What is the World Trade Organization Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade?
The World Trade Organization Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT Agreement) is an international agreement designed to reduce technical barriers that can interfere with international trade. Under the Agreement, countries commit to harmonizing their technical regulations and standards to promote the free flow of goods in the international marketplace. These standards must be based on agreed principles of safety and health, efficiency of production, protection of the environment, and consumer protection. The WTO-TBT Agreement applies to all aspects of international trade, including product design, labeling, and testing procedures. It also prohibits countries from using non-tariff trade barriers, such as product designs and requirements, as an excuse to limit imports. The Agreement also requires that countries allow each other equal access to their markets, and that there be no discrimination against goods produced in other countries. In Rhode Island, the Agreement is enforced through the Department of Business Regulation, which negotiates and concludes agreements with countries that are signatories to the Agreement. This means that Rhode Island-based companies that export to countries that are party to the Agreement are given better access to those markets. The Agreement also ensures that the products of Rhode Island companies meet the same standards that are applied in other countries.
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