Import quota means that a government directly restricts the import quantity or amount of a commodity within a certain period of time. Within the prescribed time limit, goods exceeding the quota are not allowed to be imported, or they can only be imported after higher tariffs or fines are imposed.

For example, China implements quota management on soybean oil imports. In 2004, the import quota was 31880,000 tons and the import tariff was 9%. The tariff for the part exceeding 31880,000 tons is 30.7%.

2. "Automatic" export quota system

"Voluntary" export restriction means that the exporting country or region, at the request or pressure of the importing country, "automatically" stipulates the export restriction of certain commodities in the country for a certain period of time, controls the export by itself within a limited quota, and prohibits the export if the quota is exceeded.

For example, under the pressure of the United States, Japan once restricted the export of its cars to the United States, and restricted its own exports according to the number of cars allowed to be exported each year (quota).

3. Import license system

The import license system refers to the import of goods. Importers must apply to the relevant state agencies in advance, and only after examination and approval can they issue import licenses. Import is not allowed without a license.

For example, China implements import quota management for automobile imports, and importers must apply for and obtain import licenses related to quotas before they can import. According to the relevant commitments, China will completely cancel the import quota license management of automobiles and their key parts, motorcycles and their key parts before 2005 1.

4. Advance payment

Advance deposit is also called import deposit system. It requires importers to deposit a sum of cash in a designated bank according to a certain proportion of the import amount and a predetermined time when importing goods. This will increase the financial burden of imported goods, thus playing a role in restricting imports.

5. Foreign exchange control

Foreign exchange control refers to the restrictive measures taken by the state on foreign exchange transactions according to laws and regulations.

Foreign trade is closely related to foreign exchange. Foreign exchange can be collected for export and paid for import, so foreign exchange control will inevitably directly affect import and export trade. Import foreign exchange control is a means to restrict imports.

6. Minimum price system

The lowest price refers to the lowest price set by the importing country for a commodity. If the import price is lower than this price, an additional tax will be levied. For example, the minimum price of steel is set at $320 per ton. If it is $300 per ton at the time of import, the importing country will impose an additional tax of $20 to offset possible subsidies or dumping by the exporting country.

7. Customs valuation system

The system by which the customs determines the price of imported goods for the purpose of collecting tariffs is called the customs valuation system. According to some special regulations, the customs of some countries raise the customs valuation of imported goods, thus increasing the tariff burden of imported goods and achieving the purpose of restricting imports.

8, harsh technology, health, inspection standards

In order to restrict imports, some countries have stipulated complicated and harsh technical standards for industrial products, health and quarantine regulations, and commodity packaging and labeling regulations. These standards and regulations are often formulated on the grounds of ensuring consumer safety and people's health. However, some regulations are very complicated and often change, which makes it difficult for foreign products to adapt, thus limiting imports. The agricultural products exported from China have the problem of pesticide residues exceeding the standard, and the textiles exported also have the phenomenon of harmful substances exceeding the standard. Some countries are still improving these content standards. These will be the main non-tariff barriers that China will face for a long time to come.