Complaint

Complaint number
NTB-000-818  
NTB Type
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)  
NTM Code
B42: TBT regulations on transport and storage 
Complaint
Failure to implement Article 5.8 (6.2 Road Traffic Policy) leading to variable treatment of the transport of High Cube containers with height exceeding 4.3 metres.

The transport of High Cube Containers, on “standard” deck height (1.5 metres) vehicles and trailers results in overall height of approximately 4.5 metres.
Botswana: Imposes requirement for abnormal load permits for each load.
South Africa threatens to repeal moratorium on prosecution from 1 Jan 2019
Other countries ignoring “illegal” height, but “illegality” leaves insurance threats to operators.
Zambia (4.8), Zimbabwe 4.65), Malawi (4.6); Tanzania (4.6) have increased legal height to at least 4.6 metres.
Uncertainty in region is causing growing concerns regarding viability of international transport routes amid fears of further enforcement costs and barriers.  
Progress update note
The Meeting of NTB-Market Access Task Force 18-20 March 2020 in Gaborone reported that MCBRTA standards agreed at the TSMCI of 31 October 2029 maximum vehicle height of 4.6m which will resolve this NTBs if South Africa complies with this standard.  
Policy or regulatory NTB
No 
Location
Botswana: Ministry of Transport (Government institution)  
Reporting Country or Region
South Africa  
Country specific trade issue
No  
Date of incident
2018-05-17  
Status
In process  
Product Description
All products


 
Total value
0  
Date reported
2018-05-17 10:19  
Modified
2020-02-09 23:56