Frequently asked questions

The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) is the main operational tool of ECOWAS for building a free trade area. It allows originating goods to move between Member States without customs duties or taxes of equivalent effect.

Unprocessed goods (agriculture, livestock, fisheries), traditional handicrafts and industrial products originating in the Community. Industrial products must first be approved through the origin recognition procedure.

Any company established in a Member State whose products meet the ECOWAS rules of origin, as well as traders dealing in these products.

Once the product is approved, the ECOWAS certificate of origin is issued by the competent authority designated by the exporting Member State. The form template is available under “Legal documents”.

Approved products are exempt from customs duties and taxes of equivalent effect. Internal taxes (VAT, excise…) remain payable on the same terms as for domestic products.