Non-Tariff Barriers :: Complaints

Active complaints

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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-001-342	3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) B42: TBT regulations on transport and storage	2023-01-01	Zimbabwe: Kariba	COMESA	New	View
Complaint:	Administrative arbitrary ban of buses using Kariba border by ZIMRA AND ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY previously buses were Administratively suspended to use Kariba border siting strength of the the bridge now it has come with another angle prior to the suspension Kariba border was doing well in terms of facilitating trade for small scale cross border traders
NTB-001-333	2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin	2026-02-01	Zambia: Chirundu	COMESA	New	View
Complaint:	ZIMRA is not clearing the products originated in Zambia using the STR Declaration even the products are under the Common List. The goods are subjected to the submission of Formal Customs Declaration and subject to pay customs duties, instead of granting preferential tariff treatment under the COMESA FTA.
Products:	2009.12: Orange juice, unfermented, Brix value <= 20 at 20°C, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter (excl. containing spirit and frozen)
NTB-001-231	2.6. Additional taxes and other charges	2024-12-12	Tanzania: Immigration	Rwanda	In process	View
Complaint:	Illegal fees on Rwandan nationals crossing into Tanzania more than three times a month.$100 is charged on Rwandan nationals crossing into Tanzania more than three times a month, this was identified by the Central Corridor Team during a survey from Rusumo to Dar es Salaam port.
Progress:	During the 38th RMC, Tanzania informed the meeting that the fee is not illegal, but it is a special pass paid once in 90 days to all EAC Citizens. However, if the person exits URT within 90 days and wants to re-enter URT the person will again be charged $100. The meeting agreed that the matter be referred to the Regional Implementation Committee on the Common Market Protocol for further discussion and resolution
NTB-001-284	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-07-01	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	In process	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-001-288	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-08-20	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	In process	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. 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-001-330	2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin	2026-03-11	Mozambique: DGA - Mozambique SARS - South Africa	Mozambique	New	View
Complaint:	Conferring of origin in a member state on non-originating material. This then affects the issuance of a SADC certificate for the issuing country being Mozambique. Mozambique customs authority and DGA consider that the process taking place within Mozambique, does not confer origin. The exact same process carried out in South Africa, receives a SADC certificate from SARS. SARS as the importing country does not dispute or challenge that the process confers origin and is satisfied that the process under which a SADC certificate is issued, and therefore receives preferential duty in the importing country is sufficient and complies with the SADC trade agreement. While the SADC agreement, lists simple processes, which do not confer origin, under chapter 63 there is a specific declaration made, where rags is included, before the word, except, and then it lists exceptions. It states that for chapter 63, origin is conferred, the requirement stated is " manufacture from materials of any heading except that of the product" What is peculiar, is that the issuing country being Mozambique contends the conference of origin, but it has not been raised by the importing country being South Africa. We know, with absolute certainty, that a SADC for the exact same process is issued by South Africa for exports to Mozambique and to Botswana, and neither of these countries have ever referred them back for investigation or referral on the back of the SADC certificate as is the protocol and possibility if there is a contention.
Products:	6310.10: Used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn-out articles thereof, of textile materials, sorted
NTB-001-329	5.3. Export taxes	2026-02-20	Ethiopia: Galafi	Ethiopia	New	View
Complaint:	The Small scale cross border traders who were able to export different live animals and agricultural products to Djibouti through the Galafi Border are required to pay export tax per head of the livestock at the border. The total export amount allowed in a month is up to USD 1,000 per cross border trader that are found in different parts of the Afar region. The export tax in Dewele border is not yet implemented and it is considered as a discriminatory compared to the Dewele border of the country.
Products:	0106.13: Live camels and other camelids [Camelidae], 0104.20: Live goats and 0703.10: Fresh or chilled onions and shallots
NTB-001-296	2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures	2024-07-30	Madagascar:	Mauritius	In process	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.
NTB-001-311	5.3. Export taxes	2026-03-02	Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa		In process	View
Complaint:	It is reported by the Truckers Association of Zambia that the DRC Revenue Authority - General Directorate of Taxes, 3 weeks ago, introduced an import and export tax of about $85, and this has been reported at Kasumbalesa Border Post. The procedure and rationale in which this was introduced is unknown to Zambia, therefore, feedback is sought from our colleagues in DRC on this matter.
NTB-001-312	5.10. Prohibitions	2021-12-01	Zimbabwe: Kariba	Zambia	In process	View
Complaint:	Republic of Zimbabwe maintains a ban on Eggs entering Zimbabwe from Zambia at all shared borders. Zambia is yet to see any documentation/legislation that supports this measure to date. Considering the spirit of the shared COMESA vision and Oneness, this measure has affected traders who export Eggs into Zim, considering also that this product is on the agreed STR common list. Selected Commodities: Zimbabwe has reportedly prohibited the importation of the following commodities from Zambia; Eggs, Milkit, Biscuits, Kombucha, Mazoe juice and other beverages and Second-hand clothes.
NTB-001-309	7.4. Costly procedures	2025-12-13	COMESA	COMESA	New	View
Complaint:	KEBS rejected the application to renew the Illovo's Diamond Mark certification which expired on 13Dec2025. The new requirement states that Illovo should appoint a Kenyan registered agent or open up a branch in Kenya. This agent will be awarded a Diamond Mark certificate on behalf of Illovo. This is costly and it also restricts product quality visibility through to the end-user.
Products:	1701.99: Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form (excl. cane and beet sugar containing added flavouring or colouring and raw sugar)
NTB-001-302	2.6. Additional taxes and other charges	2026-02-06	Zambia: ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY	Kenya	In process	View
Complaint:	10% Selected Goods Surcharge (SGS) Imposed by Zambia Zambia has introduced a 10% Selected Goods Surcharge (SGS) on CIF value, identified only upon reviewing the attached ASYCUDA import entry for Kenya manufacturer Carbacid LTD recent CO₂ shipment. This surcharge was unexpected and has a significant commercial impact on our exports. CO₂ Is COMESA Originating and Should Not Be Charged discriminatively. Carbacid LTD food grade CO₂ (HS 281121) is fully COMESA originating, supported by a valid Certificate of Origin for every shipment. Under COMESA Treaty Article 49(1), Member States must remove existing NTBs and refrain from imposing new restrictions on goods originating from COMESA countries. The COMESA NTB Regulations (2020) prohibit new discriminatory or trade restrictive measures. The SGS surcharge therefore constitutes: • A discriminatory charge • A trade restrictive NTB The surcharge raises the Kenya manufacturer landed cost and undermines Kenya’s products competitiveness in Zambia. As CO₂ is essential for soft drink bottling, the measure operates as a protectionist NTB in violation of COMESA obligations. Zambia to remove the 10% SGS surcharge on COMESA originating CO₂ and restores compliance with COMESA trade rules, ensuring Kenyan goods are not unfairly discriminated against.
NTB-001-301	8.8. Issues related to transit	2026-02-19	Botswana: all entry points	Namibia	New	View
Complaint:	I am a manufacturer of fully finished furniture leather based in Namibia. My company has historically utilised Botswana as a transit corridor to supply customers in Zimbabwe under the framework of regional trade within SADC. Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the region, I have been prevented from using Botswana as a transit country for consignments destined for Zimbabwe. This restriction effectively blocks an established and commercially critical trade route. Namibia is a recognised FMD-free zone, and all raw materials used in our production originate exclusively from Namibian cattle. Furthermore, the industrial tanning and finishing processes applied to hides—particularly chemical treatment, liming, pickling, chrome tanning, retanning, and finishing—render the survival and transmission of the FMD virus scientifically implausible. Fully finished leather does not constitute a vector for FMD transmission and should therefore be exempt from movement restrictions associated with live animals or untreated animal products. The inability to transit through Botswana forces us to use alternative routes into Zimbabwe that are substantially more expensive. These additional logistics costs render our trade with Zimbabwe economically unviable and undermine our competitiveness within the region. As a SADC Member State, Namibia is entitled to the free movement of goods that comply with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The current transit restriction on fully finished leather constitutes a non-tariff barrier inconsistent with the principles of regional integration and trade facilitation. If this situation persists, it will have severe commercial and employment consequences. The loss of strategically important customers in Zimbabwe will directly reduce production volumes, which in turn may necessitate workforce reductions.
Products:	4107: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals, without hair on, whether or not split, other than leather of heading 41.14.
NTB-001-272	2.6. Additional taxes and other charges	2025-07-08	Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)	Uganda	In process	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.
Progress:	During 39th RMC, Kenya informed the meeting that the matter is being handled internally, it is at the parliament level
NTB-001-244	6.5. Variable levies	2020-10-13	Uganda: URA	Kenya	In process	View
Complaint:	Uganda is subjecting Kenya manufacture furniture to discriminative excise duty of 20% that it is not subjected to Uganda manufactured furniture. Uganda is requested to remove the discriminative excise taxes on Kenya furniture transferred to Uganda as it is prohibited in the EAC Customs Union Protocol; Articles 1 and 75 (6) of the Treaty as well as Articles 15 (1) (a) and (2) of the Customs Union Protocol on National Treatment, and Article 6 (1) of the Common Market Protocol of the Community Laws. The charges are also in violation of Article 10 of the Custom Union Protocol that obligates Partner States to remove all internal tariffs and other charges of equivalent effect.
Progress:	During 39th RMC, noted that the matter is under bilateral discussions and will be handled as per the agreement.
NTB-001-251	2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin	2024-07-05	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	In process	View
Complaint:	URT is subjecting full CET of 35% on ZESTA JAM manufactured in Kenya by Trufoods. The Zesta Jam is manufactured using locally sourced sugar. We request Tanzania and Kenya to conduct on spot verification on June 2025 to ascertain origin as the jam transferred is using locally manufactured sugar and qualify under the EAC Preferential treatment. Kenya communicated to TRA vide letter ref: C&BC/HQ/8 Dated 24/9/2024 requesting Tanzania for application for Zesta Jam to be granted preferential treatment.
Progress:	During 47th SCTIFI, noted that the matter is administrative and referred to Customs Committee where the two Partner States agreed to conduct bilateral verification to ascertain the origin criteria by end of February 2026
NTB-001-289	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-06-20	Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority	Kenya	In process	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.
Progress:	The issue will be included in the list to be submitted for consideration by the 2nd Extra Ordinary SCFEA.
NTB-001-279	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-05-19	Tanzania: Tanzania Dairy Board	Kenya	In process	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.
Progress:	During 39th RMC, URT informed the meeting that this is among the identified list of fees, levies and charges hence it is to be considered during harmonization process
NTB-001-281	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-08-08	Tanzania: TRA	Kenya	In process	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
Progress:	During 39th RMC, URT informed the meeting that she is still consulting and will report back by December 2025
NTB-001-282	1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies	2025-05-13	Tanzania: Dar es salaam City Council	Kenya	In process	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.
Progress:	During the 39th RMC,Kenya reported that this is a road toll where the truck was charged Tsh 400,500/= The two Partner States agreed to consult on the evidence given and report back.

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