Imports to the East African Community (EAC) will now attract a maximum tax of 35 percent after all partner states settled on the Common External Tariff (CET) on fourth band products. Goods in this band include dairy and meat products, cereals, cotton and textiles, iron and steel, edible oils and alcoholic beverages. Others are furniture, leather products, fresh-cut flowers, fruits, nuts, sugar and confectionery, coffee, tea, spices, head gears, ceramic products and paints, among others.This will be effective Six EAC partner States reached a consensus that the 35 percent tax will be levied effective July 1, 2022. The levy to be imposed on imported finished products from non-member states is expected to stimulate local production and industrialization.The new levy is higher than the 30 or 33 percent tariff that was earlier proposed by Partner States. The decision finally resolves the implementation of the EAC Common External Tariff, which commenced in 2005 after the EAC Customs Union Protocol came into force