What is Import Licensing in the WTO?

The Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures establishes a set of detailed rules and principles to prevent import licensing procedures from becoming obstacles to trade. The Agreement distinguishes two different categories of import licensing procedures: (i) automatic licensing procedures; and (ii) non-automatic licensing procedures. The Agreement contains general provisions that apply to both categories of import licensing procedure as well as certain provisions that apply specifically to one or other category of import licensing procedure.