| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-061 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-12-28 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Republic of South Sudan is imposing a digital border security Control Tag of 100 USD and a control fee of 30 USD at every entry or exit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 14 June 2022, EAC Secretariat reported that the SCTIFI meeting was informed that the order was revoked and hence the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-082 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-07-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Excise duty on imported onions, potatoes, potatoes crisps and potatoes chips effective 1st July 2022 at rate of 25% imposed by Kenya |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC noted that the provision of the Law is not applicable hence no NTB has occurred so far and Kenya is requested to amend their law and rectify it to avoid the NTB from occurring. This NTB has been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-084 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-07-01 |
Kenya: Customs |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
25% excise duty on table eggs imported table eggs as a new restriction
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC meeting noted that the law was not being practiced and Uganda was not being affected by the law. Hence the NTB has been resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-085 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers |
2022-07-01 |
Kenya: Customs |
Uganda |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya's restriction of supplies to the Kenyan Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) to only Kenya originating cables and other ESI materials by Kenya (Public Bid Notice ) |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
NOT New
This complaint was dropped as it it related to trade in services and not trade in goods. Hence it is not an NTB" |
|
|
NTB-001-101 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2022-11-21 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SOUTH SUDAN IS IMPOSING COSTLY ROAD USER CHARGES/FEES. The government of South Sudan through the National Revenue Authority imposes high charges on Ugandan transporters for road use. In 2022, Exporters from Uganda to South Sudan were paying Six Thousand Pounds (6,000) but received receipts reading Five thousand pounds( 5000). This fee isn't in the law and is very costly.It is also impossible to explain to the truck/cargo owners the difference in money paid and money receipted
Currently 2023, Exporters from Uganda to South Sudan are paying Twenty eight Thousand Pounds (28,000) but the receipts they get after payment indicate Twenty One Thousand Pounds (21,000).
This is very unfair and increases the cost of doing business.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC was informed that the road user charges for Uganda traders are 21,000 SSP. The 7,000 SSP extra payment is an administrative charge payable to the Ministry of Interior Traffic Directorate. The fee is charged on all transporters, not only Ugandan transporters.
The meeting was informed that Road user charges in RSS in 2022 was 5,000 SSP. In 2023 RSS is charging transporters RUC amounting 21,000 SSP.
The meeting agreed that RSS should stop charging the extra 7,000 SSP on top of the road user charges which are not issued a receipt. |
|
|
NTB-001-102 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-12-22 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SOUTH SUDAN IS IMPOSING COSTLY CHARGES FOR SECURITY ON ENTRY.
The government of South Sudan through the National Revenue Authority imposes high charges on Ugandan transporters as payment for security for entering Southsudan
This is very unfair and increases the cost of doing business.
This fee isn't in the law and is very costly. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-104 |
1.8. Import bans |
2023-03-06 |
Kenya: Kenya Diary Board |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-03-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
IMPORT BANS AND DENIAL OF MARKET ACCESS BY KENYA.
On 6 Mar 2023,the government of Kenya through the Kenya Diary Board stopped the issuing of import permits for powdered milk as a means of cushioning the surplus production and low producer prices in Kenya.
By this, Kenya is breaching EAC customs union protocol and the customs union that makes us a common market as well.This is denying ugandan powdered milk access to the kenyan Market and will negatively impact trade relations between the two countries. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 42nd SCTIF noted that the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-116 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2023-05-01 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-07-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are 13 road blocks between Nimule and Juba and traders are losing over SSP. 150,000 each. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 42nd SCTIFI, the Republic of South Sudan reported that the SCTIFI directed South Sudan to remve all road blocks and this directive was implemented. There are only two road blocks from Nimule to Juba hence this NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-141 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2023-08-15 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SOUTH SUDAN IS IMPOSING EXTRA LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ON IMPORTS.
On August 15, 2023, the South Sudan government, represented by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, issued a memo affecting importers in the country. The memo stipulates that all food items imported into South Sudan must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which includes an attached Certificate of Analysis from a reputable laboratory. This new requirement has several implications like Extended Process Duration, Business Impediments among others. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The CoC is not applicable anymore. Hence the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-209 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2024-10-13 |
Kenya: Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Additional fees are charged on timber in transit.
Kenya charges Ksh 48000 on transit vehicles carrying forest and timber products from Uganda that transit through Kenya to destinations outside the EAC. Transit vehicles are charged fees for a transit license in addition to payment of road user fees. The timber products are extracted from forests in Uganda and not Kenya. This additional fee is wrongly charged and causes additional costs to trade in forest products from Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
This is a consolidated charge for movement permits for timber on transit for 18 trucks, the fees and charges are contained in the Fourth Schedule of Legal Notice No. 21 of 2016 (item 9) as follows: Movement permit per consignment- 2000, VAT 16% 320, E citizen fee 50. Total 2370
The movement permits are meant to provide control, traceability as well as monitoring the movement of forest products till they reach the required destination and is not discriminatory. |
|
|
NTB-001-183 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2024-08-08 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS.
Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI noted that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and should be referred to the Committee on Standards for consideration. |
|
|
Products:
|
4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components) |
|
|
NTB-001-210 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2023-05-02 |
Kenya: Mombasa County |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Agricultural Produce Cess on tea into Mombasa County
Mombasa county charges charges Cess on tea in transit to the auction market. Mombasa County is charging the cess on all tea destined for Mombasa at the rate Kshs 7000, for a truck of seven tonnes and above.Charging the cess on tea being trucked into Mombasa Countyincreases the cost of doing business. This tea is dstined outside Kenya. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the meeting that Cess is not discriminatory. |
|
|
NTB-001-183 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2024-08-08 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS.
Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting, Partner States agreed that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and was referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration. |
|
|
Products:
|
4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components) |
|
|
NTB-001-183 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2024-08-08 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS.
Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the38th RMC, the meeting agreed that this is an operational issue which was considered by the Standards Committee in April 2025. Hence the NTB is resolved |
|
|
Products:
|
4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components) |
|
|
NTB-001-194 |
1.8. Import bans |
2024-08-13 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On 13th August 2024, the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development's State Department for Agriculture, imposed a ban on the importation of brown/table sugar into Kenya through an internal communication from the Principal Secretary. This decision was based on the significant improvements in the production of locally manufactured sugar in Kenya as quoted in the letter.
The letter though internal nal was brought to our attention.This action is in direct violation of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Treaty. Under Article 75 of the Treaty, the EAC establishes a free trade area for goods and services among partner states, while also outlining the application of Common External Tariffs (CET). Furthermore, Articles 76 and 104 of the Common Market Protocols emphasize the free movement of goods, people, labour, services, and capital between partner states, as well as the rights of establishment and residence, without restrictions that may hinder regional integration.
The ban, therefore, undermines the principles of regional cooperation and integration enshrined in the EAC Treaty.
There is no mention that the ban won't affect member states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 45th SCTIFI meeting, the Republic of Kenya reported that the communication was an internal proposal that was not implemented. There is no ban on Sugar transfers from EAC Partner States per the Public Notice of 9 September 2024 issued by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. |
|
|
NTB-001-240 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Diary Board (KDB) |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Government of Kenya, through the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), has not issued export permits for Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk destined for Kenya since November 2024. This action constitutes a violation of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol and the Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Act, which is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods within the region.
The continued restriction has had severe consequences for Ugandan traders, leading to significant financial losses and, in many cases, the closure of their export businesses. This situation not only undermines regional trade commitments but also disrupts economic integration efforts within the EAC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the 38th RMC that:
1. Transfers of milk from Uganda to Kenya is ongoing
2. 10 million litres of milk were transferred from Uganda to Kenya between January and March 2025
3. 70 million Kgs have been transferred from Uganda to Kenya in 2024, and 67 million Litres transferred in the same period.
4. Kenya has no quotas on milk, and over 100 importers have been registered to transfer milk from Uganda to Kenya
5. Issued permits for milk if not absorbed effectively, do not allow for extension as per the regulations.
Kenya confirmed that the applications for the permits applied in November 2024 by Uganda were issued in March 2025 and provided evidence to Uganda for that matter. Hence, the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-246 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-11-01 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Quantitative restrictions on Ugandan Sugar transfers to Tanzania only up to 20,000 MT, are accepted
These Quotas have been subject to bilateral negotiations to allow market access for Uganda Sugar.
We request that Tanzania to remove quantitative restrictions. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania removed all restrictions related to Sugar from the Community. The two Partner States to trade in normal EAC terms. |
|
|
NTB-001-248 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Diary board |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in issuance of import permits for milk
Permits take up to 5 months with no communication |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the NTB issue had been resolved.
Uganda requested Kenya to fast-track the issuance of milk import permits. Kenya is committed to issuing permits timely manner |
|
|
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-001-250 |
1.8. Import bans |
2022-01-06 |
Tanzania: CPRA |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-08-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Director General Cereals and Mixed Crops Regulatory Authority (CPRA) informed the public that no permits for exporting maize and rice would be issued before the completion of a certain assessment. Traders and stakeholders were advised to wait until the evaluation was completed. The issuance of epermits was to resume after 1 May 2025, and applications submitted before that date would not be processed or approved. On 30th April 2025, an extension was announced.
We request that there be non-discriminatory treatment for rice,grain and other crops from Uganda from Uganda during this assessment |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 7 August 2025, the Focal for Tanzania reported that this matter was discussed and resolved during the 38 RMC in Nairobi |
|
English
Français
