The Simplified Trade Regime (STR)

The Simplified Trade Regime is a new AfCFTA framework designed specifically for small-scale and informal cross-border traders. Nigeria was selected in 2026 as the West African pilot country.

What the STR Changes

Before STR	With STR
Multiple agency forms required	Single simplified digital declaration
Manual, in-person paperwork	Digital submission from your phone
Full commercial invoice required	Simplified declaration for low-value goods
Complex documentation for all shipments	Streamlined process for small shipments
No special protection for women traders	Explicit protections for women and MSME traders

Current Status

Nigeria’s Customs Service is finalizing the Standard Operating Procedure for the STR. The system is not yet fully live, but as the pilot country, Nigeria will be among the first in West Africa to implement it. Trade Africa will update this page and our community as the rollout progresses.