| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-940 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-01-09 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-09-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The newly introduced Rwanda FDA is a double registration and a violation to EAC originating products with standardization quality marks for mutual recognition.
Rwanda FDA was never notified to Kenya/EAC
This will mean products going through double registration/approval systems in EAC. Rwanda to consider exempting EAC products from FDA
These are stringent new requirements on the EAC Community Products:
- when you want to import you need to request for import license, we no longer export/import from EAC, therefore when products have quality standardization mark it serves as one of documents to prove the safety of the products.
- You will also need to provide the product invoice and batch test reports to get the import license, before a products is issued with SMark it must be tested and confirmed that it conforms to the EAC products certification therefore this requirements should be exempted from locally manufactured products with quality marks and Certificate of Origin.
- Registration of the products: it is now mandatory to have the products registered have unique Smark numbers. Authenticity of products can be obtained online on the National bureaus.
- Registration fee will make locally manufactured products noncompetitive. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the RMC meeting the Republic of Rwanda informed that, In addressing such related and persistent NTBs, the EASC in 2018 directed the QATSC to develop a Framework for inter agency regulatory control of food and cosmetics to facilitate cross border trade of these commodities. The final framework was recommended by the EASC for SCTIFI approval in their next meeting and this if Partner States commit to implement will reduce the cost of doing business arising among others from re - registration and re- testing . In respect to the Rwanda FDA, the issue was brought to the attention of the Extraordinary meeting of the EASC held on 12th June 2020. The QATSC was directed to discuss the matter and report in the next EASC meeting held on 23rd July with participation of most Partner States Regulatory Authorities .In that meeting Rwanda FDA reported that they recognize products with the EAC notified Quality -Marks that are issued based on harmonized EAC standards, and what Rwanda FDA was doing was just the listing for such products in building the database. The Registration fees for EAC products is waived and EAC products will be registered automatically. The information is on the website and the the Regulations are attached.The NTB is hence resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-980 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2019-11-30 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2021-03-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda Authorities didn't approve Comesa certificate of origin which is issued from Egypt as they are objecting that the product is not Egyptian production . We will be more than happy to invite the delegates from Rwanda to visit our factory & can do inspection to satisfy themselves. The exporting company provided all the required documents necessary to satisfy the criteria for issuing Comesa Certificate to Rwanda. As per the Rules of Egyptian Government for Comesa we have submitted all the necessary documents. Comesa Certificate No. (0092824) is attached. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
RESOLVED during 1st Meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs Forum held on 16- 17 March 2021 |
|
|
NTB-001-137 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2023-09-04 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda has introduced higher excise duties on confectioneries transferred from Kenya to Rwanda thus making the products uncompetitive. We request Rwanda to waive these higher excise duties on confectioneries from Kenya
The Rwanda new excise tax is vide Rwanda Official and special gazette of 14/09/2023 under article 4: products and corresponding rates section 2 at FRW 322/kg to confectionary and Chocolate at FRW 1930/KG and other products. This will greatly increase the tax burden on confectionery and discourage Kenya trans-fer/export to Rwanda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Rwanda advised that " According to Article 1 of the Law nº 050/2023 of 05/09/2023 establishing the excise duty, which provides that “This Law establishes the excise duty levied on some of the imported products and products manufactured in Rwanda”. It is clear that provision of Article 4 applies to Rwandan manufactured products and foreign manufactured products equally. Therefore, is no issue of discrimination.
On the other hand, this claim related to confectioneries is not an NTB because a non-tariff barrier is any measure, other than a customs tariff, that acts as a barrier to international trade. This issue is related to fees paid by manufacturers of confectioneries be they manufactured in Rwanda or in Kenya. Therefore, this claim of NTB should be withdrawn" |
|
|
NTB-001-213 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-01-01 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda requires manufacturers in Kenya to register their cosmetic products with FDA. The process of pproduct registration is cumbersome, not clear and it takes long, sample of evidence attached shows payment was done in 2021 for 63 products but up to date only 37 products have been registered.
The registration and payment are demanded despite the products having the Kenya recognized quality marks (SMark) with harminised standard. This is a violation of the SQMT Act. In addition, Rwanda FDA had committed that they are not going to retest nor charge the same fees to products that have been certified with recognised SMark.
Invoice number $14,150 and invoice $1,600 FDA. Rwanda use these FDA registration to restrict our cosmetics products and food into Rwanda as Rwanda has not issued licenses for cosmetics since 2021. Additionally, these has reduced shipments of goods to Rwanda and the charges charged to products has made the prices rising. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting Partner States agreed that the NTB be referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration. |
|
|
NTB-001-213 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-01-01 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda requires manufacturers in Kenya to register their cosmetic products with FDA. The process of pproduct registration is cumbersome, not clear and it takes long, sample of evidence attached shows payment was done in 2021 for 63 products but up to date only 37 products have been registered.
The registration and payment are demanded despite the products having the Kenya recognized quality marks (SMark) with harminised standard. This is a violation of the SQMT Act. In addition, Rwanda FDA had committed that they are not going to retest nor charge the same fees to products that have been certified with recognised SMark.
Invoice number $14,150 and invoice $1,600 FDA. Rwanda use these FDA registration to restrict our cosmetics products and food into Rwanda as Rwanda has not issued licenses for cosmetics since 2021. Additionally, these has reduced shipments of goods to Rwanda and the charges charged to products has made the prices rising. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting, Partner States agreed that this issue be referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration. |
|
|
NTB-001-350 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2026-02-02 |
Rwanda: RRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-05-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of discriminative excise duties of 35% by Rwanda to Kenya confectionary, not subjected to local manufacturers in Rwanda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 40th RMC Kenya informed the meeting that the Excise duty was removed and NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-353 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses |
2026-04-10 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-09-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
wanda FDA is subjecting Kenya products to costly charges for re-testing and registration of the products despite the products being certified by the Kenya bureau of standards with valid standardization mark.
The two products include ace pine fresh and ace citrus fresh liquid toilet cleaners. Rwanda FDA informed that the certifications for the two products had been revoked on the basis that they allegedly contained Nonyl Phenol despite successfully applying for and receiving product registrations from Rwanda FDA under certificates Rwanda FDA‑ADP‑MA‑0070 and Rwanda FDA‑ADP‑MA‑0072. Further the manufacturer confirmed they not using Nonyl Phenol
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The two Partner States agreed that the NTB be resolved, because there will no retesting of Ace Pine Fresh and Ave Pine Citrus toilet cleaners once certified by KEBs |
|
|
NTB-000-248 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on imports of fuel from RSA. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
This NTB has been resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-246 |
7.7. Complex variety of documentation required |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Procedures for VAT (claim back) in Namibia are too complicated |
|
|
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, Namibia reported that customs only processess those refund applications accompanied by relevant documentation. The documents required are a completed NA66, a proof of export (SAD 500 that has been dully proceeded at the point of export) and the invoice that the goods have been obtained. This process was to verify that the goods are indeed obtained and exported. If any of these documents are outstanding customs has the right to refuse such payment.
The Ministry of Finance, Customs Division was in the process of reviewing customs procedures and once this exercise is finalized the revised procedures will be posted on the customs website and will be made available to the public. The meeting accepted Namibia’s submission to resolve this NTB |
|
|
NTB-000-263 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are no less than six ministries, the Namibian police, two Marketing Boards and a Statutory Board involved in the management of imports and exports. The onus is upon the applicant to collect all relevant permits/ certificates from line ministries and other bodies, before a commercial import/ export permit application can be made to MTI. For certain goods, up to three different points of control apply. |
|
|
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, Namibia reported that the Ministry of Trade and Industry would only require authorised or a clearance certificate when a client is importing or exporting a controlled product that needs verification to determine the value for tax purposes and subsequent issuance of the permit by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The meeting accepted Namibia’s submission to resolve this NTB |
|
|
NTB-000-279 |
5.6. Proportion restrictions of foreign to domestic goods (local content requirement)
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-05-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
3% of the horticulture produce purchases in Namibia need to be locally sourced before any imports are allowed (as from October 2004) |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia explained that this is a trade measure and not NTB. The resolution is that only 25% of all horticulture produce has to be sourced in Namibia; however, this figure is determined by the industry themselves. |
|
|
NTB-000-230 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-28 |
Namibia: Namibia Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Border delays due to documentation and customs procedures. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that the Ministry of Finance have so far appointed 61 entry level staff and interviews are still ongoing senior positions up to April 2011
|
|
|
NTB-000-230 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-28 |
Namibia: Namibia Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Border delays due to documentation and customs procedures. |
|
|
NTB-000-252 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-05-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs Clearing process at the Oshikango/Santa Clara border is very long. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Ministry of Finance recruited 41 staff members as of January 2011 in an effort to clear up the Customs Clearance process. |
|
|
NTB-000-247 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-05-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on imports of copper concentrate from DRC and RSA which becomes cumbersome. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that Copper is a controlled product that needs verification to determine the value for tax purposes and subsequent issuance of permit by he Ministry of Trade and Industry. |
|
|
NTB-000-249 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Namibia the same information has to be provided and captured more than once in the import and export supply chain, e.g. Namport, Custom & Excise, MoF, MTI, NCCI, Carriers and Agents on exports of salt to West Africa and RSA,. |
|
|
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, Namibia reported that, a client can obtain an import or export permit in one hour at the Ministry of Trade and Industry if all the required documents are provided. With regard to the export permit the delay comes in when the product is a controlled product where the client is expected to obtain a clearance certificate from the relevant Ministry for tax purposes or when the importing country policies and regulations requires that the imported product be accompanied by authorised documents from the relevant authorities. The meeting accepted Namibia’s submission to resolve this NTB |
|
|
NTB-000-242 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
All imports of white maize, yellow maize i.e. the controlled agronomic crops, are subjected to an import permit from the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB). The import of white maize meal. During harvesting season which runs from the 1st of May till the end of August/September (depends on the size of the local harvest) the imports of all white maize is prohibited, though subject to availability of local supply |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Namibia reported that the import of Maize and maize products from all third parties is only regulated for the time the local harvest is not taken up by the local milling sector. |
|
|
NTB-000-268 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-12-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Inspections, sealing/tagging of cargo cause major delays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Recruitment of personnel is in progress |
|
|
NTB-000-268 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-12-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Inspections, sealing/tagging of cargo cause major delays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Recruitment of personnel in progress |
|
|
NTB-000-250 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs documentation not stamped on export of cosmetics, creams, ointments to RSA, Angola and Botswana,is left behind and delivered late resulting in late claim or no claim of VAT. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that according to Namibia customs regulations, customs cannot put a stamp on documents that have not been verified by them. It is the duty of the client to make sure that they pass an entry with customs ( declare the items with customs) in order for customs to authenticate such documents and to put the required stamps on the customs documents. |
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