Seoul, South Korea – The number of technical regulations being revised or newly enacted has reached a record high amid the global spread of protectionism and intensified competition in the technology sector.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, the number of technical regulations notified by World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries last year accumulated to 4,337, marking a 6.6% increase from the previous record of 4,068 in 2023. Under the WTO’s Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), member countries are required to notify the WTO of any technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures that could significantly affect trade.

The ministry attributed the surge in notifications to a significant increase in submissions not only from the United States but also from developing countries in Africa. Uganda topped the list with 426 notifications, followed by the U.S. (419), Tanzania (326), Kenya (312), and Rwanda (361). In terms of sectors, the highest number of technical regulations were notified for food, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products (21.8%), followed by agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (21.2%), and chemicals and ceramics (15.9%).

Among the 15 key countries accounting for around 80% of Korea’s exports, 1,150 notifications were reported, a 4.8% increase from 2023. The U.S. ranked first, introducing and strengthening regulations related to energy efficiency and transportation safety. China came in second with 191 notifications, nearly three times more than in 2023, by revising national standards and compulsory certification (CCC).

The 15 key countries primarily notified regulations in the areas of chemicals and ceramics (17.1%), food and pharmaceuticals (15.7%), electrical and electronic equipment (15.1%), and transportation and safety (14%), accounting for more than half of the total. Jin Jong-wook, Commissioner of the National Metrology and Quality Agency, said, "A significant number of technical regulations are being notified, particularly from major trading partners such as China and the U.S., which rank first and second in our exports."

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