The East African Community Customs Union, which came into force in 2005, eliminates tariffs on goods traded among Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan while applying a three-band common external tariff: zero percent on capital goods and raw materials, 10 percent on intermediate goods, and 25 percent on finished consumer goods. The CU is supplemented by the EAC Common Market Protocol, which adds provisions for free movement of persons, labour, services, and capital. Together these create the most operationally effective regional integration framework in sub-Saharan Africa.
Practical Limitations
Despite the formal framework, significant non-tariff barriers persist. Tanzania has periodically imposed import bans or certification requirements that affect EAC partner trade. The EAC Secretariat operates an NTB reporting mechanism that businesses can use to flag barriers encountered at borders. East African trade compliance and logistics contacts are available on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.