GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

EAC Customs Union

Freight forwarders and customs declarants moving goods across East Africa operate within the EAC Customs Union – a common customs territory of the member states of the East African Community.

Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 22 November 2025

Source: https://www.eac.int/customs

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Freight forwarders and customs declarants moving goods across East Africa operate within the EAC Customs Union – a common customs territory of the member states of the East African Community. The union establishes a unified external tariff for imports from third countries and enables duty-free trade among members, largely eliminating the need for multiple customs clearances at internal borders. Founded in 2005, it currently includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; additional accessions are at various stages of discussion. For exporters from outside the region: the common external tariff and EAC rules of origin determine the most cost-effective point of entry and the applicable duties. The Customs Union is also a building block of the planned East African Common Market, envisaged to include free movement of persons, services, and capital.

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EAC Customs Union

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