Non-Tariff Barriers in Trade
Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are regulatory measures that restrict or control international trade without involving direct taxation, such as tariffs. Common NTBs include import quotas, licensing requirements, sanitary regulations, packaging standards, and customs procedures. These barriers can create delays, raise compliance costs, or limit market access for goods even if duties are not applied. NTBs are often used by governments to protect domestic industries, enforce safety and environmental standards, or respond to political and economic conditions.
NTBs represent a substantial challenge to freight forwarding and supply chain operations. Platforms like CargoWise assist in navigating these complexities by integrating regulatory data into processes and automating compliance checks during shipping paperwork. For example, if a shipment requires a specific license or a health certificate, CargoWise may signal the requirement and assist with the documentation process. This functionality ensures cargo transit on time and helps reduce penalties or shipment rejections due to noncompliance with destination country rules.
