| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-078 |
1.1. Export subsidies
B41: TBT regulations on production processes |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: SANAS |
Angola |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa does not accept standards from other SADC Member States except SABS |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that SADC is in the process of implementing the TBT annex and establishing the necessary regional institutions to create a regional accreditation system. Until the structures are developed and operational, South Africa will continue to request that products which are not accredited by recognized international accreditation bodies be retested by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This exercise is not meant to deny SA trading counterpart’s access to the South African market, but simply to protect South African consumers. |
|
|
NTB-000-368 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa denies Plant import permit for imports of chilies from Zambia |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Afric areported that Zambia was not able to send information needed to evaluate their plant disease situation, legislation, standards and other requirements. PQPS certificates can therefore not be issued if the above information is not known. |
|
|
NTB-000-088 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: South African Revenue Services |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-06-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa charging an import levy on beer |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that beer is traded free under SADC and 5%/litre under SACU (Source: Jacobsens tariff book) |
|
|
NTB-000-349 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa charges on refrigerated trucks that come to pick bananas from Mozambique are too high |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-086 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa applying a levy on imports of sorgum |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that, according to the tariff book this product is traded free under SADC, for SACU, a tariff of 3% /kg is charged. .This has been discussed by SACU Member Countries, again this complaint does relate to NTBs, |
|
|
NTB-000-344 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2009-12-18 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-01-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa trucks with Zimbabwean and Zambian drivers are being impounded and at times foreign drivers get fined by the South African Cross Border Transport Agency for not possessing South African Professional Driving Permits disregarding section 32(3) of the National Road Traffic Act (Act No. 93 of 1996) which stipulates that "any document , serving a purpose similar to that of a professional driving permit issued by a competent authority , be deemed to be a professional driving permit".
This has been a serious issue for many years and rears its head every now and then. ( |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that Zimbabwean driving a Zimbabwean registered vehicle only need to produce a credit card metal licence with a category for the Public drivers for heavy vehicles marked '2', endorsement of medical certificate and expiry date at the back of the licence.
Drivers driving a vehicle not registered in Zimbabwe should produce an A5 size white booklet type licence, International driving permit equivalent of a Proffessional Driving Permit in South Africa issued by Automobile association of Zimbabwe. An AA stamp indicating category for heavy vehicle will be displayed on the right handside of the document.
Zambian public drivers licences are similar to those of South Africa issued with a C1 to EC category of licences with endorsement (PrDP) .However the Zambian driving licences have 'P', which means passengers and 'G' indicating goods and th expiry date next to these categories
|
|
|
NTB-000-132 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
South Africa: South Africa Revenue Services |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa is charging a fine of E1000.0 per set of customs documents for documents not acquitted within a month. |
|
|
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,South Africa reported that this is a standing transit regulation. Swaziland and South Africa agreed that South Africa would provide the regulation for distribution to stakeholders. It was therefore resolved that the NTB be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-324 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-09-09 |
|
Seychelles |
Resolved
2024-10-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Some businesses complained that SADC ports are unable to handle containers that exceed 6 metres (20 ft), which limits exporters in implementing the most cost-effective way of transporting their products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
It has been agreed between the SADC Secretariat and Seychelles that the NTB-000-324 should be marked as resolved. If the challenge still exists, it may be reported again as a new complaint, and Seychelles shall address it accordingly. |
|
|
NTB-000-125 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Port Victoria |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Some businesses complained that port handling facilities at the ports are unable to handle containers that exceed 6methers (20ft) thereby limiting exporters in implementing the most cost effective way of transporting their products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that a new plan for handling of containers has been designed and is expected to ease the current burden in the handling of containers; however it is not too clear when the renovation project will kick start. |
|
|
NTB-001-273 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-05 |
Kenya: Sirari |
|
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sodium cyanide convoy of 10trucks delayed due to one truck rects online exit point internal input message reading exit Taveta |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the exporter did not pay but suffered 8 Days delay at the OSBP with trucks carrying hazardous goods. This is dangerous to the environment and the community around.
However, the issue is operational other than an NTB and should be referred to the Customs Committee for consideration
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution
The NTB was resolved by the COC:
The Sectoral Committee on Customs committed to strengthen inter agency communication and coordination among Partner States Customs authorities to avoid similar incidents in the future. |
|
|
NTB-000-377 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Small traders are denied certificates of origin by producers of products in cases where declarations by producers have to be given. ZIMRA has put in place a law where such declarations are denied which is against the protocol provisions |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that ZIMRA does issue certificates of origin. All certificates that are presented to ZIMRA for processing and the goods do meet the origin criteria are processed. |
|
|
NTB-000-417 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2011-04-01 |
Zambia: Mwami |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Small cross border traders who wish to register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) are delayed for at least a day while waiting for that number to activated to enable them to be exempted from paying Advance Income Tax (AIT). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation , Zambia reported that Zambia Revenue Authority effected the mandatory use of the Tax Payer Identification Number (TPIN) on ASYCUDA with effect from 1st January 2011. TPNs are issued once and are valid for life to both individuals and registered companies. Issuance of TPINs has been decentralized and can be completed within a day. Only 2 of the 15 stations/borders are not connected to the fibre optic linking the ASYCUDA but these can still communicate with assistance from Head Quarters and other stations. Taxpayers are encouraged to obtain TPINs in advance before importing goods. |
|
|
NTB-000-703 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2015-11-10 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Single Customs Territory (SCT) export documents processing in Tanzania are taking longer up to 10 days to be cleared instead of 3 days. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the SCTIFI in November, 2018, the meeting was informed that TRA requires a Bonded Transportation document (BT) to control movement of cargo. Currently, there is no linkage between the BT and the exit note. TRA ICT experts are expected to resolve the matter by 9th November 2018. The meeting agreed that this is a single customs territory (SCT) matter and not an NTB. Hence the NTB was Resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-126 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Ministry of Trade |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Single channel marketing for sugar and sugar products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that the status quo remains because the Sugar Act has not been reviewed. |
|
|
NTB-000-881 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2009-02-04 |
Tanzania: Nakonde |
Zambia |
Resolved
2020-11-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Since 2006, the Tanzanian Government imposed a ban on importation of poultry and poultry products to curb any possible Avian Influenza Disease outbreak. However, a Zambian Company (Hybrid Poultry Farm) has been denied Transit Permit for hatching eggs destined for Kenya. The hatching eggs are not going to be offloaded in Tanzania as it will only be used as a transit country and will be transported in sealed refrigerated containers. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 10 November 2020, Zambia Focal Point advised that this was no longer an issue therefore should be resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-122 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Customs |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2011-06-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Seychelles has recently imposed a levy on imports of pork and poultry products into that country |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that this is no longer the case |
|
|
NTB-000-659 |
2.14. Other |
2014-12-11 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved
2015-03-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Selective auctioning of Ugandan goods at Mombasa Port. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Kenya NMC NTBs meeting held in Nairobi on 16th March 2015, KRA reported that all auctions had been conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations. Uganda had been given an extended 90 day period in which to notify owners of the auction after which the auction was conducted. This position was endorsed by the 17th NTB forum thereby resolving this issue. |
|
|
NTB-001-138 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2023-02-01 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authroity |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SCT TRA at the ICD Kenya is delaying approval of export documents causing costly delays and non-timely delivery of products to clients in URT.
To release the tuck took 5 days. We have an issue with TRA where the physical documents have to be submitted manually. Exporters lodges documents waits for release, goes back for BT and still for a movement sheet and this is an online thing you must wait.
In case the movement sheet is not transmitted, exporters submit again for retransmission.
There is always a long queue in the ICD-TRA office that consumes a lot of time for exporters to be attended to.
This back-and-forth process is delaying the export process.
1. We request URT to resolve the matter and grant timely approval of export documents.
2. URT should automate the approvals and avoid manual approval.
3. When the SCT system is down, there should be quick resolution and an agreed time to release goods manually.
We request for timely delivery of goods to avoid the costly delays caused by URT.
Truck loaded on 24/10/2023
25/10/2023-Submitted physical file to Tra, release denied we were told to provide ETR receipt and tax invoice
26/102023- Submitted the file with all new requirements, release denied again, that the tax invoice does not match with the invoice on the assessment documents, the assessment document was declared based on proforma invoice
27/10/2023-Submitted the file again and release was issued ,BT was declared and received the same day from the agent..
30/10/2023-submitted the file again movement sheet was generated.
TZNG-23-1438288 & TZNG-23-1437343
26/9/2023- The files for the above assessment documents were submitted to TRA at ICD
• TZNG-23-1437343 - release was issued.
• TZNG-23-1438288 -was asked to compare manifest and compared the same date.
27/9/2023- the files were submitted again at 11 am
• TZNG-23-1437343- nothing was done.
• TZNG-23-1438288- release was issued.
On 27/9/2023 at 3 pm the files were submitted again
• TZNG-23-1437343-Movement sheet was generated.
• TZNG-23-1438288-movement sheet was generated.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Secretariat advised that this issue is operational and was not considered as an NTB" |
|
|
NTB-000-660 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2014-12-11 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved
2015-03-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Scanning of Uganda goods by anti-counterfeit agency at Mombasa |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 17th EAC NTBs Forum held in Nairobi from 24-26 march 2015 considered and resolved tise NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-891 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2019-04-09 |
South Africa: Cape Town |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2020-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SARs stopped containers for inspection and are demanding proof of payment from consignee/buyer to the exporting company (Supplier) for the goods in transit to Eswatini. The affected company, Long Wei Investments are experiencing delays and incurring storage and demurrage charges at the port of discharge in Cape Town. SARS has withheld the consignment for over seven days from 9th April 2019. SARs are asking for different documentation at different times and dates thereby further delaying the inspection process and release of the consignments. The affected products are on Bill of Lading No. COSU6198384160 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Focal Point for Eswatini reported that the matter had been resolved. |
|
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