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Cross-Border Trade in Africa: Customs, Duty and What AfCFTA Changed

Practical guidance on importing and exporting within Africa.

Landed cost, not invoice cost

Duty, VAT, clearing, port charges and inland transport routinely add substantially to invoice value. Calculate landed cost before you commit.

Documentation before arrival

Demurrage accrues while paperwork is sorted. Lodging documents before the vessel arrives is the single biggest cost saving available.

AfCFTA in practice

Tariff reductions are being phased in and implementation varies by country. Check the current position for your specific product and route rather than assuming.

Common questions

How do I calculate import duty?

Duty depends on HS code and destination. Use a landed-cost calculator and confirm with a licensed clearing agent.

What is demurrage?

Charges accrued when cargo sits at port beyond the free period, usually caused by incomplete paperwork.

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