Understanding technical barriers to trade is vital to Vietnam’s success in achieving its goals.

The Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (TBT) stipulates that all WTO members are committed not to creating technical barriers for trade by developing transparent policies in line with common principles. It includes the clarification of technical standards and regulations so that equal treatment is applied to all commodities. The protection of commodities can only be achieved through technical barriers on product hygiene and safety as well as environmental conditions.

According to experts, the TBT agreement aims to protect consumers from using bad quality and unsafe products and products that impact badly on the environment. These barriers are considered a rational measure for restricting the import of uncertified products from other countries.

However, measures to create such barriers must conform to common principles of the TBT agreement. Japan applies higher standards than the normal ones which means imports into this market must experience strict examination. The US builds its own high environmental standards and safety requirements for imports. Meanwhile, the European Union has its own standards on the residue of chemicals and plant pesticides in imported products.  

However, Vietnam has not built such similar standards to protect domestic commodities and services. At a recent meeting, the Prime Minister urged for a quick formulation of several policies in the lead up to integration, including self-protective measures through technical barriers.

Vietnam has issued many similar standards, but most of them have not kept up with the rapid development of technology and requirements for environmental protection. A recent survey at the Ministry of Industry showed that dozens of standards in the technical specification system of the chemical, steel, electrical equipment and textiles sectors are no longer compatible with the common trends. Survey conductors proposed that hundreds of standards be renewed or newly issued in the near future.

In addition, tough and diverse requirements for product standards and quality from WTO members pose great challenges for Vietnam in exporting its products. Therefore, enterprises are advised to carefully study the characteristics and requirements of each market to make their products meet the importers’ technical requirements.