<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-4-chapter-02 -->

# Restraints Upon Importation

## Definition

Legal prohibitions or high duties imposed on the importation of goods that can be produced domestically, designed to secure a monopoly of the home market for domestic industry. These restraints prevent foreign competition in specific sectors by either completely banning imports or making them prohibitively expensive through tariffs.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 2

## Context

This entity appears as the central mechanism discussed in the chapter, forming the basis of Smith's critique of protectionist trade policies. The chapter examines how restraints upon importation affect domestic industry, market prices, and overall economic efficiency, arguing that such restrictions often harm rather than help the general economy.

## Economic Domain

Regulation

---
