| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-501 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Busia |
Uganda |
Resolved
2013-12-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in issuing bonds at Kenya border with Uganda for tea meant for auction in Mombasa |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 5 December 2013 Kenya Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved. The Republic of Kenya had over the last two years taken various measures to address all challenges faced by traders along the northern transport corridor some under the presidential directives and committees to resolve all barriers to trade.
Kenya focal point requested that the Republic of Uganda provide an update on the currentsituation to clarify whether it was an issue of delay and if so, what is the current experience? |
|
|
NTB-000-516 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2012-07-01 |
Eswatini: Ngwenya |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2013-06-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
My family and I were requested to pay an "alledged" import duty for groceries valued at around 800 Rands even though we clearly stated that we were in transit travelling from South Africa to Mozambique. The customs official kept insisting that we would be given a receipt and to our amazement the receipt had my husband's name but instead of his addressing being Maputo it was registered Manzini.
Would the Swazi focal point(s) please clarify if this is the usual procedure for goods transiting Swazilang, whether commercial or for personal consumption |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 10 June 2013, Swaziland Focal Point reported that the matter had been settled with the complainant after all information supplied was verified with Swaziland Revenue authority requirements for th eimportation of personal goods. |
|
|
NTB-000-603 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2013-05-01 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
From May 2013 the government of Mozambique introduced a single window entry customs system which requires transiting goods should pay a transit bond on crossing Mozambique. However since implementation to date the system is not working properly as trucks are forced to stop at borders viz:- Zobue, Cuchamano, Miranje just to mention a few for long periods in some instances x3 weeks to a month before they can be cleared to cross. This is mainly because Mozambique bond is different to the rest of the regions bond sytems. In Mozambique they require a bond agent to post the equivalent amount of bond being applied for in cash value, i.e. if bond is USD1,000,000 then the agent has to hand over USD1,000,000 in cash either to govt or customs for the bond to be established. This has resulted in few people able to afford bond as such only a few agents are available and at the same time goods requiring their services are just huge volumes with huge values that the bonds are not sufficient to carter for all transiters. This is making exporters or importers waste a lot of time at the border thereby missing delivery schedules. At the same time transporters are raising freight charges as they are only able to make a single trip in a month than they used to do previously, almost x4 minimum. This is causing rising costs of goods in neighbouring countries and also missed opportunities for private traders like our company. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 11th September 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the alleged NTB´s related to the transit procedures in Mozambique, were removed, through the approval of Ministerial Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August, which approves the Norms and Specific Principles to be taken into account in the implementation of Customs Transit of Goods. This Ministerial Diploma repeals the Ministerial Diploma nº 307/2012, of 15 of November.
Pursuance to reaching a common understanding on this matter, FCFASA members in Malawi reported that CAFAAM Executive Committee Members together with Malawi Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Transport and Executives from Malawi, travelled to Cuchamano and Nyamapanda to appreciate the various challenges (delays, costs, etc.) which came about as a result of the new transit procedures introduced in Mozambique in April 2013. The delegation met with Mozambique customs , Beira , Port authorities and had an opportunity to interact with Mozambican Clearing and Forwarding Agents and some Malawian drivers during the launch of the Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August.
The delegation reported:-
1. It was agreed that the new Transit Bond Procedures in Mozambique are in line with international practice and appreciated the fact that in the absence of these procedures, a lot of traders were smuggling goods into Mozambique under the guise of “transit cargo”.
2. Mozambican Clearing agents had been given adequate notice to put in place the required bond guarantees although they were not ready by implementation date.
3. The general consensus was that the conditions (e.g. the required collateral) set up by banks, insurance companies and the authorities themselves for setting up the transit bond guarantees were too tough to be met by transporters and forwarding agents.
4. To this end, the Mozambican Government’s had exempted some products (tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton, etc.) from monetary bonding and reduced bond values from 100% on containerized cargo to 20% or 35% on break-bulk cargo. This measure would reduce pressure on the available bond levels for other cargo not exempted.
5. That there was need to license more “Despachantes” to speed up clearance procedures or alternatively, allow forwarding agents to be doing own customs clearing of cargo which they are moving.
6. There was need for Station Managers at the various borders to be taking stock of trucks available at the borders every day and talk to drivers who have stayed at the border for more than a day to encourage them to proceed with their journey so as to minimise the prevalent corrupt practices by some customs officers, guards, clearing agent.
7. A proposal to set up a “Help Desk” at the borders to achieve transparency and quarterly meetings between the various players at senior level.
8. Joint border training sessions between customs and other authorities and clearing & forwarding agents to be enhanced.
9.That various customs authorities establish a deliberate policy for Accrediting Clearing agents based on an exhaustive Risk assessment of each one of the agents and track record in order to “smoke out” fraudulent clearing and forwarding agents who cheat importers or assist them with smuggling practices,.
10. That Mozambican authorities should endeavor to translate and display the various rules and regulations into English to enable none Portuguese speaking people to understand the applicable regulations.
11.Mozambique customs advised that:
a. Clearing Agent need to quickly do a Supplementary Entry if there are any changes to a declaration (e.g. amending border of exit, amending values or quantity of goods, etc.) to avoid truck delays at the border or bond acquittals being blocked.
b. Once CORRECT documents are lodged and payment effected, their processing time is up to 3 hours only.
c. They would as far as possible, be rotating their staff to avoid corruption if they familiarize themselves too much to one border station. |
|
|
Products:
|
0902.40: Black fermented tea and partly fermented tea, whether or not flavoured, in immediate packings of > 3 kg |
|
|
NTB-000-642 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2014-12-09 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Burundi |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The United Republic of Tanzania via the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is charging USD200 as registration fee for transit permit on each transit container which contain which contain Chemical products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Tanzania reported that the levy was abolished in 2012.This NTB is therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-917 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2019-10-02 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement by Tanzania Revenue Authority to Rwandan transporters to use two customs bonds on the Northern-Central Corridor (Kigali-Rusumo-Mombasa via Holili-Taveta border post) costing US$ 150 on departure and US$ 80 on return |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the SCTIFI the Republic of Rwanda noted that the the regional bond will be concluded by 1st July, 2021; in the interim traders are incurring double costs and hence urged the United Republic of Tanzania to waive the requirement of the Regional bond while awaiting the finalisation of the Same.
On the issue of waiving the requirement of the Regional bond, Tanzania reported that the Commissioners of Customs will advise during their engagement.The SCTIFI agreed that the issue is operational and should be referred to the Committee on Customs for resolution. Hence it is resolved in this EAC Time Bound Programme |
|
|
NTB-000-984 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2020-10-07 |
Kenya: Namanga |
EAC |
Resolved
2020-10-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Namanga /Kajiado County still charges 2,000 Ksh for all Burundi Cargo trucks transiting Kenya |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
It's a resolved NTB that rised again |
|
|
NTB-000-290 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Namibia Revenue Authority |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Namibia requires provisional payments for all transit cargo through Namibia. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that the provisional payment is required to secure duties and taxes of the goods in transit that can be refunded upon submission of export documents by the exporter. |
|
|
NTB-000-437 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2010-05-12 |
EAC |
Kenya |
Resolved
2015-09-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in transit bonds cancellation by EAC partner states |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Now with the introduction of the Single Customs Territory using a single bond from the port up to final destination, the issue has been addressed. |
|
|
NTB-000-448 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-02 |
EAC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Inadequate Police Escort mechanism. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the All Partner States were providing police escorts. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-453 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Transport |
Burundi |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
No movements of Cargo Trucks beyond 6:00 pm within Tanzania. This affects trucks from Rwanda, Burundi & Uganda |
|
|
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, Burundi agreed that this NTB be resolved on the basis that Tanzania was modernising the tracking equipment so as to have electronic devices that can be monitored electronically along the transport corridor to the final destination. This provision allows Tanzania Revenue Authprity to make the necessary timely interventions. Burundi and Tanzania have signed a joint MoU in joint patrol and were provided equipment to maintain security along the affected areas. However Tanzania wouldl notify Burundi on the operationalization of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). |
|
|
NTB-000-454 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Central Corridoor,Tanzania |
Uganda |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA has introduced check points in the Central Corridor with timeframes and imposed charges for the delays to reach the destinations |
|
|
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, Tanzania reported that the time frame of clearance of Transit goods from the point of entry to the point of exit had been used as control measure to ensure that there was no divergence of transit goods into local markets. In the Central corridor there are 3 check points that is Missugusugu, Dumila and Isaka.
From all these check points it takes 5 days to across border. In the southern corridor there are also 3 check points and it takes about 3 days to cross borders. Tanzania launched Electronic cargo Tracking System (ECTS) on 12th March, 2012 which was expected to commence operations in June, 2012. With ECTS there will be no need for Time frame as the goods would be monitored electronically. The legal document was given to Rwanda |
|
|
NTB-000-455 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Central Corridor |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2011-09-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya. Kenya demands that trucks should noit weigh more than 48Tonnes axle load whereas other partner states allow 56tons. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 6th EAC Regional Forum on Non tariff barriers held from 12-13 March 2012, adopted recoomendation from the meetin of EAC permanent secretaries of the sectoral Council of transport , communications and metrology held in Nairobi on 16-19 August 2011 that a meeting of experts be convined by EAC secretariat to develop supportive legal, institutional and operative framework for approval by the council in 2012. This NTB is therefore considered resolved by the regional forum. |
|
|
NTB-000-455 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Central Corridor |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2011-09-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya. Kenya demands that trucks should noit weigh more than 48Tonnes axle load whereas other partner states allow 56tons. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The axle load was agreed at 56 tons in the recent past and could possibly be a case where a hiccup arises due to lack of information by the implementing agency. When we have such cases of varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya along the Northern Corridor (Weighbridge), then it is useful to specify the weighbridge and give necessary details for us to follow and address the complain . However, the issue of varying application of axle load specifications should no longer occur because the region has adopted a uniform applicable axle load of 56 Tonnes |
|
|
NTB-000-500 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-03-14 |
Tanzania: Along MAjor highways |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2015-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Weighing of empty trucks in Tanzania |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania introduced weighing in motion |
|
|
NTB-000-519 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-06-20 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Burundi |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Payment of double handling charges at the ICDs and at the Dar es Salaam port. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania (URT) reported that the ICD charges are part of port charges and are therefore not additional charges. The only additional charges are on demurrage. However, Burundi requested to re-submit documentation supporting their submission through the EAC Secretariat. In the meantime, URT to investigate further and revert at the next EAC Regional Forum on NTBs in September, 2013. The meeting agreed to resolve this NTB on the basis of URT submission. |
|
|
NTB-000-518 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-07-09 |
South Africa: Durban sea Port |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The South African Cross-Border Road Transport Agency is wanting to fine trucks for not having road transport permits for the complete trip from Durban to the DRC.
In terms of the bi-lateral transport agreement between Zimbabwe and South Africa, Zimbabwe had issued a permit to a transporter for the Durban-Zimbabwe leg of the trip.
Zimbabwe could not issue a bi-lateral permit all the way to DRC because there is no bi-lateral transport agreement between Zimbabwe and DRC.
Both Zimbabwe and DRC are members of COMESA and therefore Zimbabwe was able to issue a COMESA PTA Carriers Licence to the transporter, to operate between Zimbabwe and the DRC.
Thus, effectively, the transporter had permits to cover the complete trip from Durban to DRC.
The fact that neither the CBRTA nor Zimbabwe could issue a single permit for the full trip, was not the fault of the transporter.
The CBRTA should be facilitating trade between the three countries and not be trying to find any opportunity to fine transporters. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
|
|
NTB-000-532 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-09-10 |
Mozambique: Along the Tete to Calomue/Dedza route, on the North-South Corridor |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2012-12-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Drivers of trucks that transport fertilizer from Beira to Malawi, are being attacked and killed along the Tete to Calomue route. Then the loads are being taken through the Calomue/Dedza border into Malawi, and sold there. The trucks are then abandoned. Drivers bodies are found by the side of the road days later. The Mozambique transporters are demanding urgent talks with the Sofala Governor, and commander chief of police, to enforce the patrol on the Beira corridor and find the killers.
It has happened three times:
• A Malawian fuel truck was hijacked and the driver and passenger killed a month ago
• Two weeks later, a truck loaded with fertilizer to Malawi, driver killed and load taken to the Malawi border, sold there and truck taken back to Tete bridge and abandoned
• Last week another truck with fertilizer was hijacked, driver killed and load taken to uncertain place
Satellite tracking has shown that the trucks are hijacked at Angonia village, not far from the Malawi border.
This most serious situation has to be dealt with urgently. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 Decemebr 2012, Mozambique Focal point reported that the Tax Authority of Mozambique did their due diligence in the central part, which resulted in the arrest of two culprits by the Police Authorities in Tete-Calomué-Dedza region. A detailed report from Mozambique Police authorities is given below :
1. The two arrested culprits (Names provided) have been brought before the courts and are responding criminally for their offences in the Courts of the city of Chimoio and Bárue respectively.
2. Investigations carried out by Mozambique Police found that the drivers themselves have created favorable environment for the Commission of such acts, by collaborating with culprits who generally were selling fuel siphoned from vehicles or tanks, and because these businesses cannot be performed often in villages, drivers ended up giving a ride to these people some of whom are criminals to places that they felt safer and then committed the crimes such crimes as charged.
3. Mozambique is therefore urging member states to adhere to regional transit agreements under the COMESA-EAC-SADC, and also urge the institutions or companies that exploit Mozambique highways to instruct their drivers not to collaborate with the criminals on the roads and not get involved in swindling their employers through selling fuel to street vendors on highways where they end up risking their own lives. |
|
|
NTB-000-561 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-10-24 |
South Africa: On the main transport routes in Gauteng, South Africa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The managing director of Cross Country Containers in Zimbabwe, has reported that there had been four incidences of hijacking his vehicles in the Gauteng area.
The first was in October 2011, the second in June 2012, the third in September 2012 and the fourth in October 2012.
All the vehicles hijacked, were carrying copper, from the copper mines in Zambia.
A meeting was held between the road transport industry and the SAPS Hawks, in Pretoria, on the 24th October 2012.
A report of the meeting is attached.
These hijackings have had such a negative impact on Cross Country Containers, that it has stopped operating into South Africa.
The road transport industry, under the guidance of FESARTA, is to send a proposal on the way forward, to the Hawks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April in Lusaka Zambia, South Africa requeted that this NTB be removed from the online system on grounds that it was security issue. The meeting agreed that this be categorised as ' Non Actionable'. |
|
|
NTB-000-561 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-10-24 |
South Africa: On the main transport routes in Gauteng, South Africa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The managing director of Cross Country Containers in Zimbabwe, has reported that there had been four incidences of hijacking his vehicles in the Gauteng area.
The first was in October 2011, the second in June 2012, the third in September 2012 and the fourth in October 2012.
All the vehicles hijacked, were carrying copper, from the copper mines in Zambia.
A meeting was held between the road transport industry and the SAPS Hawks, in Pretoria, on the 24th October 2012.
A report of the meeting is attached.
These hijackings have had such a negative impact on Cross Country Containers, that it has stopped operating into South Africa.
The road transport industry, under the guidance of FESARTA, is to send a proposal on the way forward, to the Hawks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Tripartite NTB SMS Launch meeting held on 9-10 April 2013, in Lusaka, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe reported that this was a security issue that was being attended to by the relevant authorities. |
|
|
NTB-000-585 |
8.8. Issues related to transit
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-04-29 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-09-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
New transit procedures are causing a lot of delays in the clearance of transit cargo through Mozambique Ports. According to the new transit procedures, Malawian transporters /clearing agents are requested to make cash deposits bond requirements to the Mozambican customs at the borders or prior to transit clearance at the Port of discharge to Malawi and other neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, among others. According to Mozambique, the requirement is made because transit goods end up disappearing within Mozambique and their Government lose a lot of revenue. In addition to that, customs clearing and Forwarding Agents need to undergo re-registration formalities.
The major problem about these issues is that most Malawian businesses were not aware and there is a crisis at the borders with a lot of Malawian trucks that cannot clear. Even on the part of Mozambican customs they are also learning the new system. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 11th September 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the alleged NTB´s related to the transit procedures in Mozambique, were removed, through the approval of Ministerial Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August, which approves the Norms and Specific Principles to be taken into account in the implementation of Customs Transit of Goods. This Ministerial Diploma repeals the Ministerial Diploma nº 307/2012, of 15 of November.
Pursuance to reaching a common understanding on this matter, FCFASA members in Malawi reported that CAFAAM Executive Committee Members together with Malawi Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Transport and Executives from Malawi, travelled to Cuchamano and Nyamapanda to appreciate the various challenges (delays, costs, etc.) which came about as a result of the new transit procedures introduced in Mozambique in April 2013. The delegation met with Mozambique customs , Beira , Port authorities and had an opportunity to interact with Mozambican Clearing and Forwarding Agents and some Malawian drivers during the launch of the Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August.
The delegation reported:-
1. It was agreed that the new Transit Bond Procedures in Mozambique are in line with international practice and appreciated the fact that in the absence of these procedures, a lot of traders were smuggling goods into Mozambique under the guise of “transit cargo”.
2. Mozambican Clearing agents had been given adequate notice to put in place the required bond guarantees although they were not ready by implementation date.
3. The general consensus was that the conditions (e.g. the required collateral) set up by banks, insurance companies and the authorities themselves for setting up the transit bond guarantees were too tough to be met by transporters and forwarding agents.
4. To this end, the Mozambican Government’s had exempted some products (tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton, etc.) from monetary bonding and reduced bond values from 100% on containerized cargo to 20% or 35% on break-bulk cargo. This measure would reduce pressure on the available bond levels for other cargo not exempted.
5. That there was need to license more “Despachantes” to speed up clearance procedures or alternatively, allow forwarding agents to be doing own customs clearing of cargo which they are moving.
6. There was need for Station Managers at the various borders to be taking stock of trucks available at the borders every day and talk to drivers who have stayed at the border for more than a day to encourage them to proceed with their journey so as to minimise the prevalent corrupt practices by some customs officers, guards, clearing agent.
7. A proposal to set up a “Help Desk” at the borders to achieve transparency and quarterly meetings between the various players at senior level.
8. Joint border training sessions between customs and other authorities and clearing & forwarding agents to be enhanced.
9.That various customs authorities establish a deliberate policy for Accrediting Clearing agents based on an exhaustive Risk assessment of each one of the agents and track record in order to “smoke out” fraudulent clearing and forwarding agents who cheat importers or assist them with smuggling practices,.
10. That Mozambican authorities should endeavor to translate and display the various rules and regulations into English to enable none Portuguese speaking people to understand the applicable regulations.
11.Mozambique customs advised that:
a. Clearing Agent need to quickly do a Supplementary Entry if there are any changes to a declaration (e.g. amending border of exit, amending values or quantity of goods, etc.) to avoid truck delays at the border or bond acquittals being blocked.
b. Once CORRECT documents are lodged and payment effected, their processing time is up to 3 hours only.
c. They would as far as possible, be rotating their staff to avoid corruption if they familiarize themselves too much to one border station. |
|
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