| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-810 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-10-02 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-10-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Escorted trucks carrying Zambia brown sugar and white maize in transit to Rwanda are forced to pay to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Tunduma border station a sum of Tsh 960,000 to accompany trucks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Committee on Customs during its meeting in May noted that Mtera route is the shortest to transit to Rwanda and the route was not yet gazetted. It was recommended to geo-map all the transit routes and gazette the Mtera route.
The Mtera route was gazetted vide Legal Notice No. 48 of 10th May, 2018. The Regional Forum on NTBs at its meeting in October, 2018 was informed that Trucks to Kigali are no longer required to have escorts.
The NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-811 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B11: Prohibition for TBT reasons
Policy/Regulatory |
2017-10-02 |
Kenya: State Department of Trade |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya banned exports of scrap metals destined to Rwanda in accordance with scrap metal Act NO. 1 OF 2015 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the SCTIFI in November 2018 that the scrap metal is a restricted business in Kenya and that Rwanda traders require a permit to transfer the scrap metal from Kenya. Rwanda informed the meeting that NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-812 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2017-11-17 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in releasing trucks at Tunduma & Rusumo border post by Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as a result of manual lodging of import documents |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during the meeting of SCTIFI of 16th November,2018 |
|
|
NTB-000-836 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2018-10-26 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Dairy Board |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Milk exported to Tanzania attracts numerous charges collected by different institutions including Tanzania Bureau of Standards, Tanzania Foods and Drugs Authority and Tanzania Dairy Board.
Also, to import a kilogramme of milk in Tanzania, under the newly signed Animal Diseases and Animal Products Movement Control Regulations published on 31st August 2018 (Government Notice No 476) and which entered into force on 1st October 2018, Tanzania now requires to pay Tsh 2,000 on milk imported from outside the country from Tsh150. This is a 1,233% increase (https://allafrica.com/stories/201810030671.html ).
This is a total ban since milk imported cannot compete with the local one. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
URT reported to the regional meeting that TFDA does not exist, TBS and TMDA do not charge. Hence the issue of numerous charges is resolved. The Tanzania Dairy Board Charges have been revised from 2,000 to 1,000 through Government Notice number 478 of July 2022. The remaining charge is part of the ongoing process of harmonization of fees, levies, and charges. Hence the meeting agreed that the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-845 |
8.4. Transport related corruption |
2018-09-03 |
Tanzania: Rusumo |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania has introduced an escort fee imposed by TRA from Dar Es Salaam to Rusumo. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported that this NTB was resolved through administrative procedures. |
|
|
NTB-000-849 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2018-09-12 |
Uganda: Kampala |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Two Trucks on Transit from Rwanda to Mombasa carrying minerals for export are impounded by Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda confirmed to have received evidence of this NTB from Rwanda. The Trucks that were being held had no customs issue as they had fulfilled all transit requirements. The Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit had held the trucks claiming the transit documents were forged however, customs was consulted and proved that the documents were genuine.
The SCTIFI meeting held in November, 2018 was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Uganda convened a meeting and resolved that matter.
The matter was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-849 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2018-09-12 |
Uganda: Kampala |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Two Trucks on Transit from Rwanda to Mombasa carrying minerals for export are impounded by Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during meeting of Nov 2018 |
|
|
NTB-000-866 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-11-17 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Escorted trucks carrying Zambia brown sugar and white maize in transit to Rwanda are forced to pay to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Tunduma border station a sum of Tsh 960,000 to accompany trucks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mtera route is the shortest to transit to Rwanda and the route was not yet gazetted. It was recommended to geo-map all the transit routes and gazette the Mtera route.
The Mtera route was later on gazetted vide Legal Notice No. 48 of 10th May, 2018. and hence the NTB reswolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-874 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2017-05-05 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Escorted trucks carrying Zambia brown sugar and white maize in transit to Rwanda are forced to pay to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Tunduma border station a sum of Tsh 960,000 to accompany trucks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mtera route is the shortest to transit to Rwanda and the route was not yet gazetted.
It was recommended to geo-map all the transit routes and gazette the Mtera route. The Mtera route was gazetted vide Legal Notice No. 48 of 10th May, 2018.
The NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-903 |
8.4. Transport related corruption |
2019-04-05 |
Kenya: Miritini, Samburu, Mariakani, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Machakos, Mlolongo, Nairobi, Mahimahiu, Naivasha, Nakuru, Salgaa, Molo, Kapsabet, Malaba, Eldoret |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-09-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Multiple police check points from Mombasa to Malaba (Miritini, Samburu, Mariakani, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Machakos, Mlolongo, Nairobi, Mahimahiu, Naivasha, Nakuru, Salgaa, Molo, Kapsabet, Malaba, Eldoret).
During the 27th RMC meeting the Republic of Rwanda reported that there are many check points from Mombasa port to Malaba/Busia which charge money to transporters. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The RMC held on 1 September 2020, agreed that this NTB is resolved and urged Kenya to make sure road blocks don't emerge again |
|
|
NTB-000-916 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B14: Authorization requirements for importing certain products |
2019-10-02 |
Tanzania: Government Chemist Laboratory Authority. |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-09-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement by United Republic of Tanzania to transit trucks carrying chemicals to have export and transport chemical permits. Trucks are charged US$ 1 per ton and in most cases arbitrary charges which are imposed to transit vehicles only. The amount is applied to the entire container weight regardless of the weight of the other non-chemical products being transported in the container. Permits are difficult to obtain during week-ends and original copies are required at the border creating further delays |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The RMC meeting held on 1 September 2020 agreed that this complaint be resolved as it is agreeable by Law and hence is not an NTB |
|
|
NTB-000-917 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2019-10-02 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement by Tanzania Revenue Authority to Rwandan transporters to use two customs bonds on the Northern-Central Corridor (Kigali-Rusumo-Mombasa via Holili-Taveta border post) costing US$ 150 on departure and US$ 80 on return |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the SCTIFI the Republic of Rwanda noted that the the regional bond will be concluded by 1st July, 2021; in the interim traders are incurring double costs and hence urged the United Republic of Tanzania to waive the requirement of the Regional bond while awaiting the finalisation of the Same.
On the issue of waiving the requirement of the Regional bond, Tanzania reported that the Commissioners of Customs will advise during their engagement.The SCTIFI agreed that the issue is operational and should be referred to the Committee on Customs for resolution. Hence it is resolved in this EAC Time Bound Programme |
|
|
NTB-000-918 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B14: Authorization requirements for importing certain products |
2019-10-05 |
Kenya: Charges were applied by Nairobi City Council |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2019-10-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement to foreign exhibitors in Kenya to have a trading license to be able to display their products in the trade fair without which a fine of Ksh 1,000 per day is imposed to the exhibitor by the City Council. The incident occurred during the Nairobi International Trade Fair that took place at Jamhuri Park to 30th September to 6th October 2019 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade Kenya reported that it was a one off issue and is committed that it will not happen again in other upcoming exhibitions. The meeting agreed that exhibitors should be informed not to accept any charges and should report to the relevant authorities in case it happens. Hence it was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-963 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: At Taveta border post |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The unclear and high fine of Ksh 100,000 charged by Kenya Revue Authority (KRA)to trucks without Electronic Cargo Tracking gadget (GPS) based on provisions 73 (1) and 204 (a) and (b) of the EACMA 2004 revised in 2017 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During SCTIFI held in September 2020, the Republic of Kenya informed that the fee is not discriminatory and is provided for by the EAC CMA the maximum charge is USD 5,000.Hence the SCTIFI agreed that this is not an NTB and hence is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-964 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: Nairobi ICD |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of the new verification/inspection tariff at Nairobi ICD (80 USD for 20 feet containers and 120 USD for 40 feet containers by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) due to outsourcing of labor to conduct inspections and verification on behalf of KBS and KRA |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
After investigations, Kenya confirm that;-
- The charges are in accordance to the existing KPA tariff applicable to both local and transit cargo where labour is required to provide verification/stripping and stuffing services.
- The verification charges are applicable to only those containers that have been targeted for verification by Customs/other Government cargo intervening Agencies and or on customers request
- Clients have the option of either using the outsourced service provider or seeking for an approval from Customs for their containers to be released under seal for destination verification at their warehouses.
-There are no charges for sight and release mode of verification
This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-965 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: Eldoret Storage KPC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The issue of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) requiring upfront payments or a guarantee cheque for storage of oil and after expiration of the grace period of 21 days they charge 2$ per cube meter (1000 liters) per day as a fine while in Tanzania the grace period goes up to 2months. Also, in order to be able to import products through KPC , a foreign registered company is required to have an agreement with a Kenya based company to bid for them in other to be part on the Open Tender System (OTS). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the meeting that the charges are in accordance with the existing KPA regulations. The verification charges are applicable to containers identified for verification upon the customer's request. The customer has a choice to use an independent agent. Hence this is not an NTB and is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-965 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: Eldoret Storage KPC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The issue of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) requiring upfront payments or a guarantee cheque for storage of oil and after expiration of the grace period of 21 days they charge 2$ per cube meter (1000 liters) per day as a fine while in Tanzania the grace period goes up to 2months. Also, in order to be able to import products through KPC , a foreign registered company is required to have an agreement with a Kenya based company to bid for them in other to be part on the Open Tender System (OTS). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Republic of Kenya informed the meeting that KPC does not require upfront payment or guarantee cheque for storage of oil. Therefore, the meeting agreed that Kenya sends written communication to the Republic of Rwanda through the EAC Secretariat by 13th May 2022.The meeting was informed that the Republic of Rwanda received the letter on 11th May 2022 through EAC Secretariat.The meeting, therefore, agreed to discuss operationalization modalities during Rwanda and Kenya JPC. The meeting agreed that the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-025 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2021-08-10 |
Malawi: SONGWE KARONGA BOX 8 WEIGHBRIDGE |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Rwanda truck carrying Fertilizer TPT from Tanzania to Malawi Lilongwe was refused to enter Malawi and charged USD 1000 for violating third country rule a provision that is being applied betwen Zambia and Malawi to protect their national transport operators against foreign transporters not registered in Malawi. This is a discrimination against other trucks transporting goods to Malawi |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The COMESA workshop on Capacity building for Member States held on 2- 6 April 2023, reviewed this matter and recommended that the Secretariat to recommend to Rwanda to regard this NTB as resolved considering that there are Legal Instruments supporting its implementation. The relevant transport instruments would be shared with Rwanda. |
|
|
NTB-001-193 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B14: Authorization requirements for importing certain products |
2023-12-10 |
Botswana: Instructions provided to the Rwanda's commercial agent based in Botswana |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2026-04-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement by Botswana authority in charge of food imports that Rwanda needs to provide a " Free Sale certificate" prior to exporting coffee to Botswana. The issue is that such certificate is not required in 20 countries where Rwanda is exporting coffee globally. In addition, there is no institution in Rwanda that issues such certification. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The requirement for a Certificate of Free Sale (or equivalent official documentation) for coffee imports is a risk-based sanitary measure consistent with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade Organization, applied uniformly to ensure imported food is safe and fit for human consumption. Where Rwanda does not issue such certificates, alternative documentation from a competent authority confirming lawful manufacture and marketing is acceptable, ensuring flexibility while maintaining public health protection. |
|
|
Products:
|
0901: Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; coffee husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion. |
|
|
NTB-001-215 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2024-10-03 |
Kenya: Traffic Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Arbitrary fines charged to drivers in Kenya not commensurate to the fines specified in Kenya Traffic Control Act 2015
For instance, the driver was fined 25,000 Kenyan shillings where he was supposed to pay only 10,000 Kenyan shillings (Section 53 (1) and 67). Also, Kenya Traffic Control Act (2015) prohibits someone from driving a commercial vehicle for more than a total of eight hours in any 24-hour period (section 66A). This should not apply to transit trucks since the international best practice for maximum driving time for truck drivers is between 11 and 14 hours a day.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the meeting that the driver was arrested on 12 / 09 / 2024 while driving a Motor Vehicle with Registration No. RAE 579B / RL2395 M / Benz Actros and was consequently presented before Makindu Law Court charged with the following offenses:
● Count 1: Failing to maintain parts and equipment of the M / Vehicle contrary to Section 55 (1) as read with Section 58 (1) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya without rear reflectors). The accused pleaded guilty and was fined KSHS 15,000
● Count 2: Causing obstruction, contrary to Section 53 (1) as read with Section 53 (4) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya. The accused pleaded guilty and fined KSHS 10,000 / =
Hence amounting to a total of KSHS. 25,000
The Republic of Rwanda submitted that there is need to notify counterparts in case a National of one Partner States is charged in another Partner States and Traffic offenses should be distinguished from crime. |
|
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