<p>In general, no, it can't impose stricter rules on imports than it does on domestic production. Or more accurately, it could, but the countries exporting fur to Norway could challenge this. The guiding rule is that domestic industry cannot receive preferential treatment over importers.</p>

<p>Norway can do it the other way around - that is to say, WTO rules would allow it to continue to import furs after closing down its domestic industry.</p>

<p>But there are always way around this. For example, by setting very specific standards (which are not explicitly to do with country of origin) that apply to everyone, but that only domestic industry complies with. If the standards are crafted well enough, they'll pass WTO's scrutiny.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-19T12:21:20.340Z
Norway intends to do both (ban imports and exports), but there's something of an internal democratic chicken-egg issue.
user2596
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-19T12:06:35.970Z
2018-01-19T12:06:35.970Z
410 gone
<p>Norway intends to shutdown the fur farming industry over the next 5+ years. In the meantime, can Norway ban imports and sales of fur without violating WTO regulation?</p>

<p>Are there alternative strategies? Examples of countries doing something similar (banning imports of goods it exports)?</p>

<international-trade><balance-of-trade><free-trade>
Ban an import that is exported
user2596
# Ban an import that is exported

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-01-19)

Norway intends to shutdown the fur farming industry over the next 5+ years. In the meantime, can Norway ban imports and sales of fur without violating WTO regulation?

Are there alternative strategies? Examples of countries doing something similar (banning imports of goods it exports)?

**Tags:** international-trade, balance-of-trade, free-trade

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-01-19. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

In general, no, it can't impose stricter rules on imports than it does on domestic production. Or more accurately, it could, but the countries exporting fur to Norway could challenge this. The guiding rule is that domestic industry cannot receive preferential treatment over importers.

Norway can do it the other way around - that is to say, WTO rules would allow it to continue to import furs after closing down its domestic industry.

But there are always way around this. For example, by setting very specific standards (which are not explicitly to do with country of origin) that apply to everyone, but that only domestic industry complies with. If the standards are crafted well enough, they'll pass WTO's scrutiny.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Norway intends to do both (ban imports and exports), but there's something of an internal democratic chicken-egg issue.  

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