| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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-001-253 |
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-001-243 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2025-04-16 |
Kenya: Busia |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya charges a discriminatory excise duty of 10% on fish transferred from Uganda, but does not charge excise duty on fish in Kenya. This means fish transferred from Uganda is being treated as an import, which is against the CUP. Kenya also charges an additional 5% levy on fish. |
|
|
Progress:
|
The Republic of Uganda submitted that the Law refers to imported Fish, but Kenya is charging Uganda for transfers. During the 46TH SCTIFI Kenya reported that there are ongoing consultations to resolve this issue in the next financial year. |
|
|
NTB-001-245 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2025-04-01 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: From Goli through Mahagi to Kisangani on the DRC side |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A review of the route from Goli through Mahagi to Kisangani on the DRC side revealed 24 Roadblocks.
The traders reported that they pay 300 dollars per roadblock; we wouldn't pick evidence of this payment because its illegal |
|
|
Progress:
|
During the 38th RMC, DRC reported that they would consult and revert |
|
|
NTB-001-298 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2025-03-14 |
Zambia: Kazungula Ferry |
Botswana |
New |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On the 14th of March 2025 i encountered challenges when crossing to Zambia for business purposes. The immigration officer at the border enquired on the purpose of my visit to Zambia and i informed her that i was travelling for business and requested for a Business Visit (BV) stamp. The officer indicated that BV is only used when someone is travelling to Zambia to sell not to buy as i had intended to go and purchase sweet potatoes. I informed her that we had previously had challenges with law enforcement officers as they insist that whoever is coming to Zambia for business purposes should have a BV stamp not visitors stamp. The officer solicited a bribe amounting to BWP500.00 in order to give me the BV stamp. This contraction of information between immigration officers and the police officers in Zambia cost us as traders lots of money as well as time. It also compromises our safety when we go to Zambia |
|
|
Products:
|
0714.20: Sweet potatoes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets |
|
|
NTB-001-268 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2025-03-13 |
Kenya: Busia |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The EAC Simplified certificate of origin is issued to cross-border traders at a fee charged for a photocopy (10 KES) without giving a receipt. This is to request the Regional Monitoring Committee (RMC) to urge Partner States to issue EAC Simplified Certificates of Origin free of charge to small-scale cross-border traders. |
|
|
NTB-001-238 |
1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation |
2025-02-16 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Zimbabwe |
New |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our delivery truck (ADS 3378, AFQ 8744, AFQ 8746) destined for South Africa was detained at Beitbridge border post last night by South Africa Port Health authorities due to concerns regarding a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe and the potential risk of contamination in the water. |
|
|
NTB-001-274 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2025-02-07 |
South Sudan: Nimule |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
RSS Charges a USD 40 weighbridge service fee per truck that crosses at Nimule weighbridge station at Jalie, as in the circular attached issued by weighbridge management 2. In the event of having an overload, they negotiate between USD600 and USD2,500 3. Road blocks between Nimule and Juba charge USD100 unreceipted. 4 . Between Juba and Torit, they ask for USD 50 VISA fees We request that South Sudan to immediately remove this NTB |
|
|
Progress:
|
The Republic of South Sudan informed the meeting that the weighbridge belongs to a private company, which charges money to recoup its capital investment.
RSS reported that she had reported the same to the Ministry of Transport for resolution.
Partner States noted that they also run investments and are not charged on EAC Citizens. |
|
|
NTB-001-249 |
6.5. Variable levies |
2025-02-04 |
Kenya: KRA |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Excise duty being charged on onions, potatoes, potato crisps and potato chips transferred from Uganda to Kenya.
This means they are being treated as imports. This was effective 1st July 2022, at a rate of 25% imposed against the EAC CUP.
Kenya is requested to consider removing the excise duty with immediate effect |
|
|
Progress:
|
During the RMC, Uganda submitted that the Law refers to imports, but Kenya is charging Uganda for transfers.
Uganda requested that Kenya to adhere to the definition of imports as per the EAC Laws and stop charging Uganda transfers. The NTB is to be resolved in the financial year 2025/2026. |
|
|
NTB-001-228 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2025-01-16 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority
Ministry of Minerals |
Zambia |
New |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority has introduced a new system for copper imports whereby the Ministry of Minerals must stamp the export permit. Only once this is done can the assessment be completed and the vehicles cross the border (Nakonde/Tunduma) to Tanzania. Once the vehicle is on the Tanzania side, the Ministry of Minerals must stamp the assessment. After the assessment is stamped, it must be scanned to the TRA HQ in Dar es Salaam for approval. The Approval is then scanned back to the border, and the T1 can be generated and the vehicles cleared for movement. This is time-consuming and leads to further congestion at this border post, where containerised cargo to Zambia takes a fortnight to cross between Tunduma and Nakonde. |
|
|
NTB-001-229 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2025-01-16 |
Madagascar: other |
Tunisia |
New |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tunisian company "Société des Boissons du Cap Bon" has entered into a partnership with a Madagascan distributor, "4 Seasons", represented by Mrs. Safa Hamdi, for the distribution of its products, in particular juices, soft drinks and cheeses. The Tunisian company agreed to an annual forecast of 12 to 15 containers and in return granted the distributor exclusive rights to distribute its products on the Madagascan market.
The Tunisian company began working with this distributor with a first shipment on March 23, 2024, consisting of a total of four containers: three of juice and one of cheese. Attached are photos of the "Délice" brand products distributed by 4 Seasons in gas stations, supermarkets and traditional markets. Our distributor has also made considerable efforts to promote the products through sponsorship campaigns, urban billboards and a strong digital presence, demonstrating its commitment.
However, the Tunisian company encountered a problem: a company called IBC, which we understand is in the construction business and is neither a distributor nor a juice producer, registered the "Délice" brand in Madagascar under the name "Délice de Fruit" using our logo. It has since contacted the distributor of the Tunisian brand to try to persuade it to work with IBC using its trademark registration.
It should be noted that the "Délide de Fruits" trademark has been registered with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) since December 2022 and with the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (INNORPI) since 2006, 2019 and 2022 (all documents are attached). |
|
|
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-001-225 |
5.3. Export taxes |
2024-12-28 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Kenyan government has violated the East African Community trade agreement and has begun to impose consumption taxes on products from other East African Community countries. |
|
|
Progress:
|
During the 46TH SCTIFI Kenya reported that There are ongoing consultations to resolve this issue in the financial year 2025/26 |
|
|
NTB-001-242 |
6.5. Variable levies |
2024-12-27 |
Kenya: Ministry of Finance |
Tanzania |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Through, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024 of Kenya passed on 11 December 2024 and came into force on 27 December 2024, the Government of Kenya, among other things, introduced excise duty on various products such as marble, transformers, float glass, coal imported from outside Kenya including East African Community countries. Also, has increased the valuation rates in calculating tax on tiles when they are sold in the country. These challenges have affected production due to the decline in the market for the products in Kenya caused by competition after the prices of the products in question became high |
|
|
Progress:
|
1.On excise duty charged on originating goods from Tanzania, Kenya was urged to refrain from enacting discriminatory laws that treat EAC originating goods as imports. The RMC was informed by Kenya that, through the Supplementary Legal Notice, excise duty was removed from Glass and Transformer. Kenya provided the supplementary gazette removing the two products.
(b) On valuation rates on tiles from Tanzania and Uganda when they are sold in the country as per the complaint from Tanzania below, entries as evidence on valuation adjustments examined showed adjustments as noted in the Internal KRA Memo on valuation for tiles from Uganda & Tanzania. The meeting noted that valuation of goods is administrative and operational, hence the valuation matter be referred to the Sectoral Committee on Customs for Commissioners (SCOC) to consider and resolve. The EAC guided that Valuation in EAC is guided by Section 122 and Fourth Schedule of the EAC CMA.
The 38th RMC meeting referred the NTB on valuation to SCOC for consideration and resolution and report back to the next RMC |
|
|
NTB-001-231 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2024-12-12 |
EAC |
Rwanda |
New |
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-001-271 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2024-12-01 |
COMESA |
Egypt |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Unipak Nile Ltd., a subsidiary of INDEVCO Group in Egypt, export corrugated boxes to Kenya under the COMESA Agreement.
The Kenyan government imposed a 25% excise duty on corrugated boxes imported from Egypt, violating the principles of the COMESA Agreement and creating an unfair competitive environment. This tax favours local Kenyan producers, some of whom do not pay the required taxes, further distorting the market.
This unilateral action undermines ability of Egyptian exporter to compete fairly and has halted UNIPAK Nile Ltd export operations and expansion plans in Kenya whose exports to Kenya reached $9–10 million annually, particularly in the agriculture and dairy sectors. |
|
|
NTB-001-224 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2024-11-22 |
South Africa: South African Revenue Authority |
Mauritius |
New |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mauritius Customs is unable to accept the SADC Certificate ZA PQ 56085 issued by Customs in South Africa due to missing of specimen signature at their level. The Mauritius Customs sent a request to RSA Customs to get a confirmation of the signature .Up to date they have not yet received any reply. |
|
|
NTB-001-226 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2024-11-20 |
Lesotho: Maseru Bridge |
Lesotho |
New |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Samples being sent by road-freight to South Africa for testing at an accredited laboratory were refused passage.
Company was informed that the only way to send the samples for testing was to send via air. The challenges are that bulk orders do not fit on an Airlink flight and therefore would require a specific mode of chartered transport .This increases costs significantly and could potentially be the cause that orders are cancelled |
|
|
NTB-001-246 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-11-01 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Agriculture |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Quantitative restrictions on Ugandan Sugar transfers to Tanzania only up to 20,000 MT, are accepted
These Quotas have been subject to bilateral negotiations to allow market access for Uganda Sugar.
We request that Tanzania to remove quantitative restrictions. |
|
|
Progress:
|
During the RMC Uganda submitted that engagements with URT on the NTB had not achieved results and would seek the issue to be escalated to the Policy level.
During the SCoT URT submitted that Uganda requested the quota and was granted through a bilateral agreement and hence discussions to resolve the NTB should be continued bilaterally |
|
English
Français
