Distortion of international trade by discriminatory requirements with respect to product standards and measures

Barriers in the field of standards arise in cases where there is a significant divergence in the mandatory standards adopted in various countries as well as in cases where methods used for enforcement of such standards are unduly rigorous. Some developing countries are exposed to standards for electrical machinery and equipment involving difficulties to their exporters, particularly as the procedures adopted for prior testing and inspection are time-consuming and costly in some countries. They may also experience difficulties because of certain provisions in the technical regulations regarding product content, or processes used in the manufacture of enamel products, pencils, fruit juices, etc.