How to verify the genuine credentials of an African agent?

Recommended for executionThree-tier verification mechanism：

• Basic Documents:
  • Business license registered with the local Department of Commerce (2025 valid version required)
  • Industry access certification (e.g., NAFDAC pharmaceutical distribution license required in Nigeria)
• Credit Verification:
  • Provide a credit certificate from the TOP 5 local banks.
  • Query the African Development Bank’s default records database
• Field Verification:
  • Commission a third-party agency to conduct an on-site warehouse inspection
  • Verify the cooperation cases involving Chinese-funded enterprises among its existing clients.

What should I do if no one picks up the goods after they arrive at the port under FOB terms?

According to the regulations that will take effect in 2025African Continental Free Trade Area Convention on the Lien of Goods：

• Immediately initiate the cargo preservation procedure and apply for a customs-supervised warehouse within 15 working days.
• Request the agent to issue a bank payment guarantee (must include SWIFT MT799 message)
• Specify in advance in the contract:
  • Demurrage cost allocation ratio (it is recommended that the Chinese side bear no more than 20%)
  • Conditions for Transfer of Disposal Rights of the Goods (typically 60 days after arrival at the port)

What special documents are actually required for customs clearance in multiple African countries?

Focus on the latest requirements from the three countries:

• Nigeria:
  • SONCAP certification (electronic version must include QR code verification)
  • FORM M Application Form (must be generated online starting from 2025)
• Kenya:
  • PVOC Certificate (pre-loading inspection required for certain product categories)
  • Certificate of Origin (COC) – dual authentication by the Chamber of Commerce required
• Egypt:
  • A photocopy of the Importer Registration Certificate (CRN) must be authenticated by the embassy.
  • Steel products must provide an MIITI certificate

What hidden costs are embedded in the tariffs of ECOWAS member states?

In addition to the baseline customs duty of 15% of the declared value, special attention should be paid to:

• Value-Added Tax:
  • Ghana 18% (can be offset with the importer’s tax ID)
  • Senegal 20% (non-deductible)
• Surtax:
  • C?te d'Ivoire imposes a 3% CSR Fund Tax
  • Benin imposes an additional 35% special tariff on textiles
• Anti-dumping duty:
  • South Africa imposes a 62.7% anti-dumping duty on fasteners from China (valid until 2027)

How to guard against typical cargo-loss risks at East African ports?

According to the new regulations for Mombasa Port in 2025:

• Containers must be secured with high-strength seals (it is recommended to procure ISO 17712–certified locks).
• Bulk cargo must be insured under Institute Cargo Clauses (A)
• Special Attention:
  • Dar es Salaam Port prohibits unloading during rainy days (mark “Weather Working Days” on the B/L).
  • Mombasa Port will initiate auction proceedings for containers that have exceeded 14 days of overdue storage.

Should we grant exclusive distribution rights to the African agent?

It is recommended to adoptHierarchical authorization model：

• The probationary period (6–12 months) only grants non-exclusive regional agency rights.
• Set a minimum purchase quantity threshold (reference industry standard, increased by 30%)
• Clearly specify in the agreement:
  • Specific metrics for market expansion (e.g., number of new customers added per month)
  • Intellectual Property Protection Clauses (Especially Regarding Trademark Squatting)

What opportunities does the new AfCFTA policy bring?

Two key changes in AfCFTA implementation in 2025:

• Customs Union:
  • 90% of goods enjoy zero tariffs (a certificate of origin with cumulative provisions is required)
  • unify稅関申告System (covers 42 countries)
• Logistics Optimization:
  • Cross-border transit time reduced by 40% (electronic seals implemented on key corridors)
  • East African Community Launches Unified Truck Load Standards

What are the mandatory requirements for localized packaging?

Three universal standards that must be followed:

• Language Annotation:
  • French-speaking countries require bilingual signage in French and English.
  • South Africa requires rotational signage in all 11 official languages
• Certification Mark:
  • Electronic products must be marked with the SABS logo (South Africa).
  • Food packaging must display the barcode of the local distributor.
• Environmental Requirements:
  • Rwanda bans the use of PVC materials
  • Kenya mandates the use of biodegradable packaging bags

How to handle common trade disputes in Africa?

It is recommended to establishThree-tier disposal mechanism：

• Early-stage prevention:
  • The contract stipulates that the London arbitration clause shall apply.
  • Require the agent to pay the performance bond
• Mid-term monitoring:
  • Track payments in real time via SWIFT MT940 messages
  • Regularly verify the inventory turnover rate of the agents
• Post-incident handling:
  • Priority mediation through African business associations
  • Major disputes shall be submitted to the Southern African Court of Justice