| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-593 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-05-29 |
Mozambique: Between Pungue and Mafambise |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-10-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Malawian transport company was charged an exorbitant fee of 10, 000 Meticais for expired insurance for horse only between Pungue and Mafambise in Mozambique. This has happened a number of times. Can Mozambique authorities confirm the fee and also provide other relevant information on transit fees, fines and penalties. Information on the various charges and or transit fees is not available for transporters using Mozambique roads along the Beira route. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 18 June 2013, Mozambique focal point submitted a copy of the Decree No. 26/2010 of 14 July 2010 outlining the road user fees applied on Mozambican roads as per Malawi request. This NTB is therefore considered resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-593 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-05-29 |
Mozambique: Between Pungue and Mafambise |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-10-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Malawian transport company was charged an exorbitant fee of 10, 000 Meticais for expired insurance for horse only between Pungue and Mafambise in Mozambique. This has happened a number of times. Can Mozambique authorities confirm the fee and also provide other relevant information on transit fees, fines and penalties. Information on the various charges and or transit fees is not available for transporters using Mozambique roads along the Beira route. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 28 October 2013, Mozambique Focal Point submitted Decree No. 26/2010 of 14 July 2010 stipulating the road user fees applied on Mozambican roads as per Malawi request.. The Decree has been uploaded onto the online system under Notifications. |
|
|
NTB-001-007 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-02-25 |
Zambia: Livingstone |
|
Resolved
2021-11-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A member of the South African Brand owners Association is experiencing push back from Zambia’s Ministry of Health in that they do not want to issue the Zambian importers a Health Clearance certificate unless the product has been subjected to re-testing in Zambia.
The association presented the Certificate of Analysis issued by South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development which is responsible for analysis of products in South Africa, which was rejected by Zambia authorities.
The importers ended up going to meet the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health to plead their case for clearance of which the Ministry said that they could not advise on which specific metals to test and advised that for future reference and to avoid this occurring again, the importers may use the former certificates to identify the metals that are present to enable the lab to test accurately. The example attached by the Ministry was for the inclusion of the following tests:
Natamycin
Sorbic Acid
Zinc – ZN
Copper – CU
Iron – FE
Lead – PB
For years the South African Health Clearance Certificate was accepted. The duplication of test conducted results in the below additional costs for our importer:
R240 per wine selected. We export 202 skus. If we have to test all of them at least once a year then we will spend R48 480 annually to confirm that our products are in spect.
Following the meeting with Ministry of Health , the Zambian importers reported that some past COA’s have successfully now managed to gain clearance for 2021 Q1 and Q2. We would appreciate if this matter can be resolved. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
A meeting held on 29 November 2021 between the Zambian Health Authority , DTIC and affected stakeholders . resolved the matter as follows:
1. Undertaking by Zambia to finish South Africa with the copy of the Regulations.
2. Acceptance of the South African Health Clearance Certificate
3. Testing of products once a year instead of bi-annually. |
|
|
NTB-000-161 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Trade |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2016-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A number of non-tariff fees are levied on agricultural and manufactured products. Examples are: inspection fees, Warehousing fees; Air Cargo levy; Agricultural Cess, Livestock Marketing Cess, landing and parking fees, seaman's levy and farm support fees. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The SADC Sub Committee on Trade facilitation carried out a review of long standing NTBs and found out that the various fees identified above, i.e. inspection fees, warehousing fees; air cargo levy; agricultural cess, livestock marketing cess, landing and parking fees, seaman's levy and farm support fees were acceptable as long as they are for the services rendered and are also provided for in the national legislations.
This is finding therefore resolves the NTB |
|
|
NTB-001-069 |
7.7. Complex variety of documentation required |
2016-09-15 |
Egypt: Chamber of Commerce
Egyptian Embassy
Ministry of Foreign Trade |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2025-10-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A number of procedural requirements are currently impeding the exports of Mauritian products to Egypt. To that effect, the concerned authorities in Mauritius have made enquiries with a registered trader in Egypt and it has been brought to its attention that for an exporter to start trading with an Egyptian importer, the following documents, duly certified by the Chamber of Commerce and approved by the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, have to be submitted as per Ministerial Decree 43/2016:
i. A registration form by the legal representative of the factory or authorised person;
ii. A certificate of legal status of the factory and the issued license of the factory;
iii. A list of products of the factory and their brand;
iv. The brand of the product and the Trademark produced according to a license from the owner;
v. A certificate that the factory has a Quality Control System from a recognised body of The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) or the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) or from an Egyptian or Foreign Government body approved by the Minister of Foreign Trade.
The authorities in Mauritius consider that these procedural requirements constitute a Non-Tariff Barrier and in that regard contravene Article 49 of the COMESA Treaty.
We would appreciate that the authorities concerned in Egypt review these procedures in order to facilitate trade in line with the spirit of the COMESA Treaty.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Egypt has approved the accreditation of Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) as a government entity to issue quality management system certificates, as required for registration by Ministerial Decree No. 43 of 2016. The NTB can now be marked as 'Resolved' |
|
|
NTB-000-492 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2012-03-01 |
South Africa: transit in south Africa |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-01-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A private show company has made a complaint regarding the custom stoppages in South Africa.
The Company imports products from Durban and transit through South Africa, the company has been informed that their trucks will be undergoing a tunnel for physical inspections of goods in transit.
The company however, feel that this exercise is detrimental to their business as it is slow and will delay the arrival of goods and attract extra charges. The Company wonders why the good in transit should be stopped by customs/ police for inspections. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 29th December, Zambia Focal Point advised that they had contacted the complainant who confirmed that the problem had been rectified. |
|
|
NTB-000-890 |
7.10. Other |
2018-11-19 |
Kenya: Moi International airport |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2019-04-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Tanzania trader (02 Export Gem Company Limited of Arusha, Tanzania) had exported a consignment of minerals to Kenya. However, the business deal was not sealed and hence the consignment was directed to be taken back to the Country of Origin (Tanzania). All documentation regarding the return of the consgnemnt were processed between TRA and KRA and were concluded. But KRA could not realease the consignment to the Tanzania Trader. Despite all efforts made physically, on phone and in writting, KRA has held the consignment since November, 2018 to date. The company has incured losses in following up on the consignment including among others Hotel bills, escort fees, transfer car fees, storage fees, fees related to documentation processing.
KRA is required to release the consignment to the trader and re-emburse all the costs related to the delay in releasing the consignment. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
This matter was therefore resolved at the Bilateral meeting held on 22-23 April 2019 between Kenya and Tanzania . Kenya committed to deliver the minerals to the trader on 27th April, 2019 at Taveta border Post |
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|
NTB-000-838 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2018-09-20 |
Uganda: Malaba |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A to Z Textile Mills Ltd based in Arusha exported textile products to Uganda with EAC Certificate of Origin but URA did not offer the preferential tariff treatment and a 25% import duty was imposed on the products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
URT informed the meeting that A to Z Textile Mills Ltd is not in the EPZ. Although the company was gazetted for duty remission they did not use it. Tanzania requested to de-gazette the Company from the duty remission scheme.
Uganda reported that once the company is de-gazzeted, she will provide the products that qualify preferencial treatment.
The meeting declaired the NTB resolved. |
|
|
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-000-357 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-02-10 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Transport |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-08-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A transit point in Mbezi is too small. The ongoing Stakeholders meetings to resolve the issue are taking long to materialize. Trucks are held for as long as 2,5km long ques. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that this transit point was closed in March 2010. |
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|
NTB-000-353 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-02-10 |
SADC |
Namibia |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A truck legally loaded in Namibia may not be legally loaded in another SADC country due to lack of uniform loads and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) standards in SADC. There is need to standardize the axle loads |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that this NTB was no longer in place |
|
|
NTB-000-754 |
7.3. Corruption |
2017-07-01 |
Mozambique: Police checkpoint in Dondo |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2020-02-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A week or so ago one of the drivers got stopped at Dondo Check Point in Mozambique.
They told the driver that his International Driving Permit (AA) was fake.
We ended up having to pay a fine of 50,000 mts equating to $833.00. With administration charges we have paid out $1,026.00 (fine attached)
The AA have verified our Driving permit is actually not fake.
Attached the report from our agent in Beira of Beloma Mr. Dirk Dieltiens.
Attached his report and correspondence.
Attached the old and new Permit from AA and the letter confirming documentation is in good order. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
on 6 February 2020, SADC NTBs Focal Point advised that they had contacted the Mozambican Focal Pont who confirmed that the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
98 - 99: Service |
|
|
NTB-000-935 |
1.15. Other |
2019-12-01 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2020-02-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambian exporter is experiencing challenges with obtaining certification from Bureau Veritas (BV) South Africa which has been unjustifiably delaying the issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) despite all the required documents being availed. This has been a continuous hindrance to the company’s ability to export its products to other countries in the COMESA and SADC regions specifically to Kenya and Zimbabwe.
BV South Africa has been systemically delaying in the issuance of CoCs by, inter alia, requesting for the same documents by different officers in the company and by responding to emails very late beyond the stipulated period of 48 hours within which the CoCs should be issued. These delays have previously lasted up to 3 or 4 months. Additionally BV South Africa has also delayed the issuance of Certificate of Conformity on products that were initially passed on previous assessments despite there being no change in the production process. This problem is related to clearance for exports destined for Kenya and Zimbabwe.
The actions by BV South Africa constitute a Non-Tariff Barrier and we would like this issue to be resolved expeditiously as the Company has already incurred losses as a result of the unnecessary delays. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 26 February 2020 a representative from Bureau Veritas responded that they are operating a Verification of Conformity programme or CBCA (Consignment- Based Conformity Assessment) on behalf of Governments (in examples provided Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania). Their detailed response to the NTBs is given below :
Followings the analysis of the files reference you provided, we consider that the files were treated in accordance with the applicable technical requirements. For 2 files, improvement of communication would have certainly leaded into shorter processing time. Among various corrective actions that have been decided, the main one is the creation of a Sales Office in Lusaka in order to directly support all exporters willing to export in countries having such Programme of Verification of Conformity. The support will be provided through awareness and clarifications on the implementation of the various programmes. This will be effective as of March 1st 2020. On top of that an awareness session will be organised in Lusaka at the Inntercontinental Hotel on March 27th at 8h30. You are obviously welcome to attend.
We also remind that these programmes are related to conformity of products and applicable assessment process is not only an inspection. Exporters are advised to initiate their requests as soon as they know they are going to supply goods to the country where such program is in place and not to wait for the goods to be ready to be shipped.” |
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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 |
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|
NTB-000-830 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2018-07-16 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-02-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambian Registered Tanker carrying sulphuric acid from South Africa was weighed at the Martins Drift weighbridge with the following axle masses: Steer axle - 5200 kg (legal limit 8000 kg); Drive axles - 18200 kg (legal limit 18000 kg); Trailing axles - 22800 kg (legal limit 24000 kg). Tolerance is 5% on an axle set or on GVM, in this case it would be 900 kg on the driving axle set. The weigh bridge official instructed the Driver to Park telling him that his driving axle was overloaded without the application of the 5% tolerance. It is observed that only at this weigh bridge there is no application of the 5% tolerance. In the spirit of harmonization South Africa, Zambia and Botswana the legal limits are the same with a 5% tolerance except at Martins Drift weighbridge. Kindly assist to resolve this issue at Martins Drift which is causing unnecessary loss of transit time and charges. Please note that this is not a one off incidence. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The complaint can be considered resolved, taking into account the update provided by the Botswana Focal Point and confirmed by the Zambia Focal Point. |
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NTB-000-673 |
7.3. Corruption |
2015-06-14 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
|
Resolved
2016-02-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambulk Tanker carrying Fuel was weighed at the subject weighbridge with the following axle masses: Steer axle - 6960 kg (legal limit 8000 kg); Drive axles - 17660 kg (legal limit 18000 kg); Trailing axles - 24160 kg (legal limit 24000 kg). Tolerance is 5% on an axle set or on GVM, in this case it would be 1200 kg on the trailing axle set. The weighbridge official printed a weighbridge ticket for the driver which reflected the weights indicated above and showed the legit limits as indicated above with the Total GVM being 48780 kg and the max or legal limit being 50000 kg. This vehicle was within the legal limit on GVM and well within the tolerance on the trailing axle set. Yet printed at the bottom the weighbridge ticket is the comment - TRUCK MUST EXIT AND RETURN TO DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY SO THAT THE LOAD CAN BE CORRECTED!!! (see attached weighbridge ticket). When the driver queried this with the weighbridge official he was told that he must park off the truck and move fuel from the rear tank to the front tank to correct the load. This is clearly not an option and highly dangerous given the nature of the product being carried. The driver went back and started negotiating and gave her Pula 200. The Operator refused to give the driver 5% when entering Botswana. The Operator said it is only applicable AFTER the Martins Drift Weigh Bridge. At Serule and Francistown there was no problem.
This is obviously an attempt a corrupt activity that is taking place at this weighbridge and needs to be stamped out immediately. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 26th February 2016, Botswana Focal Point reported that the general public and business community were encouraged to report all corruption cases with Botswana Police as and when they happen. There are police officers stationed at all Botswana entry points. This will assist in addressing corruption issues. However, it should be noted that the 5% is not applicable at the 1st weigh bridge in Botswana but AFTER the 1st weigh bridge. In this instance, it will be applicable in Serule or Francistown. |
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|
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-000-451 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Additional charges by Container freight stations.The port charges should include charges on container freight charges. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Kenya reported that the port charges by ICDs and CFS should be the one approved by port authorities. Kenya Ports Authority has signed a service level agreement to guide charges by CFS. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-209 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2024-10-13 |
Kenya: Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Additional fees are charged on timber in transit.
Kenya charges Ksh 48000 on transit vehicles carrying forest and timber products from Uganda that transit through Kenya to destinations outside the EAC. Transit vehicles are charged fees for a transit license in addition to payment of road user fees. The timber products are extracted from forests in Uganda and not Kenya. This additional fee is wrongly charged and causes additional costs to trade in forest products from Uganda. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
This is a consolidated charge for movement permits for timber on transit for 18 trucks, the fees and charges are contained in the Fourth Schedule of Legal Notice No. 21 of 2016 (item 9) as follows: Movement permit per consignment- 2000, VAT 16% 320, E citizen fee 50. Total 2370
The movement permits are meant to provide control, traceability as well as monitoring the movement of forest products till they reach the required destination and is not discriminatory. |
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