EAC Launches Single Customs Territory Centralised Platform

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has unveiled the revamped Single Customs Territory (SCT) Centralised Platform, a tool designed to facilitate the seamless exchange of customs and trade data in real-time among interconnected Partner States’ Customs and Ports Authorities. The unveiling took place at the EAC Secretariat Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, coinciding with the celebration of the International Customs Day, themed “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”

EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Nduva, who officiated the launch, highlighted the platform’s importance in advancing regional integration and deepening trade.

“The Single Customs Territory was established in 2014 to simplify, automate and speed up the movement of goods across the EAC. The Centralised Platform is a critical component of the SCT framework. By enabling real-time sharing of customs information, this platform augments regional efforts to address challenges such as delays in customs clearance, non-tariff barriers, high transaction costs, and inefficiencies in cross-border trade,” she said.

Since its initial implementation in 2017, the Centralised Platform has evolved over the years, with the initial versions supporting transactions related to intra-regional trade, exports from the region to global markets, transit goods, and the issuance of certificates of origin. In 2023, the platform was upgraded to its second version, incorporating maritime trade—which had previously relied on a bilateral integration model—alongside features for managing Regional Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) and regional clearing agents for mutual recognition.

Building on these advancements, with the support of the Governments of the UK and Netherlands, 2024 saw the introduction of scanner image sharing between Partner States, beginning with Kenya and Uganda. This addition enhances transparency and efficiency in customs processes, further solidifying the platform’s role in streamlining trade across the region.

The Secretary General also alluded to other SCT initiatives implemented over the years with various partners, leading to significant improvements in the trade environment and enhanced regional economic integration.

“We have worked closely with Partner States, development partners, and trade facilitation agencies such as TradeMark Africa to realise these gains. Besides the Centralised Platform, other initiatives both in the physical infrastructure and digital trade spheres, have positively impacted the time and cost of cross-border trade. For instance, the establishment of over 15 One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) has led to a 70% reduction in border crossing times and generated annual savings of over $63 million. Additionally, 274 Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) have been resolved since 2007. The EAC has also developed and operationalised the NTB App to simplify the reporting of NTBs. Platforms such as the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) provide all-round real-time monitoring of goods in transit from the Port of Mombasa to the destination, reducing cargo diversion, minimising transit delays, and enhancing cargo security,” she added.

Since 2010, TradeMark Africa has maintained a longstanding partnership with the EAC, supporting East African trade reforms through the digitalisation and automation of trade facilitation agencies. These interventions, implemented in partnership with both state and non-state actors, include the RECTS and Trade Information Portals, among others.

“By automating the critical customs and trade facilitation processes, these interventions, including the Centralised Platform, ensure faster and more efficient clearance of goods, particularly for traders who meet compliance standards. These efforts significantly reduce delays, enhance transparency, and support the smooth movement of goods across the region, ultimately benefiting the ordinary East African citizen,” said Erick Sirali, the Director for Digital Trade at TradeMark Africa.

Currently, the customs systems of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi are interconnected through the Centralised Platform. Kenya’s and Tanzania ports authorities are also connected to the platform. Plans to integrate other Partner States as well as other key agencies involved in clearance of goods into the platform are underway.