Regulations
Quantitative Restriction
Also known as: Quantity restriction, QR
A regulatory measure limiting the quantity or value of goods that can be imported or exported, established through quotas, contingents, or absolute prohibitions.
Also known as: Quantity restriction, QR
A regulatory measure limiting the quantity or value of goods that can be imported or exported, established through quotas, contingents, or absolute prohibitions.
A quantitative restriction is a non-tariff regulation that numerically limits the quantity of goods entering or leaving a country. It can manifest as import or export quotas, tariff-rate quotas with volume limits, or absolute import prohibitions for certain products. The WTO generally prohibits quantitative restrictions as more trade-distorting than tariffs, but allows exceptions to protect public health, national security, cultural heritage, and the environment.
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)
Measures other than tariffs that countries impose on international trade to protect health, safety, environment, and domestic industry.
TradeImport Quota
A quantitative limit set by a government on the amount or value of a specific product that can be imported during a given period.
TariffsTariff-Rate Quota (TRQ)
A quota or determined volume of goods that can be imported at a reduced preferential tariff; once the quota is exhausted, additional imports pay the higher general tariff.
TradeNon-Tariff Barrier
Any government measure other than a tariff that restricts, hinders, or increases the cost of international trade, including quotas, licenses, technical standards, sanitary requirements, and bureaucratic procedures.