Under the framework of the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission for Madagascar Customs. The workshop was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 16 to 20 June 2025 with the objective to assist the administration in the application of rules of origin.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ernest Zafivanona LAINKANA, Director General, thanked the WCO for its continued support and emphasised that the diagnostic mission was part of a modernisation process prior to the establishment of a dedicated origin unit with clear objectives, appropriate procedures, and dedicated staff. He added that while classification and value are the backbone of the taxation system, origin is the beating heart that determines preferential market access. The WCO’s assistance constitutes essential support for the modernisation of Madagascar Customs, which will enable revenue collection, trade facilitation, border surveillance, and control of trade flows.

Madagascar Customs had requested technical assistance to analyse the existing origin management and make recommendations for its reform and modernisation, including setting up a dedicated origin unit.  During the mission, officials working in the areas of origin, risk management, post clearance audit, legal affairs, human resources and training carried out an evaluation of the present origin infrastructure and practices in Madagascar and discussed how to improve and enhance the origin management.

The participants drafted an Action Plan on Origin, including recommendations and activities, structured as five key areas to assist the administration to update legislation, improve internal structure and decision making, optimise human and financial resources, improve compliance and procedures, and facilitate trade.  The Action Plan was presented to management, and the Director for Legislation and Valuation, on behalf of the Director General, welcomed the recommendations, stressing the importance of origin and the need for setting up an independent and dedicated service. He added that some of the recommendations could be implemented prior to the creation of a new structure, which would necessitate a decree from the Minister of Finance.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its collaboration with Madagascar Customs to support further capacity building and technical assistance in the implementation of the Action Plan.

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