Doing Business with China

Non- tariff measures

According to the WTO agreement, China is committed to eliminating non-tariff measures on more than 400 product items by 1 January 2005. China has also committed that no non-tariff measures shall be increased or expanded, nor shall any new measures be applied, unless in conformity with the provisions of the WTO Agreement. By 1 January 2005, China shall eliminate the current non-tariff measures on more than 400 tariff items, including import quotas, import licences and specific tendering requirements. The phase-out of non-tariff measures will involve products such as motor vehicles, natural rubber and colour photographic materials. During the phase-out period, China will implement the growth rates for quotas as indicated in Annex 3. The WTO Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures will be strictly observed in terms of quota allocation standards, timing of quota allocations , availability and extension of import licenses. More details may be found in Chapter 2.3 “ The Deregulation of China's Foreign trade within the WTO.