NON-TARIFF MEASURES IN CEFTA 2006: PERSPECTIVES OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND SERBIA

Abstract

This article addresses non-tariff measures applied in CEFTA 2006, analysed specifically from the perspective of two Parties – North Macedonia and Serbia. It provides insight into the business community’s views in each country with regard to the non-tariff measures noted in their trade within CEFTA, as well as comparison of the Macedonian and Serbian case of imposing, addressing and overcoming the non-tariff measures. The article derives on the findings of the empirical research conducted in parallel in both countries in June-August 2021 within the framework of the EU Funded GIZ Project: Support to the Regional Economic Integration. It also reflects relevant legislation, such as CEFTA 2006 Protocols. In terms of content, the article includes overview of the trade within CEFTA 2006 and focuses on the non-tariff measures relevant to North Macedonia and Serbia, in particular - sanitary and phytosanitary measures; technical barriers to trade; price control measures and trade facilitation measures, such as formalities connected with import, export and transit, along with the procedures of release and clearance of the goods. The analysis of the empirical information indicates that sanitary and phytosanitary measures and trade facilitation have been reported as most common problems by both parties, despite the CEFTA Protocols regulating some of the issues. The article’s conclusions mirror the findings of the research and provide recommendations about possibilities for overcoming the non-tariff measures in CEFTA 2006.