ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the tensions between environmental regulations and free trade. In doing so, it focuses on the evolution of the precautionary principle, its implementation and its limitations. This study questions whether the application of the precautionary principle will form the basis for balanced policy between promotion of sustainability and facilitation of the growth of trade and investment. It focuses on different regional trade agreements (RTAs) particularly in Europe, North America and Asia to see how countries have practised the precautionary principle in RTAs to understand the relationship between trade interests and environmental protection.
