NTMs have replaced tariffs as protective measures for domestic industries, as they are often used in products and industries where tariffs have been reduced (World Bank 2008). For example, compliance with technical regulations, such as standards to protect plant, animal and human health, entails additional costs and raises the cost of production for goods destined for foreign markets. They may also disadvantage foreign firms that may have a different set of standards (or none as in the case of developing countries) for their own local markets. All these can restrict trade.