Trade

Posted in Trade

The East African Community (EAC) is dedicated to enhancing economic efficiency and fostering regional integration through strategic investments and the utilization of established industries. The goal is to position the Community as a single investment area, harmonizing trade policies, investment incentives, and product standards.

EAC Partner States prioritize regional trade integration as a cornerstone of their trade policies. This involves strengthening both public institutions and private sector organizations engaged in export promotion, creating a conducive environment for cross-border trade.

Key Measures to Enhance Trade:

Customs Union Protocol (Effective January 2005)

Signed in March 2004, the Customs Union Protocol aims to liberalize intra-regional trade, promote production efficiency, attract investment, and encourage economic development and industrial diversification.

Common Market Protocol (Effective July 2010)

EAC Partner States signed the Common Market Protocol in November 2009, transforming the region into the first single market in Africa. It allows for the free movement of goods, persons, services, labor, and capital while ensuring rights to residence and establishment.

Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (2011)

Framework agreements with the USA and China were signed in 2011, promoting commodity trade, exchange visits by business people, and cooperation in investment.

Trade Facilitation

Partner States collaborate to simplify, standardize, and harmonize trade information and documentation to facilitate the seamless flow of goods.

Anti-Dumping Measures

The Community has established anti-dumping regulations, in accordance with the Customs Union Protocol, to address unfair trade practices.

Competition Policy and Law

The EAC has implemented a Competition Policy and Law to discourage practices that negatively impact free trade within the Community.

Re-Export of Goods

Re-exports are exempted from the payment of import or export duties, promoting the movement of goods within the region.

Removal of Non-Tariff Barriers

Under Article 13 of the Customs Union Protocol, Partner States commit to removing existing non-tariff barriers and refraining from imposing new ones.

Standards and Measures

Recognizing the importance of standardization and quality assurance, the EAC Partner States have emphasized the role of standards, metrology, and testing in promoting trade, investment, and consumer protection.

The EAC's commitment to regional integration and trade facilitation is evident through a comprehensive framework that addresses not only tariff-related matters but also non-tariff barriers, competition issues, and standards. Ongoing reviews and collaborations with international partners further signify the Community's dedication to creating a vibrant and seamless economic environment for its member states.

EAC Trade Tools

Trade Information Portal

The EAC Trade Information Portal (TIP) gives access to step-by-step guides on licenses, pre-clearance permits and clearance formalities for the most traded goods within, to and from the East African Community EAC).

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NTB Reporting Tool

The ultimate tool for identifying, removing, and monitoring Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to trade within the Tripartite Community. The App prioritizes policy harmonization and coordination, aiming to eliminate obstacles that hinder intra/inter-regional trade, thus reducing the high cost of doing business in the region.

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International Trade Partnerships