Help or hindrance ? the impact of harmonized standards on african exports, Vol. 1 of 1

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Help or hindrance ? the impact of harmonized standards on african exports

Author:	Czubala, Witold; Shepherd, Ben; Wilson, John S.;	Collection Title:	Policy Research working paper ; no. WPS 4400
Country:	Africa;	Date Stored:	2007/11/14
Document Date:	2007/11/01	Document Type:	Policy Research Working Paper
Language:	English	Region:	Africa
Report Number:	WPS4400	SubTopics:	Information and Records Management; Scientific Research & Science Parks; Information Security & Privacy; Standards and Technical Regulations; Science Education
Volume No:	1 of 1	Related Dataset:	EU Standards database;

Summary: The authors test the hypothesis that product standards harmonized to de facto international standards are less trade restrictive than ones that are not. To do this, the authors construct a new database of European Union (EU) product standards. The authors identify standards that are aligned with ISO standards (as a proxy for de facto international norms). The authors use a sample-selection gravity model to examine the impact of EU standards on African textiles and clothing exports, a sector of particular development interest. The authors find robust evidence that non-harmonized standards reduce African exports of these products. EU standards which are harmonized to ISO standards are less trade restricting. Our results suggest that efforts to promote African exports of manufactures may need to be complemented by measures to reduce the cost impacts of product standards, including international harmonization. In addition, efforts to harmonize national standards with international norms, including through the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement, promise concrete benefits through trade expansion.


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