Online Customs Tariff

All import and export commercial transactions require commodities or products on Customs Declarations to be classified according to an appropriate Customs Tariff Code. The tariff code is directly linked to the rate of duty payable on that commodity. Classification operates as part of the international Harmonised Commodity and Coding System, under the WCO Harmonised System Convention. For the classification of the goods into a Customs Tariff, there are six (6) fundamental rules, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). You can read further information on the GRI here.

 Customs Tariff Browse

Browse the Customs Tariff Book by Section and Chapter and view all the legal notes.

 Customs Tariff Search

Search for Customs Tariff Codes using either a keyword or a tariff code.

 Customs Duty Estimator

Estimate Customs Duties using the Duty Estimator. This function removes the need for any manual calculations and allows for more accurate costing.

 Customs Duty Remission

Search for public Customs Duty Remissions that have been issued. The online application tool can be used to register and apply for Customs Duty Remissions.

TradeConference2

 

conference filled  About the Conference

A high-level conference to showcase the state of play of the EAC Customs Union as part of the EAC 20th Anniversary and 15th Anniversary of implementation of the EAC Customs Union . . .
 

presenter  Speakers & Programme

The conference will feature presentations on priority areas of focus in attaining a fully fledged Customs Union.

Provisional Conference Programme >

Conference Booklet >
 
 

trade The EAC Customs Union

Enabling the EAC Partner States to enjoy economies of scale, with a view to supporting the process of economic development through the establishment of a Single Customs Territory. . . .

Registration Register Online

Register Online for the High Level Conference on the EAC Single Customs Territory.

Online Registration Form >

 
     
     

     About the Conference

    The EAC High-Level Conference on regional trade integration is convened as part of the activities to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the East African Community and the 15th Anniversary of Implementing the EAC Customs Union. The theme of the conference is “ENHANCING TRADE INTEGRATION IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY”. The conference is expected to attract over 300 key players from the East African Region, International & Regional Economic Communities, exhibitors, stakeholders and Government Officials.

    The objectives of the conference are:

    1. to showcase the state of play of the EAC Customs Union as part of the East African Community 20th Anniversary and 15th Anniversary of the implementation of the Customs Union in the EAC;
    2. discuss and chart out policy, strategic direction and positioning of the EAC in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and
    3. build linkages of the key players to generate practical interventions to address Barriers to Trade, Investment and Industry.

    The Conference will offer an opportunity to assess the progress, discuss challenges and propose way forward for the full-fledged Customs Union. It will provide a platform to examine the adequacy of the legal, institutional and policy framework, the resource and technological capacity as well as collaboration with the private sector in defining the future of the Customs Union as a pivot in the integration of the region.

    Key note speakers in the areas of Customs and Trade will be drawn from private & public sectors; and regional and international institutions. The conference will further attract policy makers, academia, and professionals knowledgeable in matters of regional integration.

    Expected Participants

    The conference will draw participation from International Organizations including the World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank (WB), African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Trade Centre (ITC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Union Commission (AUC); the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Development Partners/Donors, sister regional economic communities as well as the academia. Also present will be representatives from Customs administrations, other government agencies, corporate companies that are involved in providing services to the trade sector directly or indirectly, including telecommunication companies, technology providers, insurance companies and banks, importers and exporters, national and international transport companies, shipping lines and clearing agents among others.


    Conference Topics

    Conference will feature discussions on the following topical areas: 

    • A Reflection on the implementation of the East African Community Customs Union. What has worked and what has not.
    • Position of Women and Youth in Business in the East African Community
    • Containing illicit trade in the East African Community; A call for partnership between the public and the private sector
    • Role of Regional Economic Communities in the context of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
    • Digital economy and e-commerce in East African Community
    • Elevating Small Business Enterprises as contributors to East African Community economies
    • Infrastructure development in East African Community as a driver for trade and industry
    • Resolving trade Trade Disputes in East African Community
    • Impact of the Customs Union on investment in East Africa
    • Creating value chains in manufacturing and agricultural production in East African Community: A paradigm shift
    • Integrating South Sudan in the East African Community
    • The Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Trade Integration in the East African Community
    • Establishing Trade Preferences with developed Economies
    • Private Sector as a key driver of the East African Community integration

    Exhibition

    Exhibition Area & Standard Booth

    • 2 X 2 Sq Meters, lighting, socket, complete with table, two seats, socket, dustbin. 
    • Booths located directly opposite the main conference hall.
    • Includes participation of 2 delegates.
    • Highly visible signage directing delegates to the exhibition hall.

    Exhibition Fees

    • East Africam Business Council Members (EABC) – US$ 700 per standard Booth
    • Government/EAC Institutions  - US$700 per standard Booth
    • Other Companies/Organizations/Institutions - US$1,000 per standard Booth
    Participation Guidelines
    • Interested Exhibitors are requested to fill the registration form and  contact Zephania Shaidi on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Mbithe Yoma on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    CONFERENCE EXHIBITION REGISTRATION FORM


     Programme

    The conference will feature presentations on priority areas of focus in attaining a fully fledged Customs Union.
    Day 1 - September 25th 2019
     

    DAY ONE SEPTEMBER WEDNSDAY 25th 2019

    08:00 - 08:30

    Registration

    08:45 – 09:00

    East African Community Anthem

    09:00 - 09:05

    Welcoming Remarks, East African Community Deputy Secretary General

    09:05 - 09:10

    Remarks by the Chairperson of the East African Business Council

    09:10 - 09:15

    Remarks by the Chair of the Council

    09:15 - 09:35

    Chief Guest

    09:35 - 10:40

    Group Photo & Tour of the Exhibitions

    10:40 - 10:50

    VIP Press Conference (15 Minutes) and Networking Health Break


     

    11:00 - 12:30

     PLENARY

    TOPIC NO 1:
    “A Reflection on the implementation of the
    East African Community Customs Union. What has worked and what has not?.”

    MODERATOR: Dr. Joy Kategekwa, UNCTAD as Head, Regional Office for Africa

    PANELISTS:

    •  Hon. Adan Mohammed, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs & Regional Development, Republic of Kenya
    • Amb. Erastus Mwencha, Former Secretary-General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and Former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission
    • Mr. Frank Matsaert, Chief Executive Officer, TradeMARK East Africa
    • Mr. Kenneth Bagamuhunda, Director General, Customs & Trade, East African Community Secretariat

     

    12:40 – 13:40

     BREAK AWAY SESSION (A)

    TOPIC NO 2 (A):
    “Positioning of Women and Youth in Business in the East African Community”

    MODERATOR: Hon Ms. Annet Semuwemba, Deputy Executive Director, Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), World Trade Organization (WTO)

    PANELISTS:

    •  Mr. Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Commissioner Customs, Uganda Revenue Authority & Chairman of World Customs Organization (WCO) Council
    • Ms. Dorothy Tuma, Former Chairperson, East Africa Women In Business Platform
    • Eng. Patrick Obath, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
    • Ms. Hellen Oriaro, Economist / Senior Development Officer, Global Affairs Canada (CIDA)

     

    12:40 – 13:40

    BREAK AWAY SESSION (B)

    TOPIC NO 2 (B):
    Containing illicit trade in the East African Community; A call for partnership between the public and the private sector”

    MODERATOR: Ms. Mary Baine - Programme Manager, African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF)

    PANELISTS:

    • Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General, African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)
    • Mr. Eugene Torero, Director, Trade Policy and Facilitation. TradeMARK East Africa
    • Mr. Kevin Safari - Commissioner Customs and Border Control, Republic of Kenya
    • USAID

    13:40 – 13:50

    Launch of the EAC One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Performance Measurement Tool.


    13:50 – 14:30

    LUNCH BREAK


    14:30 – 15:45

     PLENARY

    TOPIC NO 3:
    Role of Regional Economic Communities in the context of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”

    MODERATOR: Dr. Caiphas Chekwoti, Ph.D, Trade Policy Expert, TRAPCA

    PANELISTS:

    • Hon. Amelia Kyambade, Cabinet Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
    • Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Republic of Kenya
    • Mr. Prudence Sebahizi, Chief Technical Advisor on the African Continental Free Trade Area and Head of AfCFTA Unit at African Union Commission
    • Prof. Jaime de Melo, University of Geneva and FERDI, expert on regional integration

     

    15:55 – 17:25

     BREAK AWAY SESSION (C)

    TOPIC NO 4 (A):
    “Digitalised economy and e-commerce in East African Community”

    MODERATOR: Mr. Nesbitt Nicholas, Chairman of the East African Business Council

    PANELISTS:

    • Mr. Joshua Oigara, Group Chief Executive Officer, KCB Group
    • Mr. Kwame Rugunda, Chief Executive, CryptoSavannah, Blockchain Specialist
    • Mr. Alban Odhiambo, Senior Director, Trade Envirnoment, TradeMARK East Africa
    • Mr. Simon Hochstein, Project Manager at GIZ in Tanzania, East African Community ICT Excellence Centre and Private Sector Engagement

     

    15:55 – 17:25

     BREAK AWAY SESSION (D)

    TOPIC NO 4 (B):
    Elevating Small & Medium Business Enterprises as contributors to East African Community economies”

    MODERATOR: Ms. Mary Wamae, Executive Director, Equity Bank

    PANELISTS:

    • Dr. Simon Githuku, Expert in Trade & Foreign Policy, Kenya Manufacturers Association (KAM)
    • Ms. Prudence Ukkonika, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bella Wines
    • Ms. Mary Ngechu, Managing Director, Plast Packaging Limited
    • Mr. Hanningtone Amol, Chief Executive Officer, East Africa Law Society

     17:25 – 17:40

     COFFEE AND NETWORKING


     19:00 – 21:30

     GALA DINNER (BY INVITATION ONLY)


    Day 2 - September 26th 2019
      

     DAY 2: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26th 2019

     

    09:00 – 10:30

     PLENARY

    TOPIC NO 5:
    “Infrastructure development in East African Community as a driver for trade and industry”

    MODERATOR: Mr. Philip Wambugu, Consultant & Former Director Infrastructure, East African Community Secretaria

    PANELISTS:

    • Capt. Dieudonne Dukundane, Executive Secretary, Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency
    • Mr. Frank Matsaert, Chief Executive Officer, TradeMARK East Africa
    • Dr. Arch. Daniel Manduku, Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
    • Dr. Eng. Kamugisha Kazaura, Director of Infrastructure, East African Community Secretariat.

    10:30 – 11:00

    HEALTH BREAK


     

    11:00 – 13:00

    BREAK AWAY SESSION (A)

    TOPIC NO 6 (A):
    “Resolving Trade Disputes in East African Community”

    MODERATOR: His Lordship, Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ)

    PANELISTS:

    • Dr. Asa Mugenyi, Chairperson of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, Republic of Uganda
    • His Lordship Dr. Fauz Twaib, Judge of the High Court, United Republic of Tanzania
    • Hon. Dr. Anthony Kafumbe, Counsel to the Community, East African Community Secretariat
    • Mr. Francis Gimara, Advocate Former President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and a Former Member of the governing Council of the East Africa Law Society (EALS), Head of ALP East Africa, Founder of the East African Centre for Trade Policy and Law (EACTPOL)

     

    11:00 – 13:00

    BREAK AWAY SESSION (A)

    TOPIC NO 6 (B):
    “Impact of the Customs Union on investment in East African Community”

    MODERATOR: Dr. Margreth Chemengich, Consultant, Trade Expert

    PANELISTS:

    • Hon. Eng. Stella Manyanya, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of Tanzania
    • Mr. Geoffrey Idelphonce Mwambe, Executive Director, Tanzania Investment Center
    • Ms. Diane Sayinzoga, Head of Special Ecconomic Zones & Exports, Rwanda Development Board
    • Mr. Peter Kiguta, Former Director General Customs & Trade, East African Community Secretariat.
    • USAID

    13:00 – 14:00

    LUNCH BREAK


    14:00 – 15:30

    PLENARY

    TOPIC NO 7:
    “Creating value chains in manufacturing and agricultural production in East African Community: A paradigm shift”.

    MODERATOR: Mr. Faustin Mbundu, Managing Director, CafeRwa

    PANELISTS:

    • Dr. Stephen Kargbo, UNIDO representative to Tanzania, Mauritius and East African Community
    • Mr. Vimal Shah, Chairman, BIDCO Oil Refineries, Republic of Kenya
    • Professor Charles Kwesiga,  Executive Director of Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI)
    • Ms. Agnes Konde, CEO, Msingi East Africa Ltd and EABC Elite Golden Circle member

     

    15:40 – 17:10

     BREAK AWAY SESSION (C)

     TOPIC NO 8 (A):
    “Integrating South Sudan in the
    East African Community

     MODERATOR: Mr.Richard Kamajugo, Chief Operating Officer, TradeMARK East Africa

     PANELISTS:

    • Hon. Aggrey Tisa Sabuni, Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs, Republic of South Sudan
    • Hon. Deng Nhial Gai, Member of Parliament, East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA)
    • Amb. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Agustino S.K. Njoroge, Interim Chairperson, Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Comission of the Republic of South Sudan
    • Hon. Abdikadir Aden Omar, Member of Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly

     

    15:40 – 17:10

    BREAK AWAY SESSION (D)

    TOPIC NO 8 (B):
    The Role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Trade Integration in the East African Community”

    MODERATOR: Professor Elijah Bitange Ndemo, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Republic of Kenya

     PANELISTS:

    • Mr. Audace Niyonzima, Commissioner General, Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR)
    • Ms. Rosine Uwamaliya, Commissioners for Customs, Republic of Rwanda
    • Dr. Kirsten Focken, Cluster Coordinator, GIZ East African Community Programme
    • Mr. Herculs Bizure, Associate Director, EY Uganda

    17:10 – 17:40

    COFFEE AND NETWORKING


    17:40 – 19:30

    COCKTAIL AND LAUNCH OF EU EAC MARKUP WEB SITE BY INVITATION


    Day 3 - September 27th 2019

    DAY 3: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27th 2019

     

    09:00 - 10:30

     PLENARY

    TOPIC NO 9:
    “Establishing Trade Preferences with Developed Economies (Fears & Benefits)”

    MODERATOR: Mr. Francois Kanimba, Former Minister of Trade & Industry, Republic of Rwanda

    PANELISTS:

    • Hon. Peter Gatirau Munya, Cabinet Secretary, Trade and Industrialization, Republic of Kenya
    • Amb. Jean Rigi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry to the Office of the President responsible for East African Community Affairs, Republic of Burundi
    • Mr. Andrew Mold, Acting Director - Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa, UNECA
    • Hon. David Ouma Ochieng, LLB, MILE, Dip. KSL., Member of Parliament, Republic of Kenya

    10:30 – 11:00

    HEALTH BREAK


     

    11:00 – 12:30

     PLENARY

    TOPIC NO 10:
    “Private Sector as a key driver of the East African Community integration”

    MODERATOR: Peter Mathuki, Executive Director, East African Business Council

    PANELISTS:

    • Mr. Denis Karera, East Africa Business Council, Vice Chairman Rwanda
    • Mr. Audace Ndayizeye, Chairman, Burundi Federal Chamber of Trade & Industry
    • Mr. Fred Seka,   President of Federation of Freight Forwarders Association, Republic of Rwanda
    • Ms. Waturi Matu, Senior Director, Trade Envirnoment, TMEA

    12:30 - 13:00

    Recomendations Way Forward - MC.


    13:00 - 13:30

    Closing Remarks: Hon. Peter Gatirau Munya, Cabinet Secretary, Trade and Industrialization, Republic of Kenya


    13:30 – 14:30

    LUNCH


     

     


    CONTACT

    For any additional information, confirmation of participation and feedback, kindly contact the EAC Secretariat through the following e-mail addresses:
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

     


    SPONSORS
     

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    EABC      

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    Review of the EAC Customs Management Act, 2004

    The East African Community (EAC) has the mandate from the Partner States to ensure economic, social and political integration in the East African region.

    One of the economic integration goals is to have a full-fledged Customs Union comprising of the Partner States. Implementation of the Customs Union is effected by the Directorate of Customs that was established by the Council under the Treaty. The Directorate of Customs is responsible for the initiation of policies on Customs and related trade matters in the Community and coordination of such policies in the Partner States.

    To achieve a fully fledged Customs Union, the EAC Customs Management Act 2004 was enacted to facilitate the implementation of Customs Matters. Since its enactment a number of changes have been effected among which include the operationalization of Single Customs Territory, ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the new innovation of information Communication Technology in the doing business today. 

    To address the changes, the Secretariat is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the EAC CMA 2004 and its regulations. The purpose of the review will be to among others address;

    1. Challenges of implementation of the provisions of the law by the Customs Administration;
    2. Obsolete and redundant provisions of the EAC CMA Act 2004;
    3. Inapplicable provisions of the Act in current customs operations;
    4. Interpretations of the Act by different Customs Administrations;
    5. Interpretations of legal provisions by Courts and tax tribunals in Partner States;
    6. Practices that are not sanctioned by law.
    7. Mechanisms and forms used in making advance rulings; and
    8. National legislations, mechanisms and forms used in countering anti-counterfeit.

    The Secretariat has currently received country proposals for amendments for the comprehensive review of the EAC Customs Management Act 2004. In addition to what has been submitted, The Secretariat is soliciting views from the private sector that will form part of the reviewed Act.

    In addition, a the online form below has been developed to simplify the collection of proposals, comments, and views from stakeholders and private sector on areas of consideration during the  review of the EAC CMA. It is for the benefit of the business community to have a trade facilitative law.

    Please use the form below to submis your review proposals as per the sample below:

    PROPOSED AMENDMENTS FOR EAC CUSTOMS MANAGEMENT ACT 2004

    EAC CMA 2004 SECTION

    PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

    JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AMENDMENT

    Section 1 (3) This Act shall commence on the date to be appointed by the Council.

    Section 1 (3) This Act shall commence on the 1st January 2005.

    The clause is obsolete in relation to (b) in the opener whereas proposal is to delete or amend the clause to accommodate mention of Date of assent: 31st December, 2004 and Date of commencement: 1st January, 2005.

    Multiple form submission is accepted.

     

    ACCESS EAC CMA 2004 REVIEW - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION FORM HERE


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    Tel: +255 (0)27 216 2100
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