Following a Council of Ministers meeting in Abidjan on August 5, the government of Côte d’Ivoire adopted necessary measures to implement the fourth phase of tariff dismantling under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, according to LSI Africa. Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly stated that the agreement schedules a gradual opening of the Ivorian market to EU goods on a period of ten years, according to a schedule divided into five steps ranging from 2019 to 2029.
Fourth Phase Implementation and Tariff Line Exemptions
Taking effect on January 1, 2026, the fourth phase encompasses 1,074 tariff lines. According to LSI Africa, this specific count was established after updating the ECOWAS Common External Tariff to the 2022 version of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.
Under this phase, eligible European goods receive customs duty exemptions upon importation into Côte d’Ivoire, provided they satisfy the agreement’s rules of origin. However, this provision applies exclusively to products listed in the liberalization schedule. Categories classified as sensitive remain excluded, preserving protections negotiated during the conclusion of the EPA.
The 2019–2029 Trade Roadmap
The tariff liberalization follows a long-standing roadmap agreed upon by both bilateral partners. LSI Africa reports that the first phase launched on January 1, 2019, with subsequent steps following in 2021 and 2024. The fifth and final stage is scheduled for 2029.
Upon completion, roughly 88 percent of the tariff lines outlined in the accord will undergo the progressive removal of customs duties. This mechanism relies on the principle of a gradual opening to give the concerned economic sectors time to adapt. The EPA itself has been applied on a provisional basis since 2016, securing preferential access for Ivorian exports to the European market while organizing a progressive suppression of customs duties on a part of the imports originating from the European Union.
Did you know?
The Economic Partnership Agreement between Côte d’Ivoire and the EU guarantees preferential access for Ivorian exports to European markets while organizing a progressive suppression of customs duties on a part of the imports originating from the European Union, according to LSI Africa reporting.
Economic Impact on Ivorian Industries and Supply Chains
The government estimates that this evolution should facilitate the supply of Ivorian companies using equipment, raw materials, or intermediate goods coming from the European Union. According to assessments cited by LSI Africa, the reduction of import costs could also support certain industrial investments and strengthen trade with the primary trading partner of Côte d’Ivoire.
Conversely, several economists recall that this progressive opening supposes a continuous adaptation of national sectors exposed to the competition of European products. Sectors excluded from the tariff dismantling retain the protection provided during the negotiations of the agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the fourth phase of the Ivorian-EU EPA take effect?
The fourth phase entered into force on January 1, 2026, following formal adoption by the Council of Ministers meeting on August 5 in Abidjan, as reported by LSI Africa.
How many tariff lines are included in this fourth phase?
According to statements cited by LSI Africa, the phase covers 1,074 tariff lines established after updating the ECOWAS Common External Tariff to the 2022 version of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.
Are all European imports exempt from customs duties under the EPA?
Sensitive product categories remain excluded.
What is the final goal of the tariff dismantling roadmap?
The roadmap, running from 2019 to 2029 across five steps, aims to involve approximately 88% of the tariff lines provided by the agreement in the progressive suppression of customs duties.
Related reading