| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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-000-734 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2017-01-09 |
Malawi: Muchinji |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-09-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Whenever we have to be attended to by border officers on the Malawian side during the weekend, we are charged a fee which they term 'over-time', amounting to K1,000 Malawian Kwacha, which charge is not levied on the Zambian side. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 33rd Meeting of the COMESA Customs and Trade meeting held on 12 -15 September 2017, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Malawi reported that the NTB had been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-025 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2021-08-10 |
Malawi: SONGWE KARONGA BOX 8 WEIGHBRIDGE |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Rwanda truck carrying Fertilizer TPT from Tanzania to Malawi Lilongwe was refused to enter Malawi and charged USD 1000 for violating third country rule a provision that is being applied betwen Zambia and Malawi to protect their national transport operators against foreign transporters not registered in Malawi. This is a discrimination against other trucks transporting goods to Malawi |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The COMESA workshop on Capacity building for Member States held on 2- 6 April 2023, reviewed this matter and recommended that the Secretariat to recommend to Rwanda to regard this NTB as resolved considering that there are Legal Instruments supporting its implementation. The relevant transport instruments would be shared with Rwanda. |
|
|
NTB-001-189 |
1.8. Import bans |
2024-09-17 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade & Industry |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-03-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Malawi Ministry of Trade & Industry has introduced a new regulation for imports of sweets. Our customer applied for Import Permit 3 times and each time it was rejected. Our customer has tried every possible way however he has not managed. Malawi authorities are not giving the reason in writing. They have informed our customer verbaaly that because of the shortage of forex in Malawi, their superiors have informed them that they are not to issue the Import Permit for sweets. Also, there is a local manufacturer already making sweets so there is no reason to import.
This action has raised great concerns, as it contravenes the trade agreements under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), to which both Kenya and Malawi are signatories.
We kindly request this issue be addressed promptly. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Ministry of Trade and Industry granted an import licence to Manosalwa Food Industry on 10th March, 2025, for 31500 Cartons of Assorted sweets (Happy Mint, Fruit Drops, Cool Cow and Lollipops).
The licence was granted according to the quantity that was applied for. |
|
|
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-000-047 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2007-05-29 |
Madagascar: Ministry of Trade |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2009-02-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Swaziland complained that the Government of Madagascar were not exempting import duties on Swaziland original goods (Madagascar Customs said Swaziland is not part of COMESA any more as of 1st February, 2007) |
|
|
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-000-299 |
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-000-055 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-02-09 |
Madagascar: Customs Department |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2010-11-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mauritius reported that Madagascar has doubt on the originating status of sopa exported by Maniprove Company of Mauritius to Sarvonnerie Tropicale Company in Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Madagascar reported that elimination of this NTB is being done progressively |
|
|
Products:
|
3401.20: Soap in the form of flakes, granules, powder, paste or in aqueous solution |
|
|
NTB-000-434 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-04-15 |
Madagascar: Customs |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2015-12-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Madagascar does not confer originating status to Citron Plus soap manufactured by Mauritius and exported to Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 27th COMESA TC Committee in August 2011, the COMESA Secretariat was directed to liaise with Madagascar to implement the Council decision taken at its 29th Meeting in Lusaka to provide justification for refusing the COMESA Certificate. Currently, Mopirove is exporting without difficulty . However an official decision is yet to be communicated to mauritius to avoid the risk that Madagascar Customs can refuse the COMESA Certificate of Origin from Mauritius |
|
|
Products:
|
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 |
|
|
NTB-000-434 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-04-15 |
Madagascar: Customs |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2015-12-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Madagascar does not confer originating status to Citron Plus soap manufactured by Mauritius and exported to Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The two parties agreed that the issue does not constitute an NTB because the soap exported by Mauritius to Madagascar enters duty free therefore its not a NTB. This matter is therefore resolved . Madagascar requested the Secretariat to organise . Mauritius confirmed that Exports are no longer subjects to verification on RoO. |
|
|
Products:
|
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 |
|
|
NTB-000-434 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-04-15 |
Madagascar: Customs |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2015-12-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Madagascar does not confer originating status to Citron Plus soap manufactured by Mauritius and exported to Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA NTBs Focal Points meeting held in August 2016, Madagascar and Mauritius informed the meeting that this NTB had been resolved in line with the decision of the 28th COMESA Council of Ministers |
|
|
Products:
|
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 |
|
|
NTB-001-027 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2021-07-26 |
Madagascar: Toamasina Port à gestion autonome ( sea port) |
|
Resolved
2021-10-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Dear All,
Shipment of 3 Shipment Ex port-Louis - Toamasina
B/L 912715161 (3 isotanks) et 912706516 (2 isotanks) ETD Port-Louis 21/7/2021 ETA Toamasina 26/7/2021
B/L 912756116 31/07/2021 ETD 31/07/2021 ETA Toamasina 05/08/2021
For B/L 912715161 et 912706516- After all the proper import procedures were made. Goods were delivered to our client premises. Customs requested for another product testing and a minutes was signed between customs and my client (Sama)
FYI, kindly note that for all product of this kind a product sample is provided to the ministry of health for a certificate of conformity. Same was received for both shipments.
Despite all the export and import procedures were followed scrupuciously and in good faith. To-date our client has not received any notification regarding the product testing and its results. The goods are in our client premises but cannot be used as long as clearance is not obtained from customs. All the queries made by our client to the customs has been unfruitful.
B/L 912756116 - Those isotanks are blocked in the port. No clearance will be received as long previous shipment has not received clearance form customs. All the storages incurred will be on the behalf of our client.
This situation is severely jeopardising our client activities given they are almost out of stock. On our side, we have not received any payment from our client given that there is no visibility about this customs issue.
We hope the above will help and remain at your disposal for any further info you may require.
Very best regards
JEAN FRANCOIS DESVEAUX
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ground Floor2
Hi Tech Center
Coastal Road
Pointe Aux Sables
Mauritius
Office: +230 235 02 69
Mobile:+230 5 254 70 20
E-mail: jeanfrancoisd@skvaint.com
Website: www.skvaint.com
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Malagasy Customs Attache based in Mauritius facilitated the exchange of information with the Malagasy Customs and the issue was resolved. All containers have been cleared as confirmed by the exporter on 4th October 2021. The issue is resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
3808.94.9: --- Other: |
|
|
NTB-001-229 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2025-01-16 |
Madagascar: other |
Tunisia |
Resolved
2026-05-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tunisian company "Société des Boissons du Cap Bon" has entered into a partnership with a Madagascan distributor, "4 Seasons", represented by Mrs. Safa Hamdi, for the distribution of its products, in particular juices, soft drinks and cheeses. The Tunisian company agreed to an annual forecast of 12 to 15 containers and in return granted the distributor exclusive rights to distribute its products on the Madagascan market.
The Tunisian company began working with this distributor with a first shipment on March 23, 2024, consisting of a total of four containers: three of juice and one of cheese. Attached are photos of the "Délice" brand products distributed by 4 Seasons in gas stations, supermarkets and traditional markets. Our distributor has also made considerable efforts to promote the products through sponsorship campaigns, urban billboards and a strong digital presence, demonstrating its commitment.
However, the Tunisian company encountered a problem: a company called IBC, which we understand is in the construction business and is neither a distributor nor a juice producer, registered the "Délice" brand in Madagascar under the name "Délice de Fruit" using our logo. It has since contacted the distributor of the Tunisian brand to try to persuade it to work with IBC using its trademark registration.
It should be noted that the "Délide de Fruits" trademark has been registered with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) since December 2022 and with the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (INNORPI) since 2006, 2019 and 2022 (all documents are attached). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The importer successfully cleared their goods under the preferential tariff framework. The electronically issued Certificate of Origin (No. 0170186, dated April 15, 2026) was ultimately accepted and validated by the Tunisian customs authorities. |
|
|
NTB-000-212 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Unreasonable SPS requirements with no scientific basis or excessively averse to risk |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that the import license for agricultural products is required to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of diseases and insects. It takes a day for a license to be issued, at the Department of Agriculture. Information on SPS requirements is readily available from the Department of Agriculture. |
|
|
NTB-000-214 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Difficulty in accessing information onSPS requirements |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the workshop establishing NMC for Lesotho held on 09 August 2011 in Maseru, it was confirmed that information on SPS requirements is available from the Ministry of Agriculture and that arrangements are in place to upload this information onto the website of the TMinistry of Trade & Industry Cooperation & Marketing. |
|
|
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-000-213 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A14: Authorization requirement for sanitary and phytosanitary reasons for importing certain products |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
delays in getting SPS approvals |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that the import license for agricultural products is required to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of diseases and insects. It takes one day for a license to be issued, at the Department of Agriculture. Information on SPS requirements is readily available from the Department of Agriculture |
|
|
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 |
|
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