| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-219 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-07-28 |
South Africa: South Africa Revenue Services |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-07-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SARS is issuing a blue colour SADC certificate of origin with wrong specifications instead of the approved Yellow certificate which is in accordance to the SADC specifications. Zambia Revenue Authority has rejected the blue certificates and demanded that Zambian importers pay full duties as deposits in order to clear their cargo which would have qualified under the SADC rules of origin had a proper certificate been issued. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
South Afric areported that SARS corrected the anomally and are noiw issuing correct colour certificate of origin |
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|
NTB-000-894 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B9: TBT Measures n.e.s. |
2019-05-14 |
South Africa: Maseru Bridge |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2019-05-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SARS inspection process takes too long thereby delaying transit of goods destined for the Port. TZICC Clothing Manufacture, requesting SARS to expedite clearance of their declaration which was done last May 14, 2019. The container has not been cleared as at Wednesday 22 May 2019 our Container has not been release yet. The Export Container is going to United States of America and there is a schedule that the company need to meet specially the vessel Stack Dates in Durban. Case # 313253631 was pending since Wednesday and it took so long for SARS to answer or response on the query. 1st we do the VOC 2nd they ask for the Sales Contract 3rd they ask for the Provisional Payment amounting R28866.87 which was already done paying Friday 17 May 2019, everything was uploaded on Friday but SARS has not responded as on 22 May 2019. TZICC are not in a position to know what is going on as SARS are not answering on the system.
This container will cost a lot if the consignment misses the vessel again in Capetown just because of SARS Customs. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 22 May 2019, South Africa Focal Point reported that discrepancies that were picked up which resulted in the delay of the declared consignment were rectified. The case has been finalised and released. |
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|
NTB-000-805 |
Existence of several weighbridge stations in the central and Northern corridors. |
2014-04-01 |
EAC |
EAC |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi are affected by the existence of several weighbridge stations in the central and Northern corridors (Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda). |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of Focal Points held on 19- 21 August 2019 , EAC NTBs Focal Points reported that this matter had been resolved. The weigh bridges have been reduced to 3 in the central corridor . |
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|
NTB-001-213 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-01-01 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda requires manufacturers in Kenya to register their cosmetic products with FDA. The process of pproduct registration is cumbersome, not clear and it takes long, sample of evidence attached shows payment was done in 2021 for 63 products but up to date only 37 products have been registered.
The registration and payment are demanded despite the products having the Kenya recognized quality marks (SMark) with harminised standard. This is a violation of the SQMT Act. In addition, Rwanda FDA had committed that they are not going to retest nor charge the same fees to products that have been certified with recognised SMark.
Invoice number $14,150 and invoice $1,600 FDA. Rwanda use these FDA registration to restrict our cosmetics products and food into Rwanda as Rwanda has not issued licenses for cosmetics since 2021. Additionally, these has reduced shipments of goods to Rwanda and the charges charged to products has made the prices rising. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting Partner States agreed that the NTB be referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration. |
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NTB-001-213 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-01-01 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda requires manufacturers in Kenya to register their cosmetic products with FDA. The process of pproduct registration is cumbersome, not clear and it takes long, sample of evidence attached shows payment was done in 2021 for 63 products but up to date only 37 products have been registered.
The registration and payment are demanded despite the products having the Kenya recognized quality marks (SMark) with harminised standard. This is a violation of the SQMT Act. In addition, Rwanda FDA had committed that they are not going to retest nor charge the same fees to products that have been certified with recognised SMark.
Invoice number $14,150 and invoice $1,600 FDA. Rwanda use these FDA registration to restrict our cosmetics products and food into Rwanda as Rwanda has not issued licenses for cosmetics since 2021. Additionally, these has reduced shipments of goods to Rwanda and the charges charged to products has made the prices rising. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting, Partner States agreed that this issue be referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration. |
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NTB-000-705 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-04-23 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Burundi |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda makes trucks to pay double the certificate of Transit Goods. That is US$400 instead of US$ 200 per truck and trailer separately |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 22nd meeting of the NTBs forum held in December 2016 accepted Rwanda explanation that Rwanda was implementing the revised EAC Regulations on Customs Management Act, 2010.The Act stipulates that a pulling trailer is considered separate from the truck. This NTB was resolved |
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|
NTB-001-137 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2023-09-04 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda has introduced higher excise duties on confectioneries transferred from Kenya to Rwanda thus making the products uncompetitive. We request Rwanda to waive these higher excise duties on confectioneries from Kenya
The Rwanda new excise tax is vide Rwanda Official and special gazette of 14/09/2023 under article 4: products and corresponding rates section 2 at FRW 322/kg to confectionary and Chocolate at FRW 1930/KG and other products. This will greatly increase the tax burden on confectionery and discourage Kenya trans-fer/export to Rwanda. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Rwanda advised that " According to Article 1 of the Law nº 050/2023 of 05/09/2023 establishing the excise duty, which provides that “This Law establishes the excise duty levied on some of the imported products and products manufactured in Rwanda”. It is clear that provision of Article 4 applies to Rwandan manufactured products and foreign manufactured products equally. Therefore, is no issue of discrimination.
On the other hand, this claim related to confectioneries is not an NTB because a non-tariff barrier is any measure, other than a customs tariff, that acts as a barrier to international trade. This issue is related to fees paid by manufacturers of confectioneries be they manufactured in Rwanda or in Kenya. Therefore, this claim of NTB should be withdrawn" |
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NTB-000-679 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-01-23 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda doubts the originating status of wheat flour exported by Egypt |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the 5th Meeting of COMESA NTBs Focal Points held in Nairobi fro 23-25 August 2016, Egypt reported that the complainant had not been forth coming with additional information to facilitate consideration of this matter by the countries, In that regard, The two parties therefore decided that the matter be considered resolved . |
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NTB-000-707 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-05-04 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2017-05-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda does not give preferential treatment for rice originating from Tanzania as per the requirement of the EAC Rules of origin |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the 23rd Meeting of the EAC NTBs Forum held from 4- 6 MAy 2017 in Kampala, Rwanda reported that she was now according preferential treatment to Rice imported from Tanzania |
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NTB-000-980 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2019-11-30 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2021-03-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda Authorities didn't approve Comesa certificate of origin which is issued from Egypt as they are objecting that the product is not Egyptian production . We will be more than happy to invite the delegates from Rwanda to visit our factory & can do inspection to satisfy themselves. The exporting company provided all the required documents necessary to satisfy the criteria for issuing Comesa Certificate to Rwanda. As per the Rules of Egyptian Government for Comesa we have submitted all the necessary documents. Comesa Certificate No. (0092824) is attached. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
RESOLVED during 1st Meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs Forum held on 16- 17 March 2021 |
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|
NTB-000-654 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2014-12-11 |
Uganda: Mutukula |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2015-12-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda and Uganda have not accorded preferential treatment on exports of rice from Tanzania through Rusumo and Mutukula borders respectively. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal Point reported that Uganda was now according preferential treatment for rice originating from Tanzania. This NTBis therefore resolved |
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NTB-000-301 |
5.3. Export taxes
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-09 |
Madagascar: Department of Customs |
Madagascar |
Resolved
2010-07-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Royalty levy of 1,5% is charged exports of transformed wood |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
This is a measure to safeguard the environment. The elimination of non-tariff barriers will be done gradually.
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|
NTB-000-059 |
7.3. Corruption |
2009-04-20 |
Kenya: Rwanda to Mombasa Highway |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Road blocks along the Northern Corridor for transporters carrying goods from Rwanda to Mombasa Port
The policemen at road blocks demand payments of 1000 Uganda Shillings and 50 Kenya shillings. Once you have made the payments they don't even bother to check on what you are carrying. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya reported that issue was resolved through COMESA customs and trade committee meeting |
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|
NTB-000-188 |
7.10. Other |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Transport |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
risk of robbery and theft along the way, particularly in Mozambique |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
This complaint is too general and therefore cannot be traced. Malawi reported that they were unable to substatntiate the complaint. |
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|
NTB-000-188 |
7.10. Other |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Transport |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
risk of robbery and theft along the way, particularly in Mozambique |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Malawi and Mozambique reported that the complaint is too general and cannot be processed any further. In the absence of additional information, the complaint is therefore considered resolved. |
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|
NTB-000-171 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rice has been turned back from Zimbabwe according to allegations of misuse on Rules of Origin. |
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|
NTB-000-568 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2013-02-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Revaluation of products by customs ,a trader came with catapillar or madora and the value was k 2000000.00=$400.00 and was revalued to K 4180000.00, customs is refusing value for these goods ofwhich it only pays pre sumptive tax this is not the first time Zimra raises value to goods which pays only p tax. Some of these goods are not bought at Lusaka markert were thay have pegged there prices this is one of the reasons why why people would resort to smuggling |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that valuation of consignments is provided for in the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02). This particular valuation of Madora at Kariba Border Post was based on previous importations, investigations and information gathered from the neighboring country Zambia because no commercial invoices were tendered. ZIMRA advised that, where the values declared are within the given range, they are accepted. However where the values differ drastically the assessed values are resorted to. The complainant is advised to liaise with the Station Manager Kariba or the Supervisors to understand how the valuation is conducted. |
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NTB-001-079 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-10-24 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-05-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
RESUBMITION
DISCRIMINATORY CHARGES BY UGANDA : 18% VAT ON FROZEN WHOLE CHICKEN
In order to export poultry products to Uganda, a Kenyan farmer/producer is charged 18% VAT. It is important to note that in Uganda chicken is not vatable, yet they charge VAT on chicken from EAC countries.
The issue had been reported under NTB-001-010 and indicated as resolved. However, on checking in the URA system, VAT is still charged on frozen whole chicken meat |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was considered and resolved under NTB-001-010. The new evidence provided was incomplete and could not furnish Uganda with enough information. Hence the issue is still considered resolved. |
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NTB-000-117 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-26 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Restrictive import permit imposed by Kenya for importation of bread flour. This has been in place for more than ten years now. |
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Products:
|
1101.00: Wheat or meslin flour |
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NTB-000-211 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Restrictions on agricultural goods. Some officials at the border posts are not fully aware of the implications and objectives of requiring permits for agriculture. Thus some consignments are allowed to be imported without import permits.Issuing of permits is centralized to Ministry of Agriculture Head Office, in Harare which is costly and inconvenient for those living out of Harare |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the 10th meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 14-15 June 2012, Zimbabwe reported that it was working towards decentralization of issuance of permits. The process was already ongoing and some towns had already been given authority to issue permits.
At their 11th meeting held on 23 may 2013 in Gaborone, SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation noted that draft legislation has been developed and therefore this NTB could be marked resolved since it is receiving appropriate attention to improve the issuance of permits |
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