Trade obstacles

What is a trade obstacle?

The definition of a trade obstacle encompasses all forms of measures by authorities that impede or hinder trade with goods or services or otherwise impose existing rules arbitrarily. For instance, this could be:

• Measures that are in breach of an existing trade agreement
• Ambiguous legislation or cumbersome bureaucracy
• Political intervention in legal cases or other forms of legal processes.

Trade obstacles that arise outside EU/EES are primarily subject to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) rules on non-discriminatory measures, but also to free trade agreements that the EU has entered into with third countries. In some cases, bilateral agreements on investment protection can be invoked.

Based on the Embassy's annual questionnaire on the business climate in China for Swedish companies, the Embassy has continuous dialogues with Chinese authorities on related questions.

Have you or has your company encountered a trade obstacle?

You are very welcome to get in touch with us via email. Send an email to the Embassy and please state the following:

• Date
• Name/Company
• Sector
• The nature of your issue.

More information

National Board of Trade (Kommerskollegium)

Business Sweden