From January 2026, materials from all 50 African DCTS countries count toward UK origin requirements. This single rule unlocks pan-African supply chains.
From January 2026, the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme allows continental cumulation across all 50 eligible African countries. This is arguably the most significant trade rule change for Africa in a decade.
What cumulation means in practice
A Kenyan garment factory can import cotton from Tanzania, have it spun into yarn in Uganda, woven into fabric in Ethiopia, and sewn into T-shirts in Kenya — and the entire product qualifies as originating under DCTS. Every African input counts.
Before this rule, exporters had to source most inputs domestically or from a very limited group. Now, the entire continent is effectively a single origin zone for UK trade.
Who benefits most
• Textile manufacturers using cotton from West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali, Tanzania)
• Cocoa processors sourcing beans from multiple West African countries
• Coffee roasters blending beans from different East African origins
• Any manufacturer using components from regional suppliers
How to take advantage
1. Map your supply chain — identify every input and its country of origin
2. Check if those countries are DCTS-eligible (all 50 African DCTS countries qualify)
3. Collect supplier origin declarations from each supplier (long-term declarations cover 12 months)
4. Calculate your cumulated value added using the VA formula
5. Use the RoO Calculator to verify compliance before shipping
The exporters who build pan-African supply chains now will have the strongest competitive position when UK buyers come looking for DCTS-compliant suppliers.