The interim Economic Partnership Agreement that provides duty and quota free access to the EU market for exports from Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Zimbabwe, has started to be applied from 14 of May. This Agreement also covers provisions on rules of origin, development cooperation, fisheries, trade defence instruments and dispute settlement.

The European Commission announced that the first interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and four Eastern and Southern African states Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Zimbabwe is taking effect from 14 of May. These countries will gradually open their markets to European exports over the course of 15 years, with exceptions for certain products the countries consider sensitive.

The Agreement covers provisions on rules of origin, development cooperation, fisheries, trade defence instruments and dispute settlement. According to the Commission, it is therefore an improvement for Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Zimbabwe on the unilateral duty and quota free regime they enjoyed so far because it encourages regional integration and strengthens a partnership approach with the EU.

At the moment, the Agreement is not officially in force yet. Once all parties ratify, including all EU Member States, the Agreement will officially enter into force. At the end of 2007, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe concluded an interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU. Four countries (Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zimbabwe) went ahead and signed it in August 2009 in Mauritius. These four countries have now taken and completed steps towards ratification or notified application, so that the agreement can be applied.