The UK-Madagascar trade partnership: building opportunities together

2.4.2026

  | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs

 UK trade schemes give Madagascar near‑total tariff‑free access, simpler rules of origin and regional cumulation, helping exporters integrate into UK chains. 


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 (UKESA 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)



Madagascar can now source materials from all African countries with UK association agreements
read more UK trade agreements in effect

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
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 and 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)

Guidance materials and additional support and resources for exporters
The UK government provides a range of tools to support Malagasy exporters access guidance on trading:


DCTS: how the schemes work (PDF, 1.48 MB, 24 pages)
how to find UK buyers and UK trading partners (PDF, 1.48 MB, 2 pages)
how to claim DCTS preferences and Rules of Origin (PDF, 2.62 MB, 2 pages)
Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
Import goods into UK
UK Integrated Online Tariff: look up commodity codes, import duties, taxes and controls

Growth Gateway
A UK initiative supporting Africa–UK trade with:


business advice
market insights
B2B connections
access to finance

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

Find a UK partner through the Digital Pathways Campaign.

Trade enquiries
Send your trade queries by e-mail to the UK Embassy in Antananarivo: British.EmbassyAntananarivo@fcdo.gov.uk. Mention ‘Trade Enquiry’ in the subject line.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-uk-madagascar-trade-partnership-building-opportunities-together