Non-Tariff Barriers :: Complaints

Active complaints

Showing items 101 to 120 of 125

Complaint number	NTB Type Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments 1.1. Export subsidies 1.2. Government monopoly in export/import 1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership 1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers 1.5. Requirement for counter trade 1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies 1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies 1.8. Import bans 1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country 1.10. Determination of eligibility of an exporting establishment (firm, company) by the importing country 1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation 1.12. Multiplicity and Controls of Foreign exchange market 1.13. "Buy national" policy 1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions 1.15. Other Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures 2.1. Government imposing antidumping duties 2.2. Arbitrary customs classification 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2.4. Import licensing 2.5. Decreed customs surcharges 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2.9. Issues related to transit fees 2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges 2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure 2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers 2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections 2.14. Other Category 3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) Category 4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures Category 5. Specific limitations 5.1. Quantitative restrictions 5.2. Exchange controls 5.3. Export taxes 5.4. Quotas 5.5. Import licensing requirements 5.6. Proportion restrictions of foreign to domestic goods (local content requirement) 5.7. Minimum import price limits 5.8. Embargoes 5.9. Non-automatic licensing 5.10. Prohibitions 5.11. Quantitative safeguard measures 5.12. Export restraint arrangements 5.13. Other quantity control measures 5.14. Restrictive licenses 5.15. Other Category 6. Charges on imports 6.1. Prior import deposits and subsidies 6.2. Administrative fees 6.3. Special supplementary duties 6.4. Import credit discriminations 6.5. Variable levies 6.6. Border taxes 6.7. Other Category 7. Other procedural problems 7.1. Arbitrariness 7.2. Discrimination 7.3. Corruption 7.4. Costly procedures 7.5. Lengthy procedures 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 7.7. Complex variety of documentation required 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 7.10. Other Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding 8.1. Government Policy and regulations 8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) 8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) 8.4. Transport related corruption 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 8.6. Vehicle standards 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees 8.8. Issues related to transit Other Policy or Regulatory NTB Not a policy or regulatory NTB Check allUncheck all	Date of incident	Location COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Reporting country or region (additional) COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Status New Complaint registered with REC In process Resolved Non-actionable	Actions
NTB-001-253	8.8. Issues related to transit	2025-05-11	Zimbabwe: Nyamapanda	South Africa	New	View
Complaint:	While in transit from BBR to Nyamapanda with a load destined for Malawi, our truck had to divert off the predetermined statutory route through Harare due to roadworks/congestion by no more than 400m. The Zimra tracking seal picked up this diversion and thus, we have been punished with a $2000 fine we which feel is incredibly excessive, especially with proof that the truck was not stationary at all while off-route. This punishment does not seem to fit the crime.
NTB-001-265	8.8. Issues related to transit	2025-06-03	South Africa: Lebombo	South Africa	New	View
Complaint:	In relation to Complaint NTB-000-632, "Copper Moon Trading, the company that is running the Lebombo dry port at Komatipoort, near the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post, is forcing transporters to use and pay for its parking facilities in Komatipoort. Transporters' vehicles are required to visit the SARS customs clearing offices at the Lebombo dry port and so parking should be provided for them, free of charge, by SARS. If parking is not provided, then trucks must be allowed to park along the roadway." The complaint was resolved in 2016, is this still the case? Attached is a receipt.
NTB-001-269	6.2. Administrative fees	2025-06-12	Kenya:	Tanzania	New	View
Complaint:	Cross-border traders trading under the EAC simplified trade regime apply for the port health inspection certificate. The cost for the port health inspection certificate is Ksh. 500 (USD 5) per vehicle entering TAVETA. The certificate is issued, but no receipt is provided. We request the EAC Regional Monitoring Committee to urge EAC partner states to waive this fee or have a transparent payment method with charges displayed for cross-border traders of cereals and horticulture trading under the EAC simplified trade regime at all OSBPs.
NTB-001-270	2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures	2025-06-09	Kenya:	Tanzania	New	View
Complaint:	EABC undertook a practical case study on trading cereals and horticulture products under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime. Findings on Trading Consignments of Horticulture under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime at the Holili/Taveta One Stop Border Post (OSBP) from Tanzania to Kenya is as below 1) Procedural Complexity: The 11-step process spans multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Atomic Commission Agency (i.e., TAEC and KNRA), KEPHIS, TPHPA, Port Health, Police, AFA, KRA, and Customs Authorities, contradicting the STR’s promise of streamlined trade. Each step adds time and administrative hurdles. 2)High Costs: Cumulative fees and taxes disproportionately erode profits for small consignments. For example, exporting 1,000 kg of onions incurs of the USD 2,000 threshold. This financial burden negates the STR’s duty-free benefit. approximately USD 682 in inspection fees, excise duties, and road tolls—approximately one-third 3)Redundant Certifications: Phytosanitary requirements overlap unnecessarily. Tanzania’s TPHPA issues a certificate, yet Kenya’s KEPHIS demands its own inspection and certification, duplicating efforts and costs. This is coupled with the requirement for a Radiation certificate for goods traded in EAC. 4)Transparency Gaps: Cash payments for inspections (e.g., police fees of Kshs. 200–500, Port Health’s Kshs. 500) often lack receipts, exposing traders to potential exploitation and undermining accountability. 5)Cross border traders are afraid to report NTB reporting due to risk of retaliation: NTB reporting requires the reporter to submit evidence of the NTB/complaint) with women and youth Small Cross border traders expressing fear of retaliation from regulators as their personal information will be shared when they submit evidence of the complaint..
NTB-001-275	2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin	2025-08-18	Tanzania: Namanga	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Customs has raised doubts regarding the Certificate of Origin issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). However, TRA has failed to provide any written explanation for its objections and has refused to verify the certificate directly with KRA via email. As a result, the goods have been held at the Namanga border, causing delays and financial losses to the consignee. This action by TRA Customs constitutes a violation of the EAC Protocols and Regulations, undermines the rights of the importer, and damages the legitimate business interests of Kenyan enterprises engaged in intra-EAC trade.
NTB-001-276	VAT Refunds	2020-08-03	South Africa: South African Revenue Services	Botswana	New	View
Complaint:	Business Botswana has received from seven (7) of its member companies (see attached list) with concerns regarding delays in claiming VAT refunds from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). These companies have collectively reported that they are owed a total of R51,838,696.82in VAT refunds, dating as far back as 2020 to August 2024. The core issues involve prolonged processing times, document rejections without the ability to resubmit, and tight deadlines for compiling and submitting the required paperwork.
NTB-001-272	2.6. Additional taxes and other charges	2025-07-08	Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)	Uganda	New	View
Complaint:	Kenya has introduced a 25% excise duty on Aluminium products falling under chapter 76 of the Harmonized System, as stipulated in its financial Act of 2025.This measure is in contravention o the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, which seeks to promote the free movement of goods among member states. The imposition of this duty not only disrupts intra- regional trade and delays business operations but also undermines the spirit of regional and economical cooperation within the EAC.
NTB-001-279	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-05-19	Tanzania: Tanzania Dairy Board	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Tanzania Dairy Board discriminatively charging 1.75% F.O.B value of on Kenya dairy produce on Pasteurized whole Milk, Skimmed, Condensed, Yoghurt, ice cream and Powdered milk. TDB is violating the Article 15 of the EAC Custom Union Protocol on national treatment. Same treatment as Tanzanian products in terms of charges.
NTB-001-281	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-08-08	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Tanzania imposition of discriminatory Excise Duty on exports/Transfers that hinders Chocolate export from Kenya into Tanzania. The same is not subjecting to chocolate manufactured in Tanzania
NTB-001-282	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-05-13	Tanzania: Dar es salaam City Council	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Tanzania imposition of multiple road toll charges at the border, Dar Esalaam City Council on exports/Transfers that hinders ice cream, Chocolate etc exported from Kenya into Tanzania.
NTB-001-283	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-07-07	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Tanzania imposition of discriminatory EXCISE DUTY OF TZS 400/KG on exports/Transfers that hinders ON SAFETY MATCHES export from Kenya into Tanzania. The same is not subjecting to SAFETY MATCHES manufactured in Tanzania.
NTB-001-284	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-07-01	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	The Tanzania government imposed a 10% excise duty on soap detergents transferred/exported by Kenya into Tanzania, violating the principles of the EAC Protocal article 15 & 75 and creating an unfair competitive environment. This tax favours local Tanzania producers of whom do not pay the 10% excise duties, further distorting the market. 3401.11.00 Soap and detergents 10% 3401.19.00 Soap and detergents 10% 3402.50.00 Soap and detergents 10% 3402.90.00 Soap and detergents 10%
NTB-001-285	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-07-01	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	The Tanzania government imposed a 10% Discriminatory Levies: Industrial Development Levy excise duty on Road tractor for semi-trailers transferred/exported by Kenya into Tanzania, violating the principles of the EAC Protocal article 15 & 75 and creating an unfair competitive environment. This tax favours local Tanzania producers/assemblers of whom do not pay the 10% Industrial Development Levy, further distorting the market. Road tractor for semi-trailers 10% for HS 8701.21.90 8701.22.90 8701.23.90 8701.24.90 8701.29.90
NTB-001-286	5.10. Prohibitions	2025-05-23	Tanzania: TBS	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Tanzania ban of Kenya juice products with Sugar and Nonnutritive sweetener combination. Kenya products are being seized from retail customer outlets. This restriction of market access is going against the spirit of the SQMT Act as the products has the KEBS standardization Mark manufactured using the EAC harmonised standard that allows for sugar reduced drinks.
NTB-001-287	2.6. Additional taxes and other charges	2025-09-04	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	URT denial of the preferential treatment to blankets that have been manufactured in Kenya and instead subjecting the blankets to full CET of 25% duty on the blankets transferred from Kenya into URT by Spinner and Spinners LTD with reason that the company is benefitting from DRS. The raw material used in the manufacture of the blankets is EAC wide remission on HS Code 5402.33.00 as a regionally eligible code under the DRS. The affected consignment is Assessment Ref: TRA Namanga, Entry Ref. 158254115-25-9900817 subjecting to 25% duty. This creates an unfair trade barrier, distorts competition, and frustrates intra-EAC trade integration goals. URT to grant preferential treatment to blankets enjoying regional DRS
NTB-001-288	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-08-20	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	URT imposition of discriminative Excise Duty on Unilever Soaps, detergents and bleaches -10%; Industrial Development Levy-5-15% VAT Rate-18% Impact to business • Increased production costs due to excise and industrial levies. • Reduced competitiveness against imported products, especially if inputs are taxed. • Pressure on pricing, potentially leading to higher consumer prices or reduced margins. Limited relief for manufacturers despite EAC integration goals.
NTB-001-289	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-06-20	Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Rwanda has introduced a 39% excise duty on juice products manufactured in Kenya and transferred into Rwanda. The excise subjected to Kenya juice is a charge on import. EAC is a local market, additionally, as stipulated in its financial Act of 2025.This measure is in contravention of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, which seeks to promote the free movement of goods among member states. The imposition of this duty not only disrupts intra- regional trade and delays business operations but also undermines the spirit of regional and economical cooperation within the EAC.
NTB-001-290	2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin	2025-01-01	South Sudan: South Sudan Revenue Authority	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Non-recognition of EAC Certificates of Origin: Despite South Sudan’s membership in the East African Community (EAC), goods are taxed as if they originate from outside the region, such as Asia or Europe. The East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) is not fully recognized, even though it provides guidance and reference. Instead, sections of the East African Community Regulation are selectively used for matters related to the Electronic Cargo Tracking device, with the Community service provider enforcing the new tax collection requirements.
NTB-001-291	1.2. Government monopoly in export/import	2025-01-01	South Sudan: South Sudan Revenue Authority	Kenya	New	View
Complaint:	Double Taxation: Traders are required to pay taxes in both USD at the point of loading and South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) at the entry point. This is contrary to WTO/International Chamber of commerce global trade facilitation norms and other incoterms. It is untenable to calculate taxes using two different currencies.
NTB-001-296	2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures	2024-07-30	Madagascar:	Mauritius	New	View
Complaint:	Madagascar has imposed a duty of 24% on imports of cartons which it referred to as a 'safeguard duty'. However, Mauritius is of the view that the duty cannot be considered as a safeguard duty given that Madagascar has not taken binding commitment on these products at WTO level. It has simply imposed duties on these products including on the SADC and COMESA Member States. It is violating its regional market access commitments. Mauritius has requested bilateral consultations with Madagascar on this issue and is still awaiting same.

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