| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-393 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-02-14 |
Mozambique: Maputo Port |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
- 418 containers (+/- 600 TEU which accounts for about 100% market share for transit business according to DP World statistics) between Maputo and the Hinterland (mainly Zimbabwe) under the Through Bill of Lading product were moved from April to December.
- The average dwell time (from discharge move to the day when the containers leave the port) is approximately 31 days
- The port grants us 10 days freetime for storage, i.e. companies pay on average 21 days storage at a rate of USD 14/day (21*14*600 = USD 176,400 in storage)
- Under normal circumstances companies would also be liable for the equipment cost to the shipping line in the form of demurrage and detention. Currently for transit USD 50 per day after day 30 (it varies slightly from shipping line to shipping line). If we add another 7 days transit to the dwell time, plus 5 days for clearance/delivery in Zimbabwe and 7 days empty return of the container into port we look at a total equipment turnaround time of 50 days from discharge to empty return, i.e. 20 days of DMR/DET or in monetary terms USD 600,000 for 600 containers only over a period of less than 12 months.
- This means that Mozambique adds USD 1,294 per TEU of extra costs on the Maputo corridor due. The bill is picked up by the end consumer in the Hinterland of course as most of the costs are passed on.
The underlying problem is DIPLOMA 10/2002 30.01. (attached is the English translation) which states that rail is NOT a bonded mode of transport (Article 1 - Conveying unit c, Railroad carriages or wagons) and that one needs to give customs a guarantee 'determined on the risk offered for the revenue' (Article 4.1) for cargo in transit (Article 4.2a). The legislation then gives two options to register a guarantee with customs: 1. Isolated Guarantee (Article 6) and 2. Global Guarantee (Article 7). For container transit on a large scale only a global guarantee is an option as it allows for the ongoing movement of cargo without registering individual guarantees for each container. The maximum 'valor aduaneiro' (customs value) is USD 2,000,000 for a USD 150,000 USD deposit/bank guarantee/insurance bond (Article 7.1), but the general director of customs can increase the ceiling 'by application of the interested, taking into account the risk involved for the revenue, resulting from the customs record of the interested, ...' (Article 7.2).
Customs interprets the risk value ('valor aduaneiro', risk offered to the revenue) as the cargo's CIF value. We inquired several times what the logic behind this is as the CIF value is far from the actual risk for revenue. It must be duties and VAT. Customs refuses and refers to some other legislation or directive which clearly indicates that customs risk value is CIF value.
Attempts to increase the ceiling of the bond to move more than USD 2,000,000 of CIF value under a global guarantee were rejected based on the grounds that it is not possible for to do this for ongoing container traffic with several consignees in the Hinterland.
We also attempted to get rail exempted from the bond requirement based on the low risk. This was also rejected several times albeit CFM agree that rail should be exempted from bond. Customs couldn’t remember though that they ever agreed to this.
Further, they deduct the CIF value from the bond balance once the clearance process starts until the documents are returned from the border. This ties the value up for a period of about 60 days and does extend the period of which containers are considered to be under risk unnecessarily.
The current procedure basically stops transit movements for imports on a large scale (read: modern container traffic). |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,, Mozambique reported following progress towards resolution of the NTB:
a) That the legislation regarding the transit of cargo through Mozambique was under revision and it was
expected that a new legislation would come into force by end of June 2012.
b) That the signal windows electronic system was being implemented in Maputo port. It had been tested in
the Beira and Nacala ports, which should be fully operational by end of June.
c) This system would also have a module to control the bank guarantees which was expected to be released
as soon as the cargo crosses the border.
A tracking system woul be implemented shortly to improve the control of the cargo.
The meeting accepted Mozambique submission too consider the NTB resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
8506.50: Lithium cells and batteries (excl. spent) |
|
|
NTB-000-401 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-03-01 |
Mozambique: Customs Authority |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-09-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
For certain types of commodity such as cement, maize, and sugar Mozambican Customs requires a customs escort for transit cargo out of Beira Port to the hinterland. The customs escort costs 5,000Mt for between one and five trucks in a convoy. However: customs escorts cannot be arranged ahead of time and can only be arranged on presentation of a full set of completed clearance documents to customs; customs at Beira Port does not operate at weekends meaning that cargo loaded on a Friday afternoon after 3.30pm or over the weekend and requiring an escort must wait until Monday to move. In practice customs does not always have people available to escort convoys meaning that the documents required for clearance are given to the last driver in the convoy and only when this driver reaches the border can all the trucks in the convoy be cleared out of Mozambique |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the conusltative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Mozambique focal points on 19 September 2011, ands subsequent meeting between SADC Secretariat, Cornelder de Mozambique, on 22 September 2011in Beira, Mozambique reported that Customs escorts are properly coordinated such that companies can make arrangements for escorts taking place during weekends well in advance. Customs at Beira have arrangements for availability of customs officer at all times to facilitates escorts. However, all documnetation for weekend escorts must be processed during office hours. |
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|
NTB-000-419 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-04-20 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Road) |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-09-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Perishable goods for export (cheese) are being held up for several hours despite documents having been pre-cleared, due to key staff (in this case the director) being absent from their posts |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
At the consultative meeting between SADC secretariat and Mozambique Focal p[oints, on 19 September 2011, Mozambique reported that the customs desk is always manned. In the absence of information on a specific case, this issue is considered resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
0406.30: Processed cheese, not grated or powdered |
|
|
NTB-000-445 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-09-02 |
Burundi: Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Burundi customs system does not interface within the customs’ systems in the Revenue Authorities in Partner States |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Burundi and Rwanda NMC consultations held during the 3rd meeting of the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs in Dar-es-salaam on 19-20 April 2012 concluded that the issue had been resolved after Rwanda bureau of standards recognised that Burundi water meets international standards. |
|
|
NTB-000-447 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2016-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs working hours are not harmonized |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Customs working hours have been harmonized by OSBPs |
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|
NTB-000-458 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-09-08 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
Botswana |
Resolved
2012-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Time taken to clear both side, high cost of paid to clearing agents both sides and attitude of Botswana customs officials is a seriuos concern and a mojr NTB. What you encounter at boarders is inconsistant and contradicts what the government preaches in relation to SMME development. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that BURS is committed to ensuring that all procedures are standard, transparent and consistent at all times to all traders and are working hard to ensure that this is maintained. BURS are working hard on those issues to ensure efficient service delivery to all traders including SMMEs as they recognize the fact that they also contribute hugely to the growth of the country’s economy.
With regards to clearance, Botswana reported that, under normal circumstances, when one has all requirements in place, electronically processed customs declaration will be processed within 4 hours and manual declarations within 24 hours.
Clearing agents’ fees vary from agent to agent, however the average clearing fee for Imports is P650.00 and P450.00 for exports, this depends on mostly the weight, volume and type of commodity. These fees are set by the market. In order for the trader to be able to bypass the clearing agents they need to have registered for the ASYCUDA system with BURS, traders who trade at least every week and meet other mandatory requirements are given rights to use the ASYCUDA system. |
|
|
NTB-000-587 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-04-01 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Various exporter/importers in Zambia , Zimbabwe , Malawi are facing current challenges with Mozambique customs Authorities , whom I believe are part of the SADC grouping . We request SADC secretariat intervention as SADC to salvage the situation which has seriously affected clearance of goods at the following border posts/ports Machipanda , Nyamapanda , Mwanza and Beira Port
The Complaint :
Zimbabwe German Graphite , Samrec Vermiculite ,Zimbabwe Alloys , William Over , Carnaud Metal Box, Zam Beeef , Unicef Containers have stayed in Beira port for a full month , Cornelder the port authorities are charging huge storage bills which in some cases would out weight the value of the cargo . We have had stakeholders meetings with both customs & Cornelder in Beira but Customs have not accepted any responsibility whilst Cornelder insists on collection of storage.
Shipping lines have also placed Freight Forwarders and transit agents on notice for line demurrage as the empties have exceeded their free period but still full inside the port
Some cargo has expiry dates / short life span like photographic material – will get damaged still in port as the documents are still a mission to be processed by customs
Ships / Vessels are going back empty as the cargo ( exports ) can not be loaded before clearance is done – most minerals from Zambia , Zimbabwe and tobacco from Malawi has been affected as the sailing dates are now one month behind and risk order cancellations
Zimbabwe , Zambia and Malawi are now at the verge of losing millions of dollars on these shipments currently stuck in Mozambique some of which are seasonal goods Mozambique
This problem arose because Mozambique customs introduced an electronic clearing system the single window electronic concept – to migrate from manual processing of entries from 01.04.2013 Coupled to it they also introduced the transit bonds registration and the bonds were to be managed electronically like the Zimbabwe/ Zambia situation
The bonds were requested for all of a sudden and the processes are quite long takes at least ….. (number of )weeks during which cargo was coming into Beira and got stuck and at Machipanda , Nyamapanda & Mwanza land borders to Mozambique
? The Single window concept itself has serious setbacks like it relies on network for connectivity which failed daily and could be own for days at outside ports like Machipanda , Nyamapanda , Mwanza , trucks pile at for weeks before any solution has been in sight
? Customs staff at Machipanda , Nyamapanda & Mwanza border post appear inadequately trained to use the new system as a result smaller queries take one to two days to be resolved , Machipanda & Nyamapanda seems to have have inadequate equipment
All the Despachantes were only given one access code per organization which affected the entry processing badly with documents piling as vessels arrived inland and that even for imports from other regional countries , are initiated from Customs in Beira to give reference numbers called Contra Marcas in order to proceed with the clearances
Alfandega had no fall back method in place as they refused to use the manual method to clear the backlog
Request to Mozambique,
1. Mozambique Ministry of Finance is requested to get customs to consider a parallel system to run with the electronic single window programme to clear the backlog in Beira port now and also consider providing release against Report orders to reduce further downtime in port . This will be a stop gap measure until the customs staff are well versed , fully trained and that the new system can work well
2. Mozambique authorities to facilitate arrangements with Cornelder to consider waiving storage for this special situation or at least offer 75% credit on the bills due which I must say are now astronomical based on the days the cargo has stayed in port both imports and exports
3. Mozambique authorities to facilitate arrangements with shipping lines to consider waiving completely the demurrage due on the empty containers or at least give say 15-21 more days grace period before demurrage starts accruing
4. Mozambique authorities to facilitate arrangements that Mozambique customs get technical assistance to assist roll this new programme out without causing huge catastrophies like this
We trust that our request make sense and look forward to getting your valuable assistance |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 11th September 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the alleged NTB´s related to the transit procedures in Mozambique, were removed, through the approval of Ministerial Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August, which approves the Norms and Specific Principles to be taken into account in the implementation of Customs Transit of Goods. This Ministerial Diploma repeals the Ministerial Diploma nº 307/2012, of 15 of November.
Pursuance to reaching a common understanding on this matter, FCFASA members in Malawi reported that CAFAAM Executive Committee Members together with Malawi Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Transport and Executives from Malawi, travelled to Cuchamano and Nyamapanda to appreciate the various challenges (delays, costs, etc.) which came about as a result of the new transit procedures introduced in Mozambique in April 2013. The delegation met with Mozambique customs , Beira , Port authorities and had an opportunity to interact with Mozambican Clearing and Forwarding Agents and some Malawian drivers during the launch of the Diploma nº 116/2013 of 8th of August.
The delegation reported:-
1. It was agreed that the new Transit Bond Procedures in Mozambique are in line with international practice and appreciated the fact that in the absence of these procedures, a lot of traders were smuggling goods into Mozambique under the guise of “transit cargo”.
2. Mozambican Clearing agents had been given adequate notice to put in place the required bond guarantees although they were not ready by implementation date.
3. The general consensus was that the conditions (e.g. the required collateral) set up by banks, insurance companies and the authorities themselves for setting up the transit bond guarantees were too tough to be met by transporters and forwarding agents.
4. To this end, the Mozambican Government’s had exempted some products (tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton, etc.) from monetary bonding and reduced bond values from 100% on containerized cargo to 20% or 35% on break-bulk cargo. This measure would reduce pressure on the available bond levels for other cargo not exempted.
5. That there was need to license more “Despachantes” to speed up clearance procedures or alternatively, allow forwarding agents to be doing own customs clearing of cargo which they are moving.
6. There was need for Station Managers at the various borders to be taking stock of trucks available at the borders every day and talk to drivers who have stayed at the border for more than a day to encourage them to proceed with their journey so as to minimise the prevalent corrupt practices by some customs officers, guards, clearing agent.
7. A proposal to set up a “Help Desk” at the borders to achieve transparency and quarterly meetings between the various players at senior level.
8. Joint border training sessions between customs and other authorities and clearing & forwarding agents to be enhanced.
9.That various customs authorities establish a deliberate policy for Accrediting Clearing agents based on an exhaustive Risk assessment of each one of the agents and track record in order to “smoke out” fraudulent clearing and forwarding agents who cheat importers or assist them with smuggling practices,.
10. That Mozambican authorities should endeavor to translate and display the various rules and regulations into English to enable none Portuguese speaking people to understand the applicable regulations.
11.Mozambique customs advised that:
a. Clearing Agent need to quickly do a Supplementary Entry if there are any changes to a declaration (e.g. amending border of exit, amending values or quantity of goods, etc.) to avoid truck delays at the border or bond acquittals being blocked.
b. Once CORRECT documents are lodged and payment effected, their processing time is up to 3 hours only.
c. They would as far as possible, be rotating their staff to avoid corruption if they familiarize themselves too much to one border station. |
|
|
NTB-000-611 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2013-11-15 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved
2014-09-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are the drivers of a Malawi transport company (name supplied) coming to carry clinker from Beira to Malawi. Were here at Beira port, on 15 November 2013 and we have got a problem of document processing since morning up to this period (1600hrs). Mozambique customs officials on duty (name supplied) are receiving unrecorded money from others therefore not attending to those who have not paid him. We re quest that the Mozambique authorities facilitate that our documents are processed without us having to pay un- recorded fees. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 5 September 2014, Mozambique focal point reported that Mozambique had increased surveillance activities therefore these kind of situations were under control . Mozambique had not received any similar complaints after surveillance started. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-686 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-03-10 |
Zimbabwe: Blantyre |
Malawi |
Resolved
2016-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We understand that as of 1st March, 2016 goods exported into Zimbabwe need a certificate of clearance from Bureau Veritas. The complaint (Nampak Malawi Limited) which has informed us that their goods destined for Bulawayo were inspected by Bureau Veritas on 10th March, 2016 on Nampak Malawi premises.
However, to date the company has not received clearance for the goods to be exported to Zimbabwe. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 22nd April 2016, Bureau Veritas confirmed that, having received an inspection request on 8 March 2016, the inspection of the consignment was done on 10 March 2016 and subsequently issued on 24 March 2016.However,because the certificate is only issued after payment ,it could not be immediately released on 24 March until after the Easter Holiday which began on 25 March 2016 and ended on 28 March 2016.
However,please note that Bureau Veritas has taken the necessary steps to improve the overall efficiency with regards to the issuance of CBCA certificates. Kindly note that we have developed alternative compliance routes(Registration or Licensing) where manufacturers can now get a Certificate of Conformity issued within 48 hours from the date of request. All Manufacturers are encouraged to apply for qualification under the Licensing Compliance routes.We also have a platform conformity. zimbabwe@bureauveritas.com which is a complaints resolution platform that is dedicated to also explain procedures,to give clarification and to immediately remedy any situation in a proactive manner. |
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NTB-000-686 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-03-10 |
Zimbabwe: Blantyre |
Malawi |
Resolved
2016-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We understand that as of 1st March, 2016 goods exported into Zimbabwe need a certificate of clearance from Bureau Veritas. The complaint (Nampak Malawi Limited) which has informed us that their goods destined for Bulawayo were inspected by Bureau Veritas on 10th March, 2016 on Nampak Malawi premises.
However, to date the company has not received clearance for the goods to be exported to Zimbabwe. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Exporter recieved feedback |
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NTB-000-694 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-05-10 |
South Africa: OR Tambo International Airport |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2016-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The South African Revenue Authority ( SARS) are delaying release of goods imported through OR Tambo airport . SARs has detained ur goods for seven days now since 10th May without an explanation. It is the second time that the goods we are importing for business are detained at OR Tambo by Customs. The goods arrived on 10 May 2016, and they are still not released by today 17 May 2016. We are concerned that SARS may demand us to pay for storage and yet we do not understand why Customs has detained the goods for this long? My company has already lost revenue and missed on opportunity to sell and the demand for storage payment will cripple our business? We therefore request that SARS expedites release of our goods . |
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Resolution status note:
|
The consignment was identified by SARS Case selection for inspection by the Customs Border Control Unit and subsequent to the inspection, the consignment was detained for proof of payment, original invoice and also to verify the importer’s code. Due to the Master Airway Bill stating final destination as Johannesburg (refer to Airway Bill attached under Airport of Destination), it was difficult for the inspection team to identify if the goods were in transit. This was only discovered after the client informed SARS that the goods in question was an RIT entry to Lesotho.
After the client informed SARS of the status of the consignment, the goods were then released on 17 May 2015
Our advise going forward is that in order to avoid future delays, the documents should clearly state the final destination as Maseru, Lesotho. |
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NTB-000-703 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2015-11-10 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Single Customs Territory (SCT) export documents processing in Tanzania are taking longer up to 10 days to be cleared instead of 3 days. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the SCTIFI in November, 2018, the meeting was informed that TRA requires a Bonded Transportation document (BT) to control movement of cargo. Currently, there is no linkage between the BT and the exit note. TRA ICT experts are expected to resolve the matter by 9th November 2018. The meeting agreed that this is a single customs territory (SCT) matter and not an NTB. Hence the NTB was Resolved. |
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NTB-000-722 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-08-29 |
South Africa: OR Tambo International Airport |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2016-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The South African Revenue Services at OR Tambo have detained consignment destined for Maseru since 29 August 2016 without explanation. This is yet another time when our goods are detained for more than a week and yet they are destined for Lesotho and not South Africa. The airway bill clearly has the address of the importer being in Lesotho but South African Customs detains the goods nonetheless. South African Customs is requested to explain the rationale for detaining goods destined for other countries , in this case Lesotho and whether it is lawful that goods which arrived on 29 August are still detained? |
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Resolution status note:
|
Dear Focal Points South Africa and Lesotho,
This issue was resolved long time ago. However, the SADC secretariat recommended that a long term solution be secured that responds to such questions as asked by Lesotho on above comment. You are kindly requested to recommend a way forward on the long term solutions. Otherwise we need to resolve this NTB as per current status . South Africa Focal point is of the view that we resolve it and I agree. This NTB is therefore resolved on the understanding that the Focal Points of Lesotho and South Africa will make necessary arrangements to ensure that the problem does not repeat itself in future now that it has been identified.
System administrator |
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NTB-000-757 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2017-05-05 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-05-12 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Long lead time to confirm paid taxes; for exports into Tanzania once entries have been lodged and taxes paid, it takes 1 week for Tanzania Revenue Authority to confirm that taxes have been paid. The process of confirmation is supposed to take 1 day. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 25th EAC NTBs Forum held from 9-12 May 2018,was informed that this matter had been resolved by the bilateral meeting between URT and Kenya. |
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NTB-000-775 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2017-05-05 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
It takes more than 14 days to resolve complaints relating to uplifting of invoice values where TRA officers decide to increase the value of the goods. This should take a maximum of two days to complete the process. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI meeting held on 16 November 2018 was informed that this NTB had been resolved. |
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NTB-000-783 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2017-09-19 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2019-09-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is not adhering to their new procedure for handling transit cargo thereby causing serious delays in clearance of trucks at the Beitbridge border post.
Truckers are experiencing serious delays because ZIMRA is not adhering to the procedure it stipulated in its communication documents. ALL transit cargo is being fitted with seals, despite the cargo already being sealed by client at loading point. Communication from drivers indicated that, currently only 5 trucks being sealed per day.
Trucks then going onto a "list" for transit escort. This is despite the official communication stipulating that ONLY trucks carrying cargo that is not covered by a suitable tent/tarpaulin that cannot be sealed will be considered by authorities to be escorted.
Truck is a tautliner and thus can be sealed yet driver has been informed it needs to be escorted, and he was informed that 5 trucks per day are escorted to Chirundu. Currently he is number 48 in the "list". This goes against what was communicated in ZIMRA informational document.
Our trucks have Route Risk Assessment done prior for the reasons stated by another complainant, yet ZIMRA wants to dictate which roads and routes to use. This procedure is causing unnecessary delays at the border. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 22nd August 2019, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Head of Technical services advised that not all transit cargo is being selected for Electronic Cargo Tracking, but only cargo that is selected as hig risk transit cargo through the use of ZIMRA automated risk management engine. Beitbridge is sealing in excess of 50 of the over 300 transit trucks cleared on a daily basis which is selected by the automated risk management engine. On implementation of Electronic Cargo Tracking System high risk transit cargo that could not be electronically sealed was escorted through Zimbabwe, however, adequate electronic tracking seals have now been procured to facilitate the sealing of all highrisk transit cargo as selected by the risk management engine. As of August 2019, no escort are being done unless there is a specific need. The drivers are at liberty to select their designated route to be followed as they transverse Zimbabwe by completing a Route Declaration Form.
This NTB arose due to challenges faced on implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system in Zimbabwe, through stakeholder engagement and dialogue implementation challenges were resolved. Therefore this NTB has been resolved . |
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NTB-000-878 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2019-01-29 |
South Africa: Maseru Bridge |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2019-02-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are experiencing delays by SARS customs who are taking time to inspect our container that is in transit. The delay is causing difficulties to meet the vessel to carry the shipment as it will be closing on Thursday 31st January at 06:00am and we are running out of time. |
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Resolution status note:
|
This NTB was resolved too late and the consignment missed the vessel thereby adding to transport costs. Lesotho reported that:
1. The inspection took long resulting in the consignment missing the vessel in Durban Harbour; trader incurred additional costs by taking the consignment to Cape Town instead of Durban; and
2. the congsinor was charged provisional payments upon the release of the consignment.
Lesotho observed that SARS treatment of Lesotho transit goods compromises prospects of Lesotho's international trade opportunities as the country seeks to expand and diversify both products and markets to contribute to economic growth and poverty reductionNTB Focal Point in South Africa are requested to assist in clarifying the situation on inspection with SARS at Maseru Border Post to expedite the process. |
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|
NTB-000-891 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2019-04-09 |
South Africa: Cape Town |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2020-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SARs stopped containers for inspection and are demanding proof of payment from consignee/buyer to the exporting company (Supplier) for the goods in transit to Eswatini. The affected company, Long Wei Investments are experiencing delays and incurring storage and demurrage charges at the port of discharge in Cape Town. SARS has withheld the consignment for over seven days from 9th April 2019. SARs are asking for different documentation at different times and dates thereby further delaying the inspection process and release of the consignments. The affected products are on Bill of Lading No. COSU6198384160 |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Focal Point for Eswatini reported that the matter had been resolved. |
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NTB-000-892 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2018-07-01 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2019-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
KRA has issued a public notice which introduced Single Custom entry clearance which increases cost of doing business.
The new system affects Tanzania traders by increasing cost of doing business for example to clear 100 trucks using bulk system was costing Kshs 150,600, however, using the current system of single customs entry one truck cost Kshs8,500/-. Therefore to clear 100 trucks it cost Kshs 850,000/-. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was discussed in the CoC and agreed that the SCT TWG should analyse the risks of making one bulk declaration and cost implications of multiple declarations. The TWG should work out a mechanism for knocking off cargo.
The Secretariat informed the meeting that the TWG on SCT will develop a framework to knock off cargo in the customs clearance system from 11th - 15th Dec 2018.
The matter was resolved by the CoC in April 2019 |
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NTB-000-901 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2019-05-03 |
|
Kenya |
Resolved
2019-10-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
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South Sudan is subjecting Kenyan exports to Certificate of Conformity (CoC); South Sudan through their Ministry of EAC and Industry has written letters to Kenya manufacturers informing them that there will be a penalty of 15% CIF on all imports into the Republic of South Sudan without CoC. Exporters are required to have their consignments verified in the country of export before shipment. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the Regional Monitoring Committee held on 15th October, 2019 the Republic of Kenya reported that the NTB was resolved. |
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