China implements zero–tariff measures for imports from 20 African diplomatic partners and issues origin management rules
Date of publication: April 30, 2026
On April 28, 2026, the State Council Tariff Commission and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China Under Tax Commission Announcement No. 5 of 2026 and 54 of 2026 announced coordinated measures to implement zero‑tariff treatment for imports from 20 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China and are not least developed countries. The announcements establish the zero‑tariff policy framework and set out detailed customs origin management rules to govern eligibility and administration of the preferential treatment during the implementation period from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028.
Chapter-wise tariff impact summary
The table below consolidates HS chapters affected by agreement tariff rates, providing a concise view of tariff exposure.
Chapters | Treatment | HS Code Count | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
10, 11, 17, 31, 51, 52 | In-quota rate 0% | 95 | These HS codes receive zero tariff only within the quota limit. |
17, 24, 29, 40, 98 | Excluded from zero tariff rates | 31 | These HS codes are not covered under the zero-tariff policy (17021100, 17021900, 17022000, 17023000, 17024000, 17025000, 17026000, 24041200, 24041990, 24049100, 24049200, 24049900, 29397910, 40011000, 40012100, 40012200, 40012900, 40013000, 40028000, 40051000, 40052000, 40059100, 40059900, 98010010, 98010090, 98020010, 98020090, 98030040, 98030050) |
All other HS codes | Zero tariff implemented | 11951 | 0% tariff |
important
This summary is illustrative and not exhaustive. Importers should consult the full tariff schedule attached to Notification no. 04/2026 to determine product‑specific applicability.
Visual overview of affected chapters
The chart illustrates the distribution of HS codes subject to in‑quota zero tariffs, excluded items, and the broader application of a 0% tariff policy.
Impact on trade and compliance
The combined implementation of the zero‑tariff policy and the accompanying origin management measures provides a structured preferential trade framework for eligible African imports. Importers seeking to apply the zero‑tariff rate must ensure that goods meet the origin qualification requirements set out by customs authorities and that all supporting documentation, declarations, and certificates are prepared and retained in accordance with the announced rules. Failure to comply with origin or procedural requirements may result in denial of preferential treatment.
List of African countries eligible for zero‑tariff treatment
According to the customs origin management measures issued on April 28, 2026, the following 20 African countries are eligible for zero‑tariff treatment, subject to satisfaction of the applicable origin rules and customs procedures:
No. | Eligible African Country |
|---|---|
1 | Algeria |
2 | Egypt |
3 | Botswana |
4 | Equatorial Guinea |
5 | Cape Verde |
6 | Republic of Congo |
7 | Ghana |
8 | Gabon |
9 | Zimbabwe |
10 | Cameroon |
11 | Côte d'Ivoire |
12 | Kenya |
13 | Libya |
14 | Mauritius |
15 | Morocco |
16 | Namibia |
17 | South Africa |
18 | Nigeria |
19 | Seychelles |
20 | Tunisia |
Overview and regulatory analysis
The composition of the beneficiary country list reflects China’s policy focus on deepening trade relations with African partners that are not covered by the existing zero‑tariff regime for least developed countries. By limiting eligibility to a defined list of 20 countries, the policy establishes a controlled preferential framework that balances market access with customs supervision and origin compliance.
Conclusion
China’s implementation of zero‑tariff measures for imports from 20 African diplomatic partners, supported by detailed customs origin management rules, establishes a clear regulatory framework for applying preferential tariff treatment from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028. Importers should review the applicable country lists and tariff schedules, align origin determination processes with customs requirements, and ensure accurate declaration and document retention.
These changes have been updated in ONESOURCE Global Trade Content. For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you in managing supply chain risk, tariff challenges and regulatory compliance, please contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager.