Protectionism against imports of service-related goods

Government intervention can impede the import of manufactured products used in service industries. Thus, government measures may affect the import of materials, machinery and equipment used, for example, by franchise companies, such as fast-food restaurants. Such measures in developing countries are mainly in the form of import licensing and foreign exchange regulations. In some developed countries, health, safety and standards regulations also affect imports. Similarly, countries may discourage imports of equipment and spare parts required for the maintenance of hotel and other accommodations. Tariffs and technical standard regulations can impede the import of data communication hardware. Governments may also require that only domestically manufactured computers and telecommunications equipment be used in service company operations.