| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-266 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The following stringent conditions stringent and cumbersome conditions are applied on the re-export (in bond mainly to Angola) of controlled petroleum products subject to permit:
a) A trade permit obtained from MTI a copy of which is to be supplied to the ministry.
B) The oil company involved and prices qouted shall be reviewed in writing in MTI.
c) Prices shall include all basic purchase costs |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that this information is required for the Government to determine the amount of tax to be paid by the exporting company and for Custom and excise levies |
|
|
NTB-001-045 |
|
2021-11-22 |
Kenya: Poultry products from Uganda have been banned from entering the Kenyan market. |
|
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The government of Kenya without giving any reason arbitrarily banned all poultry products from Uganda from accessing the Kenyan market. It is not clear when the ban will end or if it will end. My clients have lost and continue to lose a lot of money thanks to this arbitrary and protectionist measure by the government of Kenya going against all the principles of the International Trade especially Kenya's obligations as a part of the East African Community Customs Union. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 14 June 2022, the EAC Secretariat reported that the ban was lifted as a result of the Bilateral meeting of the two Partner States in December 2021.
So, the matter is resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-240 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Diary Board (KDB) |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Government of Kenya, through the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), has not issued export permits for Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk destined for Kenya since November 2024. This action constitutes a violation of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol and the Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Act, which is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods within the region.
The continued restriction has had severe consequences for Ugandan traders, leading to significant financial losses and, in many cases, the closure of their export businesses. This situation not only undermines regional trade commitments but also disrupts economic integration efforts within the EAC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the 38th RMC that:
1. Transfers of milk from Uganda to Kenya is ongoing
2. 10 million litres of milk were transferred from Uganda to Kenya between January and March 2025
3. 70 million Kgs have been transferred from Uganda to Kenya in 2024, and 67 million Litres transferred in the same period.
4. Kenya has no quotas on milk, and over 100 importers have been registered to transfer milk from Uganda to Kenya
5. Issued permits for milk if not absorbed effectively, do not allow for extension as per the regulations.
Kenya confirmed that the applications for the permits applied in November 2024 by Uganda were issued in March 2025 and provided evidence to Uganda for that matter. Hence, the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-078 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import
Policy/Regulatory |
2022-06-13 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
|
Resolved
2023-07-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The government of South Sudan through the Ministry of Transport on 25 Feb 2022 had request the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the clearing of all South Sudan cargo at Nairobi Dry Port by moving all containerize cargo by rail and to be cleared at a Private Container Freight Stations (CFS) Autoport Freight Terminals Ltd. When the directive was implemented on 13 June 2022, Stakeholders and the private sector in particulars did not appreciate the move and it see as monopolistic in nature and it did increase the cost of doing business for South Sudan importers, This was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Trade and Industry South Sudan which is the line ministry, The ministry of trade communicated to ministry of transport South Sudan on the implication raise by the private on the cost of import and the monopoly fact, after the consultation between the two ministry in South Sudan, The minister of Trade and Industry wrote two communication letters to the Ministry of Trade Kenya on 23rd May 2022 and Ministry of Transport Kenya on 13 June 2022. However, all the communication had not been responded to from Kenya ministries mention, on 28 July 2022 Members of Parliament summon the ministries of Trade and Transport and resolve to Suspend relocation of South Sudan Cargo via Nairobi to protect South Sudanese and the Minister of Transport South Sudan was requested to revoke his letter to the Ministry of Transport Kenya to allow South Sudanese cargo owner to clear their goods directly from the Port of Mombasa. On 28 July 2022 the Ministry of Transport South Sudan wrote to his counterpart in Kenya requesting the suspension of his previous letter dated 25 Feb 2022. All those communications did not bear fruit on trade facilitation update. Unfortunately on 4th October 2022 the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works. Wrote a letter to the National Treasury and Planning Kenya informing the Cabinet Secretary on not receiving any formal communication from South Sudan Government and for his guidance all South Sudanese cargo is to be rail and cleared at Nairobi.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 42nd SCTIFI noted that Kenya reiterated Her commitment to facilitating the transportation of RSS people and cargo through a letter dated 13th December 2022 addressed to the Minister for Transport South Sudan informing him of a presidential directive on clearance of goods and other attendant operational issues at the port of Mombasa copied to all concerned MDAs of Kenya which is being followed to date. Hence the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
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-000-209 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B33: Packaging requirements |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Health |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-06-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The health and phytosanitary regulations states that, "no person shall import into Zimbabwe any bottle, can, jar or other receptacle which has been used solely for storing or transporting honey or unprocessed royal jelly which honey or jelly was manufactured or produced in any country other than a specified[1] country unless such bottle, can jar or other receptacle has been sterilized after such use. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that regulations were put in place to protect the environment. |
|
|
NTB-000-243 |
5.10. Prohibitions
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The importation of wheat flour into Namibia is prohibited. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that this measure is only allowed to protect local milling industry therefore not an NTB |
|
|
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 |
|
|
NTB-000-965 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: Eldoret Storage KPC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The issue of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) requiring upfront payments or a guarantee cheque for storage of oil and after expiration of the grace period of 21 days they charge 2$ per cube meter (1000 liters) per day as a fine while in Tanzania the grace period goes up to 2months. Also, in order to be able to import products through KPC , a foreign registered company is required to have an agreement with a Kenya based company to bid for them in other to be part on the Open Tender System (OTS). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the meeting that the charges are in accordance with the existing KPA regulations. The verification charges are applicable to containers identified for verification upon the customer's request. The customer has a choice to use an independent agent. Hence this is not an NTB and is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-965 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: Eldoret Storage KPC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The issue of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) requiring upfront payments or a guarantee cheque for storage of oil and after expiration of the grace period of 21 days they charge 2$ per cube meter (1000 liters) per day as a fine while in Tanzania the grace period goes up to 2months. Also, in order to be able to import products through KPC , a foreign registered company is required to have an agreement with a Kenya based company to bid for them in other to be part on the Open Tender System (OTS). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Republic of Kenya informed the meeting that KPC does not require upfront payment or guarantee cheque for storage of oil. Therefore, the meeting agreed that Kenya sends written communication to the Republic of Rwanda through the EAC Secretariat by 13th May 2022.The meeting was informed that the Republic of Rwanda received the letter on 11th May 2022 through EAC Secretariat.The meeting, therefore, agreed to discuss operationalization modalities during Rwanda and Kenya JPC. The meeting agreed that the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-386 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A83: Certification requirement
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-10-15 |
Zambia: Ministry of Health |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Ministry of health in Zambia issued a notice under Food and Drugs Act Cap 303 of the Laws of Zambia for all importers of food products into Zambia and those transiting to other countries to obtain Health insuarance certificates. All transit trucks loaded with food stuff and beverarages must obtain this permit which is only issued in Lusaka and takes upto 10 days. This short notice has resulted in all the trucks carrying this kind of cargo getting stuck in Nakonde adding to more delays than what already being experienced at Nakonde . What is odd is that why should transit trucks have to obtain these permits ? Can something be done about this urgently to avoid huge pile ups of trucks at Nakonde please ? |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that there is no Health insurance certificates but health clearance certificate under cap 303 and this requirement has always been there except Nakonde border post previously was operating without following these requirements until recently when they are working towards normalizing its operations.
These certificates are only issued in Lusaka but efforts are being made to build capacity at provincial levels so that the system can be decentralized. This is in the plan for this year, 2011. |
|
|
NTB-000-889 |
2.14. Other |
2018-04-05 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2019-10-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism received a complaint from Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd of a Non-Tariff Barrier imposed by Mozambican Customs Authorities at Zobue Border Post.
The company reported that Mozambique Customs Officials are demanding that containers carrying processed tobacco transiting through Mozambique should be opened after passing through Zobue Border Post.
Once the container is opened for physical inspection, customers (buyers of tobacco) demand that the exporter should get an official letter from the Mozambique Customs Officials. Unfortunately, Mozambique customs authorities have not issued documents nor provided formal reports stating the occurrence of the inspections and confirming changes in seal numbers once an inspection has taken place. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting to launch SMS tool for Malawi on 30 October 2019, Malawi Focal Point reported that Limbe Leaf Tobacco had written a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism confirming that Mozambique had removed the requirement for additional inspections |
|
|
NTB-001-064 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Mokambo Border to Mfulira Road |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Mokambo Border to Mfulira road has become impassable with trucks getting stuck in the mud and being damaged as a result of the poor road condition |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA Regional capacity building workshop for National focal Points held in Rwanda from 3-6 April 2023, Zambia focal point reported that reconstruction of the Mokambo border to Mfulira had been commenced. It was therefore recommend that this NTB be regarded as resolved considering that Zambia is taking efforts to reconstruct the road |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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-000-940 |
5.14. Restrictive licenses
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-01-09 |
Rwanda: Rwanda FDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-09-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The newly introduced Rwanda FDA is a double registration and a violation to EAC originating products with standardization quality marks for mutual recognition.
Rwanda FDA was never notified to Kenya/EAC
This will mean products going through double registration/approval systems in EAC. Rwanda to consider exempting EAC products from FDA
These are stringent new requirements on the EAC Community Products:
- when you want to import you need to request for import license, we no longer export/import from EAC, therefore when products have quality standardization mark it serves as one of documents to prove the safety of the products.
- You will also need to provide the product invoice and batch test reports to get the import license, before a products is issued with SMark it must be tested and confirmed that it conforms to the EAC products certification therefore this requirements should be exempted from locally manufactured products with quality marks and Certificate of Origin.
- Registration of the products: it is now mandatory to have the products registered have unique Smark numbers. Authenticity of products can be obtained online on the National bureaus.
- Registration fee will make locally manufactured products noncompetitive. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the RMC meeting the Republic of Rwanda informed that, In addressing such related and persistent NTBs, the EASC in 2018 directed the QATSC to develop a Framework for inter agency regulatory control of food and cosmetics to facilitate cross border trade of these commodities. The final framework was recommended by the EASC for SCTIFI approval in their next meeting and this if Partner States commit to implement will reduce the cost of doing business arising among others from re - registration and re- testing . In respect to the Rwanda FDA, the issue was brought to the attention of the Extraordinary meeting of the EASC held on 12th June 2020. The QATSC was directed to discuss the matter and report in the next EASC meeting held on 23rd July with participation of most Partner States Regulatory Authorities .In that meeting Rwanda FDA reported that they recognize products with the EAC notified Quality -Marks that are issued based on harmonized EAC standards, and what Rwanda FDA was doing was just the listing for such products in building the database. The Registration fees for EAC products is waived and EAC products will be registered automatically. The information is on the website and the the Regulations are attached.The NTB is hence resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-364 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements |
2010-02-10 |
Zambia: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Office dealing with export permits for seed in the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia only opens at 11.00 hours. This causes delay in obtaining the export permits. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the office opens from 08:00am to 5pm, but collection starts at 11:00am to allow for processing in the morning. |
|
|
NTB-000-382 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-08-11 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Malawi |
Resolved
2011-10-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The process of clearing trucks at the Beit Bridge Border Post is very low since week beginning 26 July 2010. Trucks take up to 3 days to cross from Messina to Beitbridge? Drivers have reported that South Africa Revenue Authorities are not deploying enough manpower to clear trucks on time. Stops and supervising take ages to be completed |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Cross Border Road Transport Agency Indaba held on 18-19 October 2011, SARS reported that most clearance procedures are now done electronically. SARS is now moving into a paperless environment and is encouraging all Hauliers/Operators to register their road manifest with SARS to cut out on paper work at the border. It now takes as little as 11 minutes for a truck to be cleared on the South African side at Beit Bridge border. |
|
|
NTB-000-358 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ministry of Trade |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The process of obtaining DRC Ogeframe certificate delays cargo at the port and increases costs. Procedure is too long as it involves exporter paying fees at Tanzania Revenue Authority in DAr es Salaam Office and then take the document for endorsement by DRC. This is applicable only to transit goods to DRC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Member States agreed to resolve on the strength that no complaints had been received . |
|
|
NTB-001-144 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2023-11-10 |
South Africa: Durban sea Port |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2024-05-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Release Documents is 7 days prior to vessel arrival because of cargo dues and upon receiving Arrival Notice. The EDI document was sent for release on the 9th of November 2023 the query came in on the 10th of November 2023, and normally it would be released in less than 6 hours but up to date it hasn't been released. We need the import urgently to be released in order to avoid any delays with our Export Orders. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully |
|
|
Products:
|
6006.32: Dyed fabrics, knitted or crocheted, of synthetic fibres, of a width of > 30 cm (excl. warp knit fabrics "incl. those made on galloon knitting machines", those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "long and 6006.34: Printed fabrics, knitted or crocheted, of synthetic fibres, of a width of > 30 cm (excl. warp knit fabrics "incl. those made on galloon knitting machines", those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "lo |
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