UNCTAD-非关税措施初步调查结果：澳大利亚，中国，印度，日本，新西兰和韩国（英文）-2020.9-84页_2mb

Summary of Non-Tariff Measures in RCEP Countries

Core Content

This report provides an overview of non-tariff measures (NTMs) in the countries initially included in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations: Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. It is part of a broader effort by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to build a global NTM database, which serves as a tool for trade transparency and policy improvement.

Main Points

• NTMs Overview: NTMs are policy measures that affect trade in goods, other than customs tariffs. They include both technical and non-technical regulations and are classified into chapters (A to I) based on their nature and application.
• Importance of NTMs: NTMs play a critical role in shaping trade patterns and are often more influential than tariffs in determining trade flows. They are frequently overlooked but are essential for trade integration and market access.
• Data Collection: The data was collected using a consistent methodology across all countries. It contributes to the global TRAINS NTM database, which now covers more than 85% of world trade and over 100 countries.
• NTM Classification: NTMs are categorized into technical and non-technical measures. Technical measures include Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), while non-technical measures include licensing, quotas, and price controls.
• NTM Scope: Most NTMs apply to multiple products, often more than 100, and are associated with individual tariff line codes. This allows for detailed analysis and comparison across countries.
• RCEP Context: The RCEP aims to streamline trade by addressing the "spaghetti bowl" issue of overlapping Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). NTMs are a key focus in this process, particularly in Chapters V (SPS), VI (TBT), IV (Customs Procedures), and others.

Key Findings

Quantitative Results

• Number of NTMs: Each country applies thousands of NTMs, which affect a wide range of products.
• Product Impact: Most products are subject to three or more NTMs simultaneously, indicating a complex regulatory environment.
• Economic Context:
  • In 2018, RCEP countries accounted for 29% of global GDP, 23% of global exports, and 21% of global imports.
  • China and India had the highest GDP growth rates (6.6% and 6.8%, respectively), while Japan and Australia had lower growth rates (0.8% and 2.8%).
  • The average tariff rate varies significantly between developed and developing countries, with developed countries (Australia, Japan, New Zealand) having lower rates than developing countries (China, India, Republic of Korea).
  • The number of active FTAs/RTAs ranges from 12 to 18, showing high levels of regional economic integration.

Country-Specific Insights

• Australia: Has a comprehensive regulatory framework with a focus on SPS and TBT. The legal system is well-structured, and NTMs are often associated with specific product groups.
• China: Has a vast number of NTMs, particularly in the SPS and TBT categories. The legal system is complex, with a hierarchical structure of laws and regulations.
• India: Faces challenges in regulatory comprehensiveness and data collection. NTMs are often related to food safety and quality standards.
• Japan: Has a detailed and structured legal system with a focus on SPS and TBT. The database includes both technical and non-technical measures.
• Republic of Korea: Has a high number of NTMs, with a focus on SPS, TBT, and intellectual property. The legal framework is well-developed and supported by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy.
• New Zealand: Shares harmonized standards with Australia, particularly in SPS. The legal system is integrated and transparent, with strong support from national institutions.

Policy Recommendations

• Japan: Should enhance transparency and improve data collection processes to ensure consistency and comprehensiveness.
• Republic of Korea: Needs to refine its NTM classification system and improve the clarity of its regulatory framework.
• New Zealand: Should expand the scope of its NTM database to include more detailed product classifications.
• General Recommendations: All countries should aim for "good" NTMs that protect legitimate interests (e.g., food safety, environmental protection) without unnecessarily hindering trade. This requires careful policy design and implementation to minimize costs and ensure effectiveness.

Conclusion

The report highlights the importance of NTMs in shaping trade and the need for greater transparency and standardization in their application. The data collected contributes to a global database, enabling better comparison and understanding of regulatory environments across RCEP countries. The findings underscore the necessity of harmonizing NTMs to support regional integration and facilitate smoother trade flows.