What is an EAC Certificate of Origin and when do you need one?

An EAC Certificate of Origin (COO) declares where goods were produced and is needed when you want to claim preferential duty rates under EAC, COMESA, or AfCFTA rules of origin.

Under preferential rules of origin for frameworks such as the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, or AfCFTA, qualifying goods may access reduced or zero preferential duty rates compared with the standard Common External Tariff.

For Uganda trade, URA has also taken on important roles around certificates of origin for exporters. Importers inbound from preferential partners should ensure the COO matches the commercial invoice and that the goods truly meet origin criteria—not just that a form exists.

Preferential claims that fail scrutiny can lead to duty re-assessment and delays. When sourcing from China, EAC preferences usually do not apply; your focus is correct HS classification and standard import taxes. Preferences become relevant when goods genuinely originate in a preferential partner state.

Ask your clearing agent early whether your corridor and supplier origin can support a preferential claim—and keep manufacturing evidence if origin is ever questioned.