What is the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)?

The WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) is an international agreement that sets standards for how governments can create laws and regulations that affect goods and services traded between countries. This agreement is part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is designed to ensure that technical regulations and standards, such as those related to safety, health, or environmental protection, do not create unnecessary barriers to trade. This agreement applies to Pennsylvania, as the United States is a member of the WTO. This means that Pennsylvania must adhere to the agreement when drafting any laws or regulations that may affect trade. The agreement states that all members must ensure that any technical regulations, standards, testing methods, or certification procedures only apply to those goods and services that are necessary to protect human health or safety, animal or plant life or health, or the environment. The regulations must also be based on the best available scientific evidence and provide a fair playing field for businesses involved in international trade. Overall, the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) is important for Pennsylvania, as it ensures that all technical requirements related to international trade are fair and reasonable and do not create unnecessary obstacles to businesses. The agreement also helps keep international trade flowing smoothly by preventing any country from placing arbitrary and discriminatory restrictions on goods imported from another country.

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