Mauritania has requested support from TFAF to revise its implementation progress under the TFA. It had notified in August 2022 24 measures in category C of the TFA and requested a 3-year extension of the definitive dates for implementation from end 2024 to end 2027. The extension request was rejected by the CTF. 

Mauritania remains committed to implement the TF reforms mandated by the TFA also in view of a future ratification of the TFA by the Government. It is currently one of the 6 Members of the TFA which has not ratified the Agreement. The ratification is seen as a sign of openness to adhere to multilateral trade rules and commitment to modernisation. 

The diagnostic mission allowed to gather information from relevant ministries and government agencies on reforms initiated to facilitate trade. It was conducted by TFAF and an expert from the French Veterinary and Phytosanitary border inspection services (SIVEP). In fact. Mauritania is struggling with coordination, alignment and visibility of its, still timid, trade facilitation reforms. 

Customs is reading itself for becoming party to the WCO RKC and have strengthening its transition to digital processes including e-filing and e-payment and also improved its legal basis. Still the private sector is not fully informed and embracing these reforms and still rely mainly on brokers with little visibility of the actual procedures and requirements. The Ministry of Agriculture is modernising its legal framework but still has a long way to go to introduce modern control procedures whilst the newly created Food safety agency is still in its infancy without operational practice. 

The TFAF will reach out to partners to inform them about the TFA Needs of Mauritania.