In the current climate of disruption led by the introduction of trade tariffs, the success of small businesses hinges on clear and accessible information on non-tariff measures.
This was the conclusion of a recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) conference, in Nairobi, Kenya, called “Beyond tariffs: how standards and regulations shape agribusiness competitiveness”, where the International Trade Centre (ITC) joined over 80 representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa.
The event brought together agribusinesses, producer and farmer associations, trade institutions, and development organizations to explore how standards and regulations influence agricultural trade competitiveness and online resources can help businesses anticipate, adapt to, and meet evolving market requirements.
And also how by leveraging digital solutions, firms can access new markets, anticipate regulatory changes, and comply with standards.
Delegates also agreed that staying up to date with regulatory changes is crucial. Not complying with a new quota, a change in maximum-residue limits in fruits or a new indication on a label can lead to rejections at the border and have dramatic consequences for a small business.
The challenges of having limited information available are well documented in ITC’s NTM Business Surveys (ntmsurvey.org) that covered over 40,000 traders in 80 countries. While (52%) of the difficult measures exporters face relate to technical standards (SPS/TBT), the real challenge isn't always meeting the standard - it's navigating the bureaucracy and having the right information. These procedural obstacles are the main culprit in over two-thirds of the reported cases – for which poor information availability is a major factor. When rules and procedures aren't clearly communicated, compliance becomes a guessing game, creating a major barrier to trade.
By registering to ePing SPS & TBT Platform, for the markets and products of preference, a trader will be informed when a regulatory change is planned free of charge. Contacts of enquiry points and the possibility to comment on the notification, for example to ask more information or a delay, are features of the ePing platform that include the trader in the process of the change itself and enhance the capacity to adapt the product and make it compliant.
Building on the foundation created by the MARKUP II Programme, where ITC participates to raise awareness on the tool with the EAC Secretariat, a new Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) project was launched during the event.
The “Improving the use of the ePing SPS&TBT Platform to enhance transparency for market access” project will be implemented in five WTO Members states and aims to strengthen regulatory transparency and coordination on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) measures affecting agricultural and food exports.
Simplifying Market Research for SMEs Globally
In today’s dynamic, and constantly evolving global marketplace, small firms often struggle to identify and make use of the most promising opportunities for their products. ITC’s Global Trade Helpdesk –also showcased at this conference- brings together data from 11 partners agencies in a single search to help small firms identify and compare markets. Firms can assess the economic attractiveness of markets, explore market access conditions like tariffs, trade agreements and rules of origin, and delve into the mandatory requirements in their target markets. Firms can also consider digital trade opportunities and connect with potential partners and buyers in their destination markets. The platform is available free of charge in 8 languages (Arabic, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesian English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish).
Unlocking Market Access for SMEs with ITC’s Standards Map
Another significant tool that was presented to the over 80 delegates participating is the ITC Standards Map, the world’s largest database on sustainable development initiatives, which empowers SMEs to navigate this complex terrain. With over 370 standards and 1,300 criteria, the platform offers free, transparent, and verified information to help businesses understand and meet sustainability requirements.
For SMEs, compliance with emerging sustainability regulations can be daunting. Standards Map bridges this gap by providing self-assessment tools, detailed comparisons of standards, and guidance on certification processes. This enables SMEs to anticipate regulatory demands, reduce risks, and align with international best practices.
By using Standards Map, SMEs can identify relevant standards by sector, product, and destination market, ensuring they meet buyer expectations and legal obligations. Beyond compliance, adopting sustainability standards enhances competitiveness, builds trust with global partners, and opens doors to premium markets.
Explore www.standardsmap.org and take the first step toward sustainable trade and long-term growth.
The event was co-organized by the Gates Foundation and the WTO Secretariat and funded by the Gates Foundation.