Somalia’s formal accession to the East African Community (EAC) in June 2024 through the signing of the EAC Customs Union Protocol represents a significant step toward regional integration. However, this move presents complex legal, institutional, and fiscal challenges, especially concerning customs regulation and revenue mobilization. The country’s customs infrastructure remains fragmented, with most ports and border points controlled by federal member states operating under divergent tariff systems. This poses serious risks to the effective adoption of the Common External Tariff (CET), a central requirement of EAC membership. This paper examines the implications of CET implementation for Somalia’s customs administration, highlighting key obstacles such as weak institutional capacity, non-standardized valuation methods, and the risk of regulatory arbitrage. It also explores the potential economic consequences for federal revenue, and identifies opportunities for reform through digital modernization, intergovernmental coordination, and adherence to regional trade protocols. Ultimately, Somalia’s successful integration into the EAC hinges on its ability to harmonize customs procedures across its decentralized governance structure while balancing political realities and fiscal sustainability.

Download Somalia’s Post-Accession Customs Alignment with the EAC.