| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-829 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2018-07-13 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce and Enterprise Development |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2019-08-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We, Soap & Allied Industries Ltd, Mauritius have shipped under the BL no. MEDUPL008430 & Comesa No.487/18 & BV CoC No.ZWE 2018 206608 / 0001 of 3 FCL of Detergent Powder since 19th June 2018 and reach on 13th July 2018, Our end consignee MEGA MARKET PVT LTD, Mutare, Zimbabwe has already apply for an Import permit month back which same use to be release within a week time.
Unfortunately they still awaiting for the permit for releasing of these FCL till now.
The Detention fee and storage charges incured are too much due to extended days and these will affect the selling cost for end customer as they are not able to clear out the goods.
Note: 3 more FCL of the same products already depart from Mauritius on 08th July 2018 and closed to reach.
We wish to have your attention on that issue and your kind consideration for the smooth doing business between both countries under the proper condition and trade agreement.
We request Zimbabwe to kindly consider on Urgent basis to assist our customer MEGA Market PVT Ltd to obtain the license so that the goods can be cleared. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 22 August 2019, Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that the import licence was issued therefore the NTB is resolved. During the national workshop to launch SMS tool, Zimbabwe reported that the issuance of licences took a maximum 24 hours . Delays are cause d by late or non submission of required documentation. |
|
|
Products:
|
3402.20: Surface-active preparations, washing preparations, auxiliary washing preparations and cleaning preparations put up for retail sale (excl. organic surface-active agents, soap and organic surface-active preparations in the form of bars, cakes, moulded piece |
|
|
NTB-000-443 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-07-14 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Uganda |
Resolved
2016-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya Charges a plant import permit (PIP) at Malaba on Ugandan tea destined for auction at Mombasa |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-637 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-07-14 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Trade |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is a ban on importation of Soya bean oil packed in bottles by Zimbabwe. Requirement by Zimbabwe for import permit and license for soya oil and detergents from Egypt |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 8th February 2016, Egypt Focal point reported that the NTB be considered closed on the basis that Egypt's National Monitoring Committee did not receive any details from the Exporting Company. |
|
|
NTB-000-721 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-17 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe introduced surcharges on certain products in violation of the letter and spirit of the COMESA Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe introduced Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 , controlling the volumes of imports of products exported by Zambia to Zimbabwe Statutory Instrument (SI 64 of 2016),requires that import licenses be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce before importation of a wide range of products. The instrument is in force and is being implemented |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of NTbs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August , Zimbabawe reported that SI 64 was repealed by SI 122 . Import licences are no longer required . |
|
|
NTB-000-921 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2019-04-01 |
Tanzania: TMDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-08-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TMDA requires that registration of injectables be done per product instead of a pack size. The registration requirement increases cost of the products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The RMC meeting held on 10 August 2020 was informed that Tanzania registers injectables per pack size as per the registration of pharmaceuticals regulation 5 subsection 6. Hence NTB is resolved |
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|
NTB-000-966 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2020-05-27 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zambia |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambian exporter of yeast is experiencing challenges obtaining import permits from Authorities in Zimbabwe which are not issued when requested. This has been a hindrance to export of yeast to Zimbabwe. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA Regional Capacity Building Workshop for NMCs and National Focal Points held from 3 to 6 April 2023, Zimbabwe Focal Points reported that import permits were no longer required as the products have been placed on open general import licence. This NTB was therefore resolved . However, Zimbabwe was requested to provide the list of products requiring Import Licence |
|
|
NTB-001-022 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2021-04-06 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2024-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An exporter in Zambia has been facing challenges obtaining import permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Zimbabwe as they are often told that they're non available. Alternatively, some officer from the above mentioned ministry informally tell them that they can use an already existing import permit for a Zimbabwean company but have to pay a price above than they would have obtained the permit from the ministry. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 June 2024, Zimbabwe submitted SI 6 of 2024 .
Regulation 3 of Control of Goods ( Open General Import Licence ) ( Amendment) Notice , 2024 (No. 14) removes requirement for importation of biscuits under tariff heading 19.05. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
Products:
|
1905.31: Sweet biscuits |
|
|
NTB-001-141 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2023-08-15 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SOUTH SUDAN IS IMPOSING EXTRA LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ON IMPORTS.
On August 15, 2023, the South Sudan government, represented by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, issued a memo affecting importers in the country. The memo stipulates that all food items imported into South Sudan must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which includes an attached Certificate of Analysis from a reputable laboratory. This new requirement has several implications like Extended Process Duration, Business Impediments among others. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The CoC is not applicable anymore. Hence the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-075 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-23 |
SADC |
Botswana |
Resolved
2019-11-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The SADC region has different border operating times and this inhibits intra regional trade |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SADC Secretariat submitted the following detailed progress report resolving the NTB.
The 29th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Customs Cooperation (SCCC) held on 8-9 May 2019, in Gaborone, Botswana, recalled that that the 13th meeting of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Regional Economic Integration held in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, recognized that impediments to movement of goods across the SADC region should be urgently addressed. The MTF committed to take measures to address the following as “quick wins” to enhance border efficiencies and trade facilitation at selected borders:
a) Harmonization of operating hours at all adjacent borders with different operating hours such as Chirundu, Kasumbalesa, Kasumulo/Songwe border crossings in order to reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation;
b) Review the hours of operation in order to cater for high traffic volumes and meet the requirements of trade at the following border posts:
(i) Chirundu (Zambia/Zimbabwe);
(ii) Kasumbalesa (DRC/Zambia);
(iii) Kasumulo/Songwe (Tanzania/Malawi);
(iv) Kazungula ( Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe);
(v) Machipanda/Forbes (Mozambique/Zimbabwe);
(vi) Calomue/Dedza (Mozambique/Malawi);
(vii) Nyamapanda/Cuchamano (Zimbabwe / Mozambique);
(viii) Tunduma/Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania); and
(ix) Ramokgwebana/Plumtree (Botswana/Zimbabwe)
(x) Santa Clara/Oshikango (Angola/Namibia).
c) Agreed to be proactively involved in the implementation of the one-stop border post (OSBP) programme at the borders to support the following priorities as identified in the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan short-term plan:
(i) Kasumbalesa (DRC / Zambia);
(ii) Kazungula ( Botswana / Zambia /Zimbabwe);
(iii) Tunduma / Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania);
(iv) Mwami / Mchinji (Zambia / Malawi);
(v) Chiponde/ Mandimba (Malawi/Mozambique); and
(vi) Trans- Kalahari / Mamuno (Namibia/ Botswana).
SCCC also noted that the matrix on Progress on Border Management was circulated in March 2019 to all Member States in order to provide an update on the implementation of the trade facilitation initiatives but the submission was received only from South Africa.
The meeting urged the Member States to provide an update on the implementation of the trade facilitation initiatives by latest 30th May 2019
The SCCC:
(i) noted the progress on the implementation of the trade facilitation through initiatives in border management;
(ii) urged the Member States to expedite the implementation of the agreed trade facilitation measure to enhance efficiencies and border crossing as directed by the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration; and
(iii) requested the Member States to submit any further updates with respect of initiatives being undertaken at major border posts in terms of extension and harmonization of border operating hours, One-Stop Border Posts, and Coordinated Border Management
The Secretariat received the update on harmonization of operating hours at all adjacent borders with different operating hours in order to reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation and compiled in the table below.
MAIN SADC BORDERS: HARMONIZATION OF OPERATING HOURS -2019
Border Post Countries Opening hours
1 Kasumbalesa RD Congo / Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
2 Luvu/Lufu Angola/ DRC Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
3 Kazungula Ferry Botswana / Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
4 Victoria Falls Zimbabwe/ Zambia The hours of operation are 06h00 to 22h00.
5 Beitbridge / Mesina South Africa/Zimbabwe The border operates 24hs
6 Nakonde / Tunduma Zambia / Tanzania The border operates 24hs
7 Kasumulu / Songwe Tanzania /Malawi Malawi operating from 06h00 to 18h00 and
Tanzania from 07h00 to 19h00 (time zone)
8 Mwami / Mchinji Malawi/ Zambia The borders operate 24 hours. However, for
Commercial, it is from 06h00 to 18h00
9 Chiponde / Mandimba Malawi/ Mozambique Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00
10 Zobue / Mwanza Mozambique/Malawi Both sides operate from 06h00 to 21h00
11 Machipanda / Forbes Mozambique/Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 20h00
12 Nyamapanda / Cuchamano Mozambique/Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 20h00.
13 Trans-Kalahari / Mamuno Namibia / Botswana Both sides operate from 07h00 to 24h00.
14 Kazungula Ferry Botswana /Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
15 Ramokgwebane / Plumtree Botswana/ Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 22h00.
16 Kopfontein / Tlokweng South Africa/ Botswana Both sides operate from 06h00 to 24h00
17 Beitbridge / Mesina South Africa/Zimbabwe The border operates 24hs
18 Lebombo / Ressano Garcia South Africa/ Mozambique Both sides operate from 06h00 to 24h00
19 Santa Clara / Oshikango Angola/ Namibia Both sides operate from 08h00 to 18h00
20 Jimbe / Jimbe Angola/ Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
21 Maseru Bridge Port of Entry Lesotho / South Africa The border operates 24hs
22 Lomahasha / Namaacha Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 24h00
23 Goba Border Post / Mlhumeni Mozambique/ Eswatini The border operates 24hs
24 Golela Border / Lavumisa Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00
25 Border Posts / Mananga Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00
26 Oshoek Border / Ngwenya Eswatini/South Africa Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00 |
|
|
NTB-000-292 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
SADC |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Empty space on trucks cannot be utilized due to the 'Third Country' rules. This law should be abolished within SADC |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
SADC Secretariat reported that, reducing costs of doing business in the region is one of the key objectives of the SADC Secretariat. However, some interventions of the Secretariat are bound by its regional economic integration process. SADC FTA enables goods originating in Member States applying the FTA to enter duty free and quota free under provisions in the SADC Protocol on Trade. For this economic activity, economic operators are not obliged to be registered as economic operators in the countries where goods are delivered if only they are delivering goods. A deeper regional economic integration would be needed in order to allow foreign economic operators to engage in business activities in Member States, benefit from local business opportunities but also meeting fiscal obligations arising from such operations. This is a level of economic integration closer to common market and which forms SADC long term vision. |
|
|
NTB-000-070 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Maseru Bridge |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
VAT clearance procedures at the border posts are open to corruption. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) reported that they have all the necessary measures to combat corruption for all customs procedures and there is a high intolerance for corruption as there is a Corruption Investigation Unit within the LRA. LRA are in the process of introducing an automated system. |
|
|
NTB-000-129 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-06-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A total lack of consistency in the application of customs procedures at all clearing offices especially with regards to VAT. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) started operating in January 2011 and replaces the Department of Customs and Excise. The organization is therefore in process of developing appropriate customs clearances procedures which will be uniformly applied at all border posts. This also applies to recruitment and training of staff which is still is ongoing to reach the desired levels which will bring efficiencies in the provision of service at all borders. |
|
|
NTB-000-129 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-06-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A total lack of consistency in the application of customs procedures at all clearing offices especially with regards to VAT. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) started operating in January 2011 and replaces the Department of Customs and Excise. The organization is therefore fairly new and is still in process of developing appropriate customs clearances procedures which will be uniformly applied at all border posts. This also applies to recruitment and training of staff which is still is ongoing to reach the desired levels which will bring efficiencies in the provision of service at all borders. |
|
|
NTB-000-367 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Asycuda++ system closes at 16.00 hrs for new entries . ZRA does not continue to clear goods after 16.00hrs. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Asycuda++ system is 24hours for those on DTI and there is also e-payment. Its only those who are not on DTI and access the system through Necor which closes at 16hrs are affected, otherwise the system does not close. |
|
|
NTB-000-195 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-03-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Valuation of goods is done by senior Customs (ZIMRA) Officers who are not always available thus causing further delays. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that an office specifically dealing with valuation matters is now in place at Beitbridge and is headed by a senior officer. |
|
|
NTB-000-307 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-09-09 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2010-12-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Limited knowledge of customs procedures and documentation therefore officials impose arbitrary requirements at border posts |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
DRC is actively participating inthe SADC Customs Cooperation Committee thereby increasing knowledge of customs procedures and requirements |
|
|
NTB-000-169 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Preshipment Inspection requirement for all imports over the value of US$2000 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Malawi reported that Pre Shipment Inspection programme was phased out in 2007 |
|
|
NTB-000-218 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Mozambique, any wine consignment which is not escorted by police attracts a US$ 30 fine. It is not clear what the offence is and at what point the police should start escorting the consignments |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that monitoring tax is part of security measures and revenue assurance at risk, there are others situations like this, the most common being the provision of guarantee or security at the starting point of transit. The management system of transit guarantee of SADC, of which Mozambique is a signatory establishes the principle of extra-territorial validity of the warranty |
|
|
NTB-000-260 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-09-08 |
South Africa: SARS |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Namibia's ASYCUDA system allows for direct inputs by both local and foreign traders and communicates well with customs clearance system used in the region (mostly ASYCUDA). South Africa has, years after Botswana and Namibia introduced it, introduced the SAD500(Single Administrative Document) for customs clearance system yet does not allow for direct input by traders/ freight forwarders not registered in South Africa into its system ( not ASYCUDA). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that Single Administrative Document (SAD) has been introduced to make the clearance of goods easier and more convenient for importers, exporters and cross-border traders on 01 October 2006. The SAD complies with international best practices and Customs standards; with similar documents having been introduced throughout the world |
|
|
NTB-000-128 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of standardization in application of regulations, which currently differ per individual officer, per border post. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that Standards in application of procedures are in place. Where these are not clear officers may use discretion. This results in non uniformity. |
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