Resolved complaints

Showing items 1 to 20 of 909
Complaint number NTB Type
Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments
Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures
Category 5. Specific limitations
Category 6. Charges on imports
Category 7. Other procedural problems
Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding
Check allUncheck all		 Date of incident Location
COMESA
EAC
SADC
Reporting country or region (additional)
COMESA
EAC
SADC
Status Actions
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.  
Resolution status note: The charges were addressed and the refund process has already been initiated and is currently in progress.  
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)  
NTB-001-294 1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions 2025-10-28 Botswana: Tlokweng Gate Botswana Resolved
2026-01-16 		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.  
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
  
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.  
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. 		 
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.  
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  
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. 		 
Resolution status note: The goods were released without any payment.  
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.  
NTB-001-265 8.8. Issues related to transit 2025-06-03 South Africa: Lebombo South Africa Resolved
2026-04-15 		View
Complaint: In relation to Complaint NTB-000-632, "Copper Moon Trading, the company that is running the Lebombo dry port at Komatipoort, near the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post, is forcing transporters to use and pay for its parking facilities in Komatipoort. Transporters' vehicles are required to visit the SARS customs clearing offices at the Lebombo dry port and so parking should be provided for them, free of charge, by SARS.
If parking is not provided, then trucks must be allowed to park along the roadway."

The complaint was resolved in 2016, is this still the case? Attached is a receipt.
  
Resolution status note: The border post does not have enough parking space and trucks are parking along N4 and also utilising the own private parking which is not link to SARS Customs . It is optional to use the parking with parking fees determined by the owner of the parking . The matter is resolved.  
NTB-001-253 8.8. Issues related to transit 2025-05-11 Zimbabwe: Nyamapanda South Africa Resolved
2026-04-15 		View
Complaint: While in transit from BBR to Nyamapanda with a load destined for Malawi, our truck had to divert off the predetermined statutory route through Harare due to roadworks/congestion by no more than 400m. The Zimra tracking seal picked up this diversion and thus, we have been punished with a $2000 fine we which feel is incredibly excessive, especially with proof that the truck was not stationary at all while off-route. This punishment does not seem to fit the crime.  
Resolution status note: During the SADC Regional Meeting on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) held from 14–15 April 2026, National Focal Points from Zimbabwe and South Africa met to discuss this NTB. As was requested by South Africa during a bilateral meeting held on 2 February, 2026, Zimbabwe indicated that according to law, trucks are required to seek pre-authorization of any divergence on the agreed routes. South Africa noted that the truck driver did not comply with the requirements as stated.  
NTB-001-254 2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections 2025-04-01 Malawi: Songwe Malawi Resolved
2025-06-17 		View
Complaint: We are a company that exports groundnuts from Malawi to Kenya. On average we export three containers in a month to Kenya. Before loading the cargo into the container, the cargo is being inspecting by the MRA official who certify the accuracy of the cargo being loaded into the container for Export.

Once the container is loaded, a seal is placed on it till the container reaches the exit border post, where this seal is removed again for the second confirmation of the load being exported. This requires offloading the consignment, running the risk of contamination, damage and delays as well as cost of offloading and loading. We have been exporting to Kenya since 2022. However, since October 2024, we have been encountering these challenges of being forced to offload cargo at the exit boarder post for inspection purposes by MRA officials, both to and from. This is despite that the cargo is being loaded into the container in the presence of the MRA official at the point of origin of goods. As a result of this we are paying unnecessary costs which is expensive and at times delays the clearance process. All these costs are being encountered by the exporter/importer.

The exit border has machine scanners which have been out of service for some time now. If these were working, we could not encounter this delay and expense which is originating from the offloading and loading of the cargo. At the same times some of the exported or imported cargo gets damaged when carrying out this exercise. Hygiene is also another issue, considering the places where we are doing the off-loading and loading exercise.
A resolution needs to be found ASAP to avoid such delays, repetitive inspections and costs before exiting the country. 		 
Resolution status note: The NTB 001-254 issue is now effectively resolved. In a productive virtual meeting on June 17, 2025, key stakeholders—including the SADC Secretariat, a representative from the concerned company in Malawi, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the SADC Business Council, and GIZ—came together to address challenges experienced by exporters at the Songwe Border Post. The Malawi Revenue Authority took the initiative to inform exporters of the obstacles encountered during border crossings and clearly outlined the customs procedures necessary for a smooth export process from Malawi. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and supporting exporters.  
Products: 1202.42: Groundnuts, shelled, whether or not broken (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked)  
NTB-001-298 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 2025-03-14 Zambia: Kazungula Ferry Botswana Resolved
2026-04-15 		View
Complaint: On the 14th of March 2025 i encountered challenges when crossing to Zambia for business purposes. The immigration officer at the border enquired on the purpose of my visit to Zambia and i informed her that i was travelling for business and requested for a Business Visit (BV) stamp. The officer indicated that BV is only used when someone is travelling to Zambia to sell not to buy as i had intended to go and purchase sweet potatoes. I informed her that we had previously had challenges with law enforcement officers as they insist that whoever is coming to Zambia for business purposes should have a BV stamp not visitors stamp. The officer solicited a bribe amounting to BWP500.00 in order to give me the BV stamp. This contraction of information between immigration officers and the police officers in Zambia cost us as traders lots of money as well as time. It also compromises our safety when we go to Zambia  
Resolution status note: The issue was resolved during the Bi- National meeting held in February 2026. It was agreed that Zambia will increase number Business Visists from 30 days to 90 days annually. Furthermore, the Travellers are not expected to pay for the Business Visa Stamp.  
Products: 0714.20: Sweet potatoes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets  
NTB-001-241 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 2025-03-06 Kenya: Mandera Kenya Resolved
2025-05-30 		View
Complaint: Tanzania Revenue Authority officers do not seem to have RECTS seals, therefore, demanding for facilitation from transporters. The facilitation includes, Per diem, incidental allowance, in transit allowance and fuel for the government vehicles.  
Resolution status note: The meeting noted that the complaint was administrative and should be referred to the Committee on Customs for consideration
The meeting noted that the trader did not pay the amount requested of them.
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution 		 
Products: 6117.90: Parts of garments or clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, n.e.s.  
NTB-001-238 1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation 2025-02-16 South Africa: Beit Bridge Zimbabwe Resolved
2026-02-02 		View
Complaint: Our delivery truck (ADS 3378, AFQ 8744, AFQ 8746) destined for South Africa was detained at Beitbridge border post last night by South Africa Port Health authorities due to concerns regarding a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe and the potential risk of contamination in the water.  
Resolution status note: The Public Health concern has since been uplifted and a number of consignments of purified water have been allowed to enter the South African market.  
NTB-001-249 6.5. Variable levies 2025-02-04 Kenya: KRA Uganda Resolved
2025-11-25 		View
Complaint: Excise duty being charged on onions, potatoes, potato crisps and potato chips transferred from Uganda to Kenya.
This means they are being treated as imports. This was effective 1st July 2022, at a rate of 25% imposed against the EAC CUP.
Kenya is requested to consider removing the excise duty with immediate effect 		 
Resolution status note: Uganda submitted that the discriminatory Law was repealed through the Finance amendment Act of 2025.  
NTB-001-232 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2025-01-23 Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority Rwanda Resolved
2025-05-30 		View
Complaint: Refusing to grant Preferential Tariff Treatment on Fridges and Freezers.The United Republic of Tanzania denied Preferential Tariff Treatment to Rwandan fridges and freezers manufactured by ALMAHA INDUSTRY CO. LTD, in Rwanda, despite the EAC Customs Management Act and Legal Notice No. EAC/287/2024 offers a 10% import duty remission under regional preferential tariff treatment. Thus, all EAC Partner States are obliged to allow preferential tariff treatment for these products  
Resolution status note: The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved  
NTB-001-234 2.2. Arbitrary customs classification 2025-01-20 Botswana: Tlokweng Gate South Africa Resolved
2025-05-27 		View
Complaint: We are a small female-owned company based in Gaborone, Botswana that manufactures small leather goods, mostly for corporates, government and individuals. Our team consists of 5 female employees with 4 full time and 1 on contractual basis. We import our raw material (which is mostly finished leather) from South Africa. We have been importing our material since 2019, however, since 2021 we have been facing a challenge of our raw materials being misclassified. we import finished leather products which is not subjected to Veterinary requirements since it is a finished product. However, we are subjected to go through veterinary regulations which causes delays and confusions on the applicable regulations. We request the proper application of regulations be applied when dealing with our product. The veterinary processes must be done away if there are not applicable.

Our company imports material about 3 times a month from South Africa, with a total average of 3200 dm of finished leather. 		 
Resolution status note: A virtual meeting was held on the 29th of April, 2025, between Customs Services(External Eelations & Classification office), the Tlokweng Border Post Manager, Ministry of Trade officials, SADC officials, and the trader to learn more about the trader's challenge. The trader was given the contact details of the Tlokweng Border Manager for assistance in case she faces similar challenges in the future.  
Products: 4113.20: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting "incl. parchment-dressed leather", of pigs, without hair on, whether or not split (excl. chamois leather, patent leather and patent laminated leather, and metallised leather)  
NTB-001-228 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2025-01-16 Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority Ministry of Minerals Zambia Resolved
2026-04-14 		View
Complaint: Tanzania Revenue Authority has introduced a new system for copper imports whereby the Ministry of Minerals must stamp the export permit. Only once this is done can the assessment be completed and the vehicles cross the border (Nakonde/Tunduma) to Tanzania. Once the vehicle is on the Tanzania side, the Ministry of Minerals must stamp the assessment. After the assessment is stamped, it must be scanned to the TRA HQ in Dar es Salaam for approval. The Approval is then scanned back to the border, and the T1 can be generated and the vehicles cleared for movement. This is time-consuming and leads to further congestion at this border post, where containerised cargo to Zambia takes a fortnight to cross between Tunduma and Nakonde.  
Resolution status note: During SADC Regiomal NTBs meeting held on 14 April 2026, Zambia confirmed that the NTB was resolved  
NTB-001-223 8.6. Vehicle standards 2024-12-11 Uganda: Mutukula Tanzania Resolved
2025-05-30 		View
Complaint: Our company has been engaged in the transportation of Ammonium Nitrate Prill (ANDP) from Tanzania to Uganda using flatbed trailers for several years. Recently, we received notification from the Security Officers at Mutukula stating that the transportation of this product on flat decks is no longer permitted. Instead, we are now required to utilize high-sided, closed-box trailers or containers.
We understand that these regulations are in place to ensure safety and compliance; however, this change represents a significant investment for transporters, both in acquiring new equipment and in adjusting transport rates. In light of this, we kindly request that the relevant laws and specifications pertaining to the transportation of this material be made available to the public. Access to this information would greatly assist us in directing our efforts and resources effectively. Thank you for your consideration. 		 
Resolution status note: This is not an NTB as it is a requirement by Community Law that Partner States need to abide by. The goods being tranfered are classified as hazadous goods that need special handling while being transported.  
NTB-001-222 8.8. Issues related to transit 2024-12-06 Zimbabwe: Beitbridge South Africa Resolved
2025-07-23 		View
Complaint: When submitting invoices to declare goods transiting through Zimbabwe (RIT) for import into Malawi, it was brought to our attention that Zimbabwe requires an Ozone Depleting Substances permit (ODS) for air conditioners, refrigeration units and parts thereof which comes at an exorbitant cost. These are transit goods through Zimbabwe and not fully functional at the time until they are assembled within the importing country therefore it is our understanding that no permit would be required in Zimbabwe .  
Resolution status note: During the consultative meeting held between the SADC Secretariat and Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe clarified as follows:Environmental
Management (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,
Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment
and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023.
1. The licence is issued under regulation SI 49 , section 5(3) : EnvironmentalManagement (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment
and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023.
2. The regulation is issued to conform to international requirements on licensing of ozone depleting substances
3. The licence is issued based on calender year January - December to allow proper accountability and reporting under the international law
4. The licence will be issued electronically as of 1st August 2025 therefore no added costs
5. Cost of the annual licence is USD $50 		 
NTB-001-230 6.2. Administrative fees 2024-11-28 Tanzania: Ngara District Council Rwanda Resolved
2025-05-30 		View
Complaint: Tanzania charged 100,000Tsh on trucks transporting agricultural products from Kahama and Ngara District to Rwanda, and this is not fair for goods in transit.  
Resolution status note: During the RMC, Tanzania reported that it is a district developmental fee and is charged non-discriminatorily to all traders transferring agricultural produce from the districts and provided evidence for the same.
Hence, the NTB is resolved 		 
NTB-001-224 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2024-11-22 South Africa: South African Revenue Authority Mauritius Resolved
2025-01-23 		View
Complaint: Mauritius Customs is unable to accept the SADC Certificate ZA PQ 56085 issued by Customs in South Africa due to missing of specimen signature at their level. The Mauritius Customs sent a request to RSA Customs to get a confirmation of the signature .Up to date they have not yet received any reply.  
Resolution status note: At the level of MRA Customs, an issue was reported on certificate ZA P956085 which has been resolved since we received communication from SARS on 23rd January 2025.  
<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5...44 45 46
Contact us |  Related terms

Maintained by: Octoplus Information Solutions
African Development Bank
COMESA-EAC-SADC
COMESA-EAC-SADC