Resolved complaints

Showing items 401 to 420 of 883
Complaint number NTB Type
Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments
Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures
Category 5. Specific limitations
Category 6. Charges on imports
Category 7. Other procedural problems
Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding
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Date of incident Location
COMESA
EAC
SADC
Reporting country or region (additional)
COMESA
EAC
SADC
Status Actions
NTB-000-330 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 2009-09-09 Eswatini: Bordergate Eswatini Resolved
2010-11-22
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Complaint: Anti Smuggling, Quality Control & Examination Teams at border posts lack proper equipment such as forklifts, motor vehicles to carry out inspection.  
Resolution status note: Swaziland reported that the procurement of equipment is affected by the lack of financial resources. However, measures are taken to have goods examined at owner’s premises where equipment is available.  
NTB-000-113 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 2009-07-26 Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port South Africa Resolved
2011-05-23
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Complaint: Periodic port congestion in Tanzania makes logistical planning near impossible , which impact negatively on perishable exports.  
Resolution status note: Tanzania reported that by July 2010, the import container dwell time had been reduced to 10 days, ship waiting time from 13 days to 4 days and ship turnaround time from 19 days to 3 days. This improvement has been attributable to additional investment to increase handling capacity which involved reorganisation of the port area (additional capacity of 14,000 TEU's) and opening of new ICD (additional capacity of 10,000 TEU's). This is complimented by supportive tariff for ICD and punitive tariff for overstayed containers within the port. New customs procedures which include online submission of declarations and supporting documents, reduced percentage of physical verifications, partial submission of manifest all have contributed positively to reduce dwell time. Efforts are now geared towards implementing a single window port community system PCS TO FURTHER REDUCE CONTAINER DWELL TIME TO 5 DAYS.
Establishment of ICD was meant to create additional space of approximately 10,000 TEU's as pointed out earlier.
All transit containers were excluded in the process of being sent to ICD in order to reduce the inconvenience to the customers and also get rid of the double handling that would be created by sending the transit containers to ICD.
ICD are currently working as an extension of the port and hence monitoring of transit containers not sent to ICD will be easily monitored. Therefore this will not be subjected to any charges since all transit containers will be stationed at the port.
 
NTB-000-387 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 2010-12-03 Zimbabwe: Victoria falls Zambia Resolved
2011-06-06
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Complaint: Flt Ks 131 ACK 5928/ACE 6891 T/ ACC 4918 T. This vehicle has a GVM of 54.4 tons on the Lstone weighbridge but is declared at 57.13 tons in Vic Falls.

The truck has been refused a reweigh for 4 days which is against the normal practice.

This is an electronic weighbridge and from vast experience on Zambian weighbridges, it is suspected that the weight is recorded incorrectly by the operator pressing the enter button before the weighbridge settles and therefore recording a higher weight than actual.

Zimbabwe is also charging exccessive fines above the SADC recommended scale of fines by demanding a rate massively in excess. Zimbabwe also does not give a percentage allowance as per SADC agreement.
 
Resolution status note: On 06 June 2011, Zimbabwe reported that that the Victoria Falls Weighbridge was calibrated (standardised) in mid-March 2011. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce's Trade Measures Department together with the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) carried out the standardisation process. Zimbabwe has not yet received any complaints since then.  
NTB-000-407 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 2011-03-07 Tanzania: Rusumo-Dar es Salaam Road Rwanda Resolved
2012-06-15
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Complaint: Weigh Bridges permanent and Temporary ones.... they do not respect the papers that state the weight carried so they force the drivers to weigh another challenge is that, there is no uniformity in the weights that the various weigh bridges present.  
Resolution status note: The 10th meeting of SADC Trade Facilitation Committee held onb 14-15 June 2012 accpeted Tanzania's explaination that problem arises due to packaging and loading of containers at the port. If containers are not properly packed, goods move while on transit and affect weigh on an axle. Distribution of weight on an axle may be correct at point of departure, but after some distance, it may change as cargo moves. Since weighing is on axles not cargo, different
numbers may be recorded at a weigh bridge. It was reported that sensitization was already being undertaken to alert traders to reduce the possibility of movement of goods inside containers while in transit by packing properly.Tanzania is modernizing the weighing equipment so as to have electronic devices that cannot be tempered with and can keep records. This will contribute towards solving this problem. This NTb was therefore considered resolved on the basis of sensitization work in progress as well as modernisation programme.
 
NTB-000-413 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 2010-03-31 Zimbabwe: Kariba Zimbabwe Resolved
2011-07-28
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Complaint: Crossborders buses are not allowed to cross over Kariba Bridge, which in turn will force a number of cross border traders to use Chirundu via Makuti which is expensive to the traders then(can the tonnage limit be reviewed by Zambezi River Authority and the Ministry of transport)  
Resolution status note: At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that a eeting between Zimbabwe and Zambezi river Authority had agreed on th elifting of the ban. The ban has been lifted to allow cross border buses and small commercial transport of up to 11tonnes to use the bridge.  
Products: 0302.11: Fresh or chilled trout "Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oncorhynchus clarki, Oncorhynchus aguabonita, Oncorhynchus gilae, Oncorhynchus apache and Oncorhynchus chrysogaster"  
NTB-000-498 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 2012-03-14 Kenya: Mombasa sea port Rwanda Resolved
2014-12-11
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Complaint: Congestion in the Dar-es- Salaam and Mombasa Ports  
Resolution status note: At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the ports of Mombasa and Dar Es Salaam are implementing National single window system to redress delays at the ports. This NTB is therefore resolved  
NTB-000-502 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 2012-03-14 Kenya: Malaba Rwanda Resolved
2012-09-28
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Complaint: Delays at Malaba border for trucks driving to Uganda due to lack of facilities at the border  
Resolution status note: The Focal points for Kenya and Rwanda reported that the scope of facilities reported missing at malaba include Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts facilities and therefore making it quite difficult to address the NTB. It was therefore recommended that the NTB be removed from the system and any folow up complaint should be be reported accurately to reflect the true position of operations at the border in reference. Border posts facilities at Malaba are in place and operational.  
NTB-000-580 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 2013-04-17 Rwanda: Rusumo Rwanda Resolved
2014-07-02
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Complaint: Lack of parking facilities at Rusumo Border Post is creating congestion and clearance delays.  
Resolution status note: On 03 July 2014 FESARTA reported that there were initiatives to improve this border post and so the NTB is resolved.  
NTB-000-798 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 2018-01-25 Zimbabwe: Forbes Zambia Resolved
2018-02-09
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Complaint: Due to the topographic nature of the Forbes Border Post, trucks cannot be parked and cleared at the Border as it would create congestion. The trucks are allowed to proceed out of the Valley where the border is situated and must park in Customs Approved Yards in Mutare. Dry Cargo (Flat Decks) have a Dry Port Yard whilst Petroleum Tankers must park at the RMS Yard (Railway Maintenance Yard Customs created the yards to enable them to clear the loads.

1. Transporters are charged a fee to park in these RMS yards. This is an unnecessary charge and there is no evidence that the funds are used for the upkeep of the yard.

2. Despite the fact that this yard houses Dangerous Goods there is limited access control at a rickety gate. The perimeter is not suitably fenced. The view of the tankers is blocked from the main road by strategically placed defunct railway wagons. There is no access control and the yard is surrounded by a maze of tunnels and hedges where trade in stolen fuel is conducted. Third Party vehicles are allowed access to the yard and unfortunately siphoning from side tanks is evident. Given the lack of security staff, fencing and lighting, the situation worsens at nightfall. Recently truckers have been plagued by theft of items from trucks eg batteries from the trucks.

3. There are no facilities for the drivers. The congestion at Forbes is already well documented due to the failing Ascudya system and inefficiencies in the Customs Sealing process and drivers are stuck a minimum of 48 hours in this yard. There are no ablutions and limited access to running water. It is an inappropriate holding yard where a driver cannot rest before leaving on the next leg of his journey. When it rains, the area becomes a muddy morass
There are several truck yards in the area that are well equipped and offer the drivers clean facilities. Customs are requested to not charge for the RMS yard, clean it up and offer the appropriate security and facilities, or allow vehicles to park in other yards.

Transporters have brought this situation to the authorities before but to no avail. Its seems there are vested interests in keeping valuable cargo parked in this insecure area. Drivers are spending too long in filthy and dangerous conditions while being charged for a service that forms part of Customs responsibilities.
 
Resolution status note: On 9 Beruary 2018, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority advised that Vehicles with uncleared goods are sent to park at a Depot licenced and bonded to keep goods before Customs clearance. This is a privately owned premises which does not belong to Customs and therefore the owner charges for accommodating the trucks.
2. The concerns raised for RMS have since been addressed. Tankers are as from 7.2.18 being parked at a new premises (truck yard) while awaiting finalization of clearance process. The new premises has a perimeter fence, ablution facilities, showers and CCTVs
 
NTB-001-064 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 2022-03-24 Zambia: Mokambo Border to Mfulira Road Zimbabwe Resolved
2023-04-06
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Complaint: The Mokambo Border to Mfulira road has become impassable with trucks getting stuck in the mud and being damaged as a result of the poor road condition  
Resolution status note: During the COMESA Regional capacity building workshop for National focal Points held in Rwanda from 3-6 April 2023, Zambia focal point reported that reconstruction of the Mokambo border to Mfulira had been commenced. It was therefore recommend that this NTB be regarded as resolved considering that Zambia is taking efforts to reconstruct the road  
NTB-000-052 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2008-12-22 Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority Kenya Resolved
2012-05-30
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Complaint: 25% excise duty on edible oils

Kenya complained that Malawian Government charge 25% excise duty on imports of edible oils.
 
Resolution status note: At the NTBs SMS launch meeting hel on 09 April 2013, Malawi reported that this issue had been resolved and confirmed that Malawi chrges a duty of 20 percent which is is applied to both local and imported commodities hence its non discriminatory, therefore not an NTB.  
Products: 1511.90: Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified and crude)  
NTB-000-052 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2008-12-22 Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority Kenya Resolved
2012-05-30
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Complaint: 25% excise duty on edible oils

Kenya complained that Malawian Government charge 25% excise duty on imports of edible oils.
 
Resolution status note: Malawi reported that the excise tax was non- discriminatory  
Products: 1511.90: Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified and crude)  
NTB-000-051 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2004-12-22 Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority Kenya Resolved
2011-07-28
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Complaint: 25% excise duty on laundry soap.

Kenya complained that Malawian Government charge 25% excise duty on imports of laundry soap.
 
Resolution status note: At their meeting held on 29 August 2011, Kenya NMC reported that consultations had taken place between the Ministers of Trade of the two coutries which resolved the matter.  
Products: 3401.11: Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use, incl. medicated products  
NTB-000-303 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2009-09-09 South Africa: Department of Trade and Industry Madagascar Resolved
2010-07-22
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Complaint: Complex tariff and other import tax structure  
Resolution status note: South Africa reported that both countries are members of SADC hence SADC tariff reduction schedules apply  
NTB-000-105 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2009-07-26 Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority South Africa Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: Malawi imposed 20%surcharge on all imports of chicken and eggs.  
Resolution status note: At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs, Malawi reported that they are still charging the 20% excise duty as indicated by the complainant. They indicated that this is in their regulation and there are no indications that the situation might change soon. South Africa pointed out that this is a NTB and Malawi should endeavour to remove it. SA also requested Malawi to upload the regulation on the NTB website as a comment to this complaint, and post the relevant regulation on the website under “notifications”. It was therefore resolved that this NTB be transferred to the section for Resolved NTBs of regulatory nature for further consideration since no action can be taken immediately.  
NTB-000-104 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2009-07-26 Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture South Africa Resolved
2011-01-10
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Complaint: Botswana imposed 15% levy on wheat imports  
Resolution status note: Botswana advised that she does not impose levy on wheat imports.  
NTB-000-135 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2009-07-27 Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture South Africa Resolved
2012-05-03
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Complaint: Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce  
Resolution status note: Botswana reported that the levies are no longer obtaining  
NTB-000-135 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2009-07-27 Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture South Africa Resolved
2012-05-03
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Complaint: Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce  
Resolution status note: Botswana indicated that she did not charge levies but closed borders whenever local produce was enough to supply local demand. The Ministry of Agriculture has advised that the dates for border closure and opening are set by a committee composed of traders and producers. The Ministry notes that sufficient time is allowed for traders to notify their external suppliers on time. While the study on Agricultural NTBs recommended gradual elimination of some NTBs, it recommended that others could only be eliminated after provision of adequate alternative support systems. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration  
NTB-000-136 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2009-07-27 Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture South Africa Resolved
2012-05-03
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Complaint: An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour  
Resolution status note: Botswana reporte4d that she does not impose levy on wheat  
NTB-000-136 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory
2009-07-27 Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture South Africa Resolved
2012-05-03
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Complaint: An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour  
Resolution status note: Botswana reported that she does not impose levy on wheat imports. Botswana is imposing the 15% levy on wheat flour.The wheat flour Levy was introduced in 2003, through the Control of Goods, Prices and other charges Act Chapter 43 section 8 Subsection 3 which restrict importation on wheat flour, thereby encouraging the protection of industries in Botswana. The ACt is still under review. The 15% levy is intended as protection for millers in Botswana and is also designed to support value addition. Consultations are in progress with relevant Ministry. Botswana indicated that resolution of this complaint is dependent on the results of the review of the “Control of Goods, Prices and Other Charges Act” which has been stalled pending the establishment of a National Body. A study to assess the relevance of the levy on wheat flour is still being planned. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration.  
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