This paper aims to highlight the underlying evolution of non-tariff barriers in the field of commerce which refer to direct or indirect discriminatory measures towards foreign goods and/or producers. It also seeks to examine the problems and experiences of several countries in their governments’ use to restrict, limit or facilitate trade relations. Practically, non-tariff protectionism has strengthened, gradually replacing the tariff one. Per countries and groups of countries, the record is held by the European Union, whose imports of food and textile products are affected by a 100% share of non-tariff barriers. The importance of non-tariff regulations has been steadily increasing over the past decades. This is due to the increasingly limited efficiency of the customs regime and to the fact that international negotiations have gradually brought about a weakening of tariff protection; the interest in using mainly non-tariff restrictions in all trade policy regulations is also due to the international trade trends of recent years.