| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-211 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2024-10-01 |
Uganda: UNBS |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya is experiencing unfair treatment by UNBS. Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by KEBS. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border and Headquarters UNBS officials have not been fruitful because the manufacturer didn't receive any help insisting that Kenya manufacturers pay the destination Inspection fee despite products having standardization marks with harmonized standards.
UNBS demand that payments for destination must be done without any other documents issued by UNBS.
Additionally, it’s been a challenge getting sample receipts when UNBS pick samples for every consignment. Manufacturers would demand drivers to pay for lack of evidence of the huge samples taken by UNBS. Also clients receive less paid items due to samples collected by UNBS. This is unfair and has raised concerns to Kenya manufacturers and clients in Uganda.
Affected products include cosmetics products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
EAC has Harmonized Standards for Furniture, but they are not exhaustive. The trader was transferring types of furniture falling in a category where no harmonized standard exists. In such circumstances the goods might be subject to retesting.
The meeting hence noted that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and should be referred to the Committee on Standards for consideration. |
|
|
NTB-001-208 |
5.15. Other |
2024-05-01 |
Uganda: Fish protection unit |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda is intercepting fish export from Kenya which is in transit to DRC on grounds that Kenya is transferring immature fish that is not accepted in Uganda.
The fish protection unit in Uganda opens the goods on transit in the sealed containers which is against the provisions of goods in transit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting also noted that Uganda had signed an MoU with Kenya on the movement of fish
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-205 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-07-01 |
Uganda: Busia |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-04-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda's denial of market access of biscuit and wafers manufactured and transferred into Uganda by Sunveat Industries of Kenya. Reason being that wheat flour materials supplied by Kenblest LTD benefited from imported wheat under Duty Remission Scheme (DRS) |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda advised that the NTB was resolved and attached the evidence of the movement of good |
|
|
NTB-001-202 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-09-16 |
Uganda: Elegu |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda through the Fisheries Protection Unit intercepted fish from South Sudan at Pakwach Check Point and Elegu One Stop Border Post, breaking seals and inspecting fish which is in transit to DRC, on the grounds that RSS is transferring immature fish that are not accepted in Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-194 |
1.8. Import bans |
2024-08-13 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On 13th August 2024, the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development's State Department for Agriculture, imposed a ban on the importation of brown/table sugar into Kenya through an internal communication from the Principal Secretary. This decision was based on the significant improvements in the production of locally manufactured sugar in Kenya as quoted in the letter.
The letter though internal nal was brought to our attention.This action is in direct violation of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Treaty. Under Article 75 of the Treaty, the EAC establishes a free trade area for goods and services among partner states, while also outlining the application of Common External Tariffs (CET). Furthermore, Articles 76 and 104 of the Common Market Protocols emphasize the free movement of goods, people, labour, services, and capital between partner states, as well as the rights of establishment and residence, without restrictions that may hinder regional integration.
The ban, therefore, undermines the principles of regional cooperation and integration enshrined in the EAC Treaty.
There is no mention that the ban won't affect member states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 45th SCTIFI meeting, the Republic of Kenya reported that the communication was an internal proposal that was not implemented. There is no ban on Sugar transfers from EAC Partner States per the Public Notice of 9 September 2024 issued by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. |
|
|
NTB-001-189 |
1.8. Import bans |
2024-09-17 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade & Industry |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-03-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Malawi Ministry of Trade & Industry has introduced a new regulation for imports of sweets. Our customer applied for Import Permit 3 times and each time it was rejected. Our customer has tried every possible way however he has not managed. Malawi authorities are not giving the reason in writing. They have informed our customer verbaaly that because of the shortage of forex in Malawi, their superiors have informed them that they are not to issue the Import Permit for sweets. Also, there is a local manufacturer already making sweets so there is no reason to import.
This action has raised great concerns, as it contravenes the trade agreements under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), to which both Kenya and Malawi are signatories.
We kindly request this issue be addressed promptly. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Ministry of Trade and Industry granted an import licence to Manosalwa Food Industry on 10th March, 2025, for 31500 Cartons of Assorted sweets (Happy Mint, Fruit Drops, Cool Cow and Lollipops).
The licence was granted according to the quantity that was applied for. |
|
|
NTB-001-184 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-08-09 |
Zimbabwe: Forbes |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-01-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On 10 August 2024, Zimbabwe imposed a requirement enforcing payment of duty on fuel in transit at the Port of Entry at all border posts ‘in order to secure duty and levies on fuel imported under Removal in Transit Facility’. Such duty and levies shall be recovered on acquittal at the Port of Exit. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) advised that the payment of duty for fuel in transit was to mitigate against transit fraud. With effect from 10 August 2024 all fuel, petrol, diesel, paraffin and jet A1, in transit imported through ports of entry by road is now required to pay duty and levies on entry. The duty and levies will be refunded at the port of exit upon compliance with all the transit procedures, including submission of proof that the fuel has been exported. Consignee’s and/or their representatives should approach ZIMRA at the port of entry to initiate the fuel clearance and payment process. For the refund process, once the fuel has been exported, they should approach ZIMRA at the port of exit to initiate the requisite refund process.
This requirement increases cost of transport. The refund procedures are not clear, and the risk of delayed refunds is very high negatively affecting cashflows for transporters. Also this requirement is treating compliant and non-compliant transporters without distinction and is penalizing the transporters who have been compliant to the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) where the alleged abuse has been detected.
We therefore request The Minister to urgently reconsider improving this measure to facilitate movement of fuel at reasonable costs. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Under the Finance Act, 2025 [Chapter 23:04], Zimbabwe removed the requirement for a deposit for duties on transit of fuel, with specific reference to Article 57 Amendment of section 234 of Cap. 23.02 |
|
|
NTB-001-183 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2024-08-08 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS.
Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI noted that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and should be referred to the Committee on Standards for consideration. |
|
|
Products:
|
4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components) |
|
|
NTB-001-183 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2024-08-08 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS.
Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting, Partner States agreed that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and was referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration. |
|
|
Products:
|
4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components) |
|
|
NTB-001-183 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2024-08-08 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS.
Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the38th RMC, the meeting agreed that this is an operational issue which was considered by the Standards Committee in April 2025. Hence the NTB is resolved |
|
|
Products:
|
4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components) |
|
|
NTB-001-179 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-05-01 |
Uganda: Government officials |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mpondwe Border Government Officials forcefully offload transit cargo for Tanzania traders.
In May 2024, Government Officials from the Republic of Uganda intercepted processed salted fish from Tanzania in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Mpondwe Border and were forced to break the seal of the cargo and sell the fish at the Mpondwe market. This is against Trade Facilitation Laws on how to treat Goods in Transit and led to great loss to Tanzanian traders in terms of capital and market. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Republic of Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved, hence Tanzanian fish can access the DRC market without any interception.
NTB RESOLVED |
|
|
NTB-001-178 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-05-13 |
Uganda: kasindi |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On May 13, 2024 the vehicles of certain economic operators transporting salted fish from South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania in transit through Uganda destined for the DRC are blocked in Uganda. The reason given by the protection unit was that these vehicles transported small fish whose marketing was formally prohibited in Uganda |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved through a bilateral meeting between DRC and Uganda. |
|
|
NTB-001-164 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-04-26 |
Mozambique: |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2024-08-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
I was about to clear my stuff by the Border at Komatiport or Lebombo border post when the Police man of Mozambique by the name of Maphosa asked me to check my truck then asked for papers for the vehicle, my license, car insurance and important documents on my file, I gave him everything he wanted. He said I should clear my stuff and come back to him.
I went for clearing but then I was asked to bring truck papers and license, at that time Maphosa was no where to be found, I asked some police men about him but they said he is in Maputo and I have to go back to Maputo to fetch my things at the police station but never mentioning which police station should I go to, I had to leave all my goods at alfandegars storeroom which is renting even now.
I drove back to Lesotho without my license and some documents and luggages because the clearing could not be completed since the truck papers and my license were not available due to that Police officer. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The driving licence has been returned to the owner. |
|
|
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-001-149 |
1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country |
2023-11-24 |
South Africa: Durban sea Port |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2024-04-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Pls see below container No. which is to be stopped by Sars.
RSU6006851 Case No.: 480928296 Vessel will berth on 27/11
As you know all vessels in Durban delayed so long more than one month. There are Fabric and Accessaries in this container. We urgently need the Fabric and Accessaries from our import containers for export. Pls kindly urgently help to release the container.
Highly appreciated |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Good day,
This issue is resolved. Kindly mark it as resolved.
Kind Regards,
Rendani |
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|
Products:
|
6003.30: Knitted or crocheted fabrics of synthetic fibres, of a width of <= 30 cm (excl. those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "long pile", looped pile fabrics, labels, badges and similar articles, knitted |
|
|
NTB-001-148 |
1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country |
2023-11-23 |
South Africa: Durban sea Port |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2024-05-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Pls kindly see below containers that are to be stopped by SARS.
1. MSKU0755208(Case No.: 480816390), vessel will berth on 27/11
2. MRKU3124436(Case No.: 480819630), vessel will berth on 27/11
3. NYKU4442550(Case No.: 480020360), vessel will berth on 3/12
4. BSIU9818016 (Case No.: 480069900),vessel will berth on 3/12
As you know all vessels delayed so long more than 1 month. Our productions are waiting for the materials. We urgently need all the materials for the garments of export. Pls urgently help to release all these containers.
Highly appreciated |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully |
|
|
Products:
|
6003.30: Knitted or crocheted fabrics of synthetic fibres, of a width of <= 30 cm (excl. those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "long pile", looped pile fabrics, labels, badges and similar articles, knitted |
|
|
NTB-001-147 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2023-10-17 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Increased valuation of sales price of ceramic tile imported with no reasonable explanation from the local tax authorities. As far a cost is concerned, the production cost plus, long-distance transportation and customs clearance fees is higher than these of local producers. Therefore, we request Republic of Kenya to remove the requirements of uplifting the custom value and to use the local price. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Secretariat advised that this is an operational issue can be discussed in Customs Committee |
|
|
NTB-001-147 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2023-10-17 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2024-07-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Increased valuation of sales price of ceramic tile imported with no reasonable explanation from the local tax authorities. As far a cost is concerned, the production cost plus, long-distance transportation and customs clearance fees is higher than these of local producers. Therefore, we request Republic of Kenya to remove the requirements of uplifting the custom value and to use the local price. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The issue was considered during the bilateral meeting that took place in Kisumu. During the meeting, Both Parties agreed that no administrative measures including uplifting the customs value of products from the other Party be taken without consultations. Kenya has since reviewed the customs values downwards. The issue was hence resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-146 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2023-11-01 |
Mozambique: Maputo Port |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2025-03-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our Company , Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe , (PVT. LTD) have been importing Vehicles using Maputo Port and never had challenges with customs since all paper work and documentation is always in order .We are the official distributors of Tata Motors commercial Vehicles here in Zimbabwe. We are a registered company here in Zimbabwe since 2007 and Trading as Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe limited.
As per our supplier Invoice number 750966093 and BL number MOLU18005431182 DT. 30.09.2023 for one Unit LP 909 40-Seater Bus with Chassis number MAT382042P8R10426 was dispatched from Mumbai port, India via Vessel Eternal Ace to Maputo Port. The Vessel was docked on date- and all the Relevant procedures were done by our representative Payflex Trading Lda RUA ROMAO FERNANDES FARINHA NO:75 1ST FLOOR SUITE NR. 8ALTO MAE B. MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE NUIT: 400379394 GIVEMORE GURI MOB 879304844 / 849304844.
We are writing to report serious challenges we are facing from the office of the Customs Director, Southern Region Director (DRS) which authorises the release of the bus.
Our bus is now being held by Customs at Maputo port, in our view, without any valid reasons and now we might be facing legal action for fraud from our customer who placed an order for bus and paid us 50% deposit as well. Pls note this bus is for Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe -Bulawayo Polytechnic.
The customs office has been holding on to the clearing process for over 3 weeks and is not communicating the reasons for the delays to us the importer . Our bus belongs to Bulawayo Polytechnic (which is under ministry of Education here in Zimbabwe) and all documents are in order. This incident has caused our Business a Loss of sale as well as hampered our reputation in the market. Also, we should note that this bus was one of the first buses we were to supply to Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, the Director has refused to release our in-transit cargo to Zimbabwe.
we have attached documentary evidence and report from our Maputo Agents explaining what transpired in detail for your urgent / immediate actions.’ |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 3rd March 2025,the complainant reported to SADC Secretariat that the matter had been resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-144 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2023-11-10 |
South Africa: Durban sea Port |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2024-05-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Release Documents is 7 days prior to vessel arrival because of cargo dues and upon receiving Arrival Notice. The EDI document was sent for release on the 9th of November 2023 the query came in on the 10th of November 2023, and normally it would be released in less than 6 hours but up to date it hasn't been released. We need the import urgently to be released in order to avoid any delays with our Export Orders. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully |
|
|
Products:
|
6006.32: Dyed fabrics, knitted or crocheted, of synthetic fibres, of a width of > 30 cm (excl. warp knit fabrics "incl. those made on galloon knitting machines", those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "long and 6006.34: Printed fabrics, knitted or crocheted, of synthetic fibres, of a width of > 30 cm (excl. warp knit fabrics "incl. those made on galloon knitting machines", those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "lo |
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