challenges with various regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade. Inadequate testing and certification facilities in the country is a major challenge making compliance with technical requirements difficult – especially those of the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union.

Kyrgyzstan: Company Perspectives - An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures (Russian)

Kyrgyzstan: Company Perspectives - An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures (Russian)

Inadequate export quality infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan is a key obstacle for Kyrgyz exporters. A survey of over 300 companies on non-tariff measures (NTMs) found 58% of Kyrgyz exporters to be facing challenges with various regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade. Inadequate testing and certification facilities in the country is a major challenge making compliance with technical requirements difficult – especially those of the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union.

Favoriser l’intégration régionale – Perspectives des entreprises sur les mesures non tarifaires dans les États arabes

Favoriser l’intégration régionale – Perspectives des entreprises sur les mesures non tarifaires dans les États arabes

Le commerce entre les États arabes reste faible malgré un nombre important d’accords commerciaux entre ces pays. La lourdeur des procédures commerciales domestiques expliqueraient en partie ce phénomène selon des enquêtes réalisées auprès des entreprises en Égypte, au Maroc, en Palestine et en Tunisie. Cette publication est la première à examiner les enquêtes dans un contexte régional. Elle offre un aperçu des principaux défis au commerce intra et extra régional et suggère des solutions pour les surmonter. Ces enquêtes font partie d’une série de projets de l’ITC sur les mesures non tarifaires dans les pays en développement.

Making regional integration work - Company perspectives on non-tariff measures in Arab States (Arabic)

Making regional integration work - Company perspectives on non-tariff measures in Arab States (Arabic)

Intraregional trade among Arab States is low compared with other regions. This publication offers insights into the main challenges to trade, both within and beyond the region, and suggests how to address them. It shares the perspectives of exporters and importers, which were captured through business surveys conducted by ITC in Egypt, Morocco, the State of Palestine and Tunisia. The surveys are part of an ITC series of developing-country projects on non-tariff measures (NTMs). This is the first such publication to examine country surveys in a regional context. (Arabic)

Making regional integration work - Company perspectives on non-tariff measures in Arab States

Making regional integration work - Company perspectives on non-tariff measures in Arab States

Intraregional trade among Arab States is low compared with other regions. This publication offers insights into the main challenges to trade, both within and beyond the region, and suggests how to address them. It shares the perspectives of exporters and importers, which were captured through business surveys conducted by ITC in Egypt, Morocco, the State of Palestine and Tunisia. The surveys are part of an ITC series of developing-country projects on non-tariff measures (NTMs). This is the first such publication to examine country surveys in a regional context. (English, 2015)

The Comoros: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures (French)

The Comoros: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures (French)

Comorian exports of cloves and vanillas, two of the country’s key products, are extremely limited by trade barriers according to an ITC business survey on non-tariff measures. Overall, regulatory and procedural obstacles to trade affect nearly three-quarter of exporters in the Comoros. Taxes and lack of infrastructure affect the competitiveness of small businesses. The report suggests streamlining the tax system, strengthening certification and testing institutions, and improving information transparency.

Uganda: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Uganda: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Nearly half of Ugandan companies face challenges with non-tariff measures (NTMs), according to an ITC business survey. Certification, labelling, packaging and rules of origin are their biggest challenges. Stronger quality infrastructure within the country will boost the competitiveness of small businesses, including laboratories for testing and certification. NTMs often create procedural obstacles such as delays, insufficient facilities and administrative hurdles, either in destination markets or in Uganda itself. Automated border clearance will help streamlining the export procedures and increase transparency.

Mali: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Mali: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

More than 65% of exporters in Mali suffer from challenges related to non-tariff measures (NTMs), according to an ITC survey. Exports of fresh fruits are the most affected. Lack of technical capacity for quality management especially affect exports to the European Union. The absence of mutual recognition of official documents and lack of transparency in inspection and taxation procedures hamper trade within the region. The report recommends a national strategy for agricultural quality management and greater transparency for customs formalities.

Ecuador: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Ecuador: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

One in five Ecuadorian exporters face challenges with non-tariff measures (NTMs). Major challenges for Ecuadorian exports are conformity assessments, rules of origin, and export clearance procedures. Three-quarters of the challenges relate to regulations of destination countries, the other 25% relate to regulations in Ecuador itself. Even though exporters face difficulties linked to regulations, they do not question the validity of regulations but their implementation. Eighty-five per cent of NTM-related obstacles are due to procedures at national institutions, such as delays and numerous or excessive documentation. The report recommends for Ecuador to improve its trade facilitation and efficiency in export-related procedures.

Nepal: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Nepal: Company Perspectives – An ITC Series on Non-Tariff Measures

Inadequate export quality infrastructure is seriously affecting Nepalese exporters. Half of 577 surveyed companies in Nepal (exporters, producers, logistics providers) face difficulties in proving compliance for buyer requirements, due to inadequate testing and certification bodies. The report recommends strengthening Nepal’s quality and customs infrastructure, better engagement with India for transit and trade facilitation, and enhancing the export production capacity of small businesses.

Benin: Company Perspectives - An ITC series on non-tariff measures (French)

Benin: Company Perspectives - An ITC series on non-tariff measures (French)

Three-quarters of exporters in Benin suffer from challenges related to non-tariff measures (NTMs), according to an ITC survey of 360 companies. Fresh pineapples and fruit juices are among the most affected products. Despite strong export potential, rigorous EU sanitary standards and neighbouring countries’ surcharges are hampering small businesses. Survey results suggest streamlining certification procedures and greater transparency for customs formalities.

Philippines: Company perspectives – An ITC Series on non-tariff measures

Philippines: Company perspectives – An ITC Series on non-tariff measures

Trade rules and procedures pose challenges for 73% of surveyed businesses in the Philippines, according to ITC interviews with over 1000 exporters and importers. The survey results offer the Philippine government to address non-tariff measures in the domestic business environment, based on detailed analysis of challenges across many sectors and markets. The report recommends strengthening the inter-agency National Committee on Trade Facilitation to align and sustain trade facilitation efforts. Priority should go to lowering firms’ expenses for conformity assessment requirements; streamlining customs clearance procedures; and streamlining procedures for export licenses, permits and certificates of origin.

Navigating Non-Tariff Measures: Insights From A Business Survey in the European Union

Navigating Non-Tariff Measures: Insights From A Business Survey in the European Union

European exporters have similar experiences with non-tariff measures (NTMs) as developing countries, especially for procedures related to technical regulations, conformity assessment and rules of origin. An ITC-European Commission survey, based on 8100 company interviews in all 28 European Union (EU) countries, reveals that more than a third of European exporters encounter burdensome NTMs, both within their countries and in destination markets. The report, unprecedented in scope, provides insight into trade-related technical assistance, so that developing countries improve their capacity to trade with the EU. It also serves as a foundation to integrate the voice of European businesses in trade negotiations and policymaking. (English, 2016)

Thailand: Company Perspectives

Thailand: Company Perspectives

Thailand, one of the world’s most export-driven economies, is a leading exporter of rice, various food products and electronic components. ITC surveyed over 1,000 Thai companies to understand their perceptions of non-tariff measures (NTMs). Overall, 38% of Thai exporters are affected by burdensome NTMs. Difficulties proving compliance to technical requirements, administrative hurdles relating to obtaining certificate of origins and border clearance procedures are the key concerns of exporters. The study also finds Thai authorities taking appropriate measures to address companies’ concerns and facilitate trade. (English, 2016)

Indonesia: Company Perspectives

Indonesia: Company Perspectives

As a major palm oil, cocoa, rubber and coffee exporter, Indonesia plays a key role in global and regional commodity markets. An ITC survey among 950 Indonesian companies finds that 51% of fresh and processed food exporters face burdensome regulations. Delays and high costs for technical and compliance requirements are their major trade obstacles. The companies recommended upgrading national testing facilities for accreditation, recognizing conformity procedures, and training programmes for SPS and quality requirements for food exports to overcome barriers. (English, 2016)

Egypt: Company Perspectives

Egypt: Company Perspectives

Egypt has much to gain from increased transparency of regulations, procedures, and better-defined rules of origin, according to the ITC survey on non-tariff measures in 2011. Nearly 40% of surveyed companies in Egypt are affected by regulatory and procedural trade obstacles. Agri-food exporters struggle with strict tolerance limits in Europe and labelling requirements in Arab States. Rules of origin and certification stand out as challenges for manufacturing exporters; administrative and infrastructural challenges increase compliance difficulties. For importers, conformity assessments, charges and taxes top the list of challenges. The results underline the need to better implement existing trade agreements for competitiveness and regional integration. (English, 2016)

Regulatory and procedural barriers to trade in Kazakhstan: Needs Assessment (EN)

Regulatory and procedural barriers to trade in Kazakhstan: Needs Assessment (EN)

A third of surveyed companies in Kazakhstan reported problems related to technical requirements, certificates of origin and quantity control measures imposed by partner countries, as well as export certification and quantitative restrictions imposed by domestic authorities. In most cases companies found these measures difficult due to procedural deficiencies, such as excessive paperwork, limited facilities and delays. The book is co-published with UNECE which evaluated trade facilitation practices and regulatory and standardization policies in Kazakhstan. The analysis concludes with practical action-oriented recommendations. (English and Russian, 2014)

Regulatory and procedural barriers to trade in Kazakhstan: Needs Assessment (RU)

Regulatory and procedural barriers to trade in Kazakhstan: Needs Assessment (RU)

A third of surveyed companies in Kazakhstan reported problems related to technical requirements, certificates of origin and quantity control measures imposed by partner countries, as well as export certification and quantitative restrictions imposed by domestic authorities. In most cases companies found these measures difficult due to procedural deficiencies, such as excessive paperwork, limited facilities and delays. The book is co-published with UNECE which evaluated trade facilitation practices and regulatory and standardization policies in Kazakhstan. The analysis concludes with practical action-oriented recommendations. (English and Russian, 2014)

The Invisible Barriers to Trade: How Businesses Experience Non-Tariff Measures

The Invisible Barriers to Trade: How Businesses Experience Non-Tariff Measures

Small firms in the world’s poorest countries are hit hardest by non-tariff measures, according to an ITC study on how businesses experience non-tariff measures in 23 developing countries. The impact of NTMs on companies and countries is highly uneven. Small firms are most affected (over 50%). NTMs for agricultural exports to developed countries are perceived as a major hurdle; so are regional markets for manufacturing exports in developing countries. These invisible barriers to trade are mostly a combination of conformity and pre-shipment requirements requested abroad, and weak inspection or certification procedures at home. Over 11,500 exporters and importers participated in the surveys; details on the methodology and additional survey results are in the report. (English, 2015)

Guinea: Company Perspectives

Guinea: Company Perspectives

Guinea is one of the countries most affected by non-tariff measures. An ITC survey of more than 300 companies in Guinea reveals that 95% of them face such obstacles when exporting or importing goods. Companies suffer from the stringency and complexity of European technical and compliance requirements and from the lack of efficiency and transparency of inspection and taxation procedures at the national and regional level. The survey shows that a large part of trade barriers can be addressed through the simplification and increased transparency of national administrative procedures. (French, 2015)

State of Palestine: Company Perspectives

State of Palestine: Company Perspectives

The State of Palestine has scope to facilitate trade by streamlining procedures and enhancing transparency of rules and procedures, according to an ITC survey on non-tariff measures among 239 Palestinian exporters. Inspections, quality control measures and rules of origin are considered the most onerous measures reported by Palestinian exporters. Domestic procedural inefficiencies include delays, high fees (such as for certificates) and arbitrary behaviour of officials. The report puts forward recommendations on transparency, trade information, product quality and conformity assessment, and underlines the importance of implementing the Palestinian national export strategy. (English, 2015)

The United Republic of Tanzania: Company Perspectives

The United Republic of Tanzania: Company Perspectives

Some 70% of Tanzanian businesses say they face burdensome NTMs, mostly related to food and agro-based products, according to a recent ITC survey. Nearly 84% of these cases are for exports to developing countries, mostly to the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. NTMs for exports to the European Union are also a major concern. Rules of origin, conformity assessment, pre-shipment inspection and other entry formalities are the biggest challenges. At the same time, most Tanzanian importers also report that they face similar NTMs. (English, 2014)

Cambodia: Company Perspectives

Cambodia: Company Perspectives

Lack of adequate SPS infrastructure and a recognized national standards body in the country is one of the primary causes of difficulties faced by Cambodian exporters, according to ITC’s new country study on non-tariff measures. A survey of 502 exporters and importers in Cambodia finds 69% of the enterprises to be facing difficulties with trade-related regulations. It also highlights hindrances such as inefficiencies and corruption in public agencies to be affecting trade, leading to long delays and high trade cost.

Côte d’Ivoire: Company Perspectives

Côte d’Ivoire: Company Perspectives

Côte d’Ivoire exporters face more obstacles in the regional market than in global markets, reveals a recent ITC survey on non-tariff measures. Two-thirds of exporting companies encounter obstacles related to non-tariff measures. A main challenge is the delivery of certificates of origin to export in neighbouring countries. While several agreements are put into place to enhance trade integration and development, many barriers remain for their concrete application. (French, 2014)

Senegal: Company Perspectives

Senegal: Company Perspectives

Senegalese firms cited many non-tariff measures that affect their ability to compete in global markets, in a recent ITC survey. Some 260 companies surveyed in Senegal revealed that national administrative procedures to address foreign and national requirements represent the major non-tariff barrier. Lack of electricity, high transport costs and customs clearance are also important barriers. To help the private sector in Senegal to meet international requirements, Senegal needs to streamline national conformity assessment procedures and improve its business environment. (French, 2014)

Kenya: Company Perspectives

Kenya: Company Perspectives

Streamlining government procedures, improving transport maintenance and IT infrastructure and better dissemination of trade-related information are cited as keys to improving Kenya’s export performance, in an ITC country study on NTMs. Two-thirds of companies surveyed in Kenya are facing difficulties with trade-related regulations, according to 750 Kenyan exporters and importers interviewed for the ITC survey. They particularly cite difficulties in complying with technical requirements due to red tape and delays in public agencies. The study also confirms that countries of the East African Community need to make greater efforts to harmonize procedures and product standards. (English, 2014)

Rwanda: Company Perspectives

Rwanda: Company Perspectives

Rwandan exporters face onerous standards imposed by private clients in addition to government requirements, an ITC survey reveals. Fair Trade certificates demanded by clients in the European Union, especially for coffee and tea, are bringing costs and delays that seriously hinder Rwandan exporters, they say. Other concerns are bottle sizes imposed by private regional partners, as well as packaging and means of transport imposed by regional, European Union and United States clients. Of 529 Rwandan importers and exporters interviewed, 75% reported burdensome NTMs and trade impediments. (English, 2014)

Mauritius: Company Perspectives

Mauritius: Company Perspectives

Mauritian exporters claim to be less affected by trade barriers than many other countries that have participated in the ITC business surveys on NTMs. Among the 400 Mauritian firms surveyed, 27% of exporters and 36% of importing firms reported they were affected by NTMs. The main concern is conformity assessment for the European Union, the largest market for Mauritian exports. In addition, companies reported a disproportionate share of measures related to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). COMESA countries comprise only 6% of Mauritian agricultural exports, however, they accounted for 29% of company concerns related to NTMs. (English, 2014)

Paraguay: Company Perspectives

Paraguay: Company Perspectives

NTMs affect Paraguayan companies more than those in other Latin American countries, an ITC survey reveals. Of 406 exporters and importers, 62% report problems linked to burdensome NTMs, particularly testing and product certification requirements. Taxes and charges and quantity control measures are hampering regional integration in MERCOSUR. Procedural obstacles, such as inefficiencies in institutions, make export and import processes more complex. The report outlines policy recommendations to overcome the negative impacts of identified NTMs. (Spanish, 2013)

Jamaica: Company Perspectives

Jamaica: Company Perspectives

New, small and medium-sized enterprises in Jamaica are more affected NTMs than larger firms, according to a study conducted by the ITC. The study also suggests that a lack of information and adequate resources makes it harder for SMEs to overcome obstacles to trade. Of more than 600 businesses surveyed, approximately 35% faced burdensome NTMs. Among exporting companies 41% identified NTMs as a major deterrent to the success of their businesses, while the high incidence of burdensome NTMs experienced by the manufacturing, processed food and agro-based industries was highlighted as a cause for concern. (English, 2013)

Tunisia: Company Perspectives

Tunisia: Company Perspectives

A survey of 600 exporters and importers in Tunisia shows that 80% face difficulties with non-tariff measures, which generate extra costs for companies. Tunisian firms face barriers such as burdensome conformity assessment procedures, quotas and complicated rules of origin. There are also procedural hindrances, such as delays and high fees. Companies also report difficulties due to strict export requirements, such as inspection and certification for quality, as well as a lack of trade-related infrastructure. These issues need to be streamlined to raise competitiveness in international markets. (French, 2014)

Trinidad and Tobago: Company Perspectives

Trinidad and Tobago: Company Perspectives

Most non-tariff measures applied to exporters in Trinidad and Tobago are found in neighbouring Caribbean countries, according to a new ITC survey. The survey of 500 businesses showed that the most burdensome NTMs are applied by partner countries. Half of the companies surveyed said that most obstacles are within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), particularly in Barbados and Jamaica. Addressing these obstacles will lead to greater transparency for business practices, regulations and requirements, thus promoting the ease of doing business in the country. (English, 2013)

Uruguay: Company Perspectives

Uruguay: Company Perspectives

This study summarizes the results of a survey of 458 exporters and importers in Uruguay. Overall, 54% of companies reported facing burdensome regulations. While many burdensome NTMs are applied by partner countries, in particular by the European Union, the United States and regional trading partners in MERCOSUR, many procedural obstacles lie at home. Surveyed companies expressed the need to strengthen institutions, streamline the issuance of certificates, improve the way information about NTMs is disseminated, and provide technical assistance to exporters. The report outlines options to address these needs. (Spanish, 2013)

Malawi: Company Perspectives

Malawi: Company Perspectives

This ITC survey of exporters and importers in Malawi reveals that their main challenges to access markets abroad are twofold in relation to non-tariff measures. First, product certification is problematic: companies have difficulties to meet international standards. In addition, Malawi lacks an internationally accredited facility to certify products. Second, export licensing is a real challenge due to the many institutions involved, which contributes to inefficiency in issuing licenses. This report presents and analyses the survey results, including trade policy implications for Malawi. It also outlines the recommendations established in a public-private dialogue on the survey results. (English, 2013)

Madagascar: Company Perspectives

Madagascar: Company Perspectives

The majority of trade obstacles in Madagascar involve the high number and complexity of national controls and inspections as well as cumbersome and opaque Malagasy administrative procedures. A recent survey on non-tariff measures conducted with 400 exporters and importers in Madagascar also reveals that companies have difficulty meeting stringent quality and certification requirements imposed by partner countries. These obstacles underline the need for the government to strengthen its national quality strategy by streamlining and upgrading national inspection and certification procedures and infrastructure. (French, 2013)

Peru: Company Perspectives

Peru: Company Perspectives

A recent ITC survey of 960 Peruvian companies shows that 40% face challenges related to NTMs, mostly in the USA, the EU and some countries in Latin America. While Peru’s exports doubled in five years, resources of specialized technical agencies have not increased accordingly. Certification and inspection have thus become a bottleneck. Information systems about NTMs need strengthening, as many issues faced particularly by small and medium-sized firms emerged from their lack of knowledge about regulations. Relevant authorities and specialized agencies have yet to further integrate processes and improve cooperation. Decentralization of technical and logistical infrastructure can alleviate the strain on capacities in the capital and drive export growth in the regions. (Spanish and English, 2012)

Morocco: Company Perspectives

Morocco: Company Perspectives

This report outlines trade barriers faced by firms in Morocco, based on an ITC study. Companies are particularly concerned about partner’s technical regulations (SPS), including the lack of infrastructure and cumbersome procedures, as well as national inspection requirements. The study serves as a basis to help develop public policy to address the issues raised by these firms. (French, 2012)

Burkina Faso: Company Perspectives

Burkina Faso: Company Perspectives

This report outlines trade barriers faced by firms in Burkina Faso, based on an ITC study. Companies are particularly concerned about SPS issues, including the cost of information, lack of infrastructure and cumbersome procedures. The study serves as a basis to help develop public policy to address the issues raised by these firms. (French, 2012)

Sri Lanka: Company Perspectives

Sri Lanka: Company Perspectives

This report presents results of an ITC survey of over 500 businesses in Sri Lanka on their views regarding NTMs. Enterprises in Sri Lanka report difficulties with a broad range of measures, in particular with technical testing, inspection and certification, which are required to demonstrate conformity with sanitary and phytosanitary measures. They must cope with a lack of trade-related infrastructure and burdensome procedural requirements. Strikingly, the problems lie on both sides of the border - limiting the competitiveness of enterprises, especially smaller ones, and their ability to integrate into the global economy and maximize the benefits of international trade. (English, 2011)

Non-Tariff Measures and the Fight Against Malaria: Obstacles to trade in anti-malarial commodities

Non-Tariff Measures and the Fight Against Malaria: Obstacles to trade in anti-malarial commodities

Paper focusing on specific non-tariff measures (NTMs) that could negatively affect the affordability and accessibility of anti-malarial commodities - introduces non-tariff measures and other obstacles to trade; present the results of a business-perception survey, conducted by ITC, on NTMs faced by importers and exporters of anti-malarial commodities (medicines for treating/preventing of malaria, diagnostic tests, mosquito nets, insecticides for indoor residual spraying, and pumps for spraying indoor insecticides). (English, 2011)