What are administrative trade policies?

Administrative trade policies refer to the regulations and procedures that governments implement to control and manage international trade. These policies can include customs procedures, import/export licensing, and quality standards, which may be used to protect domestic industries or control the flow of goods. While they can enhance trade security and compliance, they may also lead to trade barriers that complicate or restrict access to foreign markets. Such policies can be seen as non-tariff barriers to trade, affecting the competitiveness of imports.