Neighbouring states adopted a common procedure for checking the quantity in pre-packaged goods, so a consignment checked once is accepted at the next border.
Repeated quantity checks on the same consignment at successive borders added days and cost to regional trade in packaged food and household goods. Authorities asked AFRIMETS to help align their sampling plans and acceptance criteria.
Working through the technical committee for legal metrology, the authorities agreed a common procedure based on international recommendations, with a shared report format that customs services recognise.
A single, trusted check is good for consumers and good for trade. Harmonisation made both possible.
Pilot corridors now accept a conformity report issued by the first authority, and random re-checks confirm that results agree between countries. Traders report shorter clearance times and fewer disputes over labelled quantities.
The procedure is being extended to further corridors and feeds into continental work on trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area.