| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-718 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2016-08-02 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Zambia |
Resolved
2024-11-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
With reference to Resolved NTB-000-606, the matter is anything but resolved. We continue to experience attacks on our vehicles when using the Munhava Port Access. We have contacted numerous Security Companies in Beira to provide security for the vehicles, all have refused quoting the security situation. We have also been advised by other transporters that placing guards on the vehicles will only draw further action against the vehicles in an act of defiance/retribution. The Police do seem to be prepared to escort the vehicles, but we have no contacts nor tariffs charged. In the past week we have recorded 3 violent incidents. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
A report from the National Focal Point indicated that the Provincial Command of Sofala has significantly enhanced security and protection in critical areas through increased police patrols. Mozambique is committed to allocating additional operational resources, including vehicles and motorcycles, to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, particularly along the N6 transport route. |
|
|
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-000-889 |
2.14. Other |
2018-04-05 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2019-10-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism received a complaint from Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd of a Non-Tariff Barrier imposed by Mozambican Customs Authorities at Zobue Border Post.
The company reported that Mozambique Customs Officials are demanding that containers carrying processed tobacco transiting through Mozambique should be opened after passing through Zobue Border Post.
Once the container is opened for physical inspection, customers (buyers of tobacco) demand that the exporter should get an official letter from the Mozambique Customs Officials. Unfortunately, Mozambique customs authorities have not issued documents nor provided formal reports stating the occurrence of the inspections and confirming changes in seal numbers once an inspection has taken place. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting to launch SMS tool for Malawi on 30 October 2019, Malawi Focal Point reported that Limbe Leaf Tobacco had written a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism confirming that Mozambique had removed the requirement for additional inspections |
|
|
NTB-000-926 |
7.3. Corruption |
2019-11-04 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2021-07-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Bus travelers are being charged R50 on Zobue and Cuchamano border with Mozambique for passport stamping on Entry and Exit as traders travel by Road. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The National Migration Service (SENAMI) suspended the border fee in 2010 and, even when it was being charged, it was forty-nine Meticais and forty-four Centavos (49.44 MZN) and not fifty Rands. |
|
|
NTB-000-949 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2020-03-31 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Road) |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2020-04-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Mozambiquan government cancelled issuing visas to all foreigners travelling to Mozambique including for truck drivers from the DRC following COVID-19 outbreak . The DRC uses Beira port for export and import of products to the DRC. Because of this, the DRC truck drivers are stuck at Nyamapanda border post between Zimbabwe and Mozambique and cannot access the Beira port to load their cargo for transportation back to DRC. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The SADC secretariat reported that , according to the Mozambican NTBs focal point, the matter was resolved, and it was not as alarming as it was reported. In fact, drivers were impatient with the new sanitary and migratory control rules. |
|
|
NTB-000-959 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2020-05-18 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2022-06-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of escort fees.
An escort fee at Zobue to escort Illovo Sugar (Malawi) trucks to Beira. It is US$ 200 per batch of 3 vehicles. If there is a single vehicle/truck that must get to the port the fee is still $ 200.
And there is also a scanning charge of US $ 20 per vehicle. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
This NTB has been reported as resolved, considering the update provided earlier, which included some documents in the attachment. |
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|
NTB-000-958 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2020-05-20 |
Mozambique: Dondo Weigh Bridge
-19.578854, 34.728999 |
|
Resolved
2022-10-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The road block/weigh bridge at Dondo on the N6 approx 40km North West of Beira has been mentioned before on this portal as a non tariff trade barrier.
On 20th May 2020 our empty Zambian registered vehicle was stopped by said authorities and charged the equivalent of USD 300 (MT 20,000) for not having a sticker on the truck indicating the GVM and Tare. This is not the first time this has happened, the fines vary upwards from a USD 50 'warning'. Until now we have never been provided with any form of receipt.
According to Decree 1/2011 of 23 March The Road Traffic Code, Article 142 - Fine 1. Offences set out in thie Code for which no penalty has been set, are punishable by a fine of MT 500. This brings to question a fine of MT20,000.
Zambian Law does not require the GVM/Tare etc of the vehicle to be shown on the outside of the vehicle. As with all SADC nations, you are required to have a manufacturers plate indicating this and other information (refer VLM - MOU SADC - EAC - COmesa - Final - Feb 2017 page 27. Member states are bound to recognise the soveriegnty and legalty of a foreign states Certificate of Fitness and in such the fact that this sticker is not required on a Zambian vehicle should be respected.
The fine that was issued is not receipted on the proper document. Neither are these officials empowered to issue a fine as it has to be completed at a Police Station where an Official Receipt in issued on an A4 Sized Page.
Reference to the article/decree refered to 67/1 cannot be found (except that relevants to travel on level crossings) and has presumable been replaced by the Decree 1/2011 of 23 March The Road Traffic Code where no mention of this sticker is made.
|
|
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Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the notice of fine issued on the Dondo Bascula to the driver Mbewe Clevery, should not be dealt with under the Traffic Code, since in Mozambique, the lack of an indicative record of Gross Weight and Tare vehicle is provided for in article 67 of the Regulation for the Transport of Motor Vehicles and Trailers (RTVAR) and is sanctioned with a fine of MZM 10,000.00 and not MZM 20,000.00 as mentioned by the Traffic Agent who issued the fine. Fines for non-compliance with RTVAR rules are listed in Annex VII, pursuant to 1 of article 134.
In cases where there are irregularities in the drawing up of the infraction notice, paragraph 3 of article 134 of the RTVAR gives the driver the right to file a complaint with the National Institute of Land Transport (INATTER) within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of issue of notice. The complainant does not provide any proof of payment, which makes it uncertain whether he paid it or not.
Steps will be taken to improve oversight at this scale and across the Corridor. Contact telephone numbers will be available at weighbridges and checkpoints for clarification and complaints. |
|
|
NTB-000-973 |
We are asked to pay 500mts to gain entry and exit to and from Mozambique (250 in/250 out) under the guise that the trucks need to be inspected. |
2020-08-04 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Namaacha |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2021-07-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Eswatini Company is asked to pay 500mts to gain entry and exit to and from Mozambique (250 in/250 out) under the guise that the trucks need to be inspected in line with Ministerial Diploma NO 18/2007 of February 9, which approves the table of various fees for Border Posts, effective from August 2, 2020. However inspection cargo is not done and therefore we are made to pay for services not rendered. Further , the drivers have t pay to get their passport stamped.
How do we dertermine the time the vehicles stays at the border if we are billed a hourly charge all documentation and taxes dues are paid in advance to try and speed the process up why does the driver need to pay to have his passport stamped on arrival and more strangely on exiting with an empty vehicle. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique Focal Point reported that the inspection fee for motor vehicles at the Namaacha border was charged under Ministerial Diploma nº 18/2007, of 9 February. However, said fee was revoked by Ministerial Diploma nº 28/2021, of 30 April 2021 |
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|
Products:
|
3214.10: Glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and other mastics; painters' fillings |
|
|
NTB-001-066 |
|
2022-01-01 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Ressano Garcia (Road) |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2024-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction by Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique of a SINGLE ENTRY Temporary Import Permit (TIP) at a cost of MZN700, which is currently processed manually for the majority of vehicles at Ressano Garcia's KM4 facility.
The costs are prohibitive for companies moving transit cargo from South Africa to the Port of Maputo, with 15 loads per week per vehicle a common achievement. In addition, the delays experienced by the manual processing of the TIP document adds significant cost on account of the waiting time that drivers are subjected to. The Port of Maputo has collaborated with Customs in Mozambique to collect electronic payments for the TIPs, but so far only 10 companies have taken up the use of the facility. Even those companies registered on the Port's electronic system are not guaranteed speedy processing, and delays are still experienced by drivers as they still have to queue to collect the TIP document. Electronic payments should take precedent over manual payments, but in reality this is not the case. It is common knowledge that a R50 bribe will speed up the processing of the TIP document.
The SADC Protocol on Trade is clear in its reference to the removal of tariffs and non tariff barriers. At this point, the TIP cost to one company moving 180 trucks per month, is in excess of R1,4million ZAR or USD88,000. The manual processing compromises the integrity of the system and the costs directly impact the competitiveness of the trade route for imports and transit imports into Mozambique.
With the push towards the harmonization of regulations within the SADC and TRIPARTITE region, the TIP process should be harmonized with that of South Africa which has a multiple entry TIP valid for 6 months and is processed at no cost to the user. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB-001-066 was resolved, and the withdrawal of fees concerning the 750 Meticais fees paid for issuing and extending the Vehicles Temporary Import License on the foreign carriers was reviewed and published in Ministerial Diploma no. 33/2023 of February 14th, attached above. |
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|
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. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
It was raised as a suggestion, so it can be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-127 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2023-07-25 |
Mozambique: Beira Route |
Malawi |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Professional Drivers Union in Malawi are concerned with reduced transit limit time to 21hrs by Mozambique - Initially the transit time was 72hrs. This change brings about healthy and safety concern to drivers. Drivers are concerned on road conditions, mechanical faults and time to rest on the road which makes it difficult to meet this newly set time limit. They opt for the 72hrs as it were because this time limit gave an allowance to delays encountered in transit and it was good for safe driving. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
In cases where cargo experiences unforeseen delays, operational challenges, or where the driver requires medical assistance, the established timeframe may be extended. In such situations, extensions are granted provided that the transporter communicates the circumstances in advance to their respective clearing agents. |
|
|
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.’ |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 3rd March 2025,the complainant reported to SADC Secretariat that the matter had been resolved |
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NTB-001-151 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2023-09-13 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved
2026-02-12 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Malawi pigeon pea export consignment to India has been detained at Beira port in Mozambique for the following reasons:
1. 275Mt for Grey Matter - Investigation on issues of origin. However, the consignment bears Malawi custom seals and documents, emphasizing its Malawi origin.
2. 1500MT for Africa Fertilizer Ltd – Rules regarding fumigation. All the consignment loaded in trucks in Malawi, and stuffing was done in containers in Beira.
3. 3275MT for Afrisian Ltd – Customs verification if the cargo is in transit. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The complaint is marked as resolved under the update provided above. |
|
|
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. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The driving licence has been returned to the owner. |
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NTB-000-230 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-28 |
Namibia: Namibia Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Border delays due to documentation and customs procedures. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that the Ministry of Finance have so far appointed 61 entry level staff and interviews are still ongoing senior positions up to April 2011
|
|
|
NTB-000-230 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-28 |
Namibia: Namibia Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Border delays due to documentation and customs procedures. |
|
|
NTB-000-247 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-05-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on imports of copper concentrate from DRC and RSA which becomes cumbersome. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that Copper is a controlled product that needs verification to determine the value for tax purposes and subsequent issuance of permit by he Ministry of Trade and Industry. |
|
|
NTB-000-248 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on imports of fuel from RSA. |
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Resolution status note:
|
This NTB has been resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-249 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on exports of salt to West Africa and RSA,. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Namibia reported that, a client can obtain an import or export permit in one hour at the Ministry of Trade and Industry if all the required documents are provided. With regard to the export permit the delay comes in when the product is a controlled product where the client is expected to obtain a clearance certificate from the relevant Ministry for tax purposes or when the importing country policies and regulations requires that the imported product be accompanied by authorised documents from the relevant authorities. The meeting accepted Namibia’s submission to resolve this NTB |
|
|
NTB-000-242 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
All imports of white maize, yellow maize i.e. the controlled agronomic crops, are subjected to an import permit from the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB). The import of white maize meal. During harvesting season which runs from the 1st of May till the end of August/September (depends on the size of the local harvest) the imports of all white maize is prohibited, though subject to availability of local supply |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Namibia reported that the import of Maize and maize products from all third parties is only regulated for the time the local harvest is not taken up by the local milling sector. |
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