The UK-Madagascar Trade Partnership Offer

March 2026

The UK-Madagascar Trade Partnership - Building Opportunities Together

The United Kingdom's trade partnership with Madagascar is built on two complementary frameworks: the expanded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and the UK-Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (UK-ESA EPA).

Together, they support Malagasy exporters with:

• one of the world's most generous trade preference systems
• 100% tariff-free access on thousands of products
• simpler and more flexible rules of origin
• streamlined processes for integrating into global supply chains

Key Benefits for Malagasy Exporters

1. Reduced Tariffs and Fewer Trade Barriers

• duty-free access on nearly all products
• removal of nuisance and seasonal tariffs
• continued protection for sensitive Malagasy industries

2. Simpler and More Generous Rules of Origin

• higher non-originating content thresholds (up to 75%)
• alternative product-specific rules
• wide cumulation options with over 90 developing countries

3. Expanded Regional Cumulation (Effective January 2026)

Benefits of Trading with the UK

A strong and growing UK-Madagascar relationship

The UK is committed to strengthening its trade partnership with Madagascar. Malagasy exporters benefit from predictable and generous preferential arrangements that support access to the UK's £3 trillion economy and its 69 million consumers.

A more generous and accessible UK trade regime

Launched in June 2023, the DCTS is one of the world's most far-reaching preference systems. Madagascar benefits from "Comprehensive Preferences", the highest possible tier - providing 99% tariff-free access to the UK market.

Supporting Malagasy businesses

The scheme helps Malagasy firms build competitive regional value chains while maintaining preferential access to the UK.

Exporting to the UK: two options

Madagascar-based businesses may export using either:

• the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), or
• the UK-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

Exporters should choose based on:

• documentation requirements
• supply chain models
• rules of origin
• sector-specific advantages

How to claim preferential access

Exporters must:

• classify their goods correctly using the UK tariff database
• comply with rules of origin and undertake sufficient processing
• maintain documentation such as supplier declarations and proofs of origin
• meet UK regulatory standards (customs, food safety, phytosanitary, labelling)

Download Guidance Materials

UK_BUYERS_AND_PARTNERS ( , 1.47 MB, 2 pages)

• How to claim preferential access and Rules of Origin guidance

HOW_TO_CLAIM_DCTS_PREFERENCES ( , 2.62 MB, 2 pages)

• DCTS: How the scheme works

How_the_Schemes_Work ( , 1.48 MB, 24 pages)

More support and resources for exporters

Official Information

The UK Government provides a range of tools to support Malagasy exporters access guidance on trading:

Growth Gateway

A UK initiative supporting Africa-UK trade with:

• business advice
• market insights
• B2B connections
• access to finance

https://growthgateway.campaign.gov.uk/

Find UK supply chains

Digital Pathways connects Malagasy distributors, agents, wholesalers, and partners with UK suppliers and trade opportunities.

Trade enquiries

Email the UK Embassy in Antananarivo:
[email protected]
Subject line: TRADE ENQUIRY