The ECOWAS Common External Tariff, fully operational since 2015, applies uniform import duties across all 15 ECOWAS member states on goods imported from outside the community. The CET has five bands: zero percent for essential social goods (medicines, books), 5 percent for basic necessities (basic foods), 10 percent for inputs and intermediate goods, 20 percent for final consumer goods, and 35 percent for goods requiring special protection including some agricultural products. Within ECOWAS itself, member states apply zero tariffs under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
Interaction with AfCFTA
The ECOWAS CET creates complexities for AfCFTA implementation, since the same goods may have different treatment depending on whether they originate within ECOWAS or within the broader AfCFTA zone. Reconciling these frameworks is an ongoing negotiation priority. Businesses importing into West Africa can access CET schedules, exemption procedures, and customs advisory contacts 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.