On 26 February 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that under the framework of its and the European Union (EU) Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa Programme, in partnership with the Regional Training Center (RTC) Kenya and the Mozambique Revenue Authority, it had held a national training workshop on RoO for Mozambique Customs. The workshop was held in Maputo, Mozambique, from 19 to 23 February 2024 to assist Mozambique in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential RoO. The training is part of a workplan established with the RTC for competency development for several countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region.
In his opening remarks the Director for International Cooperation thanked the WCO, the EU and the RTC for their support in building capacity on rules of origin and highlighted that the workshop would equip participants with the necessary tools to effectively carry out their day-to-day tasks and ensure correct revenue collection.
During the workshop, participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including through administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of RoO on a national and regional level.
The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with the RTC and Mozambique Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of RoO.
If you are interested in learning more, contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org
