Comoros has finalized its accession to the interim economic partnership agreement with the European Union, focusing on goods trade regulations, as confirmed in the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements’ questions and replies and factual presentation reports.
Comoros Finalizes EU Goods Trade Accession
The country joins the interim economic partnership agreement, aligning regulations with EU standards.
What changed
Accession finalized to the interim economic partnership agreement with the EU.
Goods trade regulations aligned with European Union standards.
Commitment to transparency and implementation of the trade framework.
Who it affects
Comoros exporters can now trade goods under the interim economic partnership agreement.
EU importers must recognize the new regulatory alignment for Comorian goods.
Compliance Analysis: Comoros’ Accession to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union
Direct Answer
Comoros formally acceded to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) States on 7 February 2019, with provisional application effective from that date1. The agreement governs goods trade, including tariff liberalization, rules of origin, and trade defense measures, while ensuring compatibility with Comoros’ obligations under other regional organizations (e.g., COMESA, SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)2, 1. Comoros, as a Least Developed Country (LDC), benefits from asymmetric liberalization timelines and flexibilities for sensitive products2, 1.
Regulation Analysis
1. Legal Framework and Scope
The Interim EPA is a stand-alone international agreement notified to the WTO under Article XXIV:7 of the GATT 19941. Key provisions include:
- Tariff elimination: The EU eliminated nearly all tariffs on Comorian goods (excluding arms/ammunition) upon the agreement’s entry into force1.
- Comoros’ commitments: Originally required to liberalize 97.4% of tariff lines by 2024 (covering >80% of EU imports), but implementation is pending1.
- Rules of origin: Amended in 2020 to align with WTO compatibility1.
- Trade defense: Prohibits quantitative restrictions, export duties, and discriminatory measures, with exceptions mirroring GATT Article XX (e.g., public health, environmental protection)1.
Text of the Agreement: Available on the EU’s website1 (2(https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02012A0424%2801%29-20200331)).
2. Relationship with Regional Organizations
Comoros is a member of COMESA, SADC, and the African Union (AU), but reconciles its EPA obligations as follows:
- SADC: Protocols on Trade in Goods/Services are not in force for Comoros, creating no binding tariff obligations2, 1.
- COMESA: Comoros implements commitments gradually, leveraging LDC flexibilities to avoid conflicts with the EPA2.
- AfCFTA: The EPA aligns with the AU’s goal of accelerating AfCFTA implementation, ensuring regional integration without overlapping obligations2.
Key Principle: The EPA includes regional preference clauses, requiring ESA states to extend at least the same trade advantages to each other as to the EU2.
3. Market Access and Liberalization
Tariff Commitments
| Party | Commitment | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Eliminate tariffs on all Comorian goods (except arms/ammunition) | 7 Feb 2019 | Implemented1 |
| Comoros | Liberalize 97.4% of tariff lines (80%+ of EU imports) | Extended to 2024 | Pending1 |
| Sensitive Products | Excluded from liberalization to protect domestic industries | N/A | Flexibility granted2 |
Trade Flows (2013–2021)
- EU as a trade partner: Accounted for 40% of Comoros’ exports and 20% of imports1.
- Comoros’ exports to EU: Primarily vegetables (72%) and chemical products (18%)1.
- Trade deficit: Comoros maintained a consistent merchandise trade deficit1.
4. Compatibility with Other Agreements
- Samoa Agreement (2024): Replaces the Cotonou Agreement but does not affect EPA rights/obligations, as the EPA remains a separate WTO-notified agreement2.
- WTO Accession: Comoros prioritizes compatibility between its EPA, regional, and multilateral commitments2.
5. Exceptions and Flexibilities
- LDC Flexibilities: Comoros benefits from extended timelines and exclusions for sensitive products2, 1.
- Standstill Provision: Prohibits new trade restrictions between parties1.
- MFN Clause: Ensures non-discriminatory treatment1.
- General Exceptions: Permits measures for public health, environment, or security (aligned with GATT Article XX)1.
Summary Answer
Comoros’ accession to the Interim EPA with the EU (effective 7 February 2019) establishes a WTO-compliant framework for goods trade, including asymmetric tariff liberalization (EU: immediate; Comoros: 97.4% by 2024) and rules of origin amended in 20201. The agreement coexists with Comoros’ regional memberships (COMESA, SADC) through gradual implementation and LDC flexibilities, avoiding conflicts2. While the Samoa Agreement (2024) supersedes the Cotonou Agreement, the EPA remains autonomous and binding2. Comoros’ trade regime prioritizes predictability and development space, with pending liberalization commitments2, 1. For detailed provisions, refer to the EU’s official text1.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Regional Trade Agreements – Factual presentation – Accession of Comoros to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Eastern and Southern Africa states – Goods – Report by the Secretariat https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/WT/REG/445-1.pdf&Open=True
- ↩ Committee on Regional Trade Agreements – Accession of Comoros to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Eastern and Southern Africa states – Goods – Questions and replies https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/WT/REG/445-2.pdf&Open=True