Environmental requirements for imported products

This study examines trade‐related environmental measures adopted by World Trade Organization members and assesses their outcomes using Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) indicators. It draws on notifications from the WTO Environmental Database for 2009–2021 and on OECD‐Stat metrics for 2012–2019. Each notification is classified by measure type, sector and environmental objective, tracing trends among major issuers such as the United States, the European Union, Australia, China and Canada. Results show that the agricultural and manufacturing sectors account for the largest share of measures, while technical regulations and subsidies are the most prevalent instruments. Evaluations of PM₂.₅ exposure, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy share and environmental policy stringency reveal that countries issuing numerous environmental notifications generally achieve better environmental performance, although variations arise according to development status and policy design. Nations with stricter requirements have demonstrated improvements in their indicators, implying that import regulations form part of a comprehensive green policy rather than solely protectionist intent. China is notable for advancing its indicators despite persistent pollution and emission challenges.