| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-215 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Cooking oil can only be exported after obtaining a license from the Ministry of Industry and International trade |
|
|
NTB-000-211 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Restrictions on agricultural goods. Some officials at the border posts are not fully aware of the implications and objectives of requiring permits for agriculture. Thus some consignments are allowed to be imported without import permits.Issuing of permits is centralized to Ministry of Agriculture Head Office, in Harare which is costly and inconvenient for those living out of Harare |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 10th meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 14-15 June 2012, Zimbabwe reported that it was working towards decentralization of issuance of permits. The process was already ongoing and some towns had already been given authority to issue permits.
At their 11th meeting held on 23 may 2013 in Gaborone, SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation noted that draft legislation has been developed and therefore this NTB could be marked resolved since it is receiving appropriate attention to improve the issuance of permits |
|
|
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-000-067 |
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 |
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|
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-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. |
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|
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-001-360 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2026-03-01 |
South Sudan: Nimule |
Uganda |
Resolved
2026-06-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The implementation of electronic permits (e-permits) and related electronic cargo tracking for goods entering South Sudan from Uganda has led to significant delyas and costs to traders eg Over 1,000 trucks are currently stranded at the Nimule border due to challenges with the e-permit system such as additional charges, and slow processing. On the same issue,there are complaints of Extortion.Truck drivers have reported that some officials refuse electronic payments and instead demand cash, leading to corruption and higher, unofficial fees. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 48th SCTIFI, the two Partner States agreed that the NTB is resolved, and any other pending issues will be resolved bilaterally. |
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|
NTB-000-692 |
1.8. Import bans |
2016-01-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation & Irrigation.
Department of Livestock & Veterinary Services |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-07-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Department of Livestock & Veterinary Services have issued a letter stating they are banning honey imports to protect their honey industry from disease. In the same letter, they state that there is plenty of local honey available so importers should buy local.
Zambezi Gold Honey from Zambia has been imported to Zimbabwe by Le Sel Distribution (Zimbabwean Company) for 6 years now. No complaint has ever been made.
No analyses have been shown to Le Sel (the importer) to prove disease exists.
Zimbabwe Vet Services has refused to consider any exemptions. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Program Officer - Sanitary and Phytosanitary in the SADC Secretariat reported that the NTB-692 on honey import ban from Zambia implemented by the Department of Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe had been resolved. Issuance of permits had resumed.
The SQAM - SPS Programme (Standards – SABF Sub-group) in collaboration with GIZ had actively engaged the Department of Veterinary Services for the timely resolution of the NTB.
We thank officials of the Department of Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe for their cooperation. |
|
|
NTB-000-848 |
1.8. Import bans |
2018-08-09 |
Uganda: Ministry |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda’s limitation on importation of processed meat products from within the region. It also addressed it as a measure to promote local capacity in Uganda to produce such processed meats rather than importing meat and meat products from the Partner States. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda informed the meeting that the letter was meant for internal traders who were sourcing for processed meat from outside the EAC and was not meant for traders within the EAC Partner States.
So the Meeting agreed that this NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-975 |
1.8. Import bans |
2020-07-02 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture,Livestock,fisheries and cooperatives |
Uganda |
Resolved
2021-03-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya banned importation of sugar ,brown sugar and raw cane from Uganda |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NMC meeting that took place in March 2021, the meeting was informed that two bilateral meetings were held with Kenya to discuss among others the NTB on the importation of brown sugar, The Trade Ministers from both sides met and Kenya agreed that the issue will be resolved. Kenya agreed to undertake a verification mission to Uganda. The Mission has not yet taken place but there has been a commendable improvement in the area, where sugar has been allowed into Kenya.
The issue on raw cane was RESOLVED |
|
|
NTB-000-985 |
1.8. Import bans |
2020-10-12 |
South Africa: Grobler's Bridge |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-02-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Certified organic honey that is American Foulbrood Disease (AFB)free, complete with Certificate of Analysis from accredited lab Intertek in Germany (accredited by the German National Accreditation body DAkkS - national accreditation body for the Federal Republic of Germany) they are also ISO/IEC 17025 certified and they do engage in proficiency testing) has been banned from entering SA unless irradiated.
2015 bilateral agreement allowed Zambian honey into SA without irradiating due to there being no AFB in Zambia.
SA claims that their ARC lab has tested samples from Forest Fruits and others and found them to be positive for AFB. The ARC lab has always produced inconsistent results and they cannot replicate the results. Sometimes positive and after a retest it is negative. ARC lab is not even SANAS accredited, has no ISO certification and does not engage in proficiency testing for AFB tests. On 23 October 2020 at a round table meeting of SA honey importers and various DAFF departments - meeting called by DAFF NPPO, it was clearly stated and admitted that ARC has performance "gaps".
DAFF scientists have to make decisions based on faulty science and results. The Intertek results consistently come back as negative for AFB disease. The result is in Non Compliance notices being sent to Zambia for samples that get retested and are negative!
As recent as last year, Zambia Veterinary Services did a national survey and found no AFB disease in Zambia.
SA DAFF NPPO is creating haphazard barriers to Zambian honey.
All Zambian exports are now affected.
Since 2015 a considerable amount of business with South African companies has developed in Zambia exporting honey to them. This ban affects the livelihoods of over 140,000 subsistence villagers. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the complaint had been resolved. Please refer to the progress report provided above on 10th December 2025. |
|
|
NTB-001-013 |
1.8. Import bans |
2021-03-05 |
Kenya: All Kenyans borders |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2021-05-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On 5th March, 2021 the Republic of Kenya, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives (Agriculture and Food Authority) issued a letter to the Commissioner of Customs, Kenya to stop importation of maize from the United Republic of Tanzania following a report from a surveillance which indicated high levels of mycotoxins that are very consistently beyond safety limits. The letter that was sent to all Counties bordering the two Partner States was neither notified to the EAC Secretary General nor to the concerned Partner States as per the EAC notification procedures; causing disruption to traders carrying maize at those borders. This incidents has caused loss to our traders. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The REC Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved by the Regional Meeting held in May 2021 |
|
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