THE YEAR 2008 is a milestone for the SADC region with the official launch of the Free Trade Area, and a target of 85 percent of all product lines trading at zero tariffs. The tariff phase-down has been done on a step-by-step basis with each schedule taking effect
every January since 2001. Thus, as of January 2008, the 85 percent target was deemed effective. The remaining 15 percent, constituting sensitive products, will have tariff barriers removed from 2008 to 2012.
