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 Egyptian Customs Authority, it had held two national training workshops on RoO for Egypt Customs. The workshops were held in Alexandria and Port Said respectively from 11 to 22 February 2024 to assist Egypt in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential RoO. The workshops are part of a long-term engagement with Egypt Customs which kicked off in Cairo in September 2023 and will be followed by advanced training as well as training of trainers to ensure continued capacity building within the Administration.
In his opening remarks, the Head of Human Resources and Capacity Building Sector, on behalf of the Commissioner of the Egyptian Customs Authority, thanked the WCO and the EU for their support in building capacity and stressed that the learnings and discussions from the workshops would elevate the level of Customs in the application of rules of origin.
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 Free Trade Agreements (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 RoO Africa Programme will continue its work with Egypt Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules of origin.
If you are interested in learning more, contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org