In recent years, several countries have introduced national QR code standards that mandate domestic routing and processing of digital payments. While these initiatives are often positioned as efforts to promote financial inclusion, local innovation, and consumer protection, they are increasingly drawing criticism for acting as non-tariff trade barriers.
One of the most notable examples is Indonesia’s QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard). In the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the United States Trade Representative (USTR)identified QRIS as a significant digital trade barrier. According to the report, QRIS effectively limits foreign payment providers’ ability to operate in Indonesia, contributing to a 32% reciprocal tariff on Indonesian exports to the United States.
QRIS is not unique. Many countries have implemented similar mandates. Here’s a global snapshot:
Countries with QR Code Payment Mandates
| Country | Mandate Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia (QRIS) | Mandatory local QR code standard | All QR payments must route through QRIS and use local clearingClearing clearing The exchange of financial information and instructions between acquirers and issuers to facilitate settlement. systems like BI-FAST. Foreign PSPs must integrate via domestic entities. |
| India (UPI/QR Standardization) | Mandatory interoperability + domestic processing | All QR codes must be interoperable on UPI rails operated by NPCI, a domestic not-for-profit entity. |
| China (Alipay/WeChat Pay dominance) | De facto closed QR ecosystems | QR payments dominated by Alipay and WeChat Pay. |
| Vietnam (NAPAS QR Code Standard) | Strong preference for local switch | QR payments must interoperate through NAPAS, Vietnam’s domestic payment switch. |
| Malaysia (DuitNow QR) | Mandatory national QR interoperability | All QR codes must adhere to DuitNow QR, operated by PayNet. |
| Thailand (PromptPay QR) | National interoperability mandate | QR-based payments are standardized via PromptPay, requiring foreign PSPs to connect through Thai domestic rails. |
| Brazil (PIX) | Mandatory use of central rails | Though PIX is broader than QR, any QR-enabled real-time payment must route through PIX infrastructure operated by Banco Central do Brasil. |
| Russia (SBP QR) | Mandatory use of domestic system | QR-linked instant payments must process through SBP (System for Fast Payments), operated by the Central Bank of Russia. |
Why These Mandates Matter
At a high level, these QR code mandates:
- Force domestic routing, reducing the role of international networks like VisaVisa visa A leading global payment technology company connecting consumers, businesses, and banks., MastercardMasterCard mastercard A global payments network enabling electronic transactions between banks, merchants, and cardholders., and global fintechs.
- Create market entry barriers for foreign players, requiring them to partner with local banks or intermediaries.
- Potentially violate free trade norms under agreements like the WTO’s GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) when they restrict cross-border digital services.
The United States and European Union increasingly view these practices as “digital protectionism”, especially when the rules are crafted to favor local payment providers.
In Indonesia’s case, this concern has led the USTR to justify a 32% tariff on certain Indonesian exports, linking it directly to the restricted digital trade environment created by QRIS.
Where QR Interoperability Remains More Open
While many emerging markets are moving toward domestic control, some countries are taking a more open, globalized approach:
| Country | Approach |
|---|---|
| Singapore (SGQR) | Unified QR code system via SGQR; foreign PSPs can participate easily. |
| Australia (NPP/PayTo) | Real-time payments with open standards; NPP Australia operates the infrastructure behind PayTo and real-time payments. |
| European Union (SEPA QR / EPC QR) | Voluntary QR standard for payments; European Payments Council supports SEPA-wide QR acceptance. |
These models balance domestic innovation and global participation, without heavily penalizing foreign firms.
Conclusion
The global QR code payment landscape is becoming a new frontline for digital trade disputes.
Countries mandating local QR standards and routing may achieve greater control and financial inclusion—but they also risk trade retaliation, reduced foreign investment, and limited consumer choice.
As cross-border digital commerce grows, the tension between national payment sovereignty and global market openness will likely intensify.
Stay tuned to PaymentsPedia for more insights on real-time payments, embedded finance, and the evolving payments infrastructure worldwide.
Vibhu is a global payments leader and PhD researcher in real-time payments, dedicated to making payments simpler, smarter, and more inclusive. With 20 years of payments experience across Citibank, Adyen, IKEA, Snapdeal, iPayLinks — and markets spanning India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Australia— he brings a truly global perspective to the future of money. Vibhu is also the founder of PaymentsPedia.com, a knowledge hub where he shares insights on cards, crypto, cross-border flows, and real-time rails.📧 vibhu@paymentspedia.com | LinkedIn