EU Rules of Origin: Practical Implications for Economic Operators

The Project at A Glance

The European Union (EU)-Africa trade partnership is characterised by numerous trade agreements. Concerns been raised over the ways in which EU Rules of Origin (RoO) can impact exporters and regional value chains. The key objective of this project is to assess study the role of EU RoO in EU-Africa trade relations with regards to the impact on trade, export growth and diversification, sourcing decisions, and administrative requirements, and to provide recommendations on addressing any challenges identified and lessons learned for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) or Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

The study will highlight the ways in which RoO represent barriers or opportunities for trade and investment for African trade partners. It will also provide case studies focusing on two African exporting countries, Madagascar and Rwanda and will undertake an in-depth analysis of two value chains to assess the constraints and opportunities encountered in the export of final products. The team will make a series of recommendations to outline ways in which current shortcomings of preferential RoO can be addressed.

Our Strategy and Impact

The team will conduct a literature review along with analysis of different EU trade arrangements with Africa. An interview guide will also be prepared for stakeholder consultations in two different countries namely Rwanda and Madagascar. Case studies for these two countries will be presented and an in-depth analysis of two value chains will be conducted. The Rules of Origin Facilitator database will be used for mapping and comparison of RoO across the African market. Based on the findings, the team will provide recommendations on how to improve preferential access and alleviate the hurdles for African exports to EU.

Our Core Solutions

While well-designed trade policies are vital to delivering long-term benefits for economies, so is the need for effective implementation. At International Economics Consulting, we support the public and private sectors in navigating the policy and negotiation landscape regarding international trade. This includes establishing robust monitoring and evaluation framework through sophisticated real-time dashboards and reporting systems to ensure the best outcomes. We provide advocacy services to empower delegations and negotiators to participate effectively in trade negotiations and deliberations and advocate for their countries’ interests and positions.