QRs: see quantitative restrictions.

Quadrilaterals: established in 1981 as periodic trade policy talks between the United States, the European Community, Japan and Canada. Now also applied to the four acting together. Often shortened to Quad. See also minilateralism.

Qualifying area: one of the criteria used in the administration of rules of origin. It is the territory within which a product must have been produced or from which it must have been exported to enjoy preferential treatment in the importing country. For free-trade areas this is usually the territory of the parties to the agreement. Under other schemes, such as the GSP, the qualifying area may include other developing countries. This criterion may have to be met together with others, such as the regional value content or substantial transformation. See also Pan-European Cumulation Area.

Qualifying value content: in the administration of rules of origin the same as regional value content. It denotes the point at which a product is considered to be the product of another party because enough value has been added to it. The product is accordingly eligible for preferential customs treatment.

Quantitative export restrictions: see export quotas and voluntary restraint arrangement.

Quantitative restrictions: specific limits on the quantity or value of goods that can be imported (or exported) during a given period. Article XI of the GATT proscribes the use of quantitative restrictions, subject to specified exceptions, including those listed in Article XX which covers general exceptions.