Rules of Origin (RoO) are the administrative rules and criteria used to determine the origin status of products that are traded across borders. This is an important consideration in trade, as preferential market access is only granted to products that originate in countries that are party to a preferential trade arrangement.

The AfCFTA sets RoO criteria at the product level, rather than as a general rule applicable to all goods. RoO have been agreed for most products. The RoO contain the product rules, as well as related RoO provisions, and administrative arrangements.

Countries must agree to the RoO provisions as well as any remaining tariffs (duty-free, tariff phasedowns and the treatment of sensitive products that are excluded).