| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-085 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa is charging import levy on imports of pasta |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that all tariffs applied by SA to SADC countries have been agreed to on the SADC Protocol on Trade, According to the tariff book, this product is traded free under |
|
|
NTB-000-086 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa applying a levy on imports of sorgum |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that, according to the tariff book this product is traded free under SADC, for SACU, a tariff of 3% /kg is charged. .This has been discussed by SACU Member Countries, again this complaint does relate to NTBs, |
|
|
NTB-000-260 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-09-08 |
South Africa: SARS |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Namibia's ASYCUDA system allows for direct inputs by both local and foreign traders and communicates well with customs clearance system used in the region (mostly ASYCUDA). South Africa has, years after Botswana and Namibia introduced it, introduced the SAD500(Single Administrative Document) for customs clearance system yet does not allow for direct input by traders/ freight forwarders not registered in South Africa into its system ( not ASYCUDA). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that Single Administrative Document (SAD) has been introduced to make the clearance of goods easier and more convenient for importers, exporters and cross-border traders on 01 October 2006. The SAD complies with international best practices and Customs standards; with similar documents having been introduced throughout the world |
|
|
NTB-000-281 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In 2004, the South African authorities introduced a commercial export permit requirement for Namibian grown oysters before these oysters could enter South Africa. In addition, an import permit is required from the South African authorities. The industry views this measure as a punitive trade measure, intended to protect the South African industry. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that the importation and exportation of all products is subject to control measures. This is to ensure that there is compliance with specified environmental legislation and with terms and
conditions of permits and other authorisations issued in terms of that legislation. For more information please contact:
Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Tel: 021 402 3911
Fax: 021 402 3367 |
|
|
NTB-000-272 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Other Zambia |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Issuing of Phytosanitary Certificates for exports of cotton cake to Namibia by Zambian Authorities is too slow. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambian reported that authorities process the above certificates as quickly as possible. The only time there is a delay is when the client does not have the right documentation, or has missing documentation |
|
|
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 |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of salt under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of fishmeal under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
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 |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of pasta under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-000-953 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2020-04-11 |
|
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-02-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
At Katima Mulilo border post between the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Zambia, Zambian Authorities/ Command centres, specifically the Zambia Police Service and the Ministry of Health Officials stationed at Katima Mulilo border post from the Provincial Administration in Western Province tasked to screen truck drivers at the border post, are charging Namibian transporters and truck drivers to meet logistical costs of escorting their respective quarantined truck drivers to Kazungula, Livingstone, Lusaka and Kasumbalesa transits especially perishables and other essential commodities such as medicines, clearly at variance with World Customs Organisation (WCO) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Protocols on Trade, destined for the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo via the Walvis Bay - Ndola - Lubumbashi Development Corridor (Namibia, Zambia, DRC). In the Republic of Zambia and other SADC Member states, and in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) Public Health Protocols, screening, testing and quarantining of truck drivers for covid - 19 are State operations and are at variance with the agreed SADC Guidelines on Harmonisation and Facilitation of Cross Border Transport Operations during the covid - 19 outbreak. This is an added cost of doing business, unnecessary cross border delays without prior notification to transporters and a Non - Tariff Barrier to Trade.
This is unprecedented, Namibian transporters are being charged as much as K800 for each Police Officer for at least 3 days and each convoy of trucks has at least 3 Police officers. The cost is meant to cover lodging and subsistence allowance for the officers.
This is an encumbrance to trade, against the SADC Guidelines on movement of goods and services in the region amid covid - 19 and adds to the cost of doing business, against WCO, WTO, and WHO best practices on global trade facilitation and Public Health. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Based on the update provided above, the complaint can be considered as resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-090 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2022-10-19 |
Zambia: Katima Mulilo |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Issuance of exorbitant transit permit fees by the Zambian Government went up from K3700 to K11200 and is only imposed at the Katima Mulilo Border post and not at any other borders around Zambia. The Permit was supposed to only apply to those entering Zambia for the purpose of doing business and not those in transit such as drivers transporting the goods through/via Zambia. the permit is therefore deemed to be discriminatory (no other SADC/COMESA countries are imposing a similar measure)and, the permit hinders the movement of goods as truck drivers are delayed in trying to source money to fund the permit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
After a follow-up via email with the complainant, the complainant confirmed that the NTB was resolved. Secretariat is kindly requested to update status of this NTB to resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-118 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2023-05-16 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Mitaka, Lualaba province Democratic republic of Congo |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
DRC authorities in Mutaka, Lualaba province are charging 100 United states dollars for scanning each commercial truck loaded with cargo.
Cumbersome barriers, lengthy procedures have caused unprecedented congestion of hundreds of trucks in Mutaka area.
Truck drivers no sanitation, no wellness facilities, power security. One truck driver died in his truck on the due to Kasumbalesa border. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Taxes have been abolished |
|
|
NTB-001-167 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2024-05-16 |
South Africa: All border crossings by road, air or sea |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Nakara (pty) , a Namibian company formally requests a dispensation from the South African Veterinary (SA VET) import permit required for imports of Namibian finished leather. Nakara (pty) Ltd, a Namibian tannery, has maintained an unblemished record and has never been implicated in any wrongdoing in the past. However, due to the current regulatory framework, we find ourselves inadvertently impacted by the necessity of the SA VET import permit on Namibian leather exports. It is important to note that no other country imposes such a requirement on imports of finished leather into South Africa. South Africa is Nakara's biggest export market and the aforementioned unnecessary NTB puts Nakara into a competitive disadvantage. A disadvantage that hinders further growth in the trade relationship between Namibia and South Africa in the leather sector, both being members of the SADC region. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the SADC regional NTBs workshop held on 14- 15 April 2026, South Africa focal points reported that there were no restrictions on th importation of leather. The VET department issued permits as per requirement . |
|
|
Products:
|
4107.99: Leather "incl. parchment-dressed leather" of the portions, strips or sheets of hides and skins of bovine "incl. buffalo" or equine animals, further prepared after tanning or crusting, without hair on (excl. unsplit full grains leather, grain splits leath |
|
|
NTB-001-301 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2026-02-19 |
Botswana: all entry points |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
I am a manufacturer of fully finished furniture leather based in Namibia. My company has historically utilised Botswana as a transit corridor to supply customers in Zimbabwe under the framework of regional trade within SADC.
Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the region, I have been prevented from using Botswana as a transit country for consignments destined for Zimbabwe. This restriction effectively blocks an established and commercially critical trade route.
Namibia is a recognised FMD-free zone, and all raw materials used in our production originate exclusively from Namibian cattle. Furthermore, the industrial tanning and finishing processes applied to hides—particularly chemical treatment, liming, pickling, chrome tanning, retanning, and finishing—render the survival and transmission of the FMD virus scientifically implausible. Fully finished leather does not constitute a vector for FMD transmission and should therefore be exempt from movement restrictions associated with live animals or untreated animal products.
The inability to transit through Botswana forces us to use alternative routes into Zimbabwe that are substantially more expensive. These additional logistics costs render our trade with Zimbabwe economically unviable and undermine our competitiveness within the region.
As a SADC Member State, Namibia is entitled to the free movement of goods that comply with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The current transit restriction on fully finished leather constitutes a non-tariff barrier inconsistent with the principles of regional integration and trade facilitation.
If this situation persists, it will have severe commercial and employment consequences. The loss of strategically important customers in Zimbabwe will directly reduce production volumes, which in turn may necessitate workforce reductions. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 15 April 2026 , the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) and DVS Botswana communicated to Botswana Focal Point that the NTB had been resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
4107: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting, including parchment-dressed leather, of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals, without hair on, whether or not split, other than leather of heading 41.14. |
|
|
NTB-000-349 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa charges on refrigerated trucks that come to pick bananas from Mozambique are too high |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-339 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-12-10 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Customs |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Importers of medicine experience delays in clearance because pre-inspection certificates are not issued on time. |
|
|
NTB-000-350 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2010-02-10 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Trade |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-06-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique private sector do not have information regarding tariffs obtaining in the SADC FTA. They are also not conversant with the SADC certificate of origin |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique, reported that there exists a confederation of association of the private sector (CTA) in which there is a working group that deals with customs matters, which participates in all meetings and events related to the subject. |
|
|
NTB-000-238 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-08-13 |
SADC |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-02-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique is experiencing difficulties using the NTBs online reporting system because it does not have a portuguese version. It is not enough to translate the user guide because users need to intract with the system itself. The secretariat should urgently look into this issue to enable Portuguese speaking countries to utilise the system. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Website has been translated into French and Portuguese languages |
|
|
NTB-000-341 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-12-11 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Health |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Importers of Medicine experience serious clearance delays because pre -inspection certificate is issued on time. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the obligation of pre- inspection in medicine import is not a NTB, because the medicine are listed as positive range of products whose the import process requires pre-shipment inspection and a permit from the Ministry of Health |
|
|
NTB-000-342 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-12-11 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Revenue Authority |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alfandegas and SARs are taking too long to verify origin of imported Rajah Medium curry powder after Alfandegas queried origin in September 2009.The importers have to pay deposits and authorisation to get the pay the deposit takes up to 22 days thereby increasing standing time at Frigo from an average of two days to as high as 22 days for some loads. The delay has costed the importers since Rajah curry risks insect infection while at Frigo. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the process of verification takes maximum 24hrs on the Mozambique side. However, clearing agents appointed by importers delay in submitting required information hence the delays. |
|
|
NTB-000-343 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-12-11 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Revenue Authority |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alfandegas and SARS are delaying verification of rules of origin for Sunlight dish washing liquid made in South Africa costing the importer as they have to pay deposit to Alfandegas since September 2009. The delays in authorizations for payment of deposits has cost the company as they have to pay demurage charges for tyransporters , increased parking fees at Frigo to wait as much as up 22days to get authorization |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that once discrepancy in the certificate of origin, is noted, the freight forwarder completes questionnaire for clarification. If the doubt prevails the importer must pay surety while verification is done to determine origin to qualify for preferential treatment. Qualifying goods are released but
Process remains open until confirmation by DRO if the goods meet the conditions necessary to benefit from preferential treatment.
Inefficiency of the freight forwarder in answering the questionnaire and follow the subsequent steps contribute to delays. Timely processing takes no more than 72 hours to be released early by the surety. |
|
English
Français
