Rules of origin (ROO) are pivotal element of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA).
ROO are basically established to ensure that only eligible products receive preferential tariff
treatment. Taking into consideration the profound implications of ROO for enhancing trade
flows and facilitating the success of regional integration, this article sheds light on the way that
ROO in GAFTA are designed and implemented. Moreover, the article examines the extent to
which ROO still represents an obstacle to the full implementation of GAFTA. In addition, the
article provides ways to overcome the most important shortcomings of ROO text in the agreement and ultimately offering possible solutions to those issues
