As international tariffs are being reduced increased attention is being given to the role of non-tariff measures in impeding trade flows. The working definition of NTMs used in this report is “government measures other than tariffs that restrict trade flows”. This covers a range of measures from health and safety measures through to the suite of regulations associated with trade and general matters such as transport costs and customs and administration procedures that may not be not directly under the control of governments but certainly under its influence.
The objective of this study is to examine NTMs facing exporters from the South and Southern African region in their major markets. The study does not examine NTMs within the region itself. Data is from a wide range of secondary sources, and while ideally primary data is better, the study provides a valuable information base.