Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization, in partnership with Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), held an advanced training workshop on rules of origin for Mauritius Customs. The workshop was held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 3 to 7 March 2025 with the objective to assist Mauritius Customs in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin and contribute to a seamless implementation of the AfCFTA and other relevant FTAs.

This workshop builds on the acquis from an intermediate training conducted in 2023 and forms part of a comprehensive technical assistance and capacity building partnership with MRA, which also includes the recent launch of the e-Tariff and Origin Tool in January 2025.

In his opening remarks, Mr Nundishwar Bhugwant, Section Head - Assessment, on behalf of MRA, thanked the WCO and the EU for their continued support in building capacity and their assistance to African countries to ensure a rules of origin implementation in line with international standards.

During the workshop, participants gained a deeper understanding of key concepts for proper origin determination, including possible flexibilities such as cumulation, tolerance rules and the absorption principle, as well as related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and verification. Case studies made the concepts more tangible and relatable, and allowed the participants to detangle the spaghetti bowl of rules of origin in various free trade agreements applicable in Mauritius.

Participants also had the opportunity to observe the practical application and management of rules of origin through a field visit to a textile factory where they were walked through the complex production line from imported cotton fibers to the manufacturing and packing of garments.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with MRA to equip Customs officials with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules of origin. As a next step, the Programme will conduct a training of trainers which will pave the way for Customs to further disseminate their knowledge to colleagues as well as to other relevant stakeholders.

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