Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) are regulations and standards countries use to ensure product safety, quality, and performance. These include labeling requirements, testing procedures, certification requirements, and technical specifications. They protect consumers by ensuring products meet minimum safety and quality standards.

Labeling requirements mandate specific information on product packages, such as ingredients and country of origin. Testing procedures involve various methods to verify product compliance with established standards. Certification requirements necessitate third-party validation to confirm product conformity. Technical specifications detail precise design and performance criteria products must meet.

While TBTs serve consumer protection, they can impede international trade if excessively stringent or discriminatory. For example, overly complex certification processes or unique national standards not aligned with international norms can act as trade barriers. National TBTs must balance consumer safety and market openness to maximize trade efficiency.