China implements preferential tariff rates for imports from the Republic of Congo
Date of publication: April 7, 2026
The State Council Tariff Commission of the People's Republic of China announced the notification 04/2026 for the implementation of agreement tariff rates on certain goods originating in the Republic of Congo under the Early Harvest Arrangement of the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Common Development. The measure, issued on March 21, 2026, applies from April 1, 2026 and introduces preferential tariff treatment for qualifying imports in 2026.
To support implementation, China’s General Administration of Customs issued new Measures notification no. 33/2026 on April 1, 2026 establishing the rules for determining origin of goods traded under the China–Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) Early Harvest Arrangement of the Economic Partnership for Common Development:
- Under the Measures, goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment if they are wholly obtained, produced using originating materials, or manufactured using non‑originating materials that meet product‑specific rules of origin or achieve a regional value content of at least 40%. Bilateral cumulation between China and Congo is permitted, while minor or insufficient processing does not confer originating status.
- The Measures also set out requirements on tariff classification changes, RVC calculation, de minimis thresholds, direct transport conditions, and the treatment of packaging, accessories, and neutral materials. Importers must submit a valid certificate of origin to claim preferences, subject to customs verification and compliance checks. Preferential treatment will be denied where origin conditions or procedural requirements are not met.
Chapter-wise tariff impact summary
The table below consolidates HS chapters affected by identical agreement tariff rates, providing a concise view of tariff exposure under the 2026 Early Harvest Arrangement.
HS Chapter | Sector Description | No. of Affected HS Codes | Representative HS Codes (Applicable Rate) |
|---|---|---|---|
3 | Fish and crustaceans | 69 | 03057100 (13.5%), 03057200 (3.5%), 03057900 (3.5%), 03061100 (3.5%), 03061200 (3.5%), 03061410 (3.5%), 03061630 (3.5%), 03061640 (2.5%) |
2 | Meat and edible meat offal | 64 | 02011000 (18%), 02012000 (10.8%), 02013000 (10.8%), 02021000 (22.5%), 02022000 (10.8%), 02023000 (10.8%), 02031110 (18%), 02031900 (18%) |
52 | Cotton | 51 | 52010000 (In‑Quota 0% / Out‑Quota 40%), 52021000 (In‑Quota 0% / Out‑Quota 40%), 52029100 (In‑Quota 0% / Out‑Quota 40%), 52029900 (In‑Quota 0% / Out‑Quota 40%) |
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 below illustrates for each HS Chapter, the preferential duty rate that covers the greatest number of HS tariff lines under the agreement.
Conclusion
The Early Harvest Arrangement between China and the Republic of the Congo introduces preferential tariff treatment for selected goods effective April 1, 2026, with a strong focus on agricultural, fishery, and primary products. The chapter-level consolidation of agreement tariff rates provides a simplified analytical view of coverage. For preferential eligibility, importers should review the HS line specific treatment, origin qualification and align tariff application within customs systems.
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.