Resolved complaints

Showing items 481 to 500 of 855
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-000-452 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues 2011-09-03 Tanzania: Mbeya Uganda Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: Tanzania Border posts charge Visa charges of US$ 250 for businessmen from Uganda.  
Resolution status note: At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that it does not charge visa from EAC members.  
NTB-000-453 8.8. Issues related to transit 2011-09-03 Tanzania: Ministry of Transport Burundi Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: No movements of Cargo Trucks beyond 6:00 pm within Tanzania. This affects trucks from Rwanda, Burundi & Uganda  
Resolution status note: At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Burundi agreed that this NTB be resolved on the basis that Tanzania was modernising the tracking equipment so as to have electronic devices that can be monitored electronically along the transport corridor to the final destination. This provision allows Tanzania Revenue Authprity to make the necessary timely interventions. Burundi and Tanzania have signed a joint MoU in joint patrol and were provided equipment to maintain security along the affected areas. However Tanzania wouldl notify Burundi on the operationalization of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).  
NTB-000-454 8.8. Issues related to transit 2011-09-03 Tanzania: Central Corridoor,Tanzania Uganda Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: TRA has introduced check points in the Central Corridor with timeframes and imposed charges for the delays to reach the destinations  
Resolution status note: At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that the time frame of clearance of Transit goods from the point of entry to the point of exit had been used as control measure to ensure that there was no divergence of transit goods into local markets. In the Central corridor there are 3 check points that is Missugusugu, Dumila and Isaka.
From all these check points it takes 5 days to across border. In the southern corridor there are also 3 check points and it takes about 3 days to cross borders. Tanzania launched Electronic cargo Tracking System (ECTS) on 12th March, 2012 which was expected to commence operations in June, 2012. With ECTS there will be no need for Time frame as the goods would be monitored electronically. The legal document was given to Rwanda
 
NTB-000-455 8.8. Issues related to transit 2011-09-03 Kenya: Central Corridor Rwanda Resolved
2011-09-19
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Complaint: Varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya. Kenya demands that trucks should noit weigh more than 48Tonnes axle load whereas other partner states allow 56tons.  
Resolution status note: The 6th EAC Regional Forum on Non tariff barriers held from 12-13 March 2012, adopted recoomendation from the meetin of EAC permanent secretaries of the sectoral Council of transport , communications and metrology held in Nairobi on 16-19 August 2011 that a meeting of experts be convined by EAC secretariat to develop supportive legal, institutional and operative framework for approval by the council in 2012. This NTB is therefore considered resolved by the regional forum.  
NTB-000-455 8.8. Issues related to transit 2011-09-03 Kenya: Central Corridor Rwanda Resolved
2011-09-19
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Complaint: Varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya. Kenya demands that trucks should noit weigh more than 48Tonnes axle load whereas other partner states allow 56tons.  
Resolution status note: The axle load was agreed at 56 tons in the recent past and could possibly be a case where a hiccup arises due to lack of information by the implementing agency. When we have such cases of varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya along the Northern Corridor (Weighbridge), then it is useful to specify the weighbridge and give necessary details for us to follow and address the complain . However, the issue of varying application of axle load specifications should no longer occur because the region has adopted a uniform applicable axle load of 56 Tonnes  
NTB-000-456 1.1. Export subsidies
A83: Certification requirement
2011-09-03 EAC Kenya Resolved
2014-12-11
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Complaint: EAC Standards Bureaus have varying procedures for issuance of certification marks, inspection and testing.  
Resolution status note: At the 16th NTBs forum held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that Partner States Regulatory Agencies are collaborating in clearance of goods and that there is now mutual recognition of certificates issued by Partner States Testing bodies. This NTB was therefore resolved.  
NTB-000-444 1.1. Export subsidies
A83: Certification requirement
Policy/Regulatory
2011-09-02 Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture Uganda Resolved
2014-12-11
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Complaint: Non recognition by Kenya for SPS certificates issued by Uganda for tea destined for Mombasa action.  
Resolution status note: At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Kenya reported that the requirement would be abolished. Kenya reported that tea destined for auction at Mombasa for export must be warehoused in a bonded Customs warehouse (Transit Go down) of their choice. This NTB is therefore resolved  
NTB-000-445 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2011-09-02 Burundi: Revenue Authority Tanzania Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: Burundi customs system does not interface within the customs’ systems in the Revenue Authorities in Partner States  
Resolution status note: Burundi and Rwanda NMC consultations held during the 3rd meeting of the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs in Dar-es-salaam on 19-20 April 2012 concluded that the issue had been resolved after Rwanda bureau of standards recognised that Burundi water meets international standards.  
NTB-000-448 8.8. Issues related to transit 2011-09-02 EAC Rwanda Resolved
2014-12-11
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Complaint: Inadequate Police Escort mechanism.  
Resolution status note: At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the All Partner States were providing police escorts. This NTB is therefore resolved  
NTB-000-678 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory
2011-08-25 Egypt: Egyptian Customs Authority - Ministry of Finance Kenya Resolved
2016-02-08
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Complaint: Non acceptance of COMESA certificates of origin on mill white sugar, LG Electronics (TV sets) originating from Kenya  
Resolution status note: On 8th February 2016 , Focal Point for Egypt reported that the NTB be considered resolved on the basis of a recommendation from a joint visit on the spot verification for Mill White Sugar and LG products (TV Sets) was undertaken that White sugar & LG Electronics (TV sets) qualify for preferential treatment according to COMESA protocol of ROO.  
NTB-000-430 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2011-08-23 Tanzania: Lungalunga Kenya Resolved
2013-10-17
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Complaint: plastic bags doubted as to the rule of origin despite the existence of rule of origin certificate  
Resolution status note: At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC secretariat reported that a report of the verification mission was considered by the meeting of SCTIFI following which , letters were sent out to Partner States and revenue authorities informing them that plastic products are supposed to benefit from preferential treatment.  
NTB-000-467 2.14. Other 2011-08-08 Zimbabwe: Kariba Zimbabwe Resolved
2011-10-25
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Complaint: On the 8/8/2011 a trader came with 45 pairs of slippers that is plastic footwear which qualifies the product to be traded using Comesa certificate of Origin under code 6404 since the onset of the project, the trader was charged duty of $72.00 calculated from total value of $31.10 yet she was only to pay vat & p-tax of $7.76, after discussions with Customs Manager she then paid $14.00 for vat, p-tax,and storage charge of $6.00 for 3days. from this day custom then banned importation of plastic footwear under this code 6404 and this ban is only at Kariba border Post, Zimbabwe, yet on Zambian side they give Comesa Certificate of Origin for the same product ,this is now promoting smuggling of this product along Zambezi River if that person dont want to Chirundu route  
Resolution status note: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that the product Plastic Slippers is classified in tariff 6402.2000 which is not on the COMESA STR Common List of products therefore customs officers could not clear under that instrument. However, following consultations between officials from Zimbabwe and Zambia, products in HS code 6402 will be put up for consideration to be included on the COMESA STR list of products at the next reveiw meeting.  
Products: 6404.19: Footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics and uppers of textile materials (excl. sports footwear, incl. tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and the like, and toy footwear)  
NTB-000-428 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2011-08-01 Tanzania: Mbeya Kenya Resolved
2013-10-17
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Complaint: EXPORT OF PLASTIC FROM KENYA TO TANZANIA ARE SUBJECTED TO 25% DUTY  
Resolution status note: At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC secretariat reported that a report of the verification mission was considered by the meeting of SCTIFI following which , letters were sent out to Partner States and revenue authorities informing them that plastic products are supposed to benefit from preferential treatment.  
Products: 3905.21: Vinyl acetate copolymers, in aqueous dispersion  
NTB-000-425 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory
2011-07-21 Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa South Africa Resolved
2016-10-07
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Complaint: DRC transit charges are too exhorbitant. For example, a truck delivering to Tenke, will have to pay $340 + 750 + 125 + 125 = $1340 for one return trip.That is, providing the truck doesn’t wait more than one day at the Zambian border.
There have been many complaints about it, but little seems to be done. There are ongoing efforts by the RFA and other stakeholders to get the toll fees as low as possible yielded some positive resulted in a once off reduction of the fees which still are too high. Each trip through Kasumbalesa to Lubumbashi costs a staggering US$ 125.There is need for transparency and fair toll fees at regional level.
 
Resolution status note: FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present.  
NTB-000-443 5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory
2011-07-14 Kenya: Malaba Uganda Resolved
2016-06-30
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Complaint: Kenya Charges a plant import permit (PIP) at Malaba on Ugandan tea destined for auction at Mombasa  
Resolution status note: Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved  
NTB-000-423 7.1. Arbitrariness 2011-07-12 Mozambique: Dondo Zimbabwe Resolved
2012-03-27
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Complaint: Zimbabwe transport hauliers companies continue to have problems with certain Mozambique authorities. Mozambique authorities (Police at Dondo) are not accepting certified copies of registration books on grounds that if the vehicle does get stolen there are no legal document to prove the vehicle belongs to transporting company. CVR amendments are also not accepted. It looks like the Police are unnecessary targeting Zimbabwe registered vehicles. They are being unreasonable with their fines which are imposed citing very minor faults on vehicles. The police at Dondo hassle the drivers and find no apparent reason to issue tickets.

Forbes border post is hassling drivers, especially the agriculture department. They say that an agriculture permit is required but the documents s gets checked in Beira, Dondo and Inchope. But when they get to the border they claim that this permit is required.
 
Resolution status note: In a consulative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Focal Points on 19 September 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique reported that, according to existing laws, it is illegal to carry notarised documents. The SADC secretariat in liaison with reporting and imposing country, will facilitate further consultations on the matter if necessary.
2. With regards to agriculture documentation, Moambique reported that documentation is processed by the relevant departments and institutions at the border , therefore this issue does not arise and is considered resolved
 
NTB-000-469 5.12. Export restraint arrangements 2011-07-12 Tanzania: Ministry of Trade and Industry Rwanda Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: Tanzania has officially banned export of scrap metal to Rwanda  
Resolution status note: At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,Tanzania reported that it had ratified the Bamako convention that governs the movement of hazardous wastes with in Africa. Tanzania has neither banned importation nor exportation of scrap metals, but there are procedures to follow when engaging in such business which are :
i) A team of experts has to inspect the scrap metals to ensure that the consignment is safe to and allowed
to be exported.
ii) The exporter has to obtain an export permit from the MIT.

There are scrap metals that are not allowed to be exported from Tanzania. The list is supported by a Legal instrument. (The Exports Control Act Cap. 381, Prohibition of Exports, Amendment of the Schedule) Government Notice No. 204 published on 22/7/2005, Section 16). This applies to all countries not Rwanda specifically.
During the Bilateral meeting Rwanda was availed with that specific legal instrument.
With above explanation Rwanda withdrew complaint and it was agreed to consider it resolved
 
NTB-000-421 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues
Policy/Regulatory
2011-07-07 Zambia: Chirundu Zimbabwe Resolved
2013-04-13
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Complaint: A comercial truck driver's trip was rejected entry into Zambia ,the driver was rejected entry after the expected required number of days (90) allowed entry into Zambia had expired within a period of 12 months . The company was required to pay ZK 2 million for a three month permit. The fees are too exhobitant especially for small scale transport companies. Visa restriction on the movement of commercial vehicle drivers on duty have been experienced in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.  
Resolution status note: Pursuant to the SADC transport Protocol signed by Heads of States on the 22nd August 1996 in Maseru, Lesotho and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Walvis Bay -Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor signed in March 2010 in Livingstone, Zambia, Zambia directed all Regional Immigration Officers to issue one (01) year Transit Permit to all Foreign truck drivers. The Truck Drivers permit is issued in aacordance to section 32 ,Border Pass and Transit Permit of the Immigration Act of Zambia implememnted from 09 December 2011.  
Products: 1511.10: Crude palm oil  
NTB-000-422 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory
2011-07-04 Zambia: Chirundu - Lusaka Highway Zimbabwe Resolved
2012-04-26
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Complaint: Zambia is enforcing a requirement under the CONSTRUCTION AND USE REGULATIONS OF THE ROADS AND ROAD TRAFFIC ACT CAP 464, SECTION 17 (2) OF THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION imposing a fee of K180, 000 on all trucks using the Zambian roads without mud flaps , unless the truck or trailer is made in such a way that it can capture the mud, water and flying stones coming out of the wheels of the truck. This requirement is not imposed by all other countries on the transit routes. There needs to be understanding amongst member states that they be flexible with enforcement on foreign vehicles and accept those that have valid roadworthiness certificates from their countries of registration.  
Resolution status note: At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,Zambia clarified that the charge on trucks without mud flaps is applied on all vehicles, local and foreign and therefore not discriminatory. This is a legal requirement. It was resolved that this NTB be recorded under the schedule of ‘Resolved’ NTBs of policy and regulatory nature for further consideration  
Products: 1703.90: Beet molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar  
NTB-000-424 6.6. Border taxes 2011-07-04 Kenya: Malaba Uganda Resolved
2011-08-29
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Complaint: Effective July 2007 to date Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) imposed a Plant Import Permit (PIP) of KShs 500 on every truckload of Uganda tea in transit to Mombasa, reason that they have to issue a Phytosanitary certificate when Uganda tea is being exported. However at this time Uganda tea is already sold off. This practice is contrary to international practice where the Phytosanitary certificate is issued by a competent authority in the country of origin in this case Uganda. The above practice also many times delays Uganda tea at Malaba due to making receipts, verification and clearing hence late for listing at Mombasa auction therefore making it less competitive.  
Resolution status note: At the NMC meeting held in Nairobi on 29 August 2011, Kenya reported that:
1. Kenya does not issue plant import permit to goods in transit.
2. If tea is specifically declared as in transit, Malaba border verifies documentation and release without charging import permit. However if declared for local consumption, permit is invoked.
 
Products: 0902.30: Black fermented tea and partly fermented tea, whether or not flavoured, in immediate packings of <= 3 kg  
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