Last year, the technical regulations reported by World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries reached an all-time high. There was a sharp increase in technical regulations not only from China and the United States but also from developing countries.
According to the National Institute of Technology and Standards on the 12th, the technical regulations reported by WTO member countries last year totaled 4,337. This represents an increase of about 6% compared to the previous record set in 2023.
By country, Uganda (426 reports), the United States (419 reports), and Tanzania (326 reports) had the highest number of notifications. Additionally, notifications from developing countries accounted for 83% of the total. By sector, the highest number of technical regulations reported was in the food and drug sector (21.8%), followed by agriculture and fisheries (21.2%), and chemicals and ceramics (15.9%).
Among the top 10 export countries and 5 emerging nations, which account for more than 80% of South Korea's exports, the 15 key countries reported a total of 1,149 notifications, an increase of 5% compared to 2023. The top 10 export countries are the United States, China, Japan, Vietnam, the European Union (EU), Taiwan, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia. The 5 emerging countries are Chile, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Russia.
A Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official noted, "The United States still ranks first among the 15 key countries in establishing and reinforcing energy efficiency regulations and transportation safety measures," adding that, "China, our largest export market, reported 191 notifications, nearly three times more compared to 2023, due to the establishment and revision of national standards and mandatory certification (CCC)."
Vietnam reported 66 notifications related to automotive regulations, more than doubling compared to 2023. The EU and India reported 62 and 36 notifications, respectively, which is about half of what they reported in 2023.
The sectors mainly reported by the 15 key countries were chemicals and ceramics (17.1%), food and drug (15.7%), and electrical and electronic (15.1%), with the highest number of chemical-related regulations coming from the United States and EU.
Jin Jong-wook, head of the National Institute of Technology and Standards, stated, "A significant number of technical regulations are being reported, primarily from major trading countries like China and the United States, which rank first and second in our exports," and added, "We will continue to collaborate across industry, academia, research, and government to respond and sustain export growth."
According to the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement, there is a requirement to notify the WTO when there are revisions to technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures that have significant impacts on trade.