| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-575 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2013-03-14 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2017-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The old bridge at Beitbridge cannot be opened to traffic because of an existing agreement between the government of Zimbabwe and a private sector company.
It is accepted that it is an old bridge and that it may not be safe for many heavy trucks using it at one time. However, there is a railway line over it and there does not seem to be any refusal to allow trains to use it.
It could be used by private motorists, so freeing the new bridge for heavy goods.
There seems to be no justification to renew the existing agreement. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the two Governments of Zimbabwe and South Africa had agreed that the old Bridge remain closed following commissioning of the new bridge that is functioning properly without congestion. |
|
|
NTB-000-563 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-01-11 |
Zimbabwe: Chitungwiza |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's vehicle has once again been held up by the road traffic authorities in Zimbabwe, for the vehicle not complying strictly to the Zimbabwe vehicle regulations.
In this instance, the rear lights of the truck were not in precisely the right position, according to the Zimbabwe regulations.
The official, in this instance, was constable Munaki, official number 060189F.
After intervention by the road transport industry and much delay, the vehicle was released with a warning.
This complaint is similar to that in NTB 524, where the information plate on the vehicle did not comply with the Zimbabwe regulations.
The practice of Zimbabwe road traffic authorities harassing transporters over trivial vehicle equipment regulations is not acceptable.
Vehicles foreign to Zimbabwe, comply with the regulations in their own countries and receive a certificate of fitness to show that they are compliant.
This certificate of fitness should be acceptable to the Zimbabwe authorities, unless, of course, the vehicle is clearly not roadworthy. The rear lights being in a different position, or the information plate giving different information, does not make the vehicle unroadworthy.
Two of the clauses in one of the bi-lateral road transport agreements that Zimbabwe holds with another country, state that each country should "promote fair and equitable treatment for carriers from both countries" and "strengthen their economic and commercial relations in the spirit of co-operation and friendship".
The actions of the Zimbabwe road traffic authorities do not subscribe to the above requirements and the authorities are requested to adhere to the objectives of the bi-lateral agreements. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13 September 2013, FESARTA reported that they had subsequently received a letter from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development, directed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, instructing the police to accept the standards of South African vehicles. FESARTA believes that this letter will also indirectly apply to vehicles from countries other than South Africa entering Zimbabwe. Therefore, FESARTA recommends that NTBs 524 and 563 be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-565 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-02-05 |
Zambia: Copperbelt |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
When a vehicle foreign to Zambia, enters that country and wishes to operate to the copperbelt, the driver has to identify the destination town and pay the relevant road user charge.
During the trip, after offloading, the transporter may wish to load at a different town on the copperbelt.
The driver then has to purchase additional road user charges to that town, from Ndola, which is the only town issuing rucs. The vehicle may not be going to Ndola.
This is very inconvenient and costly to the transporter. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 31st March 2016, Zambia Focal Point advised that it is mandatory for transporters to pay Road User Chargers in all cities in Zambia. This applies to the cited area (Kasumbalesa and Mufulira Mokambo) in the complaint posted. The charges apply during working days and over the weekend, transporters can only pay at the border post (Kasumbalesa and Mufulira Mokambo). Given this clarification, Zambia therefore recommended that this complaint be resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-576 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-04-16 |
South Africa: Pretoria |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
In 2011 the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, raised its cross-border road transport permits by up to 600%.
Not only was this increase unjustified, but it was done without negotiation with the road transport industry.
The resultant costs are also out of line with the costs for road transport permits in other countries.
FESARTA sent a letter (attached) to the Minister of Transport in South Africa, copied to SADC, but no response was received.
The South African Road Freight Association (RFA) has taken legal action against the increases.
The resultant permit fees put unecessarily high increases on the costs to transport goods to landlocked countries.
This is against trade facilitation. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-566 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-02-12 |
Botswana: Pioneer Gate |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The Botswana traffic authorities at Pioneer Gate, are applying outdated overall vehicle width and overall vehicle height limits. The are applying maximum 2.5m width and 4.1m height.
For many years, SADC has recommended 2.6m width and 4.3m height.
Most of the countries in the Southern African region, have 2.6m and 4.3m, and so the vehicles are built to suit these dimensions. They cannot be reduced to 2.5m and 4.3m without major structural alterations.
Furthermore, the 2.6m width was set so that an ISO shipping container, which is 2.4m wide, can be loaded onto a trailer that has sideboards. This cannot be done on a trailer that is 2.5m wide, since the sideboards take up at least 100mm width. The 2.6m also allows two standard pallets to be loaded side-by-side inside a pantechnicon body.
On occasions, when this problem has arisen in the past, the traffic officials have agreed that, to facilitate trade, the vehicles can operate in Botswana. But, there are also occasions, such as the present case, when traffic officials have insisted that the smaller dimensions must be enforced. This is a serious inconvenience and extra cost to transporters.
For trade facilitation, Botswana must change its act to the larger dimensions, and, in the meantime, allow vehicles with those dimensions to operate freely. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. Botswana is in the process of ammending the regulations to conform wit the requirements. |
|
|
NTB-000-594 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2013-05-21 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambian Police are holding South African CRBTA Permits as security until fines are paid. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 11th July 2013, Zambia focal point reported that, when truck drivers both local and international are found with a case, they are fined and normally asked to pay the fine. However, the drivers give an excuse that they have no money to pay. The Police at that particular check point would then use their initiative of asking for surety from that driver to ensure that the driver pays on his way back. However, since the practice is not covered by law, the officers were sensitized on the issue and have stopped the practice.
On 25 September 2013, South Africa focal point confirmed that the complainant had been consulted and he confirmed that the practice by Zambian police had been stopped. The complaint can therefore be moved to 'resolved complaints’. |
|
|
NTB-000-590 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-05-16 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Road) |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-03-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
UNACCEPTABLE PROCEDURE FOR ESCORTING VEHICLES, BY MOZAMBIQUE CUSTOMS
Mozambique customs at Beira should only require the escorting of vehicles between Beira and Machipanda, and return, under special circumstances, eg abnormal or high value loads. The decision to call for escorts is made by the head of customs in Beira.
However, the escorting process is not efficient and reasonable, viz:
• Escorting is called for randomly and often for trucks carrying normal cargo such as tobacco and sugar
• The escorting fee is high at USD100 per truck
• Delays are caused whilst customs waits for 3 or more trucks to be escorted together. Or they may wait until the next day to suit their convenience
• Often, a customs officer does not even travel with the vehicles, but goes in a separate vehicle to take the documents to the next check point. On occasion, the trucks have to wait at the next check point because the officer is not there with the documents
• It is suggested that the escorting fees are merely split up between the various officers.
Escorting should not be necessary since transit bond guarantees are in place and the route between Beira and Machipanda is simple, direct and short. Furthermore, there are several check points along the route. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Mozambique Revenue Authority clarified that the referred escort fee of USD 100 was illegal. Mozambique Revenue Authority issued the Circular nº09/GD/DRC/2013, of 1st July, that has been published in all customs branches, and also uploaded onto the online system which states in summary that:
• The Fiscal Escort happens only and uniquely in the case of customs transit of high risk merchandise in terms of loss of revenue.
• In this case, Mozambique Revenue Authority will have to support the Escort expenses.
• It is prohibited to collect any values and deductions when this Escort is determined by customs. |
|
|
NTB-000-604 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2013-09-19 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-11-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There are excessive delays at the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Trucks are taking around 5 days to transit the border and are completing only one trip Beira, Zambia and return, per month. Their monthly kilometres travelled is down to around 5000 kms per month. No transporter can accommodate such a low utilization of his fleet.
The queue on the Zimbabwe side, stretches for anything up to 10 kms.
There are several reasons for the delays at this border post, including:
Strict application of new rules and procedures by the Bank of Zambia and ZRA
The scanning machine has been under repair
There were special arrangements for Ministers visiting the border and so restricting the passage of trucks
The commercial operating hours are from 0800 to 1630. This is insufficient for the traffic flow
A tug-of-war between ZRP and ZIMRA as to which should control the traffic on the Zim side
When a crisis like this occurs, officials "make a plan" and clear the border of backlog.
It is understood that it costs $10 to get to the front of the queue and $20 to get into customs. Transit can then be made in 12 hours.
This is not acceptable.
There should be a permanent process in place to ensure the border does not get congested.
One solution, is to open the border from 6am to midnight, as with Beitbridge.
Extra security will have to be put in place to accommodate this night traffic and parking.
Urgent and effective measures must be taken. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 7th October 2013, the Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that the relevant NMC members comprising Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held a meeting on 4 October 2013 to consider the urgent complaint raised by the Transport Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe also posted on the online system as NTB 604. The meeting observed that that the congestion was a result of increased traffic on the North South Corridor and also increase in traffic from Beira Port. This is coupled with inadequate infrastructure at the border which was not designed to contain the large volume of traffic.
The meeting identified the following factors that contributed towards the congestion as well as a way forward to address the problem resulted in clearing the congestion.
1. The congestion which was experienced recently was partly caused by break down of scanner on the Zambian side due to heat. The Zambians are scanning 100% on commercial cargo. This also contributed to the problem.
2. Inadequate infrastructure is the main challenge at the border. North-bound trucks are only released four at a time because there is no holding space on the Zambian side.
3. ZIMRA has a challenge of accommodation at the border, so when they send their relief staff they will be staying in Kariba, which is also costly for them.
4. Problems of congestion at Chirundu can only be solved by engaging the Zambian counter-parts since the problem is brought about by north bound traffic.
5. ZIMRA is pre-clearing most trucks but Clearing Agents release trucks in batches to minimise movement across the border. This creates additional congestion. However, ZIMRA have already engaged the agents on the issue.
6. ZIMRA has already engaged ZRA and they have made an administrative arrangement to work up to 10pm whenever the traffic volume is high. ZIMRA have also reacted to ease the congestion problem by sending 19 additional staff.
7. It emerged that there is lack of control of trucks outside the border area. The police and the Rural District Council seem not to be playing their role. The trucks would also be mixed with that carrying hazardous and flammable goods which is very risk.
8. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development is going to set up a committee which will visit Chirundu Border Post to get more information from the people on the ground.
Way forward
1 Zimbabwe set up a committee to visit the border to establish facts from the people on the ground.
2. Zimbabwe will make effort to engage her Zambian counter-parts so that they create some holding space for north-bound traffic.
3. Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport is working on creating temporary parks on the Zimbabwean side as well as building accommodation for border agencies. |
|
|
NTB-000-604 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2013-09-19 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-11-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There are excessive delays at the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Trucks are taking around 5 days to transit the border and are completing only one trip Beira, Zambia and return, per month. Their monthly kilometres travelled is down to around 5000 kms per month. No transporter can accommodate such a low utilization of his fleet.
The queue on the Zimbabwe side, stretches for anything up to 10 kms.
There are several reasons for the delays at this border post, including:
Strict application of new rules and procedures by the Bank of Zambia and ZRA
The scanning machine has been under repair
There were special arrangements for Ministers visiting the border and so restricting the passage of trucks
The commercial operating hours are from 0800 to 1630. This is insufficient for the traffic flow
A tug-of-war between ZRP and ZIMRA as to which should control the traffic on the Zim side
When a crisis like this occurs, officials "make a plan" and clear the border of backlog.
It is understood that it costs $10 to get to the front of the queue and $20 to get into customs. Transit can then be made in 12 hours.
This is not acceptable.
There should be a permanent process in place to ensure the border does not get congested.
One solution, is to open the border from 6am to midnight, as with Beitbridge.
Extra security will have to be put in place to accommodate this night traffic and parking.
Urgent and effective measures must be taken. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13 November 2013 ZIMRA reported that the problem of long queues at Chirundu had been resolved and there were no queues at the border thereby resolving this NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-619 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2014-01-10 |
Mozambique: Tete Corridor |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-07-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
South African-registered trucks are required to be escorted by the Mozambique authorities, from the Cuchamano border post, along the Tete Corridor, to their destinations. They are charged US$100 to the Zobue border post and US$150 to the Calomue border post.
Transporters have confirmed that they would prefer not to be escorted, as it delays their trips.
If the Mozambique authorities insist on escorting the vehicles, then the cost should be covered by Mozambique. Transporters should not have to pay for something that they do not want and it should be included in the Mozambique authorities' budget. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 03 July 2014 FESARTA reported that they had received communication from the Mozambique authorities that escorts are only required under exceptional cases, and no charges can be made. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-626 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-02-28 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Various incidents at both Martins Drift Border post and at Kazungula - Officials imposing Botswana height restrictions of 4.1 - on SA registered vehicles - agreement at 4.3? please advise |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Thanks Kelly. Please upload a copy.
Regards |
|
|
NTB-000-632 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2014-05-23 |
South Africa: Lebombo |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
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.
This instruction is supported by the Komatipoort municipality.
Attached are invoices for this parking and a "ticket" for a truck not parking in the identified facility.
As with the situation at the Tunduma/Nakonde border post between Tanzania and Zambia, private companies, supported by the municipalities, cannot force transporters to use their parking facilities.
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. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-633 |
8.8. Issues related to transit
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-05-28 |
Mozambique: Dondo |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The traffic authorities at Dondo, near Beira, are harassing foreign drivers over the documents that the drivers carry.
Of particular note is the vehicle registration document for South African vehicles.
The registration document (RC1) shows the vehicle register number, but not the licence plate number. The authorities want the licence plate number to be shown on the document, and are issuing fines for it not being shown.
The South African licence receipt document (LCO) shows both the register number and the licence plate number. This links the vehicle to the registration document. But the traffic authorities do not accept this.
Another driver, this time from Zimbabwe, received a fine because of alterations to the vehicle registration book. The alterations had been done by the Zimbabwe authorities and stamped by them. But this was not acceptable to the Mozambique authorities and a fine was issued.
It has become clear that the authorities at Dondo generally harass foreign drivers.
This does not encourage good relations between countries and does not facilitate intraregional trade.
The Dondo traffic authorities must be trained in trade facilitation matters and not harass drivers unnecessarily. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing any harrasment so the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations .
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on dimensions, Botswana had agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated.
Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete this.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the above basis.
Please remove the NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations.
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on dimensions, Botswana had agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated. Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete the exercise.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the above basis. |
|
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations.
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on vehicle dimensions, Botswana agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated. Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete the exercise.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the basis of this development. |
|
|
NTB-000-650 |
6.6. Border taxes |
2015-02-01 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Ressano Garcia (Road) |
South Africa |
Resolved
2015-06-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Good day. Terminal Operator at Ressano Garcia plans to enforce fees to all cargo vehicles for the utilization of Ressano Garcia with effect from the 16th February 2015. The fees as attached to this request are ridiculous as a truck weighing 28Tons with Imports to Mozambique is expected to pay no less than R3000 on each occasion they enter Mozambique via Ressano Garcia. The upgrades at the port were an investment to ease trade facilitation and I'm of the view that traders are not opposed to paying however the required amount is way high and unfortunately the end-user will end up carrying these costs the end of the day. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25 February 2015, Mozambique focal point confirmed that there has not been any fee set or fee charged for the use of the cargo Terminal of Ressano Garcia, since this matter is still under discussion internally. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-717 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-07-13 |
Zambia: military base |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-11-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Trucks from various countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi origin transporting Maize bran legally with valid documentation and export permits issued by Zambian Dept of Agriculture were held at Kafue Weigh Bridge for almost a week, others longer than 3 weeks allegedly waiting for validation of export permits.
On 13 July permanent Secretary of Lusaka province arrived and Kafue bridge and after a short talk on maize smuggling to drivers ordered 31 of the trucks to be convoyed back to Lusaka to a military base under escort of military police to be impounded.
The drivers were told that upon arrival at the destination they were to take nothing from the trucks and leave. They were also told that where they were to sleep/reside was not the concern of the military personnel or authorities, it was their own problem.
At the military base the drivers manage to negotiate the removal of their clothing, blankets and personal effect , and were forced to hand over the keys to the vehicles and sign forms of impoundment.
This all for vehicles tranporting goods legally, all carrying clearing documentation legally processed by zambian clearing agents and valid legal permits issued by the Zambian Dept of Agriculture in Lusaka.
Subsequent to this another approximate 20 vehicles has experienced the same process.
Daily representations, discussions and meetings since then between various persons and organizations representing transporters and the office of the permanent Secretary of Lusaka yield no results or explanation for the impoundment of vehicles carrying legal documents, nor a date when the vehicles will be released.
Drivers are out on the streets, many with no suitable place to sleep. Some, out of desperation resorted to hitch-hiking back to their home countries.
Transporters are incurring heavy losses.
We urgently request that these trucks be released by the military and Zambian Authorities as this is costing the Transporters a lot of money in lost revenue and it is illegal for the Zambian Authorities and army to hold legally operated trucks.
The incident is also going to be escalated via the relevant countries' embassies/high commissions and Trade Authorities . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17th November 2016, South Focal Point confirmed that the NTB had been resolved . |
|
|
NTB-000-723 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2016-09-06 |
Zambia: All ports of entry |
South Africa |
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Drivers are experiencing long delays in processing of the maize export permits in Zambia. It takes more than 90 days for permits to be processed by the authorities causing drivers to exceed their 90 day limit in Zambia.Once drivers reach this limit, they are required to buy work permits at a very high cost of $225. This impacts heavily on already small margins. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Ministry of Agriculture through the Department of Agribusiness and Marketing is responsible for facilitating trade through the issuance of Control of Goods Import and Export Permits for Agriculture Commodities. The process of issuance of permits starts and is completed within a period of 24 hours. Maize Grain is an agricultural commodity whose export is subject to the Control of Goods Act. Export Permits, Control of Goods, for maize are processed within 24 hours. Delays previously reported were an isolated incident that may have been caused by externalities at play then. The current status is that Export Permits, Control of Goods, for maize are processed within 24 hours. We propose that this be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-737 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2017-03-01 |
|
South Africa |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
KBP company who constructed the new border between Zambia and DRC , about 6 years or so ago pegged crossing fees at $100/truck for the Zambia side and $100 for DRC side. The same charge is levied for the return journey therefore transporters pay total crossing fees of $400/truck for a round trip .Further , parking fees of $25/truck/day are enforced for units that stay over 24 hours in the parking bay. These fees were justified at the beginning as these were to modernize the border. However, the transport rates have tumbled by as much as 40 % and we all now have to look at cutting costs.
Taking into account the number of vehicle crossings daily, the US$ 400 crossing fees per round trip has now become a barrier to trade and is having an impact on growth in trade in the region. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of NTBs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August 2019, Zambia reported the charges are part of the contractual obligations which will expire in 2023. |
|
English
Français
