Complaint

Complaint number
NTB-000-432  
NTB Type
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin  
Complaint
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is charging duty on of fridges and freezers manufactured in Swaziland and exported into Zimbabwe under the FTA preferential trade regime querying the originating status.  
Status note
On 24th March 2016, Zimbabwe Focl Point reported that a joint verification mission on the Palfridge case was carried out during the period 19 to 21 January 2016 in Swaziland between the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). In attendance was the COMESA Secretariat and representatives from the Ministries responsible for Trade from the two countries. After deliberations and tests carried out SRA and ZIMRA agreed that he fridges and freezers are listed as goods of economic importance to Swaziland and should acquire a minimum value addition of 25% for them to qualify under COMESA preferential treatment. The freezers and fridges qualify as originating from Swaziland under COMESA as they acquired a minimum value addition of 25% should therefore be accorded preferential treatment when imported into Zimbabwe  
Progress update note
1. During the 2nd meeting of COMESA Heads of Customs Sub committee held on 19-20 June 2015 in Nairobi, the COMESA secretariat reported that earlier bilateral meetings had so far been unfruitful. Another bilateral meeting would be organised as per the Council decision of March 2015 meeting. The meeting urged to the two countries to address the situation so that trade could resume on preferential terms .

2.On 10 March 2012, Swaziland focal point reported that the matter is being handled by Trade in Swaziland and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Ministry of Trade and the affected company, Palfridge.
3. On March 11 2012 COMESA secretariat reported that a further verification visit had been undertaken to Swaziland in December 2011, there was some information which the company was supposed to provide to ZIMRA durng which time Palfridge was requested by ZMRA to provide additional information to assist in the processing of the complaint.
3. On 12 March 2012, Zibmabwe Revenue Authrity reported that the requested information had not been received to that date and therefore ZMRA continued to collect duties using normal rates on imports.

4. On 15 November 2012, Swaziland Focal Point responded to a suggestion by Zimbabwe Focal Point to delete this complaint from the system, to say that they are in contact with the concerned company to submit the information and as that this NTB be maintained as this is very important matter for Swaziland.  
Policy or regulatory NTB
No 
Location
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge (Government institution)  
Reporting Country or Region
Eswatini  
Country specific trade issue
No  
Date of incident
2010-09-01  
Status
Resolved  
Date of resolution
2016-03-24  
Product Description
Fridges and Freezers


 
Total value
0  
Date reported
2011-09-06 16:11  
Modified
2016-04-06 10:26