A Global Environmental Non-tariff measures Database

The Global Environmental Non-tariff measures Database (END) is an open-access repository that compiles technical measures related to environmental protection. As of February 2025, the database covers regulatory measures across 116 economies worldwide, offering a comprehensive and comparable resource for understanding environmental trade governance. By enhancing transparency, the END facilitates the analysis of regulatory differences between countries, their effectiveness in supporting international trade, and their role in environmental protection.

Designed to complement existing regulatory mapping initiatives, the END focuses specifically on technical measures that are directly relevant to environmental protection. The database provides insights into measures that aim to achieve legitimate environmental objectives while ensuring they do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.

Main output:

The END is an open-access repository that presents technical measures for environmental protection in a transparent and structured format. Users can explore the repository to gain insights into global regulatory approaches for the environment.

Methodology:

A detailed description of the END database is available in the accompanying codebook, which outlines the data collection methodology and key sources used for analysis. This resource provides essential context for interpreting the data and understanding its application in environmental trade policy research.

Suggested citation: Santeramo, F.G., Maccarone, I., and Lamonaca, E. (2025). A Global Environmental Non-tariff measures Database (END): Codebook. European University Institute.

Acknowledgements:

The project has benefited the support from the European Commission, the Italian Ministry of Education and Research, and AXA Research Fund.

A Global Environmental Non-tariff measures Database (END) Codebook

The database compiles environment-related technical measures reported under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements. It contains data from 4,939 regular notifications from the WTO ePing – SPS & TBT Platform, which focuses on the “Protection of the Environment.” Additionally, it includes 1,383 regular notifications from the WTO Environmental Database (EDB), which encompasses measures that do not fall under the “Protection of the Environment” category in the ePing Platform.