| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-067 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho is imposing requires permits on the imports of following bread, milk, eggs, bulk sugar imports, pulses, fruits and vegetables, livestock and liquor. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that she does require permits on the importation of some agricultural products. The Agricultural Marketing Act 26 of 1967 (amended by Act NO.18 of 1973, Order No.6 of 1991 and Act No.5 0f 2001) regulates the importation and exportation of the agricultural products in Lesotho.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the importation of products and supplies which are unsafe or inappropriate for the function for which they are to be sold.
Import Requirements:
•Valid Trading licence
•Import permit |
|
|
NTB-000-315 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Ministry of Trade |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Administrative procedures for the import licensing system require improved efficiency |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that import licences are not required for the vast majority of products |
|
|
NTB-000-368 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa denies Plant import permit for imports of chilies from Zambia |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-000-057 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-02-09 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe reported that Zambia is not issuing permits for the importaion of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Zambia in 2007 suspended importation of sterilized milk until production, consumption and deficit figures were known so that whilst allowing imports , the diary industry which is in its infancy does not suffer but be allowed to grow. Consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Zimbabwe are ongoing with a view to resolving the problem associated with the importation of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe. |
|
|
NTB-000-677 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2015-09-11 |
Mozambique: Nyamapanda border post |
Malawi |
Resolved
2019-05-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The importer by the name of GATBRO INTERNATIONAL LTD, P.O. BOX 1433, Lilongwe 3 is being requested by the Mozambican customs official to produce an import license for Doom. The importer is being requested to indicate that he has this license issued by Malawi Ministry of Industry and Trade/Malawi Government. HOwever, Malawi does not import licensing Doom. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 2 May 2019, Malawi Focal Point confirmed that the NTB had been resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-690 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2015-12-11 |
Malawi: Mwami |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Republic of Malawi has amended the Control of Goods Act CAP 18:08 to make the order which can be cited as the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) Order, 2015 a Statutory Instrument placing import restrictions on products which include cement, refined cooking oil, laundry soaps among other things. The effect of the enactment is that cross border traders now require an Import License to import the goods that are subject to this Statutory Instrument into the Republic of Malawi. This development has had adverse effects on the company that is in the business of exporting and importing various products to and from Malawi. Currently, trucks carrying cement are being denied entry into Malawi and this has resulted in considerable amount of economic loss for the company. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 15th Meeting of SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation, Malawi Focal Point reported that, 'While there were some erroneous issues with regard to the dates of the Statutory Instrument and the complaint itself I wish to report that this complaint was resolved last year at a COMESA Meeting on NTBs. The same was reported to the COMESA Policy organs Meetings in Antananarivo Madagascar in October 2016. It should be noted that the Inter-governmental Committee (COMESA Committee of Permanent Secretaries) and the COMESA Council of Ministers endorsed the fact that this NTB complaint was resolved'.
This NTB is therefore resolved on the basi of COMESA Ministerial decision above. |
|
|
Products:
|
25: Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement |
|
|
NTB-000-691 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2015-12-11 |
Malawi: Mwami |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Government of the Republic of Malawi has enacted the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Order 2015, a Statutory Instrument placing import restrictions for cement and other products. The effect of this enactment is that cross border traders now require Import License to import the good that are subject to this Statutory Instrument into the Republic of Malawi. Specific reference is made to the strict conditions and instructions for the acquisition of the license being referred to. Products affected include cement, refined cooking oil, laundry soaps, liquor in sachets and fresh milk.
Trucks from the exporter are being denied entry into Malawi and this has resulted in a considerable amount of economic loss for the exporter. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 15th Meeting of SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation, Malawi Focal Point reported that, 'While there were some erroneous issues with regard to the dates of the Statutory Instrument and the complaint itself I wish to report that this complaint was resolved last year at a COMESA Meeting on NTBs. The same was reported to the COMESA Policy organs Meetings in Antananarivo Madagascar in October 2016. It should be noted that the Inter-governmental Committee (COMESA Committee of Permanent Secretaries) and the COMESA Council of Ministers endorsed the fact that this NTB complaint was resolved'.
This NTB is therefore resolved on the basi of COMESA Ministerial decision above. |
|
|
Products:
|
25: Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement and 34: CHAPTER 34 - SOAP, ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS, WASHING PREPARATIONS, LUBRICATING PREPARATIONS, ARTIFICIAL WAXES, PREPARED WAXES, POLISHING OR SCOURING PREPARATIONS, CANDLES AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, MODELLING PASTES, ‘DENTAL WAXES’ AND DENTAL PREPARATIONS |
|
|
NTB-000-829 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2018-07-13 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce and Enterprise Development |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2019-08-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We, Soap & Allied Industries Ltd, Mauritius have shipped under the BL no. MEDUPL008430 & Comesa No.487/18 & BV CoC No.ZWE 2018 206608 / 0001 of 3 FCL of Detergent Powder since 19th June 2018 and reach on 13th July 2018, Our end consignee MEGA MARKET PVT LTD, Mutare, Zimbabwe has already apply for an Import permit month back which same use to be release within a week time.
Unfortunately they still awaiting for the permit for releasing of these FCL till now.
The Detention fee and storage charges incured are too much due to extended days and these will affect the selling cost for end customer as they are not able to clear out the goods.
Note: 3 more FCL of the same products already depart from Mauritius on 08th July 2018 and closed to reach.
We wish to have your attention on that issue and your kind consideration for the smooth doing business between both countries under the proper condition and trade agreement.
We request Zimbabwe to kindly consider on Urgent basis to assist our customer MEGA Market PVT Ltd to obtain the license so that the goods can be cleared. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 22 August 2019, Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that the import licence was issued therefore the NTB is resolved. During the national workshop to launch SMS tool, Zimbabwe reported that the issuance of licences took a maximum 24 hours . Delays are cause d by late or non submission of required documentation. |
|
|
Products:
|
3402.20: Surface-active preparations, washing preparations, auxiliary washing preparations and cleaning preparations put up for retail sale (excl. organic surface-active agents, soap and organic surface-active preparations in the form of bars, cakes, moulded piece |
|
|
NTB-000-970 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2020-07-01 |
Zambia: Ministry of Agriculture |
Egypt |
Resolved
2026-07-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We want to import 100% Egyptian Made wheat flour in Zambia, but we are not given permission to import. We have placed several requested to allow us to import, but there are no responses to our application and no reply to our emails. Kindly please Help us. I need a confirmed and authorized approval from Zambian authority to allow us to import wheat flour. Some people say just bring it and have the correct comesa certificate of origin and submit at the time of customs clearance, but thats a gamble, our goods worth more than 200000$ we cannot take risk. I want to import only after having a clear official approval. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 11th meeting of the Trade and Trade facilitation Sub Committee held on 20- 23 July 2026, Egypt reported that the exporter has indicated that they are no longer facing any challenges therefore the issue is resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-128 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2023-06-23 |
Zimbabwe: Johannesburg/Pretoria |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Reference is made to a resolved complaint with number NTB-000-966, which pertained to a problem with import licensing requirements into Zimbabwe.
The complainant was a Zambian exporter of yeast that was experiencing challenges in obtaining import permits from the Authorities in Zimbabwe, which permits were not issued when requested. This complaint is similar to the problem experienced by Rymco (Pty) Ltd, trading as Anchor Yeast, being hindered in exporting yeast from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
The date of resolution is indicated as 06 April 2023. A status note pertaining to the complaint reads as follows: “During the COMESA Regional Capacity Building Workshop for NMCs and National Focal Points held from 3 to 6 April 2023, Zimbabwe Focal Points reported that import permits were no longer required as the products have been placed on open general import license. This NTB was therefore resolved.”
South Africa requests confirmation on whether the lifting of the import licensing requirement on yeast also applies to SADC countries, specifically South Africa. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the SADC NTB meeting held from 14 -15 April, 2026 Zimbabwe National Focal Points informed the South African National Focal Point that Zimbabwe under Statutory Instrument (SI) 112 of 2024 (uploaded in the system) has removed the requirement of an import license on yeast. |
|
|
NTB-001-200 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2024-07-16 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved
2026-07-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In June 2024, a member of Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nuline Textiles Blanket Manufacturers Limited, entered into an agreement with a Zimbabwean company, Middlefield Investment Pvt. Ltd, to supply them with blankets.
Starting on July 11, 2024, Nuline Textiles Blanket Manufacturers Limited completed all the necessary procedures in Malawi to facilitate the export of blankets to Zimbabwe under the COMESA trade agreement to ensure they would receive preferential treatment. On July 16, 2024, the Export Bill of Entry No. E 3645 (dated July 15, 2024) was released by Customs in Malawi, and the consignment was loaded onto Truck No. NE 10666 / NE 10702.
However, on the same day, just as the truck driver was about to depart, Nuline Textiles received a call from their client in Zimbabwe, instructing them to hold off on the shipment. The following day, the client, Middlefield Investment Pvt. Ltd, informed Nuline Textiles that the blankets required an import permit or license, which the client had not yet obtained. They assured Nuline Textiles that they were working to secure the permit as quickly as possible.
On July 18, 2024, Middlefield Investment Pvt. Ltd requested additional time to work on obtaining the import license and asked Nuline Textiles to offload the truck and return the blankets to their warehouse.
As of today, the import license has still not been secured. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 3rd July 2026, Malawi Private sector focal point reported that the NTB had been resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-293 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2025-10-12 |
Botswana: Ministry of Lands and Agriculture |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our company is unable to be productive in our business due to shortage of chick supply in the market, caused by delays by the Government (Ministry of Lands and Agriculture) to approve us to import chicks and fertilized eggs for broiler farming. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reoprted that production has stabilized, supported by capacity expansions within local hatcheries towards the end of 2025.
Currently, there is no widespread shortage of day-old chicks in the market, and supply conditions have improved significantly. In this regard, the reported NTB may no longer be applicable. |
|
|
NTB-000-144 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import ban has been put in place for poultry products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the ban has since been lifted on poultry and its products. |
|
|
NTB-000-080 |
1.8. Import bans
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa has banned imports of all meat from Zambia |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-000-068 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has banned importation of beer into that country |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that there is no ban in importation of beer into Lesotho, so there is no NTB in this respect. |
|
|
NTB-000-146 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-27 |
Rwanda: Ministry of Agriculture |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import ban on wheat flour has been imposed |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Rwanda reported that the issue was resolved internally |
|
|
NTB-000-069 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has put a ban on the importation of wheat |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that there is no such ban. Our local milling companies even import their wheat from South Africa. |
|
|
NTB-000-147 |
1.8. Import bans
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Namibia imposed an import ban on wheat flour |
|
|
NTB-000-178 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ban on imports of fresh meat products from Zimbabwe |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Malawi reported that there is no ban on meat imports but licensing measures were introduced when there was an outbreak of foot and mouth and bird flu diseases |
|
|
NTB-000-426 |
1.8. Import bans |
2011-07-01 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ban on all Potatoes as Directed by the Ministry of Agriculture |
|
|
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, Zimbabwe reported that banning of potatoes was done to protect plants from pests originating across the borders. This is therefore a NTM. |
|
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