The document's main goal is to analyze the definition of tariff quotas and to propose managing methods thereof, taking into account recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by Colombia with Mexico, Canada and the USA. The article concludes that fixation of tariff quotas deals with the necessity to protect industries and jobs likely to be harmed with the implementation of the treaty, without falling per se within the scope of quantitative restriction defined on article IX of GATT. It also concludes that, although there is not a prevailing managing method of tariff quotas, all of them must comply with commitments made by the country in every trade agreement, and with the rules on the matter stated in it.