Non-Tariff Barriers :: Complaints

Resolved complaints

Showing items 321 to 340 of 930

Complaint number	NTB Type Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments 1.1. Export subsidies 1.2. Government monopoly in export/import 1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership 1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers 1.5. Requirement for counter trade 1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies 1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies 1.8. Import bans 1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country 1.10. Determination of eligibility of an exporting establishment (firm, company) by the importing country 1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation 1.12. Multiplicity and Controls of Foreign exchange market 1.13. "Buy national" policy 1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions 1.15. Other Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures 2.1. Government imposing antidumping duties 2.2. Arbitrary customs classification 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2.4. Import licensing 2.5. Decreed customs surcharges 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2.9. Issues related to transit fees 2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges 2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure 2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers 2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections 2.14. Other Category 3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) Category 4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures Category 5. Specific limitations 5.1. Quantitative restrictions 5.2. Exchange controls 5.3. Export taxes 5.4. Quotas 5.5. Import licensing requirements 5.6. Proportion restrictions of foreign to domestic goods (local content requirement) 5.7. Minimum import price limits 5.8. Embargoes 5.9. Non-automatic licensing 5.10. Prohibitions 5.11. Quantitative safeguard measures 5.12. Export restraint arrangements 5.13. Other quantity control measures 5.14. Restrictive licenses 5.15. Other Category 6. Charges on imports 6.1. Prior import deposits and subsidies 6.2. Administrative fees 6.3. Special supplementary duties 6.4. Import credit discriminations 6.5. Variable levies 6.6. Border taxes 6.7. Other Category 7. Other procedural problems 7.1. Arbitrariness 7.2. Discrimination 7.3. Corruption 7.4. Costly procedures 7.5. Lengthy procedures 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 7.7. Complex variety of documentation required 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 7.10. Other Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding 8.1. Government Policy and regulations 8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) 8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) 8.4. Transport related corruption 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 8.6. Vehicle standards 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees 8.8. Issues related to transit Other Policy or Regulatory NTB Not a policy or regulatory NTB	Date of incident	Location COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Reporting country or region (additional) COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Status	Actions
NTB-001-127	8.8. Issues related to transit	2023-07-25	Mozambique: Beira Route	Malawi	Resolved 2026-04-15	View
Complaint:	Professional Drivers Union in Malawi are concerned with reduced transit limit time to 21hrs by Mozambique - Initially the transit time was 72hrs. This change brings about healthy and safety concern to drivers. Drivers are concerned on road conditions, mechanical faults and time to rest on the road which makes it difficult to meet this newly set time limit. They opt for the 72hrs as it were because this time limit gave an allowance to delays encountered in transit and it was good for safe driving.
Resolution status note:	In cases where cargo experiences unforeseen delays, operational challenges, or where the driver requires medical assistance, the established timeframe may be extended. In such situations, extensions are granted provided that the transporter communicates the circumstances in advance to their respective clearing agents.
NTB-001-151	8.8. Issues related to transit	2023-09-13	Mozambique: Beira Port	Malawi	Resolved 2026-02-12	View
Complaint:	The Malawi pigeon pea export consignment to India has been detained at Beira port in Mozambique for the following reasons: 1. 275Mt for Grey Matter - Investigation on issues of origin. However, the consignment bears Malawi custom seals and documents, emphasizing its Malawi origin. 2. 1500MT for Africa Fertilizer Ltd – Rules regarding fumigation. All the consignment loaded in trucks in Malawi, and stuffing was done in containers in Beira. 3. 3275MT for Afrisian Ltd – Customs verification if the cargo is in transit.
Resolution status note:	The complaint is marked as resolved under the update provided above.
NTB-001-164	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-04-26	Mozambique:	Lesotho	Resolved 2024-08-01	View
Complaint:	I was about to clear my stuff by the Border at Komatiport or Lebombo border post when the Police man of Mozambique by the name of Maphosa asked me to check my truck then asked for papers for the vehicle, my license, car insurance and important documents on my file, I gave him everything he wanted. He said I should clear my stuff and come back to him. I went for clearing but then I was asked to bring truck papers and license, at that time Maphosa was no where to be found, I asked some police men about him but they said he is in Maputo and I have to go back to Maputo to fetch my things at the police station but never mentioning which police station should I go to, I had to leave all my goods at alfandegars storeroom which is renting even now. I drove back to Lesotho without my license and some documents and luggages because the clearing could not be completed since the truck papers and my license were not available due to that Police officer.
Resolution status note:	The driving licence has been returned to the owner.
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
Resolution status note:	The NTB was resolved through a bilateral meeting between DRC and Uganda.
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.
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-001-184	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-08-09	Zimbabwe: Forbes	Zambia	Resolved 2026-01-22	View
Complaint:	On 10 August 2024, Zimbabwe imposed a requirement enforcing payment of duty on fuel in transit at the Port of Entry at all border posts ‘in order to secure duty and levies on fuel imported under Removal in Transit Facility’. Such duty and levies shall be recovered on acquittal at the Port of Exit. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) advised that the payment of duty for fuel in transit was to mitigate against transit fraud. With effect from 10 August 2024 all fuel, petrol, diesel, paraffin and jet A1, in transit imported through ports of entry by road is now required to pay duty and levies on entry. The duty and levies will be refunded at the port of exit upon compliance with all the transit procedures, including submission of proof that the fuel has been exported. Consignee’s and/or their representatives should approach ZIMRA at the port of entry to initiate the fuel clearance and payment process. For the refund process, once the fuel has been exported, they should approach ZIMRA at the port of exit to initiate the requisite refund process. This requirement increases cost of transport. The refund procedures are not clear, and the risk of delayed refunds is very high negatively affecting cashflows for transporters. Also this requirement is treating compliant and non-compliant transporters without distinction and is penalizing the transporters who have been compliant to the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) where the alleged abuse has been detected. We therefore request The Minister to urgently reconsider improving this measure to facilitate movement of fuel at reasonable costs.
Resolution status note:	Under the Finance Act, 2025 [Chapter 23:04], Zimbabwe removed the requirement for a deposit for duties on transit of fuel, with specific reference to Article 57 Amendment of section 234 of Cap. 23.02
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.
Resolution status note:	The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved
NTB-001-222	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-12-06	Zimbabwe: Beitbridge	South Africa	Resolved 2025-07-23	View
Complaint:	When submitting invoices to declare goods transiting through Zimbabwe (RIT) for import into Malawi, it was brought to our attention that Zimbabwe requires an Ozone Depleting Substances permit (ODS) for air conditioners, refrigeration units and parts thereof which comes at an exorbitant cost. These are transit goods through Zimbabwe and not fully functional at the time until they are assembled within the importing country therefore it is our understanding that no permit would be required in Zimbabwe .
Resolution status note:	During the consultative meeting held between the SADC Secretariat and Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe clarified as follows:Environmental Management (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances, Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023. 1. The licence is issued under regulation SI 49 , section 5(3) : EnvironmentalManagement (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023. 2. The regulation is issued to conform to international requirements on licensing of ozone depleting substances 3. The licence is issued based on calender year January - December to allow proper accountability and reporting under the international law 4. The licence will be issued electronically as of 1st August 2025 therefore no added costs 5. Cost of the annual licence is USD $50
NTB-001-253	8.8. Issues related to transit	2025-05-11	Zimbabwe: Nyamapanda	South Africa	Resolved 2026-04-15	View
Complaint:	While in transit from BBR to Nyamapanda with a load destined for Malawi, our truck had to divert off the predetermined statutory route through Harare due to roadworks/congestion by no more than 400m. The Zimra tracking seal picked up this diversion and thus, we have been punished with a $2000 fine we which feel is incredibly excessive, especially with proof that the truck was not stationary at all while off-route. This punishment does not seem to fit the crime.
Resolution status note:	During the SADC Regional Meeting on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) held from 14–15 April 2026, National Focal Points from Zimbabwe and South Africa met to discuss this NTB. As was requested by South Africa during a bilateral meeting held on 2 February, 2026, Zimbabwe indicated that according to law, trucks are required to seek pre-authorization of any divergence on the agreed routes. South Africa noted that the truck driver did not comply with the requirements as stated.
NTB-001-265	8.8. Issues related to transit	2025-06-03	South Africa: Lebombo	South Africa	Resolved 2026-04-15	View
Complaint:	In relation to Complaint NTB-000-632, "Copper Moon Trading, the company that is running the Lebombo dry port at Komatipoort, near the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post, is forcing transporters to use and pay for its parking facilities in Komatipoort. Transporters' vehicles are required to visit the SARS customs clearing offices at the Lebombo dry port and so parking should be provided for them, free of charge, by SARS. If parking is not provided, then trucks must be allowed to park along the roadway." The complaint was resolved in 2016, is this still the case? Attached is a receipt.
Resolution status note:	The border post does not have enough parking space and trucks are parking along N4 and also utilising the own private parking which is not link to SARS Customs . It is optional to use the parking with parking fees determined by the owner of the parking . The matter is resolved.
NTB-001-301	8.8. Issues related to transit	2026-02-19	Botswana: all entry points	Namibia	Resolved 2026-04-15	View
Complaint:	I am a manufacturer of fully finished furniture leather based in Namibia. My company has historically utilised Botswana as a transit corridor to supply customers in Zimbabwe under the framework of regional trade within SADC. Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the region, I have been prevented from using Botswana as a transit country for consignments destined for Zimbabwe. This restriction effectively blocks an established and commercially critical trade route. Namibia is a recognised FMD-free zone, and all raw materials used in our production originate exclusively from Namibian cattle. Furthermore, the industrial tanning and finishing processes applied to hides—particularly chemical treatment, liming, pickling, chrome tanning, retanning, and finishing—render the survival and transmission of the FMD virus scientifically implausible. Fully finished leather does not constitute a vector for FMD transmission and should therefore be exempt from movement restrictions associated with live animals or untreated animal products. The inability to transit through Botswana forces us to use alternative routes into Zimbabwe that are substantially more expensive. These additional logistics costs render our trade with Zimbabwe economically unviable and undermine our competitiveness within the region. As a SADC Member State, Namibia is entitled to the free movement of goods that comply with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The current transit restriction on fully finished leather constitutes a non-tariff barrier inconsistent with the principles of regional integration and trade facilitation. If this situation persists, it will have severe commercial and employment consequences. The loss of strategically important customers in Zimbabwe will directly reduce production volumes, which in turn may necessitate workforce reductions.
Resolution status note:	On 15 April 2026 , the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) and DVS Botswana communicated to Botswana Focal Point that the NTB had been resolved.
Products:	4107: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals, without hair on, whether or not split, other than leather of heading 41.14.
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-000-518	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.

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