| Complaint number |
NTB Type
Check allUncheck all |
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
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NTB-000-122 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Customs |
Seychelles |
Resolved 2011-06-03 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Seychelles has recently imposed a levy on imports of pork and poultry products into that country |
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Resolution status note:
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Seychelles reported that this is no longer the case |
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NTB-000-145 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved 2011-06-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
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A 10% import levy is imposed on all agricultural products. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zimbabwe reported that import levy has been suspended on all basic commodities most of which are agricultural in nature. |
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NTB-000-370 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2010-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Traders of Plant materials, e.g., seeds are charged different rates by Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Border post in Livingstone (US$20.00) from those charges by other countries e.g., South Africa (ZAR60.00) for each entry. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that the current charge of US$10 on issuance of SPS certificates is competitive in the region. There are no harmonized charges for SPS certificates in the SADC region. |
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NTB-000-326 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-09 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Revenue Authority |
Eswatini |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Mozambique customs charges can be as high as 200% of the value of goods transported |
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Resolution status note:
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Reporting country could not verify the complaint hence it was deemed resolved until a specific report is made. |
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NTB-000-106 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Swaziland imposed import levy for dairy products. |
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Resolution status note:
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Swaziland reported that there is an import levy on dairy products imposed and collected by Swaziland Dairy Board |
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NTB-000-035 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2008-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Trade |
Kenya |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Import Tariffs
Kenya complained that Ugandan authorities were utilizing 1994 tariff levels as base year for calculating COMESA discounts. |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that she is no longer using 1994 tariff levels as base year for calculations |
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NTB-000-285 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of salt under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that she is on schedule in terms of implementing her obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol. As a result of Zambia’s successful implementation of the Trade Protocol, Zambia participates in the SADC Free Trade Area. The tariff liberalization of category C is continuing up until 2010 as provided for in the SADC Trade Protocol |
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NTB-000-286 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of fishmeal under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that she is on schedule in terms of implementing her obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol. As a result of Zambia’s successful implementation of the Trade Protocol, Zambia participates in the SADC Free Trade Area. The tariff liberalization of category C is continuing up until 2010 as provided for in the SADC Trade Protocol. |
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NTB-000-287 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Other Zambia |
Namibia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of pasta under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that Zambia is on schedule in terms of implementing her obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol. As a result of Zambia’s successful implementation of the Trade Protocol, Zambia participates in the SADC Free Trade Area. The tariff liberalization of category C is continuing up until 2010 as provided for in the SADC Trade Protocol. |
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NTB-000-503 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved 2012-08-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Kenya has introduced Cash Bond on used clothes and shoes / other items considered of high value |
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Resolution status note:
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During the 7th EAC forum Kenya reported that the Cash Bonds on used shoes and clothes was been abolished as recommended by the Mombasa Ministerial meeting on NTBs in March 2012 |
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NTB-000-541 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2012-10-29 |
South Africa: Lebombo |
Lesotho |
Resolved 2013-05-23 |
View |
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Complaint:
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On Monday 29 October I was crossing into South Africa from Mozambique. I was importing used shoes from Mozambique destined to Lesotho, however the customs officials from Lebombo border post on South African could not let my goods pass through and my goods were confiscated.
I was holding the reciept from the seller from Mozambique, the value of the goods was M2,857 (R2,857 or equivalent of 10, 000 Meticais). I was then told by the custom official at the border that I will have to pay R 9000 plus VAT which is not refundable according to the official. This value is way more than the value of the goods.
The other option was that I should hire currier service s very expensive, I was forced to use currier even though I had my own transport and to use an urgent. I was holding an import permit from my country Lesotho at the time however I was told to pay the R 9000 which is not refundable. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 13 November 2012, South Africa Focal Point reported that each of the SACU member state has its own import/export control regime. For South Africa, importation of used clothing and footwear for resale purposes is not allowed, except in specifically defined conditions. The conditions for used clothing are that, imports should be for the purpose of cutting up to manufacture industrial wiping rags in a customs rebate store. For used footwear, imports are only allowed if the shoes are donated to a registered charity for free distribution in terms of a customs rebate provision.
Given the above background, second hand clothing and footwear imports in transit through SA have to transit SA territory under special procedures: these goods need to be cleared in bond first, and then the goods need to be transported by an in-bond carrier to the country of destination (Lesotho in this case). For this reason the importer was told to use courier services. Such courier service would constitute an in-bond carrier. Such an in-bond remover must have sufficient security in place to cover the duty and VAT on these goods in bond; and this surety would be acquitted with the final clearance upon arrival in Lesotho. If the importer therefore did not comply with the in-bond transit measures, it would explain the duties charged.
During the 11th meeting of the SADC Sub -Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 23 May 2013 in Gaborone, Lesotho noted the response by South Africa and undertook to provide clarification upon consultation with the importer. |
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NTB-000-661 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2014-12-11 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved 2015-03-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Uganda charges 25% duty rate on scrapping rolls manufactured in Kenya and also on products manufactured in Kenya using glucose. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the Kenya NMC NTBs meeting held in Nairobi on 16th March 2015, Kenya confirmed that Uganda had scrapped the 25% duty .This position was endorsed by the 17th NTB forum thereby resolving this issue. |
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NTB-000-765 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2017-05-05 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved 2019-08-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Tanzania does not recognize price adjustments for duty purposes particularly the reduction by milk processors in Kenya. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the Regional Monitoring Committee meeting of 2018, Tanzania reported that, this is not an NTB but a valuation issue that can be resolved between the revenue authority and the importer. KRA and TRA were therefore quested to hold a bilateral meeting to resolve the matter by 21st November 2018.2. The Regional meeting held from 29 April - 3 May 2019 referred the matter to the Committee on Customs for resolution. |
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NTB-000-946 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2017-03-01 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Agriculture |
Kenya |
Resolved 2021-04-05 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Tanzania introduced new discriminative fees levied against animal and animal products vide Animal Diseases (Animal and Animal products Movement Control) amendment GN no. 475. This discriminatory fees to Kenya (EAC) animal and animal products i.e. beef and beef products, milk and milk products vis-à-vis Tanzania products has increased levies to 4800Tsh per Kg of meat (Ksh from 200 to 500) and 1800 Tsh per Kg for milk. This is against the spirit of the EAC where Tanzania (Partner States) is required to accord equal treatment to products from Kenya. This has negatively affected Kenya beef and beef products into Tanzania. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the Tanzania NMC meeting held in April 2021, the Meeting was informed that the charge is on Imports from outside the Region and not transfers from the East African Partner States. Since the Republic of Kenya has not produced any evidence of the complaint, the NTB should be resolved |
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NTB-000-498 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Rwanda |
Resolved 2014-12-11 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Congestion in the Dar-es- Salaam and Mombasa Ports |
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Resolution status note:
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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 |
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NTB-000-502 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Rwanda |
Resolved 2012-09-28 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Delays at Malaba border for trucks driving to Uganda due to lack of facilities at the border |
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Resolution status note:
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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. |
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NTB-000-580 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2013-04-17 |
Rwanda: Rusumo |
Rwanda |
Resolved 2014-07-02 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Lack of parking facilities at Rusumo Border Post is creating congestion and clearance delays. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 03 July 2014 FESARTA reported that there were initiatives to improve this border post and so the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-000-798 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2018-01-25 |
Zimbabwe: Forbes |
Zambia |
Resolved 2018-02-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
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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. |
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Resolution status note:
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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 |
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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 |
View |
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Complaint:
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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 |
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Resolution status note:
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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 |
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NTB-000-108 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-26 |
Angola: Telecommunications Department |
South Africa |
Resolved 2011-11-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Angola postal and delivery services are unrelaible |
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Resolution status note:
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During the NTB workshop held in Luanda on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that postal services have been improved significantly in the last few years. DHL, and other services are now available in post offices. The NTB is therefore resolved. |
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