In addition to tariffs, a number of other charges may be applied to imports. Additional charges may also include customs processing fees and consular charges. Despite a WTO Dispute Settlement Panel ruling against a U.S. practice of charging ad valorem fees, some countries continue to set some charges as a percentage of the value of imports, in contravention of WTO rules. When licence requirements are applied on a discretionary basis rather than simply for collecting statistics, the result is increased costs and uncertainty for traders. While much of the multilateral work to date has been devoted to removing tariffs, NTMs can impair or nullify the effect of agreements to make binding commitments to reduce or eliminate tariffs.
Governments continue to come under pressure from some producers to maintain protection.
Consequently, internationally recognized disciplines are essential to ensure that current and potential opportunities for the implementation of common or new NTMs are contained. There are two primary difficulties facing countries in the run-up to possible WTO negotiations. Future Negotiations Negotiations related to NTMs in any new round will likely focus on further rule making. Improved market access could involve the development of commitments to eliminate or relax additional NTMs. It could also involve improving the disciplines on measures already covered by existing rules.