| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-079 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-10-24 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-05-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
RESUBMITION
DISCRIMINATORY CHARGES BY UGANDA : 18% VAT ON FROZEN WHOLE CHICKEN
In order to export poultry products to Uganda, a Kenyan farmer/producer is charged 18% VAT. It is important to note that in Uganda chicken is not vatable, yet they charge VAT on chicken from EAC countries.
The issue had been reported under NTB-001-010 and indicated as resolved. However, on checking in the URA system, VAT is still charged on frozen whole chicken meat |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was considered and resolved under NTB-001-010. The new evidence provided was incomplete and could not furnish Uganda with enough information. Hence the issue is still considered resolved. |
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|
NTB-001-112 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2023-01-01 |
Uganda: Ministry of Finance |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda Denial of Market Access to EAC Partner States Under Preferential Treatment by charging full CET of 35% to juices origination from Kenya transferred to Uganda by Bidcoro. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the 43rd SCTIFI the Republic of Uganda informed the meeting that the company Bidcoro was under a country-specific duty remission scheme to import raw materials for the manufacture of fruit juice from September 2021.
Kenya informed the meeting that the company is no longer gazetted under the country-specific DRS
The meeting therefore agreed that the NTB is resolved |
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|
NTB-001-113 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2023-01-01 |
Uganda: |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
T1 generation delays:
T1 Mapping on to ICMS system from URA portal for generation of C2
• Goods are sometimes sent back to await clearance at the exporters’ expense.
• Truck Delays at loading bay due to lack of transport document to move along the corridor to partner state
• Time wasted, additional costs such as unit logistics costs due to number of days
-Delays at border Clearance- exit
a) Real time synchrony with partner agency systems as envisaged.
b) Quicker exit and entry clearances- online portal to facilitate trade on realtime. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The RMC noted that the issue was operational and such issues are handled by the SCT ICT technical working group. This technical working group was put in place to handle such ICT-related issues as they occur The meeting, therefore, agreed that it is better handled there and be removed from the TBP |
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|
NTB-001-114 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2023-02-01 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda charging VAT of 18% on exercise books from Kenya while Uganda manufacturers of the exercise books are VAT exempt as per the provisions in the Uganda VAT Act. Uganda not exempting VAT on Kenya exercise books is disadvantaging Kenya exercise books as it makes it uncompetitive compared to local manufacturers.
Complete evidence provided Entry no C17644 Ref. 20222094001751.
We request Uganda to grant exemption of VAT on Kenya exercise books as provided in the Act.
Uganda should stop discrimination of Kenya exercise books as this is a re-occuring NTB, it was resolved and now it is back. |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
The 43rd Sectoral Council on Trade Industry Finance and Investment of February 2024 decided that NTB-001-114 on exercise books between the Republic of Uganda and Kenya was resolved through the amended VAT Act of 2022 (EAC / SCTIFI / 43 / 2024 / Decision 10 ) |
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NTB-001-178 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-05-13 |
Uganda: kasindi |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On May 13, 2024 the vehicles of certain economic operators transporting salted fish from South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania in transit through Uganda destined for the DRC are blocked in Uganda. The reason given by the protection unit was that these vehicles transported small fish whose marketing was formally prohibited in Uganda |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved through a bilateral meeting between DRC and Uganda. |
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NTB-001-179 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-05-01 |
Uganda: Government officials |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mpondwe Border Government Officials forcefully offload transit cargo for Tanzania traders.
In May 2024, Government Officials from the Republic of Uganda intercepted processed salted fish from Tanzania in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Mpondwe Border and were forced to break the seal of the cargo and sell the fish at the Mpondwe market. This is against Trade Facilitation Laws on how to treat Goods in Transit and led to great loss to Tanzanian traders in terms of capital and market. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Republic of Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved, hence Tanzanian fish can access the DRC market without any interception.
NTB RESOLVED |
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NTB-001-205 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-07-01 |
Uganda: Busia |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-04-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda's denial of market access of biscuit and wafers manufactured and transferred into Uganda by Sunveat Industries of Kenya. Reason being that wheat flour materials supplied by Kenblest LTD benefited from imported wheat under Duty Remission Scheme (DRS) |
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Resolution status note:
|
Uganda advised that the NTB was resolved and attached the evidence of the movement of good |
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NTB-001-202 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-09-16 |
Uganda: Elegu |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda through the Fisheries Protection Unit intercepted fish from South Sudan at Pakwach Check Point and Elegu One Stop Border Post, breaking seals and inspecting fish which is in transit to DRC, on the grounds that RSS is transferring immature fish that are not accepted in Uganda. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
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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. |
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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. |
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NTB-001-208 |
5.15. Other |
2024-05-01 |
Uganda: Fish protection unit |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda is intercepting fish export from Kenya which is in transit to DRC on grounds that Kenya is transferring immature fish that is not accepted in Uganda.
The fish protection unit in Uganda opens the goods on transit in the sealed containers which is against the provisions of goods in transit. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting also noted that Uganda had signed an MoU with Kenya on the movement of fish
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
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NTB-001-211 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2024-10-01 |
Uganda: UNBS |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya is experiencing unfair treatment by UNBS. Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by KEBS. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border and Headquarters UNBS officials have not been fruitful because the manufacturer didn't receive any help insisting that Kenya manufacturers pay the destination Inspection fee despite products having standardization marks with harmonized standards.
UNBS demand that payments for destination must be done without any other documents issued by UNBS.
Additionally, it’s been a challenge getting sample receipts when UNBS pick samples for every consignment. Manufacturers would demand drivers to pay for lack of evidence of the huge samples taken by UNBS. Also clients receive less paid items due to samples collected by UNBS. This is unfair and has raised concerns to Kenya manufacturers and clients in Uganda.
Affected products include cosmetics products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
EAC has Harmonized Standards for Furniture, but they are not exhaustive. The trader was transferring types of furniture falling in a category where no harmonized standard exists. In such circumstances the goods might be subject to retesting.
The meeting hence noted that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and should be referred to the Committee on Standards for consideration. |
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NTB-001-212 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2024-10-01 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya is experiencing unfair treatment by URA. Where the institution refuses to recognize the weights of export documents of the sealed goods, C2 and road consignment notes. Uganda usually issues notice of seizure for mis appropriation of weight across items. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border officials have not been fruitful because the officers demand for 100% verification for all the consignments every time at the cost of the manufacturer. This is regardless the products being fragile and without good equipment to offload and load. At times the items brake causing loses to paid products.
All shipments to Uganda are subjected to 100% verification by URA, This has huge cost implications and delay in delivery of the goods. Some of the products affected include ceramic products - Close Couple Toilet, Basin and Pedestal. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Senior Officials noted that it is a customs procedure to verify goods transferred and not an NTB. The meeting further emphasized the need for due consideration to be given considering the nature of the products which are fragile. |
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|
NTB-001-220 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-07-01 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authorities |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Certificate of Origin Declined (Issues of RoO)
Uganda has declined to recognize the Certificate of Origin for chewing gum manufactured by Kenafric Industries transferred to M/S Glorre International Limited on concern that the manufacturing process does not exceed the provisions in Rule 7 of the EAC Rules of Origin, 2015. Kenya NMC suggests that the process involves the use of machinery and technical expertise. Therefore, the process of manufacturing chewing gum exceeds the provisions under Rule 7 of the EAC rules of origin. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 38th RMC was informed by the Republic of Kenya that the NTB was resolved |
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NTB-000-089 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are long administrative procedures at the customs department with Tanzania Revenue Authority and other affiliated organizations. There are too many stages to go through before a container is released. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported that easing of Customs Procedures and Improvement in Customs Clearance; Documentation procedures have been decentralized as a result of use of online lodging of documents and extended working hours at the custom's department, among other improvements. |
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|
NTB-000-093 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Tanzania: Banking Institutions |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania banks delay processing bank documents resulting in vessel arriving at the port of destination before the importer receives the original documents from the bank. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported that the complaint is obliged to comply with banks’ requirements to speed up the process |
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NTB-000-149 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Despite efforts to improve the situation, customs procedures in Tanzania are cumbersome. In most cases, depending on the type of product, there is a long verification chain that involves many steps and numerous documents have to be handled/exchanged in the process of importing. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that all customs documentation are now obtained and processed online. Traders engage Clearing Agents for clearing goods who obtain all documents online. |
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NTB-000-154 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Bureau of Standards |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays and high cost of screening honey. Tanzania Bureau of Standards takes from 3 to 4 weeks with constant follow up; 20 items are screened on payment of T50,000/- |
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Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Bureau of Standards reported that there is some improvement on the dwell time at TBS Test house. There has been an influx of samples in the food sector which has resulted in companies having to wait for maximum 1-2 weeks. The current capacity of the conformity infrastructure (soft and hard), has necessitated that TBS Laboratory applies a first come first attended procedure. TBS encourages the business community not to wait until the last hour before they lodge their enquiry.
2. The cost of conducting an analysis is determined by the type of analysis to be conducted and therefore the cost of the reagents which goes up with time. Example, the current (2011) analysis cost for Honey is 160,000.00Tanzanian Shillings per sample. |
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NTB-000-156 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Along major highways |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Weighing equipment in some stations is sometimes faulty, meaning that even when a truck has a proper seal, weight readings at different stations vary. Also, there are numerous stations along the major highways, which do not respect seals even when it is clear that such seals have not been tempered with. The most notorious stations are along Moshi and Kibaha on Nairobi-Dar-es-salaam highway. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 10th meeting of SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation accepted Tanzania's explaination that problem arose due to packaging and loading of containers at the port. If containers are not properly packed, goods move while on transit and affect weigh on an axle. Distribution of weight on an axle may be correct at point of departure, but after some distance, it may change as cargo moves. Since weighing is on axles not cargo, different numbers may be recorded at
a weigh bridge. It was reported that sensitization was already being undertaken to alert traders to reduce the possibility of movement of goods inside containers while in transit by packing properly. The meeting therefore agreed to consider the NTB resolved. |
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NTB-000-158 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A82: Testing requirement |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Agriculture |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2016-05-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Cumbersome procedures for , SPS certificates and the permits.The Ministry utilitises its own laboratories in Dar es Salaam with support from Tropical Pesticide Research Institute in Arusha which takes even more time. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The procedures are being streamlined |
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|
NTB-000-159 |
4.1. Issues related to sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures
A83: Certification requirement |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Health |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-08-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Cumbersome certification procedures for certification of milk inputs.Certification officers are based in Dar es Salaam and going to Tunduma for verification is very cumbersome |
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Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that TRA does random physical verification as part of risk management analysis before clearing mainly on textiles motor vehicles. |
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