East African Trade Summit: ITC Senior Representative Launches Tool to Simplify Export Compliance


Story by Ayubu John photo journalist from Afrimedia Group news 
At the recent East African Trade Summit, Abdellatif Benzakri, Senior Representative at the International Trade Centre (ITC), showcased a groundbreaking solution designed to help companies navigate complex trade regulations across the region. The tool, called NTSL, aims to simplify access to export rules and compliance requirements, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to compete on an equal footing with larger firms.

Benzakri emphasized that 24% of companies in East Africa face challenges understanding trade regulations, often struggling to locate relevant legislation or interpret lengthy, complex documents. “Exporters can easily feel overwhelmed,” he said. “Even when the information is available, it’s often buried in piles of official texts, making compliance difficult and time-consuming.”

The NTSL tool allows users to search by product or company code and instantly access relevant legislation, summarized for clarity. It highlights key requirements—from labeling and ingredient specifications to quality, safety, and performance standards—removing the need to sift through dense official documents.

Benzakri demonstrated how the tool enables comparison of regulations across countries, helping exporters adapt products efficiently for multiple markets. A self-assessment module guides companies through step-by-step compliance checks, ensuring they meet all necessary indicators.

“The vision of ITC and this tool is to empower East African businesses with the same regulatory intelligence as larger firms,” Benzakri said. “By providing transparent, accessible, and structured information, we are enabling growth, reducing trade barriers, and supporting regional integration.”

Summit participants praised the tool’s potential to speed up cross-border trade, increase competitiveness, and promote fair participation in international markets. As Benzakri concluded, “NTSL is more than a compliance tool; it is a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, transparency, and equal opportunity in East Africa.”

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