Non-Tariff Barriers :: Complaints

Resolved complaints

Showing items 601 to 620 of 916

Complaint number	NTB Type Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments 1.1. Export subsidies 1.2. Government monopoly in export/import 1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership 1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers 1.5. Requirement for counter trade 1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies 1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies 1.8. Import bans 1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country 1.10. Determination of eligibility of an exporting establishment (firm, company) by the importing country 1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation 1.12. Multiplicity and Controls of Foreign exchange market 1.13. "Buy national" policy 1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions 1.15. Other Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures 2.1. Government imposing antidumping duties 2.2. Arbitrary customs classification 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2.4. Import licensing 2.5. Decreed customs surcharges 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2.9. Issues related to transit fees 2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges 2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure 2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers 2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections 2.14. Other Category 3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) Category 4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures Category 5. Specific limitations 5.1. Quantitative restrictions 5.2. Exchange controls 5.3. Export taxes 5.4. Quotas 5.5. Import licensing requirements 5.6. Proportion restrictions of foreign to domestic goods (local content requirement) 5.7. Minimum import price limits 5.8. Embargoes 5.9. Non-automatic licensing 5.10. Prohibitions 5.11. Quantitative safeguard measures 5.12. Export restraint arrangements 5.13. Other quantity control measures 5.14. Restrictive licenses 5.15. Other Category 6. Charges on imports 6.1. Prior import deposits and subsidies 6.2. Administrative fees 6.3. Special supplementary duties 6.4. Import credit discriminations 6.5. Variable levies 6.6. Border taxes 6.7. Other Category 7. Other procedural problems 7.1. Arbitrariness 7.2. Discrimination 7.3. Corruption 7.4. Costly procedures 7.5. Lengthy procedures 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 7.7. Complex variety of documentation required 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 7.10. Other Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding 8.1. Government Policy and regulations 8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) 8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) 8.4. Transport related corruption 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 8.6. Vehicle standards 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees 8.8. Issues related to transit Other Policy or Regulatory NTB Not a policy or regulatory NTB Check allUncheck all	Date of incident	Location COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Reporting country or region (additional) COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Status	Actions
NTB-000-926	7.3. Corruption	2019-11-04	Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe	Malawi	Resolved 2021-07-09	View
Complaint:	Bus travelers are being charged R50 on Zobue and Cuchamano border with Mozambique for passport stamping on Entry and Exit as traders travel by Road.
Resolution status note:	The National Migration Service (SENAMI) suspended the border fee in 2010 and, even when it was being charged, it was forty-nine Meticais and forty-four Centavos (49.44 MZN) and not fifty Rands.
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.
Resolution status note:	This NTB has been reported as resolved, considering the update provided earlier, which included some documents in the attachment.
NTB-001-097	3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) B9: TBT Measures n.e.s.	2022-11-28	Tanzania: Tanzania Bureau of Standards	Malawi	Resolved 2023-03-28	View
Complaint:	Tanzania requires that we produce a Certificate of Analysis done in SGS labs only which are only in South Africa and Mauritius. The test must be done on each and every consignment which is costly and time-consuming. It could have been ideal if they could accept at least from Malawi Bureau of Standard. Other countries where we export our product accept Certificate of Analysis from our company lab.
Resolution status note:	From the report of the meting held on 28th March 2023 between SADC Business Council, The Complainant and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), both parties agreed to resolve the NTB as per the attached minutes of the meetings and the accompanying letter with Reference No. TBS/CED/PVoC/G.54/7870 dated 29th March 2023.
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.
Resolution status note:	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.
NTB-001-125	2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures	2023-06-01	Democratic Republic of the Congo:	Malawi	Resolved 2026-04-15	View
Complaint:	Cross Border truck drivers from Malawi, Zambia and other COMESA Member States face cumbersome procedures of clearing goods and other transit issues at the relevant border post in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In particular the following is reported: 1. Scanner at Mutaka- Cumbersome payment procedures for the scanner ($100) and forced parking ($30) which has led to congestion for the drivers as well as serious security concerns. 2. Unnecessary stoppages along Kasumbalesa-Kolwezi Corridor causing massive delays. 3. Delayed document processing by Mining houses. 4. Unfair treatment of drivers in an event of accidents, sickness and death.
Resolution status note:	During the NTBs workshop 17th - 19th April 2024, DRC Focal Point confirmed that the scanner and parking charges have been lifted. During NMC meeting held in Malawi in March 2026, Malawi NFP contacted their truck association who confirmed that they were no longer paying the charges therefore NTBs has been resolved.
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.
Resolution status note:	The complaint is marked as resolved under the update provided above.
NTB-001-254	2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections	2025-04-01	Malawi: Songwe	Malawi	Resolved 2025-06-17	View
Complaint:	We are a company that exports groundnuts from Malawi to Kenya. On average we export three containers in a month to Kenya. Before loading the cargo into the container, the cargo is being inspecting by the MRA official who certify the accuracy of the cargo being loaded into the container for Export. Once the container is loaded, a seal is placed on it till the container reaches the exit border post, where this seal is removed again for the second confirmation of the load being exported. This requires offloading the consignment, running the risk of contamination, damage and delays as well as cost of offloading and loading. We have been exporting to Kenya since 2022. However, since October 2024, we have been encountering these challenges of being forced to offload cargo at the exit boarder post for inspection purposes by MRA officials, both to and from. This is despite that the cargo is being loaded into the container in the presence of the MRA official at the point of origin of goods. As a result of this we are paying unnecessary costs which is expensive and at times delays the clearance process. All these costs are being encountered by the exporter/importer. The exit border has machine scanners which have been out of service for some time now. If these were working, we could not encounter this delay and expense which is originating from the offloading and loading of the cargo. At the same times some of the exported or imported cargo gets damaged when carrying out this exercise. Hygiene is also another issue, considering the places where we are doing the off-loading and loading exercise. A resolution needs to be found ASAP to avoid such delays, repetitive inspections and costs before exiting the country.
Resolution status note:	The NTB 001-254 issue is now effectively resolved. In a productive virtual meeting on June 17, 2025, key stakeholders—including the SADC Secretariat, a representative from the concerned company in Malawi, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the SADC Business Council, and GIZ—came together to address challenges experienced by exporters at the Songwe Border Post. The Malawi Revenue Authority took the initiative to inform exporters of the obstacles encountered during border crossings and clearly outlined the customs procedures necessary for a smooth export process from Malawi. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and supporting exporters.
Products:	1202.42: Groundnuts, shelled, whether or not broken (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked)
NTB-000-303	2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures	2009-09-09	South Africa: Department of Trade and Industry	Madagascar	Resolved 2010-07-22	View
Complaint:	Complex tariff and other import tax structure
Resolution status note:	South Africa reported that both countries are members of SADC hence SADC tariff reduction schedules apply
NTB-000-299	5.12. Export restraint arrangements Policy/Regulatory	2009-09-09	Madagascar: Ministry of Trade	Madagascar	Resolved 2011-03-11	View
Complaint:	Government imposes export constraints on the exportation of wood
Resolution status note:	This is a measure to safeguard the environment. The elimination of non-tariff barriers will be done gradually.
NTB-000-300	5.12. Export restraint arrangements Policy/Regulatory	2009-09-09	Madagascar: Ministry of Trade	Madagascar	Resolved 2010-07-26	View
Complaint:	Government imposes export constraints on the exportation of wood
NTB-000-301	5.3. Export taxes Policy/Regulatory	2009-09-09	Madagascar: Department of Customs	Madagascar	Resolved 2010-07-26	View
Complaint:	Royalty levy of 1,5% is charged exports of transformed wood
Resolution status note:	This is a measure to safeguard the environment. The elimination of non-tariff barriers will be done gradually.
NTB-000-070	2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges	2009-07-23	Lesotho: Maseru Bridge	Lesotho	Resolved 2011-07-28	View
Complaint:	VAT clearance procedures at the border posts are open to corruption.
Resolution status note:	The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) reported that they have all the necessary measures to combat corruption for all customs procedures and there is a high intolerance for corruption as there is a Corruption Investigation Unit within the LRA. LRA are in the process of introducing an automated system.
NTB-000-063	7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues	2009-07-23	Lesotho: Ministry of labour	Lesotho	Resolved 2010-11-22	View
Complaint:	Lesotho is restricting employment of qualified manpower nit available in that country
Resolution status note:	Lesotho reported there are expatriates who are working in Lesotho in various professions, so there is no employment restriction of qualified manpower in the country.
NTB-000-065	5.2. Exchange controls	2009-07-23	Lesotho: Ministry of Finance	Lesotho	Resolved 2010-11-22	View
Complaint:	Lesotho has restrictive and time wasting foreign exchange limitations
Resolution status note:	Lesotho reported that this is not an NTB, but a measure taken to monitor and regulate illegal monies and corruption together with money laundering
NTB-000-066	5.12. Export restraint arrangements	2009-07-23	Lesotho: Ministry of Mines	Lesotho	Resolved 2011-07-28	View
Complaint:	Lesotho has put in place official regulations affecting exports of diamonds and manufactured products which are : Export and Import control Act 1984 Examination and Movement certificate
Resolution status note:	The meeting establishing Lesotho NMC held on 09 August 2011 in Maseru resolved that Lesotho's imposition of this requirement is accordance to article 9 (e) of the SADC Protocolon trade and therefore not an NTB. It was also observed that reporting country had not objected to Lesotho explanation submitted to the 9th meeting of the SADCSub Comitttee on Trade facilitation held in Gaborone on 27 July 2011. This matter is therefore considered resolved.
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-000-068	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-000-082	5.7. Minimum import price limits Policy/Regulatory	2009-07-23	Lesotho: Ministry of Trade	Lesotho	Resolved 2010-11-22	View
Complaint:	Lesotho regulates prices by fixing a floor price for beans and peas.
Resolution status note:	Lesotho reported that she does not regulate prices for any product; however our marketing department sometimes makes some price recommendations based on the market price for legumes. At times when these food stuffs have been subsidized due to lack of food supplies as a result of drought, prices are being regulated (only on subsidized programmes).
NTB-000-541	2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures	2012-10-29	South Africa: Lebombo	Lesotho	Resolved 2013-05-23	View
Complaint:	On Monday 29 October I was crossing into South Africa from Mozambique. I was importing used shoes from Mozambique destined to Lesotho, however the customs officials from Lebombo border post on South African could not let my goods pass through and my goods were confiscated. I was holding the reciept from the seller from Mozambique, the value of the goods was M2,857 (R2,857 or equivalent of 10, 000 Meticais). I was then told by the custom official at the border that I will have to pay R 9000 plus VAT which is not refundable according to the official. This value is way more than the value of the goods. The other option was that I should hire currier service s very expensive, I was forced to use currier even though I had my own transport and to use an urgent. I was holding an import permit from my country Lesotho at the time however I was told to pay the R 9000 which is not refundable.
Resolution status note:	On 13 November 2012, South Africa Focal Point reported that each of the SACU member state has its own import/export control regime. For South Africa, importation of used clothing and footwear for resale purposes is not allowed, except in specifically defined conditions. The conditions for used clothing are that, imports should be for the purpose of cutting up to manufacture industrial wiping rags in a customs rebate store. For used footwear, imports are only allowed if the shoes are donated to a registered charity for free distribution in terms of a customs rebate provision. Given the above background, second hand clothing and footwear imports in transit through SA have to transit SA territory under special procedures: these goods need to be cleared in bond first, and then the goods need to be transported by an in-bond carrier to the country of destination (Lesotho in this case). For this reason the importer was told to use courier services. Such courier service would constitute an in-bond carrier. Such an in-bond remover must have sufficient security in place to cover the duty and VAT on these goods in bond; and this surety would be acquitted with the final clearance upon arrival in Lesotho. If the importer therefore did not comply with the in-bond transit measures, it would explain the duties charged. During the 11th meeting of the SADC Sub -Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 23 May 2013 in Gaborone, Lesotho noted the response by South Africa and undertook to provide clarification upon consultation with the importer.
NTB-000-595	2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections	2013-06-10	South Africa: Ficksburg Bridge	Lesotho	Resolved 2015-03-25	View
Complaint:	Exporter's containers (in transit to USA) are stopped by South African Revenue Services (SARS) at Ficksburg border post, South Africa and consignments are checked exclusively notwithstanding the fact that they are being checked by the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) before they are dispatched. SARS requires certificate of origin before they can process Electronic Data Interchange and that goods be off-loaded from the containers and then re-loaded and this requires extra manpower thereby adding on the cost of manufacturing. Moreover, exporters have to pay standing charges for transporters as they have to stay overnight at the border as the process takes about 6-12 hours and this impacts negatively on many other shipping processes. The process also causes goods to reach their destinations after the agreed timeframe and as a result exporters fail to meet their customers' requirements. The incident has happened on more than one occassion.
Resolution status note:	On 25 March 2015, Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved and therefore must be removed from the pending cases.

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