By Asha Elmi - Reporter
DJIBOUTI, 28 September 2026 Djibouti Customs on Sunday launched the second phase of a training programme aimed at strengthening officers’ knowledge of the rules used to determine the countries from which goods originate.
The training, held at the Ayla Hotel in Djibouti City, comes one year after the completion of the first phase. It brings together about 20 Djibouti Customs officers and will continue until Thursday.
The European Union is supporting the programme, while two experts from the World Customs Organization (WCO) are delivering the technical sessions.
Rules of origin are used to determine the country in which a product was manufactured or underwent its most substantial production process. They play an important role in regulating trade and implementing international trade agreements.
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When goods meet the conditions set out in a trade agreement, they may qualify for reduced tariffs or complete exemption from customs duties. Accurately determining the origin of goods is therefore essential for facilitating trade and preventing the misuse of tariff exemptions.
Abdourahman Awad Issi, who inaugurated the training, said the issue was particularly important for Djibouti because it is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mette, head of the WCO expert team, said the first phase provided basic training, while the second phase would deliver more advanced instruction.
At the end of the programme, three Djibouti Customs inspectors will be selected for further training in Morocco.