Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) present major challenges for increasing intra-regional trade in South Asia under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). NTBs include technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, import policies, and standards, testing, labeling, and certification requirements. South Asian countries apply various NTBs, with India maintaining an import licensing system and complex customs procedures, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka applying tariffs and import taxes. Removing NTBs will be essential for SAFTA's success in enhancing regional trade.

1. Presented by Khondaker Golam Moazzem Research Fellow, CPD Katmandu; August 14 -15, 2006 SAFTA (Trade Liberalisation Programme - Non Tariff Barriers) Final Meeting on Regional Economic Cooperation in South Asia CENTRE FOR POLICY DIALOGUE (CPD) B A N G L A D E S H a c i v i l s o c i e t y t h i n k – t a n k

32. V. NTBs Facing by South Asian Countries within Region Visas can be obtained only for specific cities prior to entry into Pakistan. Visa Restrictions Exporters face problems while exporting goods also to India. For example, lack of truck parking space, unavailability of customs officials in time etc. Problems at customs point The BTC study (2003) noted that packaging requirements, phyto-sanitary measures, special certificate of origin, customs valuation, pre-shipment inspection requirements are restricting the export of jute yarn to India, Canada and other countries. Jute yarn Registration from Pakistan is very tough as they restricted import of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals by law to that country. Pharmaceutical products Bangladesh

35. V. NTBs Facing by South Asian Countries within Region Table: Selected Bangladeshi Products Facing NTBs in Indian Market, 1997 Source: Deb (2006), &quot;Rules of Origin and Non-Tariff Barriers in Agricultural Trade: Perspectives from Bangladesh and Cambodia&quot; 100 Tea, black (fermented or partly) in packages > 3 kg 90240 100 Tea, black (fermented or partly) in packages < 3 kg 90230 100 Vegetables, fresh or chilled nes 70990 100 Globe artichokes, fresh or chilled 70910 100 Leeks & other alliaceous vegetables, fresh or chilled 70390 100 Foliage,branches, for bouquets, etc. - except fresh 60499 100 Ossein and bones treated with acid 50610 100 Feathers and down used for stuffing 50510 100 Crustaceans nes, frozen 30619 100 Crabs, frozen 30614 100 Smoked fish & fillets other than herrings or salmon 30549 100 Livers and roes, dried, smoked, salted or in brine 30520 100 Fish fillets, frozen 30420 100 Fish fillet or meat, fresh or chilled, not liver, roe 30410 100 Fish nes, frozen, whole 30379 100 Eels, frozen, whole 30376 100 Flatfish except halibut, plaice or sole, frozen, whole 30339 100 Salmon, Pacific, frozen, whole 30310 NTMs Product Name HS Code

42. Thank You For Your Attention