By Sam Laird The study begins with a brief history, rationale and legal basis for DFQF schemes, an overview of the preferential trade schemes in favor of LDCs by both developed and emerging countries, the key features of the schemes, and coverage by tariff lines and trade, tariff treatment and utilization of preferences. It then provides an extensive discussion of rules of origins and their links to the DFQF schemes. An important element of the study is the analysis of the effects of the schemes on the trade performance of LDCs. The study is concluded with a discussion of future prospects for the schemes.