Division 3.4 Rules of origin, administrative cooperation

Negotiations on the rules of origin and administrative co-operation shall take into account the latest developments in EU rules of origin, as well as the existing rules of origin under each EPA. In this context the European Union shall assess any specific request for changes to the rules of origin, presented by the ACP State(s), aimed at simplifying existing rules and improving current market access for the ACP, taking into account the country situations and, in particular, the experience and structure of their preferential trade relations.

EPAs will empower the parties to take appropriate measures in the event of lack of administrative co-operation or mismanagement. With respect to the issue of losses of customs duties linked to the mismanagement of preferential imports, appropriate measures could be identified on the basis of a horizontal Council decision.