Check rules of origin and import duties

• 96% of customers retained their EU/WAEMU/ECOWAS customers when rules of origin issues were resolved

• 100% of customers saved more than 202,000 CFA francs a year by not paying for unnecessary certificates of origin

The origin or manufacture of your product can have a considerable impact on the tariffs applicable when sold in another country. Ensuring that your goods comply with the rules of origin of your country's or regional economic community's (e.g. UEMOA/ECOWAS) trade and co-operation or free trade agreement with the rest of the world is essential to exporting your product smoothly and avoiding costly mistakes.

As a general rule, all companies exporting goods from their country to other areas must be able to prove that their goods originate from their place of residence. In some cases, it is not enough to make a declaration on your commercial invoice.

Failure to do so can lead to delays, duty claims and even penalties.

Unfortunately, many exporters don't understand the rules of origin and expose themselves to fines and delays at customs. Unless you are 100% sure that the raw materials you use to make your products come from the UEMOA/ECOWAS/ZLECAf (including raw materials you buy from national distributors who may themselves have imported them from elsewhere), you cannot allow your customers to claim preference. StratExim Consulting will analyse your supply chain to determine the origin of the raw materials used in the manufacture of your products.

Each HS code will then be compared to the trade agreement (if any) for each customs territory you export to determine which rule of origin applies and whether your goods meet the criteria.

Finally, you will receive a written report explaining where your customers can claim preference and how much import duty they will have to pay if they cannot claim preference. We'll also advise you on any documents you need from your suppliers and to give to your customers to prove that the goods meet the current rule of origin.