| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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-001-216 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-06 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mombasa county charges: At Mombasa Port they charge county fees where they pay 700 KEShs but these fees are never communicated to the truck driver in any way. Consequently, after some months you get a message that you have parking fees arrears with fines for late payment which can reach 7,000 KEShs.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting considered the matter and noted that as per the evidence provided, the charges were related to parking fees. The meeting highlighted that it is the obligation of the driver to pay for related parking fees whenever he parks in a chargeable area hence the issue is not as an NTB. |
|
|
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-001-221 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B8: Conformity assessment related to TBT |
2024-10-03 |
Kenya: Lunga Lunga OSBP |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non-recognition of Standards certificate from TBS by KBS for salt transferred by Neelkant Tanzania company into Kenya, charging six thousand Kenya shillings for each shipment. The EAC Partner States are implementing a harmonised standard on salt. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 38th RMC Kenya informed that the NTB was on lime and not salt as reported. The meeting was also informed that there are two harmonized and gazetted standards on lime, but other Partner States are still using their national standards.
Hence if a Partner State is using National Standards, retesting and inspection has to be done
The meeting requested TBS to adopt the harmonized standards EAS;73, EAS;1165;2024 or write to EAC Secretariat in case of any specific reasons for not adopting the standard for further consideration by other Partner State
Hence the NTB is resolved |
|
|
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-001-241 |
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-001-248 |
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-001-273 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-05 |
Kenya: Sirari |
|
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sodium cyanide convoy of 10trucks delayed due to one truck rects online exit point internal input message reading exit Taveta |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the exporter did not pay but suffered 8 Days delay at the OSBP with trucks carrying hazardous goods. This is dangerous to the environment and the community around.
However, the issue is operational other than an NTB and should be referred to the Customs Committee for consideration
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution
The NTB was resolved by the COC:
The Sectoral Committee on Customs committed to strengthen inter agency communication and coordination among Partner States Customs authorities to avoid similar incidents in the future. |
|
|
NTB-000-070 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Maseru Bridge |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
VAT clearance procedures at the border posts are open to corruption. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) reported that they have all the necessary measures to combat corruption for all customs procedures and there is a high intolerance for corruption as there is a Corruption Investigation Unit within the LRA. LRA are in the process of introducing an automated system. |
|
|
NTB-000-212 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Unreasonable SPS requirements with no scientific basis or excessively averse to risk |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that the import license for agricultural products is required to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of diseases and insects. It takes a day for a license to be issued, at the Department of Agriculture. Information on SPS requirements is readily available from the Department of Agriculture. |
|
|
NTB-000-213 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A14: Authorization requirement for sanitary and phytosanitary reasons for importing certain products |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
delays in getting SPS approvals |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that the import license for agricultural products is required to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of diseases and insects. It takes one day for a license to be issued, at the Department of Agriculture. Information on SPS requirements is readily available from the Department of Agriculture |
|
|
NTB-000-214 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Difficulty in accessing information onSPS requirements |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the workshop establishing NMC for Lesotho held on 09 August 2011 in Maseru, it was confirmed that information on SPS requirements is available from the Ministry of Agriculture and that arrangements are in place to upload this information onto the website of the TMinistry of Trade & Industry Cooperation & Marketing. |
|
|
NTB-000-063 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of labour |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho is restricting employment of qualified manpower nit available in that country |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported there are expatriates who are working in Lesotho in various professions, so there is no employment restriction of qualified manpower in the country. |
|
|
NTB-000-064 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Import licences procedure is cumbersome. Different departments issuing licences for different products. The multi-departmental authorisation is cumbersome and the procedures are too long. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that this is no longer the case because One Stop Business Facilitation Center has been established. Almost all licensing departments from different ministries have been housed under one roof. |
|
|
NTB-000-065 |
5.2. Exchange controls |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Finance |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has restrictive and time wasting foreign exchange limitations |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that this is not an NTB, but a measure taken to monitor and regulate illegal monies and corruption together with money laundering |
|
|
NTB-000-066 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Mines |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has put in place official regulations affecting exports of diamonds and manufactured products which are :
Export and Import control Act 1984
Examination and Movement certificate |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting establishing Lesotho NMC held on 09 August 2011 in Maseru resolved that Lesotho's imposition of this requirement is accordance to article 9 (e) of the SADC Protocolon trade and therefore not an NTB. It was also observed that reporting country had not objected to Lesotho explanation submitted to the 9th meeting of the SADCSub Comitttee on Trade facilitation held in Gaborone on 27 July 2011. This matter is therefore considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-069 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has put a ban on the importation of wheat |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that there is no such ban. Our local milling companies even import their wheat from South Africa. |
|
|
NTB-000-067 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho is imposing requires permits on the imports of following bread, milk, eggs, bulk sugar imports, pulses, fruits and vegetables, livestock and liquor. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that she does require permits on the importation of some agricultural products. The Agricultural Marketing Act 26 of 1967 (amended by Act NO.18 of 1973, Order No.6 of 1991 and Act No.5 0f 2001) regulates the importation and exportation of the agricultural products in Lesotho.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the importation of products and supplies which are unsafe or inappropriate for the function for which they are to be sold.
Import Requirements:
•Valid Trading licence
•Import permit |
|
|
NTB-000-068 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has banned importation of beer into that country |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that there is no ban in importation of beer into Lesotho, so there is no NTB in this respect. |
|
English
Français
