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:
British.EmbassyAntananarivo@fcdo.gov.uk
Subject line: TRADE ENQUIRY