What does the launch of a customs union mean to member countries?
SN: The customs union will level the playing field among COMESA countries. When it comes to customs duties, taxes and other related levies charged to goods coming from outside COMESA there will be equal treatment. For example, if a common external tariff involves raw materials coming from outside the region, they will attract zero percent customs duty. The same with capital goods, while intermediate goods will attract a 10 percent customs duty and finished or processed products will attract a 25 percent customs duty. IPS: What benefits will it bring? SN: The common external tariff means that COMESA countries will have a common trade policy vis-a-vis third party countries. Investors will know in advance the kind of duties that they will pay. They will know that if they bring capital goods in the region then they will be zero rated. This will level the playing field because countries have been charging different percentages, leading to others complaining that the field is not level and t
