The Study provides a comparative analysis of origin provisions in a region which has the most numerous and complex overlapping trade regimes of the entire African continent.

It reveals substantial disparities between origin regimes, resulting in significant differences when it comes to determining the origin of goods, and leading to fragmentation of markets and higher compliance costs for economic operators. Such complexity also results in an underutilization of preferences, highlighting the need for convergence towards a more favorable business environment.

The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is seen as a critical milestone towards resolving the issue of these overlapping rules of origin and paving the way for an African Customs Union, which would require unified trading rules.

In addition, the Study also highlights the fact that the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between Africa and the European Union can play a catalytic role in promoting African economic integration, particularly through their cumulation provisions. The harmonized rules of origin under EPA are viewed as a means of fostering the development of African value chains in a unified origin regime.

The Guide aims to assist Customs administrations and economic operators with the practical implementation of Annex 2 on Rules of Origin to the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade, and its relevant appendices. The document provides detailed explanations about different origin concepts, explains how those concepts are applied in the framework of the AfCFTA Agreement, Annex 2 on Rules of Origin and Appendix IV, and includes examples to enhance comprehension of the provisions. The Guide expands on the Quick Guide to the private sector on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin (available in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese).

Both publications were developed under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, which supports Regional Economic Communities, Customs administrations, private sector entities and the AfCFTA Secretariat to improve their capacity to deal with rules of origin, and paves the way for the harmonized and coordinated implementation and application of rules of origin, especially those of the AfCFTA. Forty-eight countries and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are engaged in the Programme so far.

Upcoming publications include new comparative studies covering other regions and African Union Regional Economic Communities.

More information
EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org