This paper evaluates the different approaches to quantifying the trade impact of standards in the
agri-food sector. The approaches discussed fall into two broad categories: ex post empirical estimation
and ex ante simulation. Recent developments on the impact of standards on market segmentation are also
examined. Since both the level and design of a standard are important determinants of its impact, the most
suitable choice of quantification strategy will depends on the characteristics of the standard itself. For
example, ex ante simulation techniques are more appropriate when measuring the impact of complex
standards regimes. On the other hand, ex post empirical estimation is preferable when the level of the
standard is more important than its design.
