AGOA Hub
The African Growth and Opportunity Act, in plain English.
AGOA lets eligible sub-Saharan African countries export 7,000+ product lines to the United States duty-free. Most small importers and cooperatives never claim it — because the paperwork looks intimidating. It doesn't have to be.
What AGOA actually does
AGOA is a US trade preference program first enacted in 2000. It grants duty-free entry to goods from designated sub-Saharan African countries — across textiles, agricultural products, handcrafted goods, processed foods, leather, and more.
To claim the benefit, the goods must (1) come from an eligible country, (2) be "originating" under the Rules of Origin (typically 35% local value added), (3) ship directly to the US, and (4) be supported by a properly completed Certificate of Origin (Form A) or, for apparel, a textile certificate plus visa.
Eligible countries
The list is updated annually by the US President. Always confirm current eligibility before quoting AGOA to a buyer.
The four reasons AGOA claims fail
Form A filled in incorrectly
Missing producer details, wrong cost breakdown, or unsigned by the wrong authority. CBP rejects, duties get assessed.
Failing the 35% value-added test
Materials sourced outside AGOA countries push the local value below threshold. We model it before you ship.
Breaking the direct-shipment rule
Transshipment through a non-AGOA hub without documented in-transit status voids the claim entirely.
Apparel without the visa system
Apparel category has its own textile certificate of origin and visa requirements — separate from the standard Form A.
Want your AGOA paperwork reviewed before it reaches CBP?
Send us your Form A, commercial invoice, and bill of lading. We'll flag anything that puts your duty-free claim at risk.
Request a document review