| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-624 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2014-02-18 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zambia |
Resolved
2014-03-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A Zambian transport company has 6 vehicles carrying copper into Zimbabwe, detained at the Vic Falls weighbridge, because “the exhaust is pointing down to the ground “ and it must be “up in the air “ according to an official on duty.
The vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes Benz and, for these vehicles; the exhaust is designed to point to the ground.
This exhaust position is perfectly within the law in Zambia where the vehicles are registered. Zimbabwe should respect and accept the Zambian standards.
This action taken by the Zimbabwean official is unacceptable and the Focal point is requested to explain if this is a violation of Zimbabwean law. It is suggested that urgent action be taken to allow the truck to continue with its journey and also to facilitate movement of goods. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 19 March 2014, Zimbabwe reported that the trucks were released on the same day and the owner was advised to contact the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz) to adjust the exhaust as required by Zimbabwean Law. The requirement is in terms of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations promulgated under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter13:11] uploaded onto the system.
However, the Ministry of Transport indicated that they shall not enforce this requirement on foreign registered trucks as long as this is not in their domestic legislation. Zimbabwe is expected to issue a formal notification to this effect to enable enforcement of the said exemption on foreign trucks. |
|
|
NTB-000-590 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-05-16 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Road) |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-03-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
UNACCEPTABLE PROCEDURE FOR ESCORTING VEHICLES, BY MOZAMBIQUE CUSTOMS
Mozambique customs at Beira should only require the escorting of vehicles between Beira and Machipanda, and return, under special circumstances, eg abnormal or high value loads. The decision to call for escorts is made by the head of customs in Beira.
However, the escorting process is not efficient and reasonable, viz:
• Escorting is called for randomly and often for trucks carrying normal cargo such as tobacco and sugar
• The escorting fee is high at USD100 per truck
• Delays are caused whilst customs waits for 3 or more trucks to be escorted together. Or they may wait until the next day to suit their convenience
• Often, a customs officer does not even travel with the vehicles, but goes in a separate vehicle to take the documents to the next check point. On occasion, the trucks have to wait at the next check point because the officer is not there with the documents
• It is suggested that the escorting fees are merely split up between the various officers.
Escorting should not be necessary since transit bond guarantees are in place and the route between Beira and Machipanda is simple, direct and short. Furthermore, there are several check points along the route. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Mozambique Revenue Authority clarified that the referred escort fee of USD 100 was illegal. Mozambique Revenue Authority issued the Circular nº09/GD/DRC/2013, of 1st July, that has been published in all customs branches, and also uploaded onto the online system which states in summary that:
• The Fiscal Escort happens only and uniquely in the case of customs transit of high risk merchandise in terms of loss of revenue.
• In this case, Mozambique Revenue Authority will have to support the Escort expenses.
• It is prohibited to collect any values and deductions when this Escort is determined by customs. |
|
|
NTB-000-614 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-12-02 |
Mozambique: Inhamizua Road block in Beira |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-12-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Malawian truck (registration number given) is being detained at Inhamizua road block in Beira Mozambique for no proper reason since 12 hours ago. The time of this complaint is 20 32hrs. Traffic Police officer claims Fire Extinguisher is empty which is not the case because it is new and in perfect working condition. Her fellow officers agrees that the Fire Extinguisher is perfect but the lady traffic police officer is refusing to give back the driver cargo documentation until we pay a fine of MTC 5,000. The reason for us paying the fine being that she has already written a fine receipt. Our understanding is we are supposed to pay a fine when we are on the wrong side of the law not when the Police officer is not well conversant with things I.e. Fire extinguishers. Please assist. (Driver’s name and contact details provided) |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 26 December 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the problem of Beira has been resolved, and that the lord in question has left the detention area at the road block. |
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NTB-000-612 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Tanzania: at the border of Burundi/Tanzania |
Burundi |
Resolved
2013-12-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Truck belonging to BRARUDI (the leading Brewery in the Republic of Burundi) has been held at the border of Burundi/Tanzania for a period of 15 days (Tanzania side )because Tanzania Revenue Authority at the border estimate that the products must pay customs duties before enter Tanzania, despite the consignment being accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by Burundi Revenue Authority. And Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority requires the company TO register the products before exporting. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 23 December 2013, Burundi Focal Point reported that BRARUDI Products made in Burundi were allowed to enter in Tanzania following resolution of this NTB during the 13th NMC regional forum held in Burundi 17-20 December 2013. |
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NTB-000-501 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Busia |
Uganda |
Resolved
2013-12-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in issuing bonds at Kenya border with Uganda for tea meant for auction in Mombasa |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 5 December 2013 Kenya Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved. The Republic of Kenya had over the last two years taken various measures to address all challenges faced by traders along the northern transport corridor some under the presidential directives and committees to resolve all barriers to trade.
Kenya focal point requested that the Republic of Uganda provide an update on the currentsituation to clarify whether it was an issue of delay and if so, what is the current experience? |
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|
NTB-000-504 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2013-12-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya has introduced Customs warehouse rent that starts after the release of cargo manifest. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 5 December 2013, Kenya focal point reported that this issue was resolved with the signing of Service Level Agreement between the Kenya Ports Authority and the Container Freight Stations. This ensures that there is no double or additional charges |
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|
NTB-000-505 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2013-12-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement by KRA for transporters to have introductory letters from URA on certain products / consignments, e.g. tyres and spirits. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 5 December 2013, Kenya focal point reported that this NTB had been resolved. Kenya Revenue Authority issued a notice to all Transporters , shipping agents, clearing and forwarding agents on the electronic cargo tracking systems as the principal systems for monitoring the movement of cargo under customs territory and all stakeholders were expected to comply by 31st January 2014 .
The Vehicles that are fitted with Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems WOULD:
1. Get waiver of TGL fees
2. Be able to carry goods on transfer to other partner states and within Kenya subject to approval
3. Enjoy the priority loading at the all customs areas and
4. Move without customs escort through the Northern corridor.
Transporters and shipping lines and agents are now allowed to carry goods along the corridor without challenges previously affecting them. |
|
|
NTB-000-604 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2013-09-19 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-11-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There are excessive delays at the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Trucks are taking around 5 days to transit the border and are completing only one trip Beira, Zambia and return, per month. Their monthly kilometres travelled is down to around 5000 kms per month. No transporter can accommodate such a low utilization of his fleet.
The queue on the Zimbabwe side, stretches for anything up to 10 kms.
There are several reasons for the delays at this border post, including:
Strict application of new rules and procedures by the Bank of Zambia and ZRA
The scanning machine has been under repair
There were special arrangements for Ministers visiting the border and so restricting the passage of trucks
The commercial operating hours are from 0800 to 1630. This is insufficient for the traffic flow
A tug-of-war between ZRP and ZIMRA as to which should control the traffic on the Zim side
When a crisis like this occurs, officials "make a plan" and clear the border of backlog.
It is understood that it costs $10 to get to the front of the queue and $20 to get into customs. Transit can then be made in 12 hours.
This is not acceptable.
There should be a permanent process in place to ensure the border does not get congested.
One solution, is to open the border from 6am to midnight, as with Beitbridge.
Extra security will have to be put in place to accommodate this night traffic and parking.
Urgent and effective measures must be taken. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 7th October 2013, the Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that the relevant NMC members comprising Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held a meeting on 4 October 2013 to consider the urgent complaint raised by the Transport Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe also posted on the online system as NTB 604. The meeting observed that that the congestion was a result of increased traffic on the North South Corridor and also increase in traffic from Beira Port. This is coupled with inadequate infrastructure at the border which was not designed to contain the large volume of traffic.
The meeting identified the following factors that contributed towards the congestion as well as a way forward to address the problem resulted in clearing the congestion.
1. The congestion which was experienced recently was partly caused by break down of scanner on the Zambian side due to heat. The Zambians are scanning 100% on commercial cargo. This also contributed to the problem.
2. Inadequate infrastructure is the main challenge at the border. North-bound trucks are only released four at a time because there is no holding space on the Zambian side.
3. ZIMRA has a challenge of accommodation at the border, so when they send their relief staff they will be staying in Kariba, which is also costly for them.
4. Problems of congestion at Chirundu can only be solved by engaging the Zambian counter-parts since the problem is brought about by north bound traffic.
5. ZIMRA is pre-clearing most trucks but Clearing Agents release trucks in batches to minimise movement across the border. This creates additional congestion. However, ZIMRA have already engaged the agents on the issue.
6. ZIMRA has already engaged ZRA and they have made an administrative arrangement to work up to 10pm whenever the traffic volume is high. ZIMRA have also reacted to ease the congestion problem by sending 19 additional staff.
7. It emerged that there is lack of control of trucks outside the border area. The police and the Rural District Council seem not to be playing their role. The trucks would also be mixed with that carrying hazardous and flammable goods which is very risk.
8. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development is going to set up a committee which will visit Chirundu Border Post to get more information from the people on the ground.
Way forward
1 Zimbabwe set up a committee to visit the border to establish facts from the people on the ground.
2. Zimbabwe will make effort to engage her Zambian counter-parts so that they create some holding space for north-bound traffic.
3. Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport is working on creating temporary parks on the Zimbabwean side as well as building accommodation for border agencies. |
|
|
NTB-000-604 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2013-09-19 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-11-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There are excessive delays at the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Trucks are taking around 5 days to transit the border and are completing only one trip Beira, Zambia and return, per month. Their monthly kilometres travelled is down to around 5000 kms per month. No transporter can accommodate such a low utilization of his fleet.
The queue on the Zimbabwe side, stretches for anything up to 10 kms.
There are several reasons for the delays at this border post, including:
Strict application of new rules and procedures by the Bank of Zambia and ZRA
The scanning machine has been under repair
There were special arrangements for Ministers visiting the border and so restricting the passage of trucks
The commercial operating hours are from 0800 to 1630. This is insufficient for the traffic flow
A tug-of-war between ZRP and ZIMRA as to which should control the traffic on the Zim side
When a crisis like this occurs, officials "make a plan" and clear the border of backlog.
It is understood that it costs $10 to get to the front of the queue and $20 to get into customs. Transit can then be made in 12 hours.
This is not acceptable.
There should be a permanent process in place to ensure the border does not get congested.
One solution, is to open the border from 6am to midnight, as with Beitbridge.
Extra security will have to be put in place to accommodate this night traffic and parking.
Urgent and effective measures must be taken. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13 November 2013 ZIMRA reported that the problem of long queues at Chirundu had been resolved and there were no queues at the border thereby resolving this NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-519 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-06-20 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Burundi |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Payment of double handling charges at the ICDs and at the Dar es Salaam port. |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania (URT) reported that the ICD charges are part of port charges and are therefore not additional charges. The only additional charges are on demurrage. However, Burundi requested to re-submit documentation supporting their submission through the EAC Secretariat. In the meantime, URT to investigate further and revert at the next EAC Regional Forum on NTBs in September, 2013. The meeting agreed to resolve this NTB on the basis of URT submission. |
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|
NTB-000-430 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2011-08-23 |
Tanzania: Lungalunga |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
plastic bags doubted as to the rule of origin despite the existence of rule of origin certificate |
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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. |
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|
NTB-000-428 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2011-08-01 |
Tanzania: Mbeya |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
EXPORT OF PLASTIC FROM KENYA TO TANZANIA ARE SUBJECTED TO 25% DUTY |
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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. |
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Products:
|
3905.21: Vinyl acetate copolymers, in aqueous dispersion |
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NTB-000-508 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2012-03-14 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenyan Trucks entering into Tanzania are charged a levy of US$ 200 each |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia, Tanzania reported that the $200 Charged on all Tracks entering Tanzania had been abolished abolished effectively from June 2012 and instructions had been sent to all posts to stop charging this levy. |
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NTB-000-508 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2012-03-14 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenyan Trucks entering into Tanzania are charged a levy of US$ 200 each |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, and United Republic of Tanzania reported that the USD 200 levy on Kenya trucks was abolished in June, 2012. |
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NTB-000-593 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-05-29 |
Mozambique: Between Pungue and Mafambise |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-10-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Malawian transport company was charged an exorbitant fee of 10, 000 Meticais for expired insurance for horse only between Pungue and Mafambise in Mozambique. This has happened a number of times. Can Mozambique authorities confirm the fee and also provide other relevant information on transit fees, fines and penalties. Information on the various charges and or transit fees is not available for transporters using Mozambique roads along the Beira route. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 18 June 2013, Mozambique focal point submitted a copy of the Decree No. 26/2010 of 14 July 2010 outlining the road user fees applied on Mozambican roads as per Malawi request. This NTB is therefore considered resolved |
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|
NTB-000-593 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-05-29 |
Mozambique: Between Pungue and Mafambise |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-10-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Malawian transport company was charged an exorbitant fee of 10, 000 Meticais for expired insurance for horse only between Pungue and Mafambise in Mozambique. This has happened a number of times. Can Mozambique authorities confirm the fee and also provide other relevant information on transit fees, fines and penalties. Information on the various charges and or transit fees is not available for transporters using Mozambique roads along the Beira route. |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
On 28 October 2013, Mozambique Focal Point submitted Decree No. 26/2010 of 14 July 2010 stipulating the road user fees applied on Mozambican roads as per Malawi request.. The Decree has been uploaded onto the online system under Notifications. |
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NTB-000-529 |
1.8. Import bans |
2012-08-08 |
Burundi: National Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2013-10-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ban on import of fresh fruits from Burundi to Rwanda |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 16 October 2013, Burundi Focal Point reported that, at the 12th EAC Regional Forum on NTBs held on 14th– 17th October, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania, Rwanda reported that Burundi had lifted the ban. Therefore the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-585 |
8.8. Issues related to transit
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-04-29 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-09-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
New transit procedures are causing a lot of delays in the clearance of transit cargo through Mozambique Ports. According to the new transit procedures, Malawian transporters /clearing agents are requested to make cash deposits bond requirements to the Mozambican customs at the borders or prior to transit clearance at the Port of discharge to Malawi and other neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, among others. According to Mozambique, the requirement is made because transit goods end up disappearing within Mozambique and their Government lose a lot of revenue. In addition to that, customs clearing and Forwarding Agents need to undergo re-registration formalities.
The major problem about these issues is that most Malawian businesses were not aware and there is a crisis at the borders with a lot of Malawian trucks that cannot clear. Even on the part of Mozambican customs they are also learning the new system. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 11th September 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the alleged NTB´s related to the transit procedures in Mozambique, were removed, through the approval of Ministerial Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August, which approves the Norms and Specific Principles to be taken into account in the implementation of Customs Transit of Goods. This Ministerial Diploma repeals the Ministerial Diploma nº 307/2012, of 15 of November.
Pursuance to reaching a common understanding on this matter, FCFASA members in Malawi reported that CAFAAM Executive Committee Members together with Malawi Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Transport and Executives from Malawi, travelled to Cuchamano and Nyamapanda to appreciate the various challenges (delays, costs, etc.) which came about as a result of the new transit procedures introduced in Mozambique in April 2013. The delegation met with Mozambique customs , Beira , Port authorities and had an opportunity to interact with Mozambican Clearing and Forwarding Agents and some Malawian drivers during the launch of the Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August.
The delegation reported:-
1. It was agreed that the new Transit Bond Procedures in Mozambique are in line with international practice and appreciated the fact that in the absence of these procedures, a lot of traders were smuggling goods into Mozambique under the guise of “transit cargo”.
2. Mozambican Clearing agents had been given adequate notice to put in place the required bond guarantees although they were not ready by implementation date.
3. The general consensus was that the conditions (e.g. the required collateral) set up by banks, insurance companies and the authorities themselves for setting up the transit bond guarantees were too tough to be met by transporters and forwarding agents.
4. To this end, the Mozambican Government’s had exempted some products (tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton, etc.) from monetary bonding and reduced bond values from 100% on containerized cargo to 20% or 35% on break-bulk cargo. This measure would reduce pressure on the available bond levels for other cargo not exempted.
5. That there was need to license more “Despachantes” to speed up clearance procedures or alternatively, allow forwarding agents to be doing own customs clearing of cargo which they are moving.
6. There was need for Station Managers at the various borders to be taking stock of trucks available at the borders every day and talk to drivers who have stayed at the border for more than a day to encourage them to proceed with their journey so as to minimise the prevalent corrupt practices by some customs officers, guards, clearing agent.
7. A proposal to set up a “Help Desk” at the borders to achieve transparency and quarterly meetings between the various players at senior level.
8. Joint border training sessions between customs and other authorities and clearing & forwarding agents to be enhanced.
9.That various customs authorities establish a deliberate policy for Accrediting Clearing agents based on an exhaustive Risk assessment of each one of the agents and track record in order to “smoke out” fraudulent clearing and forwarding agents who cheat importers or assist them with smuggling practices,.
10. That Mozambican authorities should endeavor to translate and display the various rules and regulations into English to enable none Portuguese speaking people to understand the applicable regulations.
11.Mozambique customs advised that:
a. Clearing Agent need to quickly do a Supplementary Entry if there are any changes to a declaration (e.g. amending border of exit, amending values or quantity of goods, etc.) to avoid truck delays at the border or bond acquittals being blocked.
b. Once CORRECT documents are lodged and payment effected, their processing time is up to 3 hours only.
c. They would as far as possible, be rotating their staff to avoid corruption if they familiarize themselves too much to one border station. |
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|
NTB-000-486 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2012-02-15 |
SADC |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a South African Transport Company transporting goods into DRC. We are paying on weekly basis exorbitant road duties in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe & DRC if we offload loads from Johannesburg RSA to Mutanda DRC. Our cost on a tri-axle on road fee is 1060 Pula on return trip (Martinsdrif to Kazangula and back), insurance 50P for 3 months and then about 100 Pula on a yearly level also. Zambia insurance 300 000KW for year, then toll fee for 285USD on return trip Kazangula to DRC border and back, 200 000KW carbon tax, 70 000KW for extra toll fees on road. Zimbabwe insurance 170USD for year, the 100USD on toll fees, then coupons another 10USD and environmental cost depends on the load and weight up to 160USD & 90USD carbon 3 months. Going into the DRC, border customs parking 133USD, entry fee and costing 350USD, 300USD PEAGE, 4x 150USD for toll fees going to Mutanda and coming back.
None of the foreign trucks from DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana or Namibia pay this cost when entering South Africa. We drive on the roads to supply clients with goods, we provide a service, the same as for the foreign transporters, but they don't pay similarly high costs when entering South Africa. We need an explanation from the countries listed above as to why is this done. At the moment, we give to a driver for one load going to DRC from JHB, 2400USD, 2500 PULA & R5000 to cover these expenses and we cannot increase our rates easily, without risking losing our clients. What can be done about this situation? |
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Resolution status note:
|
Focal Points from Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe reported the current standard official charges and argued that these are in accordance established regional protocols. At the 11th meeting of the SADC Sub -Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 23 May 2013, South Africa focal point requested that the NTB be considered non actionable as they could not trace the complainant.
However, the NTB is considered resolved as it does not fall under the ' non actionable' category of complaints. |
|
|
NTB-000-533 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2012-09-24 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are importing fuel tankers from South Africa to Zambia. The trailers are SA Registered (Valid licence and Registration Plates - deregistered once in Zambia). The Truck Tractors are from our Zambian Fleet. On arrival at Beit Bridge, the documents are accepted by ZIMRA as trailers being exported to Zambia, drawn on their own wheels, in transit across Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. The act of exporting the trailers on their own wheels is thus condoned by ZIMRA at Beit Bridge.
When we get to Victoria Falls, we are then told by ZIMRA that exported motorised vehicles must be carried on the back of a flat deck trailer. A statutory instrument is eluded to, but we have yet to see this.
Our arguement is as follows. The trailers have valid registrations and licences (not to mention all the Police Clearances for export), they are not motorised (self propelled), ZIMRA Beit Bridge has condoned the export on wheels and we are actually presenting ourselves at Vic Falls and have not disappeared with the units illegally into Zimbabwe.
Placing these units on flat decks is prohibitively expensive. We are not transporting imported cars from overseas that are deregistered and for which we understand the need to be transported whilst in transit across Zimbabwe on a flat deck etc.
There is no clear statutory instrument that we have seen on exports of this nature eg licenced trailers |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 30 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that the treatment by Beitbridge to allow the trailers on their wheels when transiting through Zimbabwe for re-exports to Zambia was the correct treatment. The legislation on movement of goods in transit through Zimbabwe is in terms of Section 234(3) of the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) which reads "Where the goods in transit concerned are motor vehicles, no such motor vehicle shall be driven on any road in Zimbabwe but shall be transported on a long-haul motor vehicle carrier". This requirement was inserted by Act 3 of 2010 and was with effect from 1 November 2010. The requirement only affects motor vehicles and does not affect trailers as they cannot be driven but are rather pulled by mechanical horses. This interpretation had been discussed with the Station Manager Victoria Falls who shared the same view and assured that there would be no issues raised in this regard on trailers being re-exported to Zambia. |
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