2023-12-15-联合国贸易发展委员会-官方非关税措施数据收集指南_2023年版_57页_2mb

Summary of Guidelines for the Collection of Data on Official Non-tariff Measures (2023 Edition)

Core Content

This document provides comprehensive guidelines for the collection, classification, and coding of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), which are policy measures that affect international trade in goods and are not customs tariffs. The guidelines are developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in collaboration with various international organizations and experts.

Main Purpose

The main objective of the guidelines is to help data collectors harmonize the process of collecting NTM data, reduce uncertainty, and ensure consistency in classification. It also aims to increase transparency and understanding of NTMs, which have become a significant factor in international trade.

Key Information

1. Definition of Non-Tariff Measures

• NTMs are defined as "policy measures, other than customs tariffs, that can potentially have an economic effect on international trade in goods."
• They include both sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBTs).
• Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are a subset of NTMs with a negative impact on trade.
• The data is collected through the UNCTAD TRAINS Data Entry Tool and disseminated via the TRAINS Dissemination Portal, WITS, and Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH).

2. What is Collected?

• Official measures currently imposed by a country that affect imported or exported products.
• These measures are typically checked at the customs point.
• Data includes:
  • "Behind the border" SPS and TBT measures.
  • Measures related to product characteristics, production processes, or trade-related investment.
  • National-level measures, not those from administrative divisions or provinces.

3. What is Not Collected?

• Voluntary measures (e.g., private standards).
• International standards unless they are explicitly made mandatory.
• Measures affecting trade in services, except in cases where service activities are directly linked to goods trade (e.g., post-sale services).
• Non-official information such as private sector complaints or perceptions.
• Regulations not directly related to trade, even if they may have indirect effects.

4. Data Collection Process

• The process involves six steps:
  1. Obtain source data by identifying relevant legal documents.
  2. Identify regulations from each source.
  3. Identify and classify measures within each regulation.
  4. Select appropriate product codes using the Harmonized System (HS).
  5. Register affected countries.
  6. Register objectives of the measures, if stated.

5. Classification of Measures

• Measures are classified into two broad categories: import and export.
• Import measures are further divided into:
  • Technical measures (Chapters A to C).
  • Non-technical measures (Chapters D to O).
• Export measures are classified under Chapter P.
• The International Classification of Non-Tariff Measures is used to ensure consistency and clarity in coding.

6. Coding and Classification Principles

• Legal documents must be read carefully to identify all measures, affected products, and countries.
• Partial product coverage is allowed if a regulation affects a range of products.
• Product codes are selected based on the Harmonized System (HS).
• Uncertainties should be reported to ntm@unctad.org along with the legal text and proposed code.

7. Tools and Resources

• TRAINS Data Entry Tool is used for data collection.
• It provides role-based access control, ensuring security and accuracy.
• Annex 1 and Annex 2 offer detailed information on the fields and structure of the tool.

Conclusion

The document emphasizes the importance of accuracy, transparency, and standardization in the collection and classification of non-tariff measures. It serves as a key reference for data collectors, policy makers, and trade analysts, providing practical guidance and examples to support the process. The guidelines are regularly updated to reflect new developments and feedback from the data collection community.