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 (PDF, 1.47 MB, 2 pages)

• How to claim preferential access and Rules of Origin guidance

HOW_TO_CLAIM_DCTS_PREFERENCES (PDF, 2.62 MB, 2 pages)

• DCTS How the scheme works

How_the_Schemes_Work (PDF, 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