The nature and impacts of non-tariff barriers on trade

The overall objective of this study is to assess the nature and impacts of NTBs on trade by drawing experiences from the East African states with a view to suggesting areas of reform in order to enhance international trade.The study relied much on the secondary data; in some few cases qualitative data were drawn through interviews with companies involved in import and export trade. Much explorations fall under the trade-related clusters such as customs procedures, Standards conformity, Government participation in trade and specific limitations to trade The study found that the most prominent non-tariff barriers to trade in East Africa include; Cumbersome Customs and administrative procedures, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures applied by EU and US as well as the ones within the EAC region, Government participation in trade and specific limitations to trade Policy implications for this study were given for the attention of policy makers to remove tariff barriers to trade in East Africa, First, Streamlining administrative requirements to improve on efficiency. Secondly, removal of unnecessary barriers that contributes to increased transportation costs is necessary. Thirdly, need to have fair conformity to standards requirements where by developing countries should participate in the working out of international standards. Fourthly, EAC member countries should streamline administrative procedures at border points to improve efficiency by harmonizing trade regulations. Finally, there is a need for the application of the computerized systems and political will by the EAC member states.