Non-Tariff Barriers: Role of the Multilateral Trading System and Interests of Smaller Developing Countries and LDCs in Western Africa

This paper reviews specific Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) faced by exporters from selected West African countries for their most exported products in their top export destinations. It focuses on exports from Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, covering products such as cocoa beans, fish products, sesamum, naphtalene, natural rubber and furniture. The paper emphasises participation in the WTO’s regular committees as a key avenue for developing countries and LDCs to identify such technical measures, as well as ensure they are in conformity with WTO agreements and do not unnecessarily reduce their trading opportunities