Angola hosts a sub-regional training workshop on rules of origin for the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries

Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Angola Tax Administration (AGT), held a sub-regional training workshop on rules of origin for the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP). The workshop was held in Luanda, Angola, from 28 October to 1 November 2024 in parallel with the 38th Meeting of Customs Directors-General of the CPLP.

The objective of the training was to assist Customs administrations in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin, as well as foster experience sharing among CPLP members. The workshop is part of a workplan established with the CPLP for competency development in a vision to further equip the administrations with dedicated experts that could be supporting the region, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the continent.

In his opening remarks, the WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, stressed the opportunity for CPLP members to engage on both strategic and very technical questions, with the goal of both meetings being the development of greater capacity, consistency, and cooperation to enable Customs to perform its multifaceted mission.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Mateja Peternelj, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Angola, mentioned that Customs administrations play an important role in trade facilitation, revenue collection and protection of society. By meeting their core functions efficiently and professionally, Customs administrations contribute tangibly to the prosperity and growth of the society and consequently to the implementation of the sustainable development goals. She also mentioned that sub-regional activities bringing together all CPLP countries contribute to building competency and creating a platform for exchange and knowledge sharing.

During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the CPLP to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin. The next steps will cover an advanced training followed by a Training of Trainers on rules of origin.

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