# tariff-rate quota (TRQ)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A tariff-rate quota (TRQ) establishes a two-tier duty structure: imports up to a specified volume enter at a reduced or zero rate, while quantities above that threshold face substantially higher over-quota duties.

A tariff-rate quota (TRQ) establishes a two-tier duty structure: imports up to a specified volume enter at a reduced or zero rate, while quantities above that threshold face substantially higher over-quota duties. The mechanism allows governments to maintain a degree of domestic protection while granting preferential market access to selected trading partners, typically under bilateral or WTO-notified trade agreements. In practice, brokers and importers must verify current quota utilisation before finalising a customs entry – once the quota is exhausted, duties can increase sharply. A TRQ differs from an import quota, which caps the quantity that may enter regardless of the duty rate applied.

**Source:** [https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/agric_e/agric_e.htm](https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/agric_e/agric_e.htm)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | tariff-rate quota (TRQ) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 104 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/agric_e/agric_e.htm |

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