Contrary to commitments to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate tariff barriers, governments, particularly developed countries, are increasing the construction and application of non-tariff barriers. While these barriers may be intended to protect consumers, they are actually protective and have a detrimental effect on international trade. The European Union is one of the world’s largest and most demanding agricultural consumer markets. Each year, numerous consignments, particularly agricultural products, are rejected for import due to noncompliance with EU regulations. Under these circumstances, the most difficult cause for agricultural products is non-compliance with pesticide residue regulations. The European Union's 396/2005 regulation on pesticide residue levels in food is analyzed and reviewed in this article.