African blocs simplify rules of origin.

Aiming to boost intra-continental trade, three of Africa's leading regional trade blocs - the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) - have simplified the rules of origin to be applied by member states.

The move will greatly simplify and speed up trade between member countries. "The rules of origin are now much simpler and will facilitate trade once the three regional economic trading blocs establish a free trade area," reports EAC director-general in charge of customs and trade, Peter Kiguta.

Rules of origin refer to the criteria used to distinguish between goods produced within the member states and which are eligible for the trading bloc's preferential treatment, and those produced outside the region's customs territory that attract duties. "The rules of origin of the individual economic blocs will be abolished when the hybrid one comes into force. It is better and simpler," says Kiguta.