US, West African Customs to discuss strict AGOA procedures for exporters

The Customs and Border Patrol of the United States and Customs officials from nine West African countries will be meeting to discuss ways of improving the compliance to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) procedures by African exporters.

The discussions to improve the understanding of the AGOA rules, will take place in Accra during a two-day workshop, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Accra June 5, 2012 on behalf of the USAID West Africa Trade Hub who are sponsoring the workshop.

The workshop will focus specifically on the requirements for the textile visa specifically, given the important opportunities in the sector in West Africa, the statement said.

The US Customs and Border Patrol will also work closely with customs officials to ensure that exported goods that should benefit from elimination of tariffs actually do benefit when they are cleared at ports in the US, it added.

“AGOA has helped West African exporters compete in the US market, but it does require strict compliance with procedures and documentation,” said Abou Fall, AGOA Services Manager at the USAID Trade Hub.

“The rules are strictly enforced and failure to submit proper documentation of consignments can ultimately mean importers will have to pay the tariffs,” Fall stated.

The workshop will include a visit to an apparel factory in Tema as well as the Port of Tema, Ghana’s largest port, officials indicated.

AGOA was enacted by the US Congress in 2000 and it eliminates tariffs on more than 6,400 products from eligible African countries.

By Ekow Quandzie