The trade in goods protocol’s main objective is to support the creation of a liberalised single market for the trade in good, in accordance with article 3 of the AfCFTA.

This protocol has several specific objectives to assist this:

• progressive elimination of tariffs;

• progressive elimination of non-tariff barriers;

• enhanced efficiency of customs procedures, trade facilitation and transit;

• enhanced cooperation in the areas of technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures;

• development and promotion of regional and continental value chains; and

• enhanced socio-economic development, diversification and industrialisation across Africa.