Complaint

Complaint number
NTB-000-386  
NTB Type
1.1. Export subsidies  
NTM Code
A83: Certification requirement 
Complaint
The Ministry of health in Zambia issued a notice under Food and Drugs Act Cap 303 of the Laws of Zambia for all importers of food products into Zambia and those transiting to other countries to obtain Health insuarance certificates. All transit trucks loaded with food stuff and beverarages must obtain this permit which is only issued in Lusaka and takes upto 10 days. This short notice has resulted in all the trucks carrying this kind of cargo getting stuck in Nakonde adding to more delays than what already being experienced at Nakonde . What is odd is that why should transit trucks have to obtain these permits ? Can something be done about this urgently to avoid huge pile ups of trucks at Nakonde please ?  
Status note
Zambia reported that there is no Health insurance certificates but health clearance certificate under cap 303 and this requirement has always been there except Nakonde border post previously was operating without following these requirements until recently when they are working towards normalizing its operations.
These certificates are only issued in Lusaka but efforts are being made to build capacity at provincial levels so that the system can be decentralized. This is in the plan for this year, 2011.  
Progress update note
 
Policy or regulatory NTB
Yes 
Location
Zambia: Ministry of Health (Government institution)  
Reporting Country or Region
Tanzania  
Country specific trade issue
No  
Date of incident
2010-10-15  
Status
Resolved  
Date of resolution
2011-05-23  
Product Description
Beverages and food products


 
Total value
0  
Date reported
2010-10-15 00:00  
Modified
2011-05-23 15:36