| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-146 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2023-11-01 |
Mozambique: Maputo Port |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2025-03-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our Company , Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe , (PVT. LTD) have been importing Vehicles using Maputo Port and never had challenges with customs since all paper work and documentation is always in order .We are the official distributors of Tata Motors commercial Vehicles here in Zimbabwe. We are a registered company here in Zimbabwe since 2007 and Trading as Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe limited.
As per our supplier Invoice number 750966093 and BL number MOLU18005431182 DT. 30.09.2023 for one Unit LP 909 40-Seater Bus with Chassis number MAT382042P8R10426 was dispatched from Mumbai port, India via Vessel Eternal Ace to Maputo Port. The Vessel was docked on date- and all the Relevant procedures were done by our representative Payflex Trading Lda RUA ROMAO FERNANDES FARINHA NO:75 1ST FLOOR SUITE NR. 8ALTO MAE B. MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE NUIT: 400379394 GIVEMORE GURI MOB 879304844 / 849304844.
We are writing to report serious challenges we are facing from the office of the Customs Director, Southern Region Director (DRS) which authorises the release of the bus.
Our bus is now being held by Customs at Maputo port, in our view, without any valid reasons and now we might be facing legal action for fraud from our customer who placed an order for bus and paid us 50% deposit as well. Pls note this bus is for Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe -Bulawayo Polytechnic.
The customs office has been holding on to the clearing process for over 3 weeks and is not communicating the reasons for the delays to us the importer . Our bus belongs to Bulawayo Polytechnic (which is under ministry of Education here in Zimbabwe) and all documents are in order. This incident has caused our Business a Loss of sale as well as hampered our reputation in the market. Also, we should note that this bus was one of the first buses we were to supply to Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, the Director has refused to release our in-transit cargo to Zimbabwe.
we have attached documentary evidence and report from our Maputo Agents explaining what transpired in detail for your urgent / immediate actions.’ |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
On 3rd March 2025,the complainant reported to SADC Secretariat that the matter had been resolved |
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|
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. |
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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. |
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|
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. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During SADC Regiomal NTBs meeting held on 14 April 2026, Zambia confirmed that the NTB was resolved |
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|
NTB-000-259 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ondjiva Customs |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Angola effects random increases in excise duties without notifying traders in advance. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, it was reported that all tariffs and other related fees and charges are gazetted and therefore not charged in ad hoc manner. The Angola Tariff Book is published and available on Angola Customs website (www.alfandegas.gv.ao). |
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|
NTB-000-350 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2010-02-10 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Trade |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-06-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique private sector do not have information regarding tariffs obtaining in the SADC FTA. They are also not conversant with the SADC certificate of origin |
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Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique, reported that there exists a confederation of association of the private sector (CTA) in which there is a working group that deals with customs matters, which participates in all meetings and events related to the subject. |
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|
NTB-000-210 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is no formal dissemination of information as to which agricultural products require permits. Importers are thus caught unaware and spend time processing documents required. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development is currently working on finalising their website on which such information can be accessed. Also a brochure containing such information is currently being worked on. The Permits office offers advice to clients on walk in basis. |
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|
NTB-000-378 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2010-02-10 |
SADC |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Cross border traders and exporters in general are not aware of the SADC FTA particularly the tariff reduction schedules. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 10th SADC meeting of the Sub Committtee on Trade Facilitation held on 14-15 June 2012 noted that tariff data is available on the SADC website for the benefit of stakeholders and that Member States have the responsibility to undertake sensitisation in their respective territories to create awareness. |
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|
NTB-000-250 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs documentation not stamped on export of cosmetics, creams, ointments to RSA, Angola and Botswana,is left behind and delivered late resulting in late claim or no claim of VAT. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that according to Namibia customs regulations, customs cannot put a stamp on documents that have not been verified by them. It is the duty of the client to make sure that they pass an entry with customs ( declare the items with customs) in order for customs to authenticate such documents and to put the required stamps on the customs documents. |
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NTB-000-238 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-08-13 |
SADC |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-02-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique is experiencing difficulties using the NTBs online reporting system because it does not have a portuguese version. It is not enough to translate the user guide because users need to intract with the system itself. The secretariat should urgently look into this issue to enable Portuguese speaking countries to utilise the system. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Website has been translated into French and Portuguese languages |
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NTB-000-202 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Botswana Bureau of Standards |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Difficulty in getting copies of relevant Standards |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that Botswana standards are accessible and available through Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS). ISO, EN, BS and other standards from SADC member states and other regions are obtainable through BOBS. Anyone can access or obtain standards through BOBS at a fee. |
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|
NTB-000-201 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Malawi Bureau of Standards |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Difficulty in accessing information on what Standards are relevant |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Malawi reported that the Malawi Bureau of Standards has booklets on standards which can be accessed by the business community on demand. |
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NTB-000-203 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Bureau of Standards |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Difficulty in getting copies of relevant Standards |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the question reported that INNOQ ( Mozambique national Institute of standards) there are many many – Brochures for the relevant standards |
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|
NTB-000-251 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Namibia Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs documentation not stamped on export of pharmaceuticals to RSA, Angola and Botswana,is left behind and delivered late resulting in late claim or no claim of VAT. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that, procedurally no parcels are allowed to leave the Border with out the accompanying documentation. The same procedures are expected to apply at the border of the receiving country otherwise the items cannot be cleared |
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NTB-000-533 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2012-09-24 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are importing fuel tankers from South Africa to Zambia. The trailers are SA Registered (Valid licence and Registration Plates - deregistered once in Zambia). The Truck Tractors are from our Zambian Fleet. On arrival at Beit Bridge, the documents are accepted by ZIMRA as trailers being exported to Zambia, drawn on their own wheels, in transit across Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. The act of exporting the trailers on their own wheels is thus condoned by ZIMRA at Beit Bridge.
When we get to Victoria Falls, we are then told by ZIMRA that exported motorised vehicles must be carried on the back of a flat deck trailer. A statutory instrument is eluded to, but we have yet to see this.
Our arguement is as follows. The trailers have valid registrations and licences (not to mention all the Police Clearances for export), they are not motorised (self propelled), ZIMRA Beit Bridge has condoned the export on wheels and we are actually presenting ourselves at Vic Falls and have not disappeared with the units illegally into Zimbabwe.
Placing these units on flat decks is prohibitively expensive. We are not transporting imported cars from overseas that are deregistered and for which we understand the need to be transported whilst in transit across Zimbabwe on a flat deck etc.
There is no clear statutory instrument that we have seen on exports of this nature eg licenced trailers |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 30 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that the treatment by Beitbridge to allow the trailers on their wheels when transiting through Zimbabwe for re-exports to Zambia was the correct treatment. The legislation on movement of goods in transit through Zimbabwe is in terms of Section 234(3) of the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) which reads "Where the goods in transit concerned are motor vehicles, no such motor vehicle shall be driven on any road in Zimbabwe but shall be transported on a long-haul motor vehicle carrier". This requirement was inserted by Act 3 of 2010 and was with effect from 1 November 2010. The requirement only affects motor vehicles and does not affect trailers as they cannot be driven but are rather pulled by mechanical horses. This interpretation had been discussed with the Station Manager Victoria Falls who shared the same view and assured that there would be no issues raised in this regard on trailers being re-exported to Zambia. |
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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. |
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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 |
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Products:
|
6117.90: Parts of garments or clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, n.e.s. |
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|
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 |
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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. |
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Products:
|
0714.20: Sweet potatoes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets |
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NTB-000-247 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-05-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on imports of copper concentrate from DRC and RSA which becomes cumbersome. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that Copper is a controlled product that needs verification to determine the value for tax purposes and subsequent issuance of permit by he Ministry of Trade and Industry. |
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NTB-000-248 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on imports of fuel from RSA. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
This NTB has been resolved |
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NTB-000-263 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are no less than six ministries, the Namibian police, two Marketing Boards and a Statutory Board involved in the management of imports and exports. The onus is upon the applicant to collect all relevant permits/ certificates from line ministries and other bodies, before a commercial import/ export permit application can be made to MTI. For certain goods, up to three different points of control apply. |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Namibia reported that the Ministry of Trade and Industry would only require authorised or a clearance certificate when a client is importing or exporting a controlled product that needs verification to determine the value for tax purposes and subsequent issuance of the permit by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The meeting accepted Namibia’s submission to resolve this NTB |
|
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NTB-000-334 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Ministry of Trade |
Uganda |
Resolved
2015-12-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Permits are issued by diffrent authorities in diffrent cities. Agricultural import permits are issued by NAMBOARD in Manzini.; Dairy products imports are issued by Dairy Board in Manzini. Other miscellaneous goods import permits issued by Ministry of Finance in Mbabane. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal point reported that this NTB had been long resolved. Uganda received a letter from Swaziland indicating that the issuance of permits had been streamlined. |
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