| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-329 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Customs |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2010-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Swaziland borders are seriously understaffed and there is to control smuggling. |
|
|
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-000-340 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2009-12-10 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Revenue Authority |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Importers of medicine experience delays in clearance because pre-inspection certificates are not issued on time. |
|
|
NTB-000-595 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2013-06-10 |
South Africa: Ficksburg Bridge |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2015-03-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Exporter's containers (in transit to USA) are stopped by South African Revenue Services (SARS) at Ficksburg border post, South Africa and consignments are checked exclusively notwithstanding the fact that they are being checked by the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) before they are dispatched. SARS requires certificate of origin before they can process Electronic Data Interchange and that goods be off-loaded from the containers and then re-loaded and this requires extra manpower thereby adding on the cost of manufacturing. Moreover, exporters have to pay standing charges for transporters as they have to stay overnight at the border as the process takes about 6-12 hours and this impacts negatively on many other shipping processes. The process also causes goods to reach their destinations after the agreed timeframe and as a result exporters fail to meet their customers' requirements.
The incident has happened on more than one occassion. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25 March 2015, Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved and therefore must be removed from the pending cases. |
|
|
NTB-000-898 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-05-30 |
South Africa: SGS South Africa |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2020-01-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
All consignments subject to Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) must obtain the Certificate of Confirmity (CoC) prior to shipment.
On average, it takes SGS South Africa about 3-5 days to respond to a request made by the exporter for issuing the CoC, and it takes them further 15-20 days to produce the CoC. In the meantime, the Mauritian exporting company has to incur several financial constraints while waiting for the CoC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 January 2020, Mauritius Focal Point advised that the exporter has negotiated with SGS South Africa to reduce the number of days taken to obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC). SGS South Africa is taking a maximum of 12 days to process the CoC instead of 25 days.
The exporter has advised that they are now satisfied with the processing time. |
|
|
NTB-000-906 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-04-05 |
Uganda: Uganda Weight and Measures Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda does not recognize the Calibration Certificate issued by the Weight and Measures Agent (WMA) for oil tank from URT: Republic of Uganda does not accept the Calibration Certificate of tanks from URT. As a result, our traders are forced to undergo recalibration by Ugandan counterpart Authority (Uganda Bureau of Standards) at a charge odd USD 230. This increases the cost of doing business. The trader paid Uganda shillings 2,655,600. It was stated that the certificate from URT is valid for the period of one year. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 27th EASC meeting of April 2025 recommended:
(a) approved the Draft EAC Harmonized Procedures for calibration and verification of road and rail tankers;
(b) Urge Partner States to adopt and implement EAC Harmonized Procedures for calibration and verification of road and rail tankers as per the implementation roadmap
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-922 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-05-30 |
Uganda: UNBS |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of recognition of online KEBs standardization mark validity.
Delay in release of shipment , increased cost of transportation
UNBS and KEBS to mutually recognize online standardization mark validities/online KEBs certificate to avoid any costly delays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI held in September 2020, noted that the issue is operational and should be referred to the quality assurance technical subcommittee for consideration and resolution. The NTB is resolved from this EAC Time Bound Programme. |
|
|
NTB-000-934 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-05-30 |
Kenya: Ministry of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2020-07-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Under the PVoC (Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity) program, all regulated products to be imported in Kenya have to undergo verification and testing in the country of supply and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) has to be issued to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the applicable national standards or approved equivalents and technical regulations. The CoC is mandatory for customs clearance.
However, all consignments subject to PVoC must obtain the CoC prior to shipment. This is where it becomes a barrier.
As a result of this measure, Mauritian exporters of HS 22071090 have to bear additional time and cost in shipping the products to Kenya.
We are therefore requesting the relevant Kenyan authority to amend its measure so that the Certificate of Conformity be requested upon the arrival of consignment instead of prior to shipment. The procedures to obtain the CoC and the shipment of the products can be done in parallel. By the time the products reach Kenya, the COC will be ready to be submitted at the port of entry. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya appreciate Mauritius concerns on NTB No. 934 regarding pre-shipment verification. We therefore confirm that this NTB has been resolved as evidenced by legal notice no. 78 dated 28th April 2020, where clause 9(1) allows for destination inspection. Subsequently, Kenya notified the same to the WTO under notification number G/TBT/N/KEN/1002. |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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-001-254 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2025-04-01 |
Malawi: Songwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2025-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a company that exports groundnuts from Malawi to Kenya. On average we export three containers in a month to Kenya. Before loading the cargo into the container, the cargo is being inspecting by the MRA official who certify the accuracy of the cargo being loaded into the container for Export.
Once the container is loaded, a seal is placed on it till the container reaches the exit border post, where this seal is removed again for the second confirmation of the load being exported. This requires offloading the consignment, running the risk of contamination, damage and delays as well as cost of offloading and loading. We have been exporting to Kenya since 2022. However, since October 2024, we have been encountering these challenges of being forced to offload cargo at the exit boarder post for inspection purposes by MRA officials, both to and from. This is despite that the cargo is being loaded into the container in the presence of the MRA official at the point of origin of goods. As a result of this we are paying unnecessary costs which is expensive and at times delays the clearance process. All these costs are being encountered by the exporter/importer.
The exit border has machine scanners which have been out of service for some time now. If these were working, we could not encounter this delay and expense which is originating from the offloading and loading of the cargo. At the same times some of the exported or imported cargo gets damaged when carrying out this exercise. Hygiene is also another issue, considering the places where we are doing the off-loading and loading exercise.
A resolution needs to be found ASAP to avoid such delays, repetitive inspections and costs before exiting the country. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB 001-254 issue is now effectively resolved. In a productive virtual meeting on June 17, 2025, key stakeholders—including the SADC Secretariat, a representative from the concerned company in Malawi, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the SADC Business Council, and GIZ—came together to address challenges experienced by exporters at the Songwe Border Post. The Malawi Revenue Authority took the initiative to inform exporters of the obstacles encountered during border crossings and clearly outlined the customs procedures necessary for a smooth export process from Malawi. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and supporting exporters. |
|
|
Products:
|
1202.42: Groundnuts, shelled, whether or not broken (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) |
|
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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 |
View |
|
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. |
|
English
Français
