Professor Marc L. Busch of Georgetown University and Professor Krzysztof J. Pelc of McGill University note that modern trade agreements are long and complex because they often address non-tariff barriers, such as different standards and rules, in addition to tariffs. As a result of the steady reduction of customs barriers since the Second World War, countries are increasingly willing to put in place trade barriers in forms other than tariffs. Domestic companies often urge their own governments to adopt rules to keep foreign companies away, and modern trade agreements are one way to abolish these rules. [7] The Committee is responsible for conducting an annual review of activities related to the implementation and implementation of the OBT agreement, including notifications, specific trade issues, technical assistance activities and OBT litigation. The last annual report was distributed in February 2020. In theory, free trade involves removing all of these barriers, except perhaps those deemed necessary for national health or security. However, in practice, even countries that promote free trade heavily subsidize certain industries such as agriculture and steel. The World Trade Organization`s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement aims to reduce these trade barriers, as do most free trade agreements.

In both cases, it is a question of creating a more open and competitive market. Economists generally agree that trade barriers are harmful and reduce overall economic efficiency; This can be explained by the comparative advantage theory. Technical barriers to trade (TT), a category of non-tariff barriers, are the widely divergent measures applied by countries to regulate markets, protect their consumers or preserve their natural resources (goals, among others), but they can also be used (or perceived by foreign countries) to discriminate against imports in order to protect domestic industry. Another negative aspect of trade barriers is that they result in a limited choice of products and would therefore force customers to pay higher prices and accept lower quality. [10] Barriers can take many forms, including trade barriers that impede free trade. Before exporting or importing to other countries, they must first be aware of the government`s trade restrictions. They must then ensure that they do not break the restrictions by checking the related tax or tax rules and, finally, they will likely need a licence to ensure good management of exports or imports and to reduce the risk of penalties or infringements.