Around 100 Certificates of Origin Issued to Tunisian Exporting Companies
Approximately 100 certificates of origin are being issued to Tunisian exporting companies, primarily to industrial and agro-food enterprises. These certificates play a crucial role in attesting to the origin of products.
Rules of Origin (RO) under ZLECAF and COMESA: A Key to Tariff Advantages
The rules of origin under the ZLECAF (Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine) and COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) are essential for determining the tariff advantages of goods originating from member states.
Variations in Rules of Origin
The rules vary: COMESA only accepts certificates of origin, while ZLECAF allows either a certificate of origin or a declaration of origin, which is self-certified by the exporter, according to Guillaume Gérout, an expert on rules of origin for a joint program of the European Union and the World Customs Organization in Africa. In fact, ZLECAF has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. He adds, "In Tunisia, chambers of commerce primarily issue certificates of origin, verifying that goods meet the necessary criteria."
Verification Process
Once issued, the certificate is verified by the customs authority of the importing country to confirm its validity. This customs cooperation ensures the integrity of the origin certification process, facilitating international trade in accordance with prevailing rules.
Visa-Free Travel: A Boost to Trade and Competitiveness
Furthermore, the abolition of visas between certain African countries can only facilitate trade and enhance the competitiveness of pan-African products.
