The World Customs Organization (WCO), under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, held a national training workshop on rules of origin for Mauritius Customs. The workshop was held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 3 to 6 October 2023 and brought together Customs officers from various services with the objective to assist Mauritius in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Vivekanand Ramburun, Director Customs, thanked the WCO and the EU for their ongoing support to the ESA region in general and MRA in particular in building capacity on rules of origin and highlighted that rules of origin are a key factor in the implementation and application of free trade agreements and, thus, it is crucial for Customs and the private sector to enhance their understanding of the matter.

Ms. Macarena Ruiz, Programme Manager at the European Union Directorate General for International Partnerships, stressed the importance of an accurate interpretation and application of rules of origin for efficient implementation of trade agreements. She praised the excellent partnership with the WCO under the Rules of Origin Africa Programme and the complementarities it creates with other EU programmes in the region and in Mauritius. Ms. Ruiz highlighted the effectiveness of the competency development approach conducted by the WCO that has already marked positive impact in other countries, namely under the EU-HS Africa Programme.  

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.

Throughout the workshop, participants actively contributed to the discussions and various case studies and appreciated the opportunity given by the workshop to exchange knowledge and experiences among different services as this approach is beneficial for enhanced cooperation and coordination within the Administration.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with Mauritius Customs to equip Customs officials with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules of origin.

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