There are 6 protocols that constitute the AfCTA trading block. In AfCTA in a Minute we see the six protocols – Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Competition Policy, Intellectual Property Rights, Investment, and Rules & Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes. In this article, we will look at what the Protocol on the Trade in Goods is all about.
Here’s what we will learn:
- What does the Protocol on Trade in Goods mean and cover?
- How does it function?
- What are the expected challenges?
- What has been done to solve some of these issues?
AfCFTA: Protocol on Trade in Goods
The Protocol on Goods makes provisions to ensure that there are transparent, clear, and predictable criteria for determining eligibility for preferential treatment in the AfCFTA. The principal objective of this Protocol is to create a liberalised market for trade in goods in accordance with Article 3 of the Agreement.
How Does the Protocol on Trade in Goods Function?
The purpose of this Annex/Protocol is to implement provisions of the Protocol on Trade in Goods concerning Rules of Origin amongst other related issues as regards the movement of good across the AfCFTA.
Its provisions act as a procedural guide and set the rules and modalities for trade in goods. For instance, the Rules of Origin sets out how commodities would be conferred with preferential treatment under the AfCFTA and would be allowed to enter importing states duty-free. It also sets up procedures for the issuance of certificates of origin, discrepancies with such certificates, and qualification prerequisites for an exporter.
What Are the Expected Challenges?
There may be a compliance lag or delay in executing the provisions of the protocol in some states. This is due to the provisions of the protocols not being self-executing and depending on each member state to handle domestic implementation including making changes to national tariff books, provide for domestic procedures relevant to the issuing of certificates of origin and other sanitary and phytosanitary measure,
What Has Been Done to Solve Some of These Issues?
Member States have, to varying degrees, made efforts to formulate national AfCFTA implementation strategies as these will contribute to the adoption and integration of intra-African trade in their national development plans.
The Protocol on Trade in Goods is one that will encourage the rapid growth of intra-African trade while strengthening our various economies. With its quick adoption, Africa will be well on its way to better economic independence.
Written by Ikechukwu Ibeawuchi for Upside Africa