| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-386 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2026-07-22 |
Tanzania: Weights and Measures Agency |
Uganda |
Resolved
2026-09-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The United Republic of Tanzania, through the Weights and Measures Agency, is undertaking the impounding and re-verification of Ugandan-manufactured roofing sheets, particularly ordinary corrugated AZED G32 (0.20mm) × 3m roofing sheets.
This matter requires urgent intervention, as it has the potential to establish a precedent whereby products manufactured in Uganda are subjected to additional verification, inspection, detention and associated charges upon entry into another EAC Partner State, notwithstanding their conformity with applicable standards and certification by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
The measure may constitute a Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) and is inconsistent with the EAC framework aimed at facilitating and promoting free and fair trade among Partner States.
Conclusion:
The continued impounding and re-verification of Ugandan roofing sheets may hinder intra-EAC trade by imposing additional regulatory requirements and costs on Ugandan products. The matter therefore warrants urgent engagement with the Tanzanian authorities to establish the basis for the additional verification and seek an amicable resolution in accordance with the EAC trade framework.
|
|
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Resolution status note:
|
The matter was discussed bilaterally , and Uganda confirmed that the roofing sheets products are accessing Tanzania market |
|
|
NTB-001-356 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2026-04-15 |
Zimbabwe: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2026-06-30 |
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. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 11th Meeting of the Trade an Trade Facilitation Sub Committee , Tunisia and Zimbabwe reported that the matter had been resolved . |
|
|
Products:
|
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) |
|
|
NTB-001-353 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses |
2026-04-10 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-09-16 |
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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|
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Resolution status note:
|
The two Partner States agreed that the NTB be resolved, because there will no retesting of Ace Pine Fresh and Ave Pine Citrus toilet cleaners once certified by KEBs |
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|
NTB-001-311 |
5.3. Export taxes |
2026-03-02 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
|
Resolved
2026-05-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
It is reported by the Truckers Association of Zambia that the DRC Revenue Authority - General Directorate of Taxes, 3 weeks ago, introduced an import and export tax of about $85, and this has been reported at Kasumbalesa Border Post. The procedure and rationale in which this was introduced is unknown to Zambia, therefore, feedback is sought from our colleagues in DRC on this matter. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 4 May 2026, the Zambia Focal Point reported that they had not received any feedback or official communication from the complaint. Additionally, no further complaints have been brought by Zambian nationals, so the matter can be regarded as resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-360 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2026-03-01 |
South Sudan: Nimule |
Uganda |
Resolved
2026-06-04 |
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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Resolution status note:
|
During the 48th SCTIFI, the two Partner States agreed that the NTB is resolved, and any other pending issues will be resolved bilaterally. |
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NTB-001-301 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2026-02-19 |
Botswana: all entry points |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
I am a manufacturer of fully finished furniture leather based in Namibia. My company has historically utilised Botswana as a transit corridor to supply customers in Zimbabwe under the framework of regional trade within SADC.
Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the region, I have been prevented from using Botswana as a transit country for consignments destined for Zimbabwe. This restriction effectively blocks an established and commercially critical trade route.
Namibia is a recognised FMD-free zone, and all raw materials used in our production originate exclusively from Namibian cattle. Furthermore, the industrial tanning and finishing processes applied to hides—particularly chemical treatment, liming, pickling, chrome tanning, retanning, and finishing—render the survival and transmission of the FMD virus scientifically implausible. Fully finished leather does not constitute a vector for FMD transmission and should therefore be exempt from movement restrictions associated with live animals or untreated animal products.
The inability to transit through Botswana forces us to use alternative routes into Zimbabwe that are substantially more expensive. These additional logistics costs render our trade with Zimbabwe economically unviable and undermine our competitiveness within the region.
As a SADC Member State, Namibia is entitled to the free movement of goods that comply with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The current transit restriction on fully finished leather constitutes a non-tariff barrier inconsistent with the principles of regional integration and trade facilitation.
If this situation persists, it will have severe commercial and employment consequences. The loss of strategically important customers in Zimbabwe will directly reduce production volumes, which in turn may necessitate workforce reductions. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 15 April 2026 , the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) and DVS Botswana communicated to Botswana Focal Point that the NTB had been resolved. |
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Products:
|
4107: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals, without hair on, whether or not split, other than leather of heading 41.14. |
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NTB-001-331 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2026-02-07 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2026-04-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alphakrust who trade prawns and squid into Kenya market was charged KSH 6,050.00 per consignment as inspection fee, while the product is certified by Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS) and has been marked with notified mark as per EAC product certification regulations. The fee is contrary to the requirements of the EAC SQMT Act. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The charges were addressed and the refund process has already been initiated and is currently in progress. |
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|
Products:
|
0306.17: Frozen shrimps and prawns, even smoked, whether in shell or not, incl. shrimps and prawns in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water (excl. cold-water shrimps and prawns) |
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|
NTB-001-350 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2026-02-02 |
Rwanda: RRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-05-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of discriminative excise duties of 35% by Rwanda to Kenya confectionary, not subjected to local manufacturers in Rwanda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 40th RMC Kenya informed the meeting that the Excise duty was removed and NTB was resolved. |
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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 |
Resolved
2026-06-23 |
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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Resolution status note:
|
Kenya border officials reported 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-001-294 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2025-10-28 |
Botswana: Tlokweng Gate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-01-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
BOBS Division Closing their service times during Holidays, weekends and festive days while Cross-border traders and Borders run through out. We urge that there be service aligned with all borders operating times and services. Consignments are then detained until their working times. we then loose revenue, standing times, conditions or goods be affected and further be exposed to risks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB can be considered resolved, taking into account the update provided by the Botswana NCP, with the BOBS information attached. |
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|
NTB-001-294 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2025-10-28 |
Botswana: Tlokweng Gate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-01-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
BOBS Division Closing their service times during Holidays, weekends and festive days while Cross-border traders and Borders run through out. We urge that there be service aligned with all borders operating times and services. Consignments are then detained until their working times. we then loose revenue, standing times, conditions or goods be affected and further be exposed to risks. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
BOBS sent a letter tot eh Permanent Secretary , explaining that BOBS operates from 07:45 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, and does not currently operate on a shift basis. Nevertheless, efforts are made to assist clients outside normal working hours. During periods when BOBS offices are closed, including public holidays and the Christmas shutdown, a designated BOBS team remains available to handle urgent matters such as processing applications and resolving border-related issues, including cases involving products that do not require BOBS permits.
To minimize delays at border posts, BOBS shares a list of designated officers with BURS Officers-in-Charge at various border points. This coordination ensures that matters requiring BOBS attention are addressed promptly, thereby facilitating smoother border clearance and reducing disruptions to trade. |
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|
NTB-001-293 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2025-10-12 |
Botswana: Ministry of Lands and Agriculture |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our company is unable to be productive in our business due to shortage of chick supply in the market, caused by delays by the Government (Ministry of Lands and Agriculture) to approve us to import chicks and fertilized eggs for broiler farming. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reoprted that production has stabilized, supported by capacity expansions within local hatcheries towards the end of 2025.
Currently, there is no widespread shortage of day-old chicks in the market, and supply conditions have improved significantly. In this regard, the reported NTB may no longer be applicable. |
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NTB-001-362 |
|
2025-09-23 |
Ethiopia: Ethio-Dibouti Railway |
Ethiopia |
Resolved
2026-07-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Ethio-Djibouti Railway, in addition to providing transport services to the Dewele border, also offers freight forwarding services to exporters, either directly or through its agents. While the contractual agreement is established between the exporter and the railway operator, the actual service delivery is often carried out by third-party agents with whom exporters have no direct contact.
This arrangement limits the exporters ability to track consignments in real time. In several instances, exporters only become aware about the missing consignment at the border. So,the remaining/missing goods will be shipped separately through the same process, resulting in additional transport costs and delays. Consequently, there is a delay in meeting delivery deadlines, which affects the trader’s reliability and lead to financial losses as well. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The representative informed the Committee that the matter has been resolved. Previously, EDR had made it mandatory for exporters to use its freight forwarding services, which created significant operational challenges for traders. Following these concerns, EDR revised its practice, and exporters are now free to choose whether to use EDR's freight forwarding services or those of other service providers. |
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NTB-001-287 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2025-09-04 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
URT denial of the preferential treatment to blankets that have been manufactured in Kenya and instead subjecting the blankets to full CET of 25% duty on the blankets transferred from Kenya into URT by Spinner and Spinners LTD with reason that the company is benefitting from DRS. The raw material used in the manufacture of the blankets is EAC wide remission on HS Code 5402.33.00 as a regionally eligible code under the DRS. The affected consignment is Assessment Ref: TRA Namanga, Entry Ref. 158254115-25-9900817 subjecting to 25% duty. This creates an unfair trade barrier, distorts competition, and frustrates intra-EAC trade integration goals.
URT to grant preferential treatment to blankets enjoying regional DRS
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|
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Resolution status note:
|
The consignee did not request for preferential tariff treatment when making his declaration and thus he was required to pay a total tax of Tshs 37 million. Later an amendment was done on 11th October 2025 and currently the taxes assessed are Tshs 13 million. This resolved the matter. |
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NTB-001-299 |
Congested Empty container Depots |
2025-09-01 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
|
Resolved
2026-03-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) reports a critical and ongoing operational barrier at the Port of Mombasa: the systemic failure of shipping lines to repatriate empty containers, leading to severe congestion at their nominated Empty Container Depots (ECDs). As the legal owners of these containers, shipping lines are responsible for ensuring their designated depots can receive them. However, these facilities are now operating beyond capacity and are routinely turning away trucks, creating a landside bottleneck that paralyzes the logistics chain and nullifies the port's efficiency.
This failure has triggered a devastating cascade of consequences. Transporters' trucks and drivers are physically immobilized for days, unable to offload containers and redeploy for new cargo. This directly results in massive financial losses from lost revenue, skyrocketing operational costs (fuel, wages, parking), and the unjust threat of demurrage charges from the very shipping lines causing the delays. The immobilization of a significant portion of the trucking fleet disrupts national supply chains, harms the environment through unnecessary pollution from idling vehicles, and threatens the viability of transport businesses.
KTA places the responsibility for this crisis unequivocally on the shipping lines. Their failure stems from a fundamental neglect of their asset management and logistical duties, including the inadequate evacuation of containers and the poor management of their contracted depot infrastructure. This operational failure is now being unfairly transferred to transporters in the form of financial losses and penalties, a cost-shifting practice that is unacceptable and must be rectified immediately by the responsible parties. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Secretariat advised that this is an operational issue that can be handled by the relevant stakeholders. Also there is no evidence to show any impact on the business. You are kindly advised to follow it up with the relevant authorties and resolve it amicably. |
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Products:
|
9801.00.45: - For motor vehicles for the transport of goods of heading 87.04, of a vehicle mass exceeding 2 000 kg or a G.V.M. exceeding 3 500 kg, or of a mass exceeding 1 600 kg and of a G.V.M. exceeding 3 500 kg per chassis fitted with a cab (excluding shuttle cars |
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NTB-001-275 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2025-08-18 |
Tanzania: Namanga |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Customs has raised doubts regarding the Certificate of Origin issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). However, TRA has failed to provide any written explanation for its objections and has refused to verify the certificate directly with KRA via email.
As a result, the goods have been held at the Namanga border, causing delays and financial losses to the consignee. This action by TRA Customs constitutes a violation of the EAC Protocols and Regulations, undermines the rights of the importer, and damages the legitimate business interests of Kenyan enterprises engaged in intra-EAC trade. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The goods were released without any payment. |
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|
NTB-001-281 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2025-08-08 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-09-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania imposition of discriminatory Excise Duty on exports/Transfers that hinders Chocolate export from Kenya into Tanzania. The same is not subjecting to chocolate manufactured in Tanzania |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania removed the excise duty for both locally produced and imported products. Hence no discriminatory excise duty and the NTB was resolved. |
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NTB-001-351 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2025-07-15 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-09-16 |
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 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported it has removed Industrial Developement Levy ,and Kenya confirmed the same, hence he Two Partner States agreed to resole this NTBs. |
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NTB-001-283 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2025-07-07 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-02-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania imposition of discriminatory EXCISE DUTY OF TZS 400/KG on exports/Transfers that hinders ON SAFETY MATCHES export from Kenya into Tanzania. The same is not subjecting to SAFETY MATCHES manufactured in Tanzania. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The REC Focal point advised that this matter is in the courts therefore cannot be considered as NTB. |
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|
NTB-001-285 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2025-07-01 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-09-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tanzania government imposed a 10% Discriminatory Levies: Industrial Development Levy
excise duty on Road tractor for semi-trailers transferred/exported by Kenya into Tanzania, violating the principles of the EAC Protocal article 15 & 75 and creating an unfair competitive environment. This tax favours local Tanzania producers/assemblers of whom do not pay the 10% Industrial Development Levy, further distorting the market.
Road tractor for semi-trailers 10% for HS
8701.21.90
8701.22.90
8701.23.90
8701.24.90
8701.29.90
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The two Partner States confirmed removal of Industrial Development Levy, and agreed to resolve the NTB |
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