| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-309 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2025-12-13 |
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In process |
View |
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Complaint:
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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. |
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Progress:
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On 29 March 2026, Kenya Focal Point reported that:
a) All importers that have the Diamond Mark are required to have an Agent. Under our Diamond Mark scheme, the permit is issued to a local registered entity. The entity assume all responsibilities of the product. This is applied across all manufacturers under the Diamond Mark Scheme.
b) An imported/ Exporter can still ring the product in to the country without the agent under the normal import process procedure either through the PVOC Scheme or Destination Inspection. This will allow the visibility that client is seeking.
c) Illovo can still export the sugar to Kenya without an agent outside the Diamond Mark. Hence there is no NTB and the matter should be considered as resolved
2.Kenya advised that there is another option to faciloitate resolution of the NTB is where the importer can register his products and comply with the requirements. Once registered using the portal at KEBS they will be accepted without inspection. |
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Products:
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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) |
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NTB-001-312 |
5.10. Prohibitions |
2021-12-01 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zambia |
In process |
View |
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Complaint:
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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.
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NTB-001-329 |
5.3. Export taxes |
2026-02-20 |
Ethiopia: Galafi |
Ethiopia |
In process |
View |
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Complaint:
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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. |
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Products:
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0106.13: Live camels and other camelids [Camelidae], 0104.20: Live goats and 0703.10: Fresh or chilled onions and shallots |
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NTB-001-330 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2026-03-11 |
Mozambique: DGA - Mozambique
SARS - South Africa |
Mozambique |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
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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. |
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Progress:
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On April 15th, 2026, Mozambique focal point reported that they are working with the relevant authorities to provide a response on this matter. Within 10 days, we will update the information. |
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Products:
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6310.10: Used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn-out articles thereof, of textile materials, sorted |
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NTB-001-333 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2026-02-01 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
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In process |
View |
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Complaint:
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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. |
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Products:
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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) |
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NTB-001-342 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B42: TBT regulations on transport and storage |
2023-01-01 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
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In process |
View |
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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 |
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NTB-001-348 |
1.5. Requirement for counter trade |
2025-11-23 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal (OGEFREM) |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through the Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal (OGEFREM), introduced an additional requirement mandating the acquisition of the OGEFREM Certificate. OGEFREM (Office de Gestion du Fret Multimodal) is a real DRC agency involved in port/freight management and levies.This measure constitutes a Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB), particularly given that it’s paid for both in Uganda and DRC for the same product; apart from livestock, the fees aren’t standardised, and it’s not clear what value It adds. It constrains cross-border trade and undermines the principles and objectives of the East African Community (EAC) agreement, which promotes free movement of goods and regional integration.
Furthermore, this whole process creates delays and extra costs for cross‑border trade.
Traders have therefore proposed that the requirement to have an OGEFREM certificate be removed, and to the least have the cost of the OGEFREM Certificate be standardized and reduced. They note that small-scale traders are disproportionately affected, as they are often subjected to varying and elevated fees for the certificate, in addition to paying further OGEFREM-related charges that aren’t documented upon entry into the DRC. |
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Progress:
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The 40th RMC was informed that DRC will consult on the double payment with the view to resolve the NTB by 30th June 2026 |
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NTB-001-351 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2025-07-15 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanza Tanzania discriminatory treatment of IndustIndustrial Development Levy of 10% on metal and metal products. The same is not being subjected to Tanzania local manufacturers |
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Progress:
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The 40th RMC was informed that the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing SCFEA Directives and is commited to resolve the NTB by 30th June 2026 |
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NTB-001-353 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses |
2026-04-10 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
wanda FDA is subjecting Kenya products to costly charges for re-testing and registration of the products despite the products being certified by the Kenya bureau of standards with valid standardization mark.
The two products include ace pine fresh and ace citrus fresh liquid toilet cleaners. Rwanda FDA informed that the certifications for the two products had been revoked on the basis that they allegedly contained Nonyl Phenol despite successfully applying for and receiving product registrations from Rwanda FDA under certificates Rwanda FDA‑ADP‑MA‑0070 and Rwanda FDA‑ADP‑MA‑0072. Further the manufacturer confirmed they not using Nonyl Phenol
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NTB-001-356 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2026-04-15 |
Zimbabwe: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport |
COMESA |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe's on line COMESA system has been down since September last year. This has resulted in exporters facing some challenges in producing online COMESA certificates. We did a shipment to Tunisia and had to fill in a new COMESA certificate on a PDF format printed from the computer. This resulted in Tunisian customs rejecting this document claiming that it doesn't have a serial number, therefore its not authentic, even though it was stamped and signed by ZIM customs (ZIMRA). We notified our authorities of the ordeal, and they confirmed that the system was still being rectified. To bail out the situation ZIMRA confirmed that it would contact the Tunisian customs and clarify the prevailing issue currently in Zimbabwe with regards to the on line COMESA certificates. Our market in Tunisia is still facing some clearance problems cause of this incident. We understand that Tunisian customs, wants to resend back the shipment to Zimbabwe at our cost as the shipper. We hereby seek your intervention with regards to this matter. We are dealing with Horticultural fresh and dried produce. Tunisia has proved to be a reliable market, considering the COMESA trade agreements and both countries being member states. We look forward to your earliest response towards in solving our issue. Currently our client is exposed to USD500.00 storage fees per day. |
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Products:
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0802.90: Nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled (excl. coconuts, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, filberts, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, kola nuts and areca nuts) |
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NTB-001-360 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2026-03-01 |
South Sudan: Nimule |
Uganda |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The implementation of electronic permits (e-permits) and related electronic cargo tracking for goods entering South Sudan from Uganda has led to significant delyas and costs to traders eg Over 1,000 trucks are currently stranded at the Nimule border due to challenges with the e-permit system such as additional charges, and slow processing. On the same issue,there are complaints of Extortion.Truck drivers have reported that some officials refuse electronic payments and instead demand cash, leading to corruption and higher, unofficial fees. |
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Progress:
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1. During the 40th RMC RSS informed the meeting that the e-Permit is a system Customs is relying on pending integration of the RSS Customs systems with other EAC systems. The Secretariat shall work with RSS on a roadmap to integrate the systems.
2. South Sudan Focal Point reported that e-Permit is a government policy to improve revenue collection and prevent smuggling, the system is operation in full knowledge of revenue authorities in the two Partner States of Kenya and Uganda. The delay of clearing cargos at the border are case by non-compliance.
3.During the 40th RMC, RSS informed the meeting that the e-Permit is a system Customs is relying on pending integration of the RSS Customs systems with other EAC systems. The Secretariat is in the process to facilitate RSS systems integration with the rest of EAC Customs systems.
4. On 10 May 2026, RSS provided the resolution between government of South Sudan and Regional Drivers Association (EAC) on the Trade challenges reported by Republic of Uganda at Nimule border and the highway to Juba. The resolution is a measure to facilitate trade and remove the trade barriers along that corridor. |
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NTB-001-370 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2026-03-17 |
South Africa: City of Ekurhuleni |
Zambia |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE TRANSPORT PERMIT
Regarding the permit, the issue is our trucks were instructed to obtain Fire Certificates from municipal authorities as a precondition for loading. This requirement was introduced for the first time, despite our longstanding operations transporting the same product without such a condition. We were required to apply for a permit that we already have through the Zambian government.
The responses received from those responsible was that the Certification from the Chief Inspector of Explosives (CIE) in South Africa authorising the transportation of explosives and hazardous materials is sufficient. Furthermore, it is not a requirement from CIE for our trucks to obtain Fire certificates, however the client we were loading for insisted that it is a requirement for them to load the trucks.
The duplication of regulatory oversight resulted in delays and inefficiencies as the trucks had to wait almost 4 weeks for the certificates to be issued. |
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NTB-001-369 |
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2026-02-16 |
Kenya: |
Ethiopia |
In process |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Under the East African Community (EAC) Vehicle Load Control Act, 2016, Kenya applies permissible maximum axle load limit of 28-ton along the Moyale–Nairobi (A2) corridor. In contrast, Ethiopian trucks are permitted to carry loads of up to 40 tons up to the Moyale One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). Due to this regulatory mismatch, Ethiopian trucks cannot proceed further into Kenya and must offload their cargo at the border.
This process is further delayed by the limited availability of Kenyan trucks to take over the cargo, as well as a shortage of warehouse facilities at the border, which forces vehicles to wait longer with their goods. Conversely, Kenyan trucks are generally able to transport goods into Ethiopia without similar restrictions. |
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NTB-001-239 |
6.6. Border taxes
Policy/Regulatory |
2024-03-01 |
Kenya: KAJIADO COUNTY |
Burundi |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
THE COUNTY OF KAJIADO CHARGES TRANSIT FEES OF 2000 KSH PER FOREIGN TRANSIT TRUCKS |
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Progress:
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1. Kenya informed the SCTIFI that the Amendments to be effected in the 2025 / 2026 Financial year by 1st July 2025
2.During the 39th RMC , Kenya committed to continue engaging internally to resolve the matter and report to the next RMC.
3. During the 40th RMC Kenya informed the meeting that by 30th June the Tax Law will have been reviewed to resolve the NTB. |
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NTB-001-363 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2025-11-18 |
Ethiopia: Government Institutions at One Stop Border Post |
Kenya |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is a lack of coordination arising from the fragmented structure of the offices and the limited number of officers assigned to support operations. Offices are located in different buildings that are not interrelated, and staffing constraints further reduce efficiency. For example, only one officer is responsible for conducting standard inspections for both export and import goods, creating a bottleneck.
In addition, each institution operates independently under its own supervision, with limited cross-agency integration. While some services, such as agriculture-related offices, still rely on manual processes, others, such as customs, have fully adopted digital systems for clearing goods. However, customs procedures still depend on confirmations from these other agencies before goods can be cleared, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
Overall, these structural and operational challenges contribute significantly to the lack of coordination. |
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NTB-001-361 |
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2026-01-14 |
Ethiopia: Dilla Customs Office |
Ethiopia |
In process |
View |
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Complaint:
|
The Dilla Customs Office has repeatedly delayed the clearance of export goods destined for the Moyale Border for extended periods, despite all required documents and formalities having been duly completed. These products were issued permits with specific validity periods, yet the delays persist, causing unnecessary disruptions. This issue has occurred several times at the same government institution. |
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Progress:
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During the NMC meeting held on 26th May 2026, Ethiopia Customs explained that there is a standard operating procedures. Dilla is a customs check point , sometimes the delay at Dilla occurred until the customs officers verify the goods are for export , for some traders sometimes they moved the goods to Moyale and illegally export it |
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NTB-001-364 |
4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures
A1: Prohibitions/restrictions of imports for SPS reasons |
2026-01-07 |
Kenya: |
Ethiopia |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ethiopian maize quality standards are not accepted in Kenya, requiring additional conformity assessment. This has resulted for an extra costs of approximately 44,000 Kenyan Shillings per consignment, increasing the cost of doing business. |
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Progress:
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On 13 May 2026, Kenya Focal Point reported that they had carried out investigation which confirmed that the alleged did not take place in Moyale. Kenya border officials maintain that all consignments including maize, are subject to standard clearance procedures and are subject to regular fees. Kenya therefore requests Ethiopia provide evidence to support the claim. |
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NTB-001-367 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2026-02-02 |
Djibouti: Djibouti sea port |
Ethiopia |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The importer experienced significant challenges during the customs clearance process at the Port of Djibouti. Upon arrival of the shipments (both containerized cargo and vehicles), they were informed of multiple documentation-request by customs authorities. These issues included minor discrepancies such as spelling errors in the Bill of Lading, as well as requirements to provide additional supporting documents that had not been communicated to them prior to the arrival of the cargo.
Importantly, these documentation requirement were not raised in advance, which prevented them from making the necessary corrections before the shipment has reached to the port. As a result, they were required to repeatedly amend and resubmit documents under a time pressure leading to delays in the clearance process.
Due to these combined challenges, the cargo remained at the port beyond the allowed free storage period. Consequently, the importers has incurred significant unplanned costs, including demurrage charges and other related port fees. |
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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 |
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Progress:
|
1. During the 38th RMC, DRC reported that they would consult and revert
2.During the 39th RMC, DRC requested 2 weeks to resolve the NTB.
3.During the 40th RMC DRC informed the meeting that the Zone between Golli, Mahagi and Kisangani is a war zone and security is very tight, nevertheless, the central government's interior Minister instructed the governor to reduce the number of barriers and stop these payments because they are not official and illegal. DRC is organizing a consultation in June 2026 with the Ministry of Interior, Trade and Security organs to deliberate on the matter. The NTB also affects DRC as it makes goods more expensive in DRC. Furthermore, it was reported that on 7th - 10th May, 2026 the Republic of Uganda and DRC will hold a bilateral meeting on the same. The meeting urged DRC to adhere to the Summit Directive to resolve the NTB by 30th June 2026 |
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NTB-001-365 |
4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures
A83: Certification requirement |
2025-12-10 |
Ethiopia: Moyale |
Ethiopia |
In process |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There were delays in obtaining approval or certification for goods imported through the Moyale border. Samples are required to be tested in Addis Ababa before clearance can take place. As a result, importers are expected to obtain the necessary approval before the goods are shipped to Ethiopia. Otherwise, if the approval is sought after the goods arrive and undergo document verification, significant delays may occur.
Following the complaint received, a visit was conducted to the Moyale One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), where these issues were confirmed. For instance, a Vaseline product with all the required specifications (five types) intended for import into Ethiopia was required to obtain prior approval. However, the process took up to two months. This approval or certification is essential for clearance.
If importers fail to secure the approval before the goods arrive at the border, they may face extended waiting periods to obtain the necessary authorization before clearance can proceed. This situation was observed at the Moyale OSBP and confirmed by officers responsible for document verification. |
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