| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-074 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2022-08-19 |
Namibia: Namibia Vet Authroities |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-02-12 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
a. On the 19th August 2022, a Nestle Cremora stock was held at the border in Namibia, but subsequently released 2 days later. To trade export, Nestle Cremora into Nambia , Nestle Cremora products are now required to be accompanied by a Vet Import Permit to enter Nambia. The authorities there argue that CREMORA is a dairy product and as such should be accompanied by Vet Import Permit. Nestle is arguing that CREMORA is a non-dairy product as ingredients indicate.Nestlé CREMORA® is composed of the following ingredients:
i. Glucose syrup solids, Vegetable Oils (Palm Kennel Oil and Palm Fruit), Stabilisers (E340ii, E451i). Sodium Caseinate (milk protein), Hydrolised Wheat Protein (gluten), Emulsifier (E481), Salt, Anti-caking Agent (E551), Flavouring, Colourants: Riboflavin (E101i) and Beta Carotene (E160a). DocuSign Envelope ID: CE740444-68E4-45B9-A6C0-69A8F1392060 – 2
ii. Sodium Caseinate which is a milk protein contributes about 0.8% of the recipe with ±0.2% milk protein level. 1 – this is below requirements for dairy products.
b. Nestle therefore, confirms that CREMORA® is a non-dairy creamer based on the ingredients used on the product. That CREMORA is labelled a “Coffee & Tea Creamer” is complying with the Imitation Dairy Standard in R1510: Dairy & Imitation Dairy Product Regulation of South Africa. Labelling regulations requires that Nestlé CREMORA® is classified as a “Coffee & Tea Creamer” and that its front-of-pack is labelled as such. Labelling regulations further denote other requirements to which the Nestlé CREMORA product and its packaging must comply with
c. Also Cremora’s tariff code is classified as HS 2106.90.09 Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included – Other.
d. The exact date when the truck was held up at the border was the 19th August 2022 and prior to that we had no episode similar to this. During August, there was no financial impact as the orders were allowed with the warning that the next shipment (if not preceded by the paper work) will be sent back, however, the order for September that Nestle in possession of is valued at R 2,841mio. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Dear Administrator kindly update the status to resolved
Thank you |
|
|
NTB-001-094 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2022-12-12 |
Mozambique: |
South Africa |
Resolved
2024-05-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We have been applying for a Vet Import Permit to export Nestle Allegra to Mozambique as it has been treated as a dairy product. Nestle Allegra is a non-dairy product and we would like it to be exempt from Vet import permit and treated as non-dairy.
There hasn't been any incident to date. and we cannot quantify the cost. Because the product is treated as a dairy product, it must go through process of vet import permit which delays trade of product. so the cost is indirectly/directly linked to the trade delays which impact working capital cycle. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
It was raised as a suggestion, so it can be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-150 |
1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country |
2023-11-12 |
Lesotho: DURBAN PORT |
South Africa |
Resolved
2024-05-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
THERE IS QUERIES IN REGARDS TO THE FABRIC AND BEING INSPOECTED, BUT NO RESULT HAS BEEN OUT FROM SARS SINCE A LONG TIME |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully |
|
|
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 . |
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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-001-234 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2025-01-20 |
Botswana: Tlokweng Gate |
South Africa |
Resolved
2025-05-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a small female-owned company based in Gaborone, Botswana that manufactures small leather goods, mostly for corporates, government and individuals. Our team consists of 5 female employees with 4 full time and 1 on contractual basis. We import our raw material (which is mostly finished leather) from South Africa. We have been importing our material since 2019, however, since 2021 we have been facing a challenge of our raw materials being misclassified. we import finished leather products which is not subjected to Veterinary requirements since it is a finished product. However, we are subjected to go through veterinary regulations which causes delays and confusions on the applicable regulations. We request the proper application of regulations be applied when dealing with our product. The veterinary processes must be done away if there are not applicable.
Our company imports material about 3 times a month from South Africa, with a total average of 3200 dm of finished leather. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
A virtual meeting was held on the 29th of April, 2025, between Customs Services(External Eelations & Classification office), the Tlokweng Border Post Manager, Ministry of Trade officials, SADC officials, and the trader to learn more about the trader's challenge. The trader was given the contact details of the Tlokweng Border Manager for assistance in case she faces similar challenges in the future. |
|
|
Products:
|
4113.20: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting "incl. parchment-dressed leather", of pigs, without hair on, whether or not split (excl. chamois leather, patent leather and patent laminated leather, and metallised leather) |
|
|
NTB-000-317 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-09-09 |
SADC |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The absence of a unified standards system in SADC results in traders having to seek two certificates, one at home and one in the importing country |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that there are no Regional Standards in SADC; however SADC is in the process of harmonising the regional standards. Botswana recognizes standards / certificates of other SADC Member States. |
|
|
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-000-323 |
2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-09 |
SADC |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of training of new customs recruits |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Recs have embarked on capacity building for memberstates under the trade facilitation programme |
|
|
NTB-000-120 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Ministry of Trade |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-07-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The administrative procedures for issuing import licences require improved efficiency |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that Infrastructural and human resources limitations being addressed |
|
|
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-000-321 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-09-09 |
SADC |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2011-06-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Innadequate air passenger links between Member states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that she is in the process of liberalizing trade and expanding trade within COMESA, SADC and IOC in order to facilitate trade within the region and access to food imports |
|
|
NTB-000-118 |
1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Seychelles Marketing Board |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The State participates in trading through the Seychelles marketing Board. The State Trading Company has an unfair competitive advantage over private traders. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that SMB no longer in existence. Successor company STC privatised. |
|
|
NTB-000-119 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Other Seychelles |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lengthy clearing processes at the Seychelles ports. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that, with the Asycuda system the clearing process can take 24hrs, all transaction can be done on-line. Appointments were given to clear goods to facilitate work of custom officers and avoid congestion Need to confirm current situation |
|
|
NTB-000-314 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Port Victoria |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The clearing process is somewhat lengthy, and bureaucratic as appointments have to be made to clear goods |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that with the Asycuda system the clearing process can take 24hrs, all transaction can be done on-line. Appointments were given to clear goods to facilitate work of custom officers and avoid congestion at the port as handling capacity are limited. Need to confirm current situation. |
|
|
NTB-000-315 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Ministry of Trade |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Administrative procedures for the import licensing system require improved efficiency |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that import licences are not required for the vast majority of products |
|
|
NTB-000-318 |
6.5. Variable levies |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Other Seychelles |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A levy has been introduced on pork imports |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that the Quotas system on pork has been abolished. Seychelles has just recently introduced a levy on such imports. |
|
|
NTB-000-319 |
6.5. Variable levies |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Other Seychelles |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A levy has been introduced on poultry imports |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that the Quotas system on poultry has been abolished. Seychelles has just recently introduced a levy on such imports. |
|
|
NTB-000-320 |
5.7. Minimum import price limits |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Other Seychelles |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is price control on goods imported inti Seychelles. Prices of imported goods are limited by a maximum 30% mark-up |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that price control has been removed on all non-food items. Seychelles needs to eliminate NTB’s, therefore need to explore alternative ways of controlling price on food items. |
|
|
NTB-000-322 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Victoria International Airport |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Inadequate cold room facilities at airports. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that her membership in SADC, signing of the COMESA FTA and Seychelles acceding to the WTO, imports might increase specially for frozen goods. Having adequate cold storage facility at airport and sea port can be considered one future area of development |
|
|
NTB-000-146 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-27 |
Rwanda: Ministry of Agriculture |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import ban on wheat flour has been imposed |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Rwanda reported that the issue was resolved internally |
|
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