Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Egyptian Customs Authority, held 2 national training workshops on rules of origin for Egypt Customs. The workshops were held in Alexandria and Port Said respectively from 11 to 22 February 2024 with the objective to assist Egypt in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin. The workshops are part of a long term engagement with Egypt Customs which was 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, Brigadier General Mohamed Rashwan, 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 FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.

Participants greatly appreciated the opportunity given by the workshop to exchange knowledge and experiences among different stakeholders and stressed that this broad approach is highly beneficial for enhanced cooperation and coordination on a national level.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin 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 or origin.

For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org