Question

What are the conditions under which a country may use the unsafe products argument to block imports?

Short answer

When products being imported are harmful for the consumers.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Trade barriers refer to the regulations imposed by the government to protect domestic producers and consumers. Several arguments are used by the government to support the imposition of these barriers. The unsafe products argument is one such reason.

Step 2. Explanation 

WTO does not impose the same safety standards on all countries. Countries are free to decide their health and safety standards on their own. But the standards should be the same for both domestic producers as well as imports from foreign countries. Countries cannot arbitrarily impose standards to discriminate against other countries. The standards should be based on scientific evidence.