EU-WCO Publishes Study On Rules Of Origin For Textiles And Vehicles

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme has released a new publication titled “A Comparative Study of the Rules of Origin in the Textiles and Vehicles Sectors,” which offers a detailed analysis of the product-specific rules (PSRs) across eight prominent free trade agreements (FTAs). These agreements include African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Protocol, EAC-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), Pan-Euro Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Southern African Development Community (SADC) FTA and United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The study focuses on specific chapters covering garments and other textile articles (61-63) and motorized vehicles (8701-8705), comparing the drafting styles of PSRs across these FTAs. A key finding of the report is the growing complexity in the drafting of these rules, particularly for vehicles, due to ongoing technical updates in the Harmonized System (HS) classification. This complexity highlights the importance of regularly transposing PSRs to the latest HS version, with opportunities for simplification where appropriate.

The report emphasizes the need for negotiators to strike a balance between business-friendly language and technical precision in drafting PSRs. The innovative methodology introduced in the study offers a new analytical approach to understanding rules of origin, particularly in the textile and vehicle sectors.

Produced under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, this publication is part of a broader effort to support the implementation of the AfCFTA. The programme, a joint initiative between the European Union and the World Customs Organization, provides targeted technical assistance, training, consultations and knowledge products to enhance trade within Africa and beyond. The ultimate goal is to facilitate Africa’s integration into the global economy by strengthening trade links with Europe and the international community.

Funded by the EU, this report reflects the shared commitment of the EU and the WCO to help African partners navigate the complexities of trade agreements, with a particular focus on aligning rules of origin with global standards. However, the views expressed in the report are those of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme and do not necessarily represent the positions of the European Union or the World Customs Organization.