| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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 |
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|
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-000-315 |
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 |
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NTB-001-006 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2021-01-28 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-09-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
AGENTS charged as a criminal offense and penalised for not attaching Permit.
Due to COVID 19 Restrictions in place for Zimbabwe small scale cross border traders their goods are now spending more days at border posts due to the long processing requirements' which they never new when they enjoyed using COMESA STR which was suspended because of COVID as they are not allowed to clear there goods at the borders . Trade is only allowed to be done through the clearing of agents, Those few traders who are using the agents are facing numerous challenges which include requirements for permits and licenses for STR qualifying goods which are beyond the reach of many thereby marginalizing the rest of the traders .
On 28 January 2021 an entry for sweets and sherbets was done by the agent at Chirundu . The Agent erroneously omitted to attach permit for bio safety and the agent was fined an astronomical figure of 400,000 RTGs and when he appealed for that decision of the amount it was doubled to 800,000 RTGS which translate to above US$8000 on the day's exchange rate. ZIMRA classified omission to attach a biosafety permit as a criminal offense attracting a fine outlined in SI 25 of 2021 the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) (Standard Scale of Fines) Notice, 2021.This notice is issued by the Minister in terms of section 280 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. On reading the Act, it is not clear if omission to attach a document constitute a criminal offense .
The goods now have 12 working days at the border and the consignment was for a small-scale trader who is not a company, and these are the people who live on hand to mouth trade. The level of fines for clearing agents are Punitive rather than Correctional, Agents are now afraid of clearing goods for small scale traders as they are heavily fined for omissions and errors which are a common thing in the world, Permits are cumbersome to obtain for some of them.
1. ZIMRA is urged to reconsider the classification of error from “Criminal Offense” to “Omission to attach a required document” and therefore the reduce level of fine
2. The relevant Government Department is requested to consider allowing clearance of COMESA STR goods by TIDOs during this COVID period when they get to the border under modalities to be agreed upon by the authorities. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The issue was considered resolved on the basis that the rates have been reviewed downwards and Zimbabwe shared the Statutory Instrument . |
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NTB-001-210 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2023-05-02 |
Kenya: Mombasa County |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Agricultural Produce Cess on tea into Mombasa County
Mombasa county charges charges Cess on tea in transit to the auction market. Mombasa County is charging the cess on all tea destined for Mombasa at the rate Kshs 7000, for a truck of seven tonnes and above.Charging the cess on tea being trucked into Mombasa Countyincreases the cost of doing business. This tea is dstined outside Kenya. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the meeting that Cess is not discriminatory. |
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|
NTB-000-343 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-12-11 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Revenue Authority |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alfandegas and SARS are delaying verification of rules of origin for Sunlight dish washing liquid made in South Africa costing the importer as they have to pay deposit to Alfandegas since September 2009. The delays in authorizations for payment of deposits has cost the company as they have to pay demurage charges for tyransporters , increased parking fees at Frigo to wait as much as up 22days to get authorization |
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Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that once discrepancy in the certificate of origin, is noted, the freight forwarder completes questionnaire for clarification. If the doubt prevails the importer must pay surety while verification is done to determine origin to qualify for preferential treatment. Qualifying goods are released but
Process remains open until confirmation by DRO if the goods meet the conditions necessary to benefit from preferential treatment.
Inefficiency of the freight forwarder in answering the questionnaire and follow the subsequent steps contribute to delays. Timely processing takes no more than 72 hours to be released early by the surety. |
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|
NTB-000-342 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-12-11 |
Mozambique: Mozambique Revenue Authority |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alfandegas and SARs are taking too long to verify origin of imported Rajah Medium curry powder after Alfandegas queried origin in September 2009.The importers have to pay deposits and authorisation to get the pay the deposit takes up to 22 days thereby increasing standing time at Frigo from an average of two days to as high as 22 days for some loads. The delay has costed the importers since Rajah curry risks insect infection while at Frigo. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the process of verification takes maximum 24hrs on the Mozambique side. However, clearing agents appointed by importers delay in submitting required information hence the delays. |
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|
NTB-000-832 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B82: Testing requirement |
2018-08-28 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2019-10-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
All consignments of Sugar are systematically being on hold at customs in Mombasa for analysis though prior to shipment in Mauritius, a Certificate of Analysis is being issued and verified by SGS Mauritius and a Certificate of Conformity is issued by SGS South Africa based on Certificate of Analysis.
Same SGS is a recognized International Standards Body mandated by KEBS, we would like to understand why the sugar are also being analysed before clearance in Mombasa? |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 18th October 2019 , Mauritius reported that the Mauritian exporters reported that the consignments were released. We propose that this NTB be marked as resolved. |
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|
Products:
|
1701.14: Raw cane sugar, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter (excl. cane sugar of 1701 13) |
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|
NTB-000-898 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-05-30 |
South Africa: SGS South Africa |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2020-01-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
All consignments subject to Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) must obtain the Certificate of Confirmity (CoC) prior to shipment.
On average, it takes SGS South Africa about 3-5 days to respond to a request made by the exporter for issuing the CoC, and it takes them further 15-20 days to produce the CoC. In the meantime, the Mauritian exporting company has to incur several financial constraints while waiting for the CoC. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 January 2020, Mauritius Focal Point advised that the exporter has negotiated with SGS South Africa to reduce the number of days taken to obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC). SGS South Africa is taking a maximum of 12 days to process the CoC instead of 25 days.
The exporter has advised that they are now satisfied with the processing time. |
|
|
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 |
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|
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. |
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|
NTB-001-331 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2026-02-07 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2026-04-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Alphakrust who trade prawns and squid into Kenya market was charged KSH 6,050.00 per consignment as inspection fee, while the product is certified by Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS) and has been marked with notified mark as per EAC product certification regulations. The fee is contrary to the requirements of the EAC SQMT Act. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The charges were addressed and the refund process has already been initiated and is currently in progress. |
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|
Products:
|
0306.17: Frozen shrimps and prawns, even smoked, whether in shell or not, incl. shrimps and prawns in shell, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water (excl. cold-water shrimps and prawns) |
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|
NTB-000-225 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-28 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An Escort fee of either K900 000.00 or K800 000.00 depending on the route is charged. The escort charge covers the expenses for the customs officials who accompany the commercial transit traffic from port of entry to port of exit. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that, under normal circumstances, Customs officers do not accompany commercial transit traffic. If motor vehicles such as trucks need to be escorted they use private escorts who charge them accordingly. These are purely private commercial arrangements between transporters and private escorters. However, if such goods in transit are deemed risky by Customs Officers, then Customs Officers would escort such trucks/vehicles. In such cases, the Zambian law requires that an escort fee be paid to Customs Officers by the transporter, and the fee is dependent on the distance to be covered |
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|
NTB-000-264 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An export licence is required for all non-SACU SADC exports,even if product does not feature on the positive list. No general export licencing applies to SACU trade. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that an export permit but not a license is required for controlled products only |
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|
NTB-001-022 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2021-04-06 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2024-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An exporter in Zambia has been facing challenges obtaining import permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Zimbabwe as they are often told that they're non available. Alternatively, some officer from the above mentioned ministry informally tell them that they can use an already existing import permit for a Zimbabwean company but have to pay a price above than they would have obtained the permit from the ministry. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 June 2024, Zimbabwe submitted SI 6 of 2024 .
Regulation 3 of Control of Goods ( Open General Import Licence ) ( Amendment) Notice , 2024 (No. 14) removes requirement for importation of biscuits under tariff heading 19.05. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
Products:
|
1905.31: Sweet biscuits |
|
|
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. |
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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 |
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Resolution status note:
|
Rwanda reported that the issue was resolved internally |
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NTB-000-136 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reporte4d that she does not impose levy on wheat |
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NTB-000-136 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
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Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that she does not impose levy on wheat imports. Botswana is imposing the 15% levy on wheat flour.The wheat flour Levy was introduced in 2003, through the Control of Goods, Prices and other charges Act Chapter 43 section 8 Subsection 3 which restrict importation on wheat flour, thereby encouraging the protection of industries in Botswana. The ACt is still under review. The 15% levy is intended as protection for millers in Botswana and is also designed to support value addition. Consultations are in progress with relevant Ministry. Botswana indicated that resolution of this complaint is dependent on the results of the review of the “Control of Goods, Prices and Other Charges Act” which has been stalled pending the establishment of a National Body. A study to assess the relevance of the levy on wheat flour is still being planned. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration. |
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NTB-000-961 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2020-04-24 |
Tanzania: Benaco and Rusumo. |
EAC |
Resolved
2020-05-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
An incident with truck drivers in Benaco, Tanzania, who prevented cargo trucks destined for Rwanda to cross the border in protest against the new guidelines issued by the Government of Rwanda on 24th April 2020 on the movement of goods and services through Rwanda borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Pandemic. The same time, at Rusumo border, movement of goods and services were stopped. |
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Resolution status note:
|
This NTBs was resolved bilaterally between Rwanda and Tanzania. |
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NTB-000-259 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ondjiva Customs |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Angola effects random increases in excise duties without notifying traders in advance. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, it was reported that all tariffs and other related fees and charges are gazetted and therefore not charged in ad hoc manner. The Angola Tariff Book is published and available on Angola Customs website (www.alfandegas.gv.ao). |
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NTB-000-725 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2016-11-01 |
Angola: Port of Luanda |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Angola has Cumbersome and costly documentation and export/import requirements. The following is list of documentation required for a single consignment : i) 2x1 Original Bill of Landing; (ii)Original stamped and signed Commercial invoice; (iii) Original stamped and signed packing list; (iv) Analysis certificates if so required by consignee; (v) Loading Certificate (known as ARC or CNCA) PIP number prior to loading (required to do the pre-inspection) - not compulsory ; (vi) Voluntary pre-shipping control of merchandise (to be done at place of origin by inspector that issued the PIP number) Certificate of Origin( if so required by consignee) transport documents, full load container have to be sealed; (vii) letter from consignee nominating Orey as his forwarder agent; (viii) letter of responsibility from consignee to the carrier accepting full responsibility for demurrages and eventual container damages; (ix) copy of tax payer card of consignee; (x) Ministry of Commerce to issue license upon presentation of the commercial invoice; (xi) Ministry of Commerce to provide DU number, each invoice has different DU number.
The expected time frame is 72 hours (3 days) to get a DU number. CNCA certificate can only be issued upon presentation of the DU number for each specific shipment. Cost to produce DU number is 10 USD per invoice + Process DU (MINCO) FOB value 0.2%.
Costs
There is Fixed delivery and clearance rates in Luanda. Transport costs of 25% as from 15/1/2016, plus other additional chargers. Lab analysis costs 3000 USD per invoice. Analysis are mandatory to any imported edible goods, from water to beverages.
Delivery costs to Luanda per 20" + - 800 USD + 250 USD per night time delivery within city limits. overtime applies all the time due to restriction on delivery during the day due to traffic. Exporters are forced to pay incentives costs to EHO by OREY for DDP shipments. 20" => 150 USD if customs clearance handled by Orey, 40" => 170 USD if customs clearance handled by Orey.
Other fees charged are:
Shipment tracking & dispatch, BL Validation 160 per unit, Container deposit 1000 per unit
Delivery order 25 USD per unit. Port Tax 93.00 per unit, Wharfage 280.00 USD per unit, Tracking fee 100 USD per unit, Clearance transport and petties 350 USD per unit, delivery between Luanda /Soyo 3500.00 USD, return empty 400 USD per unit, transport between Luanda and Cabinda 11000.00 USD per unit, co-ordination 2.5% minimum USD 50.00. Consumption Tax of 5% service costs rendered in Angola. Taxes in all alcohol beverages is high 30% Cocktail 50% Ciders 51%
We believe this costs makes it difficult for investors to do business in Angola, most of them amount to tariff and non-tariff barriers we would like Regulators to review them. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Since 2017 to date, no formal complaints have been registered within the scope of foreign trade procedures, which reflects the stability and good functioning of the system in force. On this basis, Angola and South Africa agree that the NTB is resolved |
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