Trade agreements are formal agreements established between two or more nations, outlining the terms and conditions under which they engage in collaborative trade activities to achieve mutual economic advantages. These agreements govern the imposition of import levies, taxes, and duties by countries.

The South African Customs Union (SACU) involve the following countries:

• South Africa
• Namibia
• Lesotho
• Botswana
• Eswatini

Import or export between these countries are duty-free.

To apply for a EUR.1 certificate, you must register with Customs as an exporter under the EFTA-SACU or SADC-EU EPA. If you already possess an Imports Exports License, we can help you modify it to include exportation under the TDCA and EFTA trader agreements.

Once your trade agreement registration is complete, you can obtain your EUR1 Certificates.

1. SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA):

Applicable Countries:

• SADC member states
• EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuaniam, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

Product that are included:

• Agricultural items (including fish and other marine products)
• Industrial commodities produced in accordance with the SADC-EU EPA Rule of Origin.

Trade Agreement Benefits:

• 100% free access to the EU market for Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Eswatini (with the exception of arms and munitions).
• Full or partial removal of customs duties on 98.7% of South African imports to the EU.
• Full or partial removal of customs duties on 86% of SACU imports to the EU.
• Full or partial removal of customs duties on 74% of Mozambican imports to the EU.

2. EFTA-SACU Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

Applicable Countries:

• SACU
• European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerlan.

Product that are included:

• Industrial goods (including fish and other marine products).
• Processed agricultural products.
• Basic agricultural products are covered by agreements with individual EFTA States and adhere to EFTA rules of origin.

Trade Agreement Benefits: EFTA countries charge reduced tariffs for import and export on SACU products.

3. SACUM-UK (EPA):

Applicable Countries:

• SACU
• Mozambique.

Product that are included:

• Agricultural products (including fish and other marine products).
• Industrial goods that adhere to the SADC-EU EPA Rules of Origin until the SACUM-UK EPA rules are finalised.

Trade Agreement Benefits: EFTA countries charge reduced tariffs on SACU products.

In accordance with these trade agreements, exporters to member countries must complete out a new blank certificate for each shipment in order for the buyer to receive reduced import duties.

Your EUR1 Certificate has a shelf life of between 4 to 10 months.

But don’t worry about keeping track; with Company Partners, we’ll ensure you’re always up-to-date and ready for your next export.

Company Partners isn’t just any business; we’re your dedicated partner in the world of trade. With our expertise, we’ve assisted countless entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of trade agreements and certifications. Let us be your trusted guide, ensuring your business thrives in the global market.