Common External Tariff (CET)
COMMON EXTERNAL TARIFF :
A harmonised customs framework that facilitates trade and protects the regional economy.
5
Tariff bands (0% to 35%)
2015
Entry into force of the ECOWAS CET
12
States applying the CET
400M+
Consumers in the common market
CET STRUCTURE

Five Categories to Classify your Goods.

Category 0:
0%

Essential social goods: medicines, books, renewable energy equipment. Full exemption from customs duties.

Category 1:
5%

Basic necessities and raw materials: agricultural inputs, industrial equipment, unprocessed raw materials.

Category 2: 10%

Intermediate and semi-finished goods: spare parts, semi-processed products for local industry.

Category 3: 20%

Final consumer goods: imported finished products ready for consumption, household appliances, vehicles.

Category 4: 35%

Specific goods for economic development: sensitive products requiring greater protection for local industry.

CET OBJECTIVES

A Tool for Integration

2015

Adopted by ECOWAS

5 539

Harmonised tariff lines

BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSES

How the CET Makes Trade Easier

The CET gives you predictable import costs, simpler customs procedures and unified access to a market of 400 million consumers.