Liberalization of Technical Regulations: Focusing on the Korea's FTA TBT Commitments

Abstract

As more and more countries are recognizing the significant effects of TBT measures, corresponding policy considerations are becoming more active. Technical regulations and standards themselves work as a barrier to trade as it may limit imports that fail to satisfy the requirements of the importing countries. On the other hand, the introduction of harmonization or mutual recognition of standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures through the conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTAs) facilitate trade by realizing cost reduction. At the same time it enables checks for standard protectionism among trading partners. Thus, high level of achievement in harmonization or mutual recognition of technical regulations and standards may lead to liberalization of trade. This research paper analyzes twelve FTAs that Korea has signed and looks through every TBT Agreements. Each TBT provision in FTAs will be analyzed through categories of reference to the WTO TBT Agreement, harmonization of technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures, acceptance of technical regulations as equivalent, mutual recognition of conformity assessments, transparency, and enforcement and dispute settlement. It evaluates the level of liberalization in terms of TBT measures.