| Complaint number |
NTB Type
Check allUncheck all |
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
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NTB-000-881 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2009-02-04 |
Tanzania: Nakonde |
Zambia |
Resolved 2020-11-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Since 2006, the Tanzanian Government imposed a ban on importation of poultry and poultry products to curb any possible Avian Influenza Disease outbreak. However, a Zambian Company (Hybrid Poultry Farm) has been denied Transit Permit for hatching eggs destined for Kenya. The hatching eggs are not going to be offloaded in Tanzania as it will only be used as a transit country and will be transported in sealed refrigerated containers. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 10 November 2020, Zambia Focal Point advised that this was no longer an issue therefore should be resolved. |
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NTB-000-126 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Ministry of Trade |
Eswatini |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Single channel marketing for sugar and sugar products. |
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Resolution status note:
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Swaziland reported that the status quo remains because the Sugar Act has not been reviewed. |
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NTB-000-703 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2015-11-10 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved 2018-11-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Single Customs Territory (SCT) export documents processing in Tanzania are taking longer up to 10 days to be cleared instead of 3 days. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the SCTIFI in November, 2018, the meeting was informed that TRA requires a Bonded Transportation document (BT) to control movement of cargo. Currently, there is no linkage between the BT and the exit note. TRA ICT experts are expected to resolve the matter by 9th November 2018. The meeting agreed that this is a single customs territory (SCT) matter and not an NTB. Hence the NTB was Resolved. |
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NTB-000-417 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2011-04-01 |
Zambia: Mwami |
Zambia |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Small cross border traders who wish to register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) are delayed for at least a day while waiting for that number to activated to enable them to be exempted from paying Advance Income Tax (AIT). |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation , Zambia reported that Zambia Revenue Authority effected the mandatory use of the Tax Payer Identification Number (TPIN) on ASYCUDA with effect from 1st January 2011. TPNs are issued once and are valid for life to both individuals and registered companies. Issuance of TPINs has been decentralized and can be completed within a day. Only 2 of the 15 stations/borders are not connected to the fibre optic linking the ASYCUDA but these can still communicate with assistance from Head Quarters and other stations. Taxpayers are encouraged to obtain TPINs in advance before importing goods. |
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NTB-000-377 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2010-07-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Small traders are denied certificates of origin by producers of products in cases where declarations by producers have to be given. ZIMRA has put in place a law where such declarations are denied which is against the protocol provisions |
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Resolution status note:
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Zimbabwe reported that ZIMRA does issue certificates of origin. All certificates that are presented to ZIMRA for processing and the goods do meet the origin criteria are processed. |
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NTB-001-273 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-05 |
Kenya: Sirari |
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Resolved 2025-05-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Sodium cyanide convoy of 10trucks delayed due to one truck rects online exit point internal input message reading exit Taveta |
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Resolution status note:
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The meeting noted that the exporter did not pay but suffered 8 Days delay at the OSBP with trucks carrying hazardous goods. This is dangerous to the environment and the community around.
However, the issue is operational other than an NTB and should be referred to the Customs Committee for consideration
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution
The NTB was resolved by the COC:
The Sectoral Committee on Customs committed to strengthen inter agency communication and coordination among Partner States Customs authorities to avoid similar incidents in the future. |
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NTB-000-125 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Port Victoria |
South Africa |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Some businesses complained that port handling facilities at the ports are unable to handle containers that exceed 6methers (20ft) thereby limiting exporters in implementing the most cost effective way of transporting their products. |
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Resolution status note:
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Seychelles reported that a new plan for handling of containers has been designed and is expected to ease the current burden in the handling of containers; however it is not too clear when the renovation project will kick start. |
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NTB-000-324 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-09-09 |
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Seychelles |
Resolved 2024-10-03 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Some businesses complained that SADC ports are unable to handle containers that exceed 6 metres (20 ft), which limits exporters in implementing the most cost-effective way of transporting their products |
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Resolution status note:
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It has been agreed between the SADC Secretariat and Seychelles that the NTB-000-324 should be marked as resolved. If the challenge still exists, it may be reported again as a new complaint, and Seychelles shall address it accordingly. |
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NTB-000-132 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
South Africa: South Africa Revenue Services |
Eswatini |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa is charging a fine of E1000.0 per set of customs documents for documents not acquitted within a month. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,South Africa reported that this is a standing transit regulation. Swaziland and South Africa agreed that South Africa would provide the regulation for distribution to stakeholders. It was therefore resolved that the NTB be considered resolved. |
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NTB-000-344 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2009-12-18 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Zambia |
Resolved 2011-01-07 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa trucks with Zimbabwean and Zambian drivers are being impounded and at times foreign drivers get fined by the South African Cross Border Transport Agency for not possessing South African Professional Driving Permits disregarding section 32(3) of the National Road Traffic Act (Act No. 93 of 1996) which stipulates that "any document , serving a purpose similar to that of a professional driving permit issued by a competent authority , be deemed to be a professional driving permit".
This has been a serious issue for many years and rears its head every now and then. ( |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that Zimbabwean driving a Zimbabwean registered vehicle only need to produce a credit card metal licence with a category for the Public drivers for heavy vehicles marked '2', endorsement of medical certificate and expiry date at the back of the licence.
Drivers driving a vehicle not registered in Zimbabwe should produce an A5 size white booklet type licence, International driving permit equivalent of a Proffessional Driving Permit in South Africa issued by Automobile association of Zimbabwe. An AA stamp indicating category for heavy vehicle will be displayed on the right handside of the document.
Zambian public drivers licences are similar to those of South Africa issued with a C1 to EC category of licences with endorsement (PrDP) .However the Zambian driving licences have 'P', which means passengers and 'G' indicating goods and th expiry date next to these categories
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NTB-000-086 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa applying a levy on imports of sorgum |
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Resolution status note:
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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, |
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NTB-000-349 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Mozambique |
Resolved 2011-03-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa charges on refrigerated trucks that come to pick bananas from Mozambique are too high |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
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NTB-000-088 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: South African Revenue Services |
Namibia |
Resolved 2011-06-08 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa charging an import levy on beer |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that beer is traded free under SADC and 5%/litre under SACU (Source: Jacobsens tariff book) |
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NTB-000-368 |
2.4. Import licensing Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Zambia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa denies Plant import permit for imports of chilies from Zambia |
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Resolution status note:
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South Afric areported that Zambia was not able to send information needed to evaluate their plant disease situation, legislation, standards and other requirements. PQPS certificates can therefore not be issued if the above information is not known. |
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NTB-000-078 |
1.1. Export subsidies B41: TBT regulations on production processes |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: SANAS |
Angola |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa does not accept standards from other SADC Member States except SABS |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that SADC is in the process of implementing the TBT annex and establishing the necessary regional institutions to create a regional accreditation system. Until the structures are developed and operational, South Africa will continue to request that products which are not accredited by recognized international accreditation bodies be retested by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This exercise is not meant to deny SA trading counterpart’s access to the South African market, but simply to protect South African consumers. |
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NTB-000-080 |
1.8. Import bans Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Zambia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa has banned imports of all meat from Zambia |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that importation of red meat from Zambia to SA was never allowed because Zambia did not send SA the information she needed to evaluate their animal disease situation, legislation, standards and other requirements. The information was requested in 2006 in the form of a questionnaire by the Department of Agriculture - Directorate Animal Health, Zambia has never responded. |
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NTB-000-087 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Botswana |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa has put in place export restraints for the exportation of dried beans to that market |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that this barrier is no longer existing |
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NTB-000-688 |
8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) |
2016-03-29 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2016-05-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa Immigration Offices at Beit Bridge gives drivers maximum 14 days on their passports when entering into SA at point of entry. When a driver departs before the 14 days are fully utilized, the next time you want to enter, they tell you to use those remaining days before they can add more days on your passport. This causes drivers to end up running short of days should their trip be longer than the remaining days before the normal 14 days. Zimbabwe transporters are therefore forced to send their drivers back to Beit Bridge without their trucks to get their passports re stamped or they are faced with fines or worse still, they will not be allowed to enter SA again for not exiting on or before the set day when they entered SA initially. This is increasing the cost of doing business. Transporters have lost business during the time drivers are hiking to the border to get passports stamped, the extra night allowances and bus fares and also the down time spent in the process. This problem is a lot worse if loads are short in SA as well.
This matter needs urgent attention on the part of Home Affairs in South Africa as the hampering of transporter and driver movements is not in the interests of trade facilitation and inters regional trade in the region. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 09 May 2016, the South African Focal Point provided the current Visa and Immigration requirements that state that: ‘Visas are not required by passport holders of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi who are entering the Republic as commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers provide their visits do not exceed 15 days and on condition that they can produce a letter confirming their employment with a transport company on entry.
The same principle applies to Zimbabwean commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers, except that their sojourn may not exceed 30 days at a time. The afore-mentioned does not apply to commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers who transport goods for a South African transport company. Such drivers must be in possession of a valid work visa.’
The requirements are uploaded onto the Notifications window of the Online system www.tradebarriers.org as information to stakeholders . This document can be dowloaded by the public . |
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NTB-000-083 |
2.5. Decreed customs surcharges Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Agriculture |
Mozambique |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa imposes surcharges on various agricultural products. |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that the Marketing Of Agricultural Products Act of 1996 (MAP Act), as amended, provides for the establishment of statutory measures, namely statutory levies, control of exports of agricultural products, records & returns, and registration |
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NTB-000-084 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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South Africa is charging import levy on UHT milk |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa reported that , according to the tariff book, the applied tariff rate for SACU/SADC countries for this product is zero. |
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