EAC progresses towards self-certification of origin

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme funded by the European Union, in partnership with the East African Community (EAC), held a workshop on self-certification in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 22 to 23 August 2024. The workshop saw the participation of origin experts from Member Customs Administrations and Ministries responsible for Trade. The workshop is building on needs expressed by EAC and its Members to the RoO Africa Programme.

Mr. Donald Tindamanyire, Principal Customs Officer (Tariffs & Valuation) at the EAC Secretariat, in his opening remarks mentioned the successful collaboration with the WCO and the EU on various topics under both HS and rules of origin. He stressed that self-certification of origin would facilitate trade while allowing for the control of government revenue. Self-certification is provided for in the revised EAC rules of origin legislation from 2015, but not yet implemented by Members. The workshop would provide an opportunity for Members to learn how best to start the implementation to make sure that economic operators benefit to the maximum extent possible from free trade agreements.

Mr. Martino Vinci, Acting Head of Section, Infrastructure and Regional Development, at the EU delegation to Tanzania and EAC opened the meeting, highlighting that the workshop is part of a long standing cooperation between the EU, the WCO, EAC and other African partners. He highlighted the importance of regional integration and mentioned that the outcome of the workshop would help define the technical support needed under the future partnership, stressing that the EU would continue to be a reliable and available partner for EAC and its Members.

The WCO presented global trends and guidelines on origin certification, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) introduced their new tool, Genesis, which can contribute to streamlining the self-certification process and complete the procedure through digitally certified declarations via Chambers of Commerce who act as a trusted third party between governments and businesses.

Participants shared national experiences on origin certification and discussed recommendations and a road map for the effective implementation of self-certification in EAC.

The participants also discussed needs for technical assistance in relation to rules of origin in general and self-certification in particular and how the RoO Africa Programme can contribute.

The Programme will continue to support EAC and its members with the aim to provide meaningful and targeted capacity building and technical assistance.

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