| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-109 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2023-04-04 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Discriminatory excise duty
A Silverlands Ltd and Irvines have submitted a complaint requesting the Republic of Kenya to abolish charging an excise duty of 25% of Hatching Eggs exported by these Companies from Tanzania. The duty imposed to hatching eggs produced in Tanzania fails to compete with local producers who are not affected by the measure and to the loss of market. As indicated in the Kenya Excise Duty Act 2015 and 2021 show that all imported hatching eggs are affected by duty imposed. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-147 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2023-10-17 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Increased valuation of sales price of ceramic tile imported with no reasonable explanation from the local tax authorities. As far a cost is concerned, the production cost plus, long-distance transportation and customs clearance fees is higher than these of local producers. Therefore, we request Republic of Kenya to remove the requirements of uplifting the custom value and to use the local price. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Secretariat advised that this is an operational issue can be discussed in Customs Committee |
|
|
NTB-001-143 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B8: Conformity assessment related to TBT
Policy/Regulatory |
2023-09-22 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The consignment of Hermetic Bags manufactured by A to Z Textile Mills Ltd of Arusha Tanzania vide export invoice No. OE/7505/23-24 and Road Consignment Note No. 306 was seized by Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and held for twenty (20) days as from 22nd September 2023 to 12th October 2023 against the Mutual Recognition arrangement of certified products in the community as per the dictates of SQMT Act of 2006.
The product is certified by Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS) as conforming to EAC standard EAS 985-1:2020 and given license No. 4290.
Test results of a sample collected by KEBS from the seized consignment proved that the product conforms to the requirements of the standard - EAS 985-1:2020.
The seizure by KEBS robbed the Tanzanian Company an opportunity to trade, delayed the transfer of goods to her client in Nairobi and loss of TZS 1,668,205/= paid for warehouse rent and reloading of the goods.
Seizure notice, Test results from KEBS, Invoice, Payment receipt and TBS letter to KEBS are attached for reference.
Therefore, I request Kenyan Authorities to;
i. Respect Mutual Recognition arrangement of certified products
ii. Refund the amount of money which was paid by the exporter for unjustifiable seizure of certified goods from Tanzania |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during the Bilateral meeting where both Parties agreed to adhere to the provisions of the SQMT Act and no Party should take any action without consultations with other standards bodies. Hence the demand for mutual recognition was addressed. The refund is still under consideration in the bilateral arrangements |
|
|
NTB-001-147 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2023-10-17 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Increased valuation of sales price of ceramic tile imported with no reasonable explanation from the local tax authorities. As far a cost is concerned, the production cost plus, long-distance transportation and customs clearance fees is higher than these of local producers. Therefore, we request Republic of Kenya to remove the requirements of uplifting the custom value and to use the local price. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The issue was considered during the bilateral meeting that took place in Kisumu. During the meeting, Both Parties agreed that no administrative measures including uplifting the customs value of products from the other Party be taken without consultations. Kenya has since reviewed the customs values downwards. The issue was hence resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-153 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-01-26 |
Zambia: ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2026-04-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The ZB Card company shipped a shipment to Zambia at the end of January which is subject to the original SADC laws. When you arrived at ZRA, they refused to allow it, claiming that the HS Code is incorrect, so they ordered ZB Card to change it. ZB Card did that but ZRA has rejected the CoO claiming that it is not authentic. We have contacted TCCIA so that they can confirm its authenticity and TCCIA has done so but since 10/02/2024 there has been no success |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs workshop held in Johannesburg on 14 April 2026, Zambia and Tanzania reported that this issue was resolved , There is no new complain regarding this issue. |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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-001-223 |
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-001-331 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2026-02-07 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2026-04-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alphakrust who trade prawns and squid into Kenya market was charged KSH 6,050.00 per consignment as inspection fee, while the product is certified by Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS) and has been marked with notified mark as per EAC product certification regulations. The fee is contrary to the requirements of the EAC SQMT Act. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The charges were addressed and the refund process has already been initiated and is currently in progress. |
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|
Products:
|
0306.17: Frozen shrimps and prawns, even smoked, whether in shell or not, incl. shrimps and prawns in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water (excl. cold-water shrimps and prawns) |
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|
NTB-000-077 |
1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Industrial Development Corporation |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in South Africa grants concessional credit facilities to productive investments |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 10th meeting of the SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 14-15 JUne 2012 agreed that the subsidy was permissible under the international trade rules and therefore the NTB should be considered resolved. |
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|
NTB-000-108 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-26 |
Angola: Telecommunications Department |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Angola postal and delivery services are unrelaible |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NTB workshop held in Luanda on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that postal services have been improved significantly in the last few years. DHL, and other services are now available in post offices. The NTB is therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-105 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Malawi imposed 20%surcharge on all imports of chicken and eggs. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs, Malawi reported that they are still charging the 20% excise duty as indicated by the complainant. They indicated that this is in their regulation and there are no indications that the situation might change soon. South Africa pointed out that this is a NTB and Malawi should endeavour to remove it. SA also requested Malawi to upload the regulation on the NTB website as a comment to this complaint, and post the relevant regulation on the website under “notifications”. It was therefore resolved that this NTB be transferred to the section for Resolved NTBs of regulatory nature for further consideration since no action can be taken immediately. |
|
|
NTB-000-116 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2009-07-26 |
Malawi: Ministry of Transport |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Malawi charges very high road leivies |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs,Malawi reported that it was difficult to get further information from the complainant as this was uploaded before the online system allowed complainants to provide their contact details. However, Malawi would consult with the Ministry of Transport to gather all the transport related charges and upload them on the NTB website, for transparency. It was resolved that this NTB could not be processed for now until such time South Africa provides adequate information on the complaint. In the meantime, the NTB would be considered resolved, until the agreed information is made available. South Africa requested that the NTB be transffered to the section for resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature since the regulations are in place in Malawi. |
|
|
NTB-000-104 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-26 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana imposed 15% levy on wheat imports |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana advised that she does not impose levy on wheat imports. |
|
|
NTB-000-115 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Botswana: Ministry of Transport |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana charges very high road levies. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that Botswana charges road levies on entry to Botswana at the border only. Road levies are used for road maintenance in Botswana, and are only paid once at entry point. |
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|
NTB-000-135 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that the levies are no longer obtaining |
|
|
NTB-000-135 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana indicated that she did not charge levies but closed borders whenever local produce was enough to supply local demand. The Ministry of Agriculture has advised that the dates for border closure and opening are set by a committee composed of traders and producers. The Ministry notes that sufficient time is allowed for traders to notify their external suppliers on time. While the study on Agricultural NTBs recommended gradual elimination of some NTBs, it recommended that others could only be eliminated after provision of adequate alternative support systems. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration |
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|
NTB-000-136 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reporte4d that she does not impose levy on wheat |
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|
NTB-000-136 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that she does not impose levy on wheat imports. Botswana is imposing the 15% levy on wheat flour.The wheat flour Levy was introduced in 2003, through the Control of Goods, Prices and other charges Act Chapter 43 section 8 Subsection 3 which restrict importation on wheat flour, thereby encouraging the protection of industries in Botswana. The ACt is still under review. The 15% levy is intended as protection for millers in Botswana and is also designed to support value addition. Consultations are in progress with relevant Ministry. Botswana indicated that resolution of this complaint is dependent on the results of the review of the “Control of Goods, Prices and Other Charges Act” which has been stalled pending the establishment of a National Body. A study to assess the relevance of the levy on wheat flour is still being planned. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration. |
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