4.3. Southern African Customs Union The Committee expressed their concerns regarding the interim EPA that has been signed by Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland with the EU and its impact on the entry of illegal or undervalued imports into South Africa. The Department concurred that the integrity of SACU has been undermined by the signing of the interim EPA. The Minister explained that this was due to the inclusion of clauses that allow for more favourable rules of origin for the importation of clothing and textiles into SACU. The Director-General mentioned that the matter could be escalated to the respective Heads of State and the EU could also be engaged, if the matter could not be resolved in another manner. The Department warned that if the matter could not be resolved, it may lead to the disintegration of the region.