| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-082 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-07-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Excise duty on imported onions, potatoes, potatoes crisps and potatoes chips effective 1st July 2022 at rate of 25% imposed by Kenya |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC noted that the provision of the Law is not applicable hence no NTB has occurred so far and Kenya is requested to amend their law and rectify it to avoid the NTB from occurring. This NTB has been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-084 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-07-01 |
Kenya: Customs |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
25% excise duty on table eggs imported table eggs as a new restriction
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC meeting noted that the law was not being practiced and Uganda was not being affected by the law. Hence the NTB has been resolved |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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-000-812 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2017-11-17 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in releasing trucks at Tunduma & Rusumo border post by Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as a result of manual lodging of import documents |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during the meeting of SCTIFI of 16th November,2018 |
|
|
NTB-000-850 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2018-09-01 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
KRA has issued a public notice which introduced Single Custom entry clearance that increases cost of doing business for example to clear 100 trucks using bulk system was costing Kshs 150,600, however, using the current system of single customs entry one truck cost Kshs8,500/-. If you have to clear 100 trucks it will cost Kshs 850,000/- |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was discussed in the CoC and agreed that the SCT TWG should analyse the risks of making one bulk declaration and cost implications of multiple declarations. The TWG should work out a mechanism for knocking off cargo.
The Secretariat informed the meeting that the TWG on SCT will develop a framework to knock off cargo in the customs clearance system from 11th-15th Dec 2018.
The matter is to be resolved by the CoC. |
|
|
NTB-001-063 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Kasumbalesa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-03-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is slow Clearance by border agencies ( Zambia Customs) causing truck delays. Trucks following a queue 34km long at morning of 24 March 2022 . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
A Bilateral Ministerial Meeting between the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was held on 6th March 2023. It was agreed that all border agencies of both countries put in place procedures to allow for 24-hour border operations at Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Mokambo and Kipushi in accordance with internal procedures.Based on the outcome of the Bilateral meeting, the NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-349 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa charges on refrigerated trucks that come to pick bananas from Mozambique are too high |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-258 |
6.2. Administrative fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Namibia Agronomic Board |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Namibian Agronomic Board decided not to register agents for white maize imports anymore. The permit fee is now NAD51.00/permit and the permit is valid for a specific period (one month) only |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that there is no need for agents for white maize imports. The permit fee of N$ 51.00 covers administrative costs only. Period of validation is one month because all imports are effected in one month. The import of maize and maize products from all 3rd parties is only regulated for the time the local harvest is not taken up by the local milling sector. |
|
|
NTB-000-464 |
6.2. Administrative fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-12 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
With effect from 12 September 2011, Zambia Revenue Authority has introduced exorbitant examination fees of K360, 000.00 for 2000 units @ ZMK 180 plus the CED fee of K50, 040.00. The inspection fee and CED are put together and charged as customs clearance fee (asycuda fee) - K410, 040.00 meaning the CED fees have gone up. The total customs clearance fee is now $100 per entry increasing by USD85.00 from USD15.00. The inspection fee does not change relative to the number of units exported/imported. It is a standard fee regardless of the units imported. The units referred to in the Statutory Instrument do not refer to units imported or exported but rather is just a unit of measurement determined by government. The charges, applicable to Imported into the country and those destined for Export out of Zambia, negatively impact on the landed cost of goods and defeat the whole concept of poverty alleviation in Africa. Zambia justifies the objective of the fee as to maintain the inspection equipment e.g. X – rays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,Zambia reported that the examination fee was removed through a statutory instrument therefore the NTB is resolved. Zambia will forward the SI for posting onto the system. |
|
|
NTB-000-592 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2013-05-27 |
Mozambique: Posto Fiscal de Calomue |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-09-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
administrative charges - transporter was requested to pay 10US$ memorandum of understanding fees |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
However, on 05 June 2013, Mozambique focal point advised that all the vehicles transporting merchandise to Calómue frontier, and others are subject to following payments:
1. On transit, revenue authorities shall cover for one Transit Memo the value of 550, 00 MT. Therefore, Custom Affairs would not collect additional funds.
2. On imports, competent memo is emitted with the stamp that guides the clerk driver to a Tete Customs Affairs, to follow-up the process of customs clearance.
The value of 10 000 meticais being paid by the complainant could possibly refer to fees paid to a customs broker. Therefore, Mozambique requested complainant to provide statements specifying who was responsible for this charge, and present the actual payment receipt, or other document that to enable further action on this issue.
As at 26 September 2013, complainant had not submitted proof of payment as per request from focal point Mozambique, so that Mozambique could introduce some measures to resolve the particular complaint. This complaint is therefore considered resolved on grounds that the response by Focal Point could have adequately answered the query. |
|
|
NTB-000-899 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2017-07-28 |
Tanzania: TFDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2019-08-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TFDA (Tanzania Foods & Drugs Authority) imposes a 1.5% fees on FOB value on all imports (food, drugs & cosmetics). This is badly hurting local and regional trade as well as local manufacturers. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Extra Ordinary SCTIFI of August 2019 noted that since TFDA had been dissolved, there is no more fees paid to TFDA. Hence the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-372 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-08-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Beira port authority arbitrarily assign security escort for randomly selected containers and charge US$150 without the knowledge of the importer. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 8th meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation ,Mozambique reported that the US$150 is a scanning charge gazette and information available to port users. Security is not assigned arbitrarily. |
|
|
NTB-000-372 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-08-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Beira port authority arbitrarily assign security escort for randomly selected containers and charge US$150 without the knowledge of the importer. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique advised that consultations with the CORNELDER - the Company responsible for the Beira Port had been completed and that the issue had been resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-381 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-06-08 |
Mozambique: Posto Fiscal de Cobue |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-03-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique police are charging fines to transporters although their Registration Books have been notarised by the Mozambique Embassy. Notarised Documents are acceptable throughout Mozambique except in other areas particularly the Beira region. Transporters from Malawi and Zimbabwe entering through Mulange/Muloza ; Forbes/Machipanda; Nyamapanda/Cuchamano; Dedza/Calomue and Mwanza/Zobue border posts are affected by these fines. Authorities in these corridors do not accept certified copies of the documents. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the Interior Ministry advised that the Road Traffic Code states that the circulation within Mozambican territory with a photocopied document is illegal. Article 42 ( 2) of the Road Traffic Code and Article 7 (2) of Decree no. 68/2008 of 30th December. The fine is set at 200,00 Mts and not 2000,00Mts as was reportedly charged.
2. In a meeting held between SADC secretariat and Mozambique focal [points on 19 September 2011, it was agreed that the SADC secretariat would facilitate consultations between reporting and imposing country on this matter.
3. On 27 March 2012, Mozambique reiterated its position that , the road code in Mozambique states clearly that the driving is subject to an original valid driving license only.
Certified copies of driving licenses are not allowed. Following NTB mission in September, 2011 this complain is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-373 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2010-02-10 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Dar es Salaam port arbitrarily transfers containers to Inland Container Deports without the knowledge of importers and charges importers between US$150-US$200 depending on the type of ICD the containers are sent to. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported that, currently the TPA is discouraging the Transit Cargo to be transferred to ICDs by keeping them at the port or by operating the system of Whole Ship Transfer to ICDs with no additional charges. |
|
|
NTB-000-423 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2011-07-12 |
Mozambique: Dondo |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-03-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe transport hauliers companies continue to have problems with certain Mozambique authorities. Mozambique authorities (Police at Dondo) are not accepting certified copies of registration books on grounds that if the vehicle does get stolen there are no legal document to prove the vehicle belongs to transporting company. CVR amendments are also not accepted. It looks like the Police are unnecessary targeting Zimbabwe registered vehicles. They are being unreasonable with their fines which are imposed citing very minor faults on vehicles. The police at Dondo hassle the drivers and find no apparent reason to issue tickets.
Forbes border post is hassling drivers, especially the agriculture department. They say that an agriculture permit is required but the documents s gets checked in Beira, Dondo and Inchope. But when they get to the border they claim that this permit is required. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
In a consulative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Focal Points on 19 September 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique reported that, according to existing laws, it is illegal to carry notarised documents. The SADC secretariat in liaison with reporting and imposing country, will facilitate further consultations on the matter if necessary.
2. With regards to agriculture documentation, Moambique reported that documentation is processed by the relevant departments and institutions at the border , therefore this issue does not arise and is considered resolved |
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|
NTB-000-523 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2012-08-06 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: On all roads |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-12-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
the traffic police and other authorities in DRC, are enforcing a 40km/hr speed limit on all roads.
If the speed is exceeded, a spot fine of US$500 is imposed.
If the truck is impounded, a further US$100 per day is charged for parking.
This is an unacceptable acitivity, since the normal speed limits are clearly marked with road signs.
40km/hr throughout the country is not a realistic speed limit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 02 December 2012, the Department of Transport in the DRC advised that an agreement between the drivers and the DRC government was reached that , until 30 January 2013, there will be no speed limits imposed. The DRC government will look at the drivers behaviour and will come back with a final solution to this issue after 30 January 2013. |
|
|
NTB-000-563 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-01-11 |
Zimbabwe: Chitungwiza |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's vehicle has once again been held up by the road traffic authorities in Zimbabwe, for the vehicle not complying strictly to the Zimbabwe vehicle regulations.
In this instance, the rear lights of the truck were not in precisely the right position, according to the Zimbabwe regulations.
The official, in this instance, was constable Munaki, official number 060189F.
After intervention by the road transport industry and much delay, the vehicle was released with a warning.
This complaint is similar to that in NTB 524, where the information plate on the vehicle did not comply with the Zimbabwe regulations.
The practice of Zimbabwe road traffic authorities harassing transporters over trivial vehicle equipment regulations is not acceptable.
Vehicles foreign to Zimbabwe, comply with the regulations in their own countries and receive a certificate of fitness to show that they are compliant.
This certificate of fitness should be acceptable to the Zimbabwe authorities, unless, of course, the vehicle is clearly not roadworthy. The rear lights being in a different position, or the information plate giving different information, does not make the vehicle unroadworthy.
Two of the clauses in one of the bi-lateral road transport agreements that Zimbabwe holds with another country, state that each country should "promote fair and equitable treatment for carriers from both countries" and "strengthen their economic and commercial relations in the spirit of co-operation and friendship".
The actions of the Zimbabwe road traffic authorities do not subscribe to the above requirements and the authorities are requested to adhere to the objectives of the bi-lateral agreements. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13 September 2013, FESARTA reported that they had subsequently received a letter from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development, directed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, instructing the police to accept the standards of South African vehicles. FESARTA believes that this letter will also indirectly apply to vehicles from countries other than South Africa entering Zimbabwe. Therefore, FESARTA recommends that NTBs 524 and 563 be considered resolved. |
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|
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. |
|
|
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) |
|
|
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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