| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-949 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2020-03-31 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Road) |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2020-04-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Mozambiquan government cancelled issuing visas to all foreigners travelling to Mozambique including for truck drivers from the DRC following COVID-19 outbreak . The DRC uses Beira port for export and import of products to the DRC. Because of this, the DRC truck drivers are stuck at Nyamapanda border post between Zimbabwe and Mozambique and cannot access the Beira port to load their cargo for transportation back to DRC. |
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Resolution status note:
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The SADC secretariat reported that , according to the Mozambican NTBs focal point, the matter was resolved, and it was not as alarming as it was reported. In fact, drivers were impatient with the new sanitary and migratory control rules. |
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NTB-000-959 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2020-05-18 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2022-06-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of escort fees.
An escort fee at Zobue to escort Illovo Sugar (Malawi) trucks to Beira. It is US$ 200 per batch of 3 vehicles. If there is a single vehicle/truck that must get to the port the fee is still $ 200.
And there is also a scanning charge of US $ 20 per vehicle. |
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Resolution status note:
|
This NTB has been reported as resolved, considering the update provided earlier, which included some documents in the attachment. |
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NTB-000-973 |
We are asked to pay 500mts to gain entry and exit to and from Mozambique (250 in/250 out) under the guise that the trucks need to be inspected. |
2020-08-04 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Namaacha |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2021-07-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Eswatini Company is asked to pay 500mts to gain entry and exit to and from Mozambique (250 in/250 out) under the guise that the trucks need to be inspected in line with Ministerial Diploma NO 18/2007 of February 9, which approves the table of various fees for Border Posts, effective from August 2, 2020. However inspection cargo is not done and therefore we are made to pay for services not rendered. Further , the drivers have t pay to get their passport stamped.
How do we dertermine the time the vehicles stays at the border if we are billed a hourly charge all documentation and taxes dues are paid in advance to try and speed the process up why does the driver need to pay to have his passport stamped on arrival and more strangely on exiting with an empty vehicle. |
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Resolution status note:
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Mozambique Focal Point reported that the inspection fee for motor vehicles at the Namaacha border was charged under Ministerial Diploma nº 18/2007, of 9 February. However, said fee was revoked by Ministerial Diploma nº 28/2021, of 30 April 2021 |
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Products:
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3214.10: Glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and other mastics; painters' fillings |
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NTB-000-958 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2020-05-20 |
Mozambique: Dondo Weigh Bridge
-19.578854, 34.728999 |
|
Resolved
2022-10-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The road block/weigh bridge at Dondo on the N6 approx 40km North West of Beira has been mentioned before on this portal as a non tariff trade barrier.
On 20th May 2020 our empty Zambian registered vehicle was stopped by said authorities and charged the equivalent of USD 300 (MT 20,000) for not having a sticker on the truck indicating the GVM and Tare. This is not the first time this has happened, the fines vary upwards from a USD 50 'warning'. Until now we have never been provided with any form of receipt.
According to Decree 1/2011 of 23 March The Road Traffic Code, Article 142 - Fine 1. Offences set out in thie Code for which no penalty has been set, are punishable by a fine of MT 500. This brings to question a fine of MT20,000.
Zambian Law does not require the GVM/Tare etc of the vehicle to be shown on the outside of the vehicle. As with all SADC nations, you are required to have a manufacturers plate indicating this and other information (refer VLM - MOU SADC - EAC - COmesa - Final - Feb 2017 page 27. Member states are bound to recognise the soveriegnty and legalty of a foreign states Certificate of Fitness and in such the fact that this sticker is not required on a Zambian vehicle should be respected.
The fine that was issued is not receipted on the proper document. Neither are these officials empowered to issue a fine as it has to be completed at a Police Station where an Official Receipt in issued on an A4 Sized Page.
Reference to the article/decree refered to 67/1 cannot be found (except that relevants to travel on level crossings) and has presumable been replaced by the Decree 1/2011 of 23 March The Road Traffic Code where no mention of this sticker is made.
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Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the notice of fine issued on the Dondo Bascula to the driver Mbewe Clevery, should not be dealt with under the Traffic Code, since in Mozambique, the lack of an indicative record of Gross Weight and Tare vehicle is provided for in article 67 of the Regulation for the Transport of Motor Vehicles and Trailers (RTVAR) and is sanctioned with a fine of MZM 10,000.00 and not MZM 20,000.00 as mentioned by the Traffic Agent who issued the fine. Fines for non-compliance with RTVAR rules are listed in Annex VII, pursuant to 1 of article 134.
In cases where there are irregularities in the drawing up of the infraction notice, paragraph 3 of article 134 of the RTVAR gives the driver the right to file a complaint with the National Institute of Land Transport (INATTER) within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of issue of notice. The complainant does not provide any proof of payment, which makes it uncertain whether he paid it or not.
Steps will be taken to improve oversight at this scale and across the Corridor. Contact telephone numbers will be available at weighbridges and checkpoints for clarification and complaints. |
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NTB-001-066 |
|
2022-01-01 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Ressano Garcia (Road) |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2024-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction by Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique of a SINGLE ENTRY Temporary Import Permit (TIP) at a cost of MZN700, which is currently processed manually for the majority of vehicles at Ressano Garcia's KM4 facility.
The costs are prohibitive for companies moving transit cargo from South Africa to the Port of Maputo, with 15 loads per week per vehicle a common achievement. In addition, the delays experienced by the manual processing of the TIP document adds significant cost on account of the waiting time that drivers are subjected to. The Port of Maputo has collaborated with Customs in Mozambique to collect electronic payments for the TIPs, but so far only 10 companies have taken up the use of the facility. Even those companies registered on the Port's electronic system are not guaranteed speedy processing, and delays are still experienced by drivers as they still have to queue to collect the TIP document. Electronic payments should take precedent over manual payments, but in reality this is not the case. It is common knowledge that a R50 bribe will speed up the processing of the TIP document.
The SADC Protocol on Trade is clear in its reference to the removal of tariffs and non tariff barriers. At this point, the TIP cost to one company moving 180 trucks per month, is in excess of R1,4million ZAR or USD88,000. The manual processing compromises the integrity of the system and the costs directly impact the competitiveness of the trade route for imports and transit imports into Mozambique.
With the push towards the harmonization of regulations within the SADC and TRIPARTITE region, the TIP process should be harmonized with that of South Africa which has a multiple entry TIP valid for 6 months and is processed at no cost to the user. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB-001-066 was resolved, and the withdrawal of fees concerning the 750 Meticais fees paid for issuing and extending the Vehicles Temporary Import License on the foreign carriers was reviewed and published in Ministerial Diploma no. 33/2023 of February 14th, attached above. |
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NTB-001-094 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2022-12-12 |
Mozambique: |
South Africa |
Resolved
2024-05-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We have been applying for a Vet Import Permit to export Nestle Allegra to Mozambique as it has been treated as a dairy product. Nestle Allegra is a non-dairy product and we would like it to be exempt from Vet import permit and treated as non-dairy.
There hasn't been any incident to date. and we cannot quantify the cost. Because the product is treated as a dairy product, it must go through process of vet import permit which delays trade of product. so the cost is indirectly/directly linked to the trade delays which impact working capital cycle. |
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Resolution status note:
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It was raised as a suggestion, so it can be considered resolved. |
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NTB-001-127 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2023-07-25 |
Mozambique: Beira Route |
Malawi |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Professional Drivers Union in Malawi are concerned with reduced transit limit time to 21hrs by Mozambique - Initially the transit time was 72hrs. This change brings about healthy and safety concern to drivers. Drivers are concerned on road conditions, mechanical faults and time to rest on the road which makes it difficult to meet this newly set time limit. They opt for the 72hrs as it were because this time limit gave an allowance to delays encountered in transit and it was good for safe driving. |
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Resolution status note:
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In cases where cargo experiences unforeseen delays, operational challenges, or where the driver requires medical assistance, the established timeframe may be extended. In such situations, extensions are granted provided that the transporter communicates the circumstances in advance to their respective clearing agents. |
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NTB-001-146 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2023-11-01 |
Mozambique: Maputo Port |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2025-03-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our Company , Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe , (PVT. LTD) have been importing Vehicles using Maputo Port and never had challenges with customs since all paper work and documentation is always in order .We are the official distributors of Tata Motors commercial Vehicles here in Zimbabwe. We are a registered company here in Zimbabwe since 2007 and Trading as Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe limited.
As per our supplier Invoice number 750966093 and BL number MOLU18005431182 DT. 30.09.2023 for one Unit LP 909 40-Seater Bus with Chassis number MAT382042P8R10426 was dispatched from Mumbai port, India via Vessel Eternal Ace to Maputo Port. The Vessel was docked on date- and all the Relevant procedures were done by our representative Payflex Trading Lda RUA ROMAO FERNANDES FARINHA NO:75 1ST FLOOR SUITE NR. 8ALTO MAE B. MAPUTO MOZAMBIQUE NUIT: 400379394 GIVEMORE GURI MOB 879304844 / 849304844.
We are writing to report serious challenges we are facing from the office of the Customs Director, Southern Region Director (DRS) which authorises the release of the bus.
Our bus is now being held by Customs at Maputo port, in our view, without any valid reasons and now we might be facing legal action for fraud from our customer who placed an order for bus and paid us 50% deposit as well. Pls note this bus is for Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe -Bulawayo Polytechnic.
The customs office has been holding on to the clearing process for over 3 weeks and is not communicating the reasons for the delays to us the importer . Our bus belongs to Bulawayo Polytechnic (which is under ministry of Education here in Zimbabwe) and all documents are in order. This incident has caused our Business a Loss of sale as well as hampered our reputation in the market. Also, we should note that this bus was one of the first buses we were to supply to Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, the Director has refused to release our in-transit cargo to Zimbabwe.
we have attached documentary evidence and report from our Maputo Agents explaining what transpired in detail for your urgent / immediate actions.’ |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 3rd March 2025,the complainant reported to SADC Secretariat that the matter had been resolved |
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NTB-001-151 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2023-09-13 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved
2026-02-12 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Malawi pigeon pea export consignment to India has been detained at Beira port in Mozambique for the following reasons:
1. 275Mt for Grey Matter - Investigation on issues of origin. However, the consignment bears Malawi custom seals and documents, emphasizing its Malawi origin.
2. 1500MT for Africa Fertilizer Ltd – Rules regarding fumigation. All the consignment loaded in trucks in Malawi, and stuffing was done in containers in Beira.
3. 3275MT for Afrisian Ltd – Customs verification if the cargo is in transit. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The complaint is marked as resolved under the update provided above. |
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NTB-001-164 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-04-26 |
Mozambique: |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2024-08-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
I was about to clear my stuff by the Border at Komatiport or Lebombo border post when the Police man of Mozambique by the name of Maphosa asked me to check my truck then asked for papers for the vehicle, my license, car insurance and important documents on my file, I gave him everything he wanted. He said I should clear my stuff and come back to him.
I went for clearing but then I was asked to bring truck papers and license, at that time Maphosa was no where to be found, I asked some police men about him but they said he is in Maputo and I have to go back to Maputo to fetch my things at the police station but never mentioning which police station should I go to, I had to leave all my goods at alfandegars storeroom which is renting even now.
I drove back to Lesotho without my license and some documents and luggages because the clearing could not be completed since the truck papers and my license were not available due to that Police officer. |
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Resolution status note:
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The driving licence has been returned to the owner. |
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NTB-000-168 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Mauritius: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved
2012-03-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Import restrictions on sugar |
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Resolution status note:
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At the last NTB meeting in March 2011, Mauritius informed the meeting that import restrictions on sugar in Mauritius have been lifted |
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NTB-000-153 |
1.1. Export subsidies
B41: TBT regulations on production processes |
2009-07-27 |
Mauritius: Ministry of Trade |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mauritius have refused to buy beer from Tanzania on TBT grounds |
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Resolution status note:
|
Mauritius reported that this is no longer obtaining |
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NTB-000-141 |
5.3. Export taxes |
2009-07-27 |
Mauritius: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mauritius charges an export tax on sugar |
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Resolution status note:
|
Mauritius reported that taxes were eliminated in 2004 |
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NTB-000-102 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Mauritius: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Mauritius has single marketing channel for agricultural products |
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Resolution status note:
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Mauritius reported that she is a net food importer and therefore state regulated agencies are necessary to coordinate food imports into that country for food security purposes |
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NTB-000-051 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2004-12-22 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
25% excise duty on laundry soap.
Kenya complained that Malawian Government charge 25% excise duty on imports of laundry soap. |
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Resolution status note:
|
At their meeting held on 29 August 2011, Kenya NMC reported that consultations had taken place between the Ministers of Trade of the two coutries which resolved the matter. |
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Products:
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3401.11: Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use, incl. medicated products |
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NTB-000-038 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2008-12-22 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya complained that Malawian Government require submission of Form 18 along with COMESA Certificate of Origin. On Form 18, exporter has to justify that value addition amounts to 51% contrary to the COMESA value addition requirement of 35%. |
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Resolution status note:
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At their meeting eld on 29 August 2011, Kenya NMC reported that Kenya is no longer encountering this problem and are therefore happy to get it considered resolved. |
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NTB-000-172 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Dedza |
Malawi |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
cumbersome and bureaucratic delays encountered in the processing of documentation and clearing of goods at the border posts. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Malawi reported that she had established trade facilitation tools e.g. Development of OSBPs with Zambia,( Muchinji/Mwami) and Tanzania. Draft agreements have been Mozambique and Malawi were now awaiting Official signing at Ministerial level. Malawi has also developed a one stop Malawi Trade portal with all legal regulations and procedures for all institutions in Malawi that deal with trade in goods. All trade and business related forms and procedures for the respective institutions can be dowloaded from the trade portal. |
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NTB-000-052 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2008-12-22 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2012-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
25% excise duty on edible oils
Kenya complained that Malawian Government charge 25% excise duty on imports of edible oils. |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the NTBs SMS launch meeting hel on 09 April 2013, Malawi reported that this issue had been resolved and confirmed that Malawi chrges a duty of 20 percent which is is applied to both local and imported commodities hence its non discriminatory, therefore not an NTB. |
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Products:
|
1511.90: Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified and crude) |
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NTB-000-052 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures
Policy/Regulatory |
2008-12-22 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2012-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
25% excise duty on edible oils
Kenya complained that Malawian Government charge 25% excise duty on imports of edible oils. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Malawi reported that the excise tax was non- discriminatory |
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Products:
|
1511.90: Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined (excl. chemically modified and crude) |
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NTB-000-116 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2009-07-26 |
Malawi: Ministry of Transport |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Malawi charges very high road leivies |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs,Malawi reported that it was difficult to get further information from the complainant as this was uploaded before the online system allowed complainants to provide their contact details. However, Malawi would consult with the Ministry of Transport to gather all the transport related charges and upload them on the NTB website, for transparency. It was resolved that this NTB could not be processed for now until such time South Africa provides adequate information on the complaint. In the meantime, the NTB would be considered resolved, until the agreed information is made available. South Africa requested that the NTB be transffered to the section for resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature since the regulations are in place in Malawi. |
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