ECOWAS e-certificate of origin to tackle fraud, facilitate cross border trade

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission recently launched the e-certificate of origin to facilitate cross border trade among communities and reduce associated fraud.

The Commission while speaking at the launch event in Lagos said the e-certificate of origin piloted by four member states including Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ovoire and Senegal will enable the seamless creation of regional value chain to enhance trade, help custom officials keep accurate track of goods and reduce associated fraud, duplication and forgery through automation.

Salufou Tiemtore, Director, custom of custom, union and taxation represented the ECOWAS commissioner for economic affairs. While delivering his keynote speech, he stated that the certificate “will help to ensure that eligible goods follow criteria of origin to really harness free trade and enjoy the structure of international trade.’ and reduce fraudulent activities and forgery.

According to him, “Year in, year out in Africa, the procedure for certificate of origin is done on paper giving rise to fraudulent activities. We noticed fraudulent activities being used in advantage of trade liberalization which pose obstacles to flow of goods. To avoid this,

ECOWAS decided to use I.T to secure an automated certificate of origin and reduce obstacles to free trade.

Source: Business Day