| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-842 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2018-10-01 |
Uganda: Border |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Steel products transferred to Burundi from Uganda and Kenya.
Burundi does not offer preferential tariff treatment to metal products transferred from Uganda and Kenya. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-844 |
Insurance |
2018-09-28 |
Uganda: Police |
Burundi |
Resolved
2018-09-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non-recognition of the COMESA Insurance by Uganda in case of accident. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda reported that under the Law, in case of a fatal accident, the drivers are supposed to be taken to court unless you opt to resolve it. The meeting agreed that this NTB has been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-848 |
1.8. Import bans |
2018-08-09 |
Uganda: Ministry |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda’s limitation on importation of processed meat products from within the region. It also addressed it as a measure to promote local capacity in Uganda to produce such processed meats rather than importing meat and meat products from the Partner States. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda informed the meeting that the letter was meant for internal traders who were sourcing for processed meat from outside the EAC and was not meant for traders within the EAC Partner States.
So the Meeting agreed that this NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-849 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2018-09-12 |
Uganda: Kampala |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Two Trucks on Transit from Rwanda to Mombasa carrying minerals for export are impounded by Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda confirmed to have received evidence of this NTB from Rwanda. The Trucks that were being held had no customs issue as they had fulfilled all transit requirements. The Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit had held the trucks claiming the transit documents were forged however, customs was consulted and proved that the documents were genuine.
The SCTIFI meeting held in November, 2018 was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Uganda convened a meeting and resolved that matter.
The matter was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-849 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2018-09-12 |
Uganda: Kampala |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Two Trucks on Transit from Rwanda to Mombasa carrying minerals for export are impounded by Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during meeting of Nov 2018 |
|
|
NTB-000-853 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-05-05 |
Uganda: Busia |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of preferential treatment of paper sacks manufactured in Kenya and transfered to Uganda
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
This NTB was resolved by the Committee on Customs. The Meeting recalled that the matter was considered and resolved that URT grants preferential treatment on paper sacks. The Meeting agreed that paper sacks should be granted preferential market access.
The matter was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-864 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-11-17 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Discriminatory treatment (Excise duty) of Kenyan manufactured products among others Juices products Kenya reported that the Juices are still charged 13% excise duty. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 42nd SCTIFI noted that as per the new Act by the Republic of Uganda the charges have been removed and hence the NTB resolved.The meeting noted that the Republic of Uganda will provide a copy of the Act for the NTB to be treated as resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-865 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-11-17 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Discriminatory treatment (Excise duty) of Kenyan manufactured products among others cigarettes. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB on Cigarettes was resolved based on the EACJ ruling (Application 13 of 2017 arising from Ref 7 of 2017 issued on 25th Jan 2018: BAT (U) Ltd vs AG Uganda) |
|
|
NTB-000-867 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-11-17 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of preferential treatment of hats and other headgear, hand knitted and crocheted by Vajas Manufacturers Ltd in Kenya and transfered into Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda had reported that the Company manufacturing them was under duty remission regime and hence should attract full CET.
But then Uganda confirmed that the company is not on duty remission and the Uganda Revenue Authority started granting preferential Treatment. |
|
|
NTB-000-864 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-11-17 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Discriminatory treatment (Excise duty) of Kenyan manufactured products among others Juices products Kenya reported that the Juices are still charged 13% excise duty. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 45th meeting of SCTIFI was informed that the Uganda Law that was referring to EAC Partner States’ goods as imports; hence imposing an NTB was revised to remove the discriminatory section.
However, during the Sectoral Committee on Trade, Republic of Kenya indicated that despite the NTB being resolved, goods from Kenya are still being charged excise duty of 12% by Uganda while the Act provides for an excise duty of 10% and requested the Republic of Uganda to charge excise duty of 10%.
The Republic of Uganda informed the meeting that since the amendment of the Law Uganda is charging 10% and requested for evidence on the products that are charged 12% which Kenya committed to share accordingly. |
|
|
NTB-000-875 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-05-05 |
Uganda: KRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of preferential treatment of hats and other headgear, hand knitted and crocheted by Vajas Manufacturers Ltd in Kenya and exported into Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda had reported that the Company manufacturing them was under duty remission regime and hence should attract full CET.
Kenya reported that it is not under duty remission scheme. Uganda confirmed that the company is not on duty remission and the Uganda Revenue Authority has started granting preferential Treatment. |
|
|
NTB-000-877 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-05-05 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of preferential treatment for printed adhesive paper labels products and corrugated cartons manufactured in Kenya and exported to Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting was informed that Uganda provides preferential treatment.
NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-904 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2019-04-05 |
Uganda: Mutukula |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2019-10-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Posting of sufficient personnel to Mutukula One Stop Border Post (OSBP). Tanzania has already deployed staff necessary to meet the 24/7 working hours. But Ugandan border officials does not work 24/7. Thus, business from Tanzania to Uganda is severely affected. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Sectoral Committee on Trade held on 31 October 2019, the Republic of Uganda reported that the Mutukula OSBP is now fully operational at 24/7 basis. The following number of staff from respective agencies were deployed:
Customs (URA) - 25
Immigration (MIA) - 11
Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries - 3
All other relevant agencies (MAAIF) are present at the OSBP
Hence the NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-906 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-04-05 |
Uganda: Uganda Weight and Measures Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda does not recognize the Calibration Certificate issued by the Weight and Measures Agent (WMA) for oil tank from URT: Republic of Uganda does not accept the Calibration Certificate of tanks from URT. As a result, our traders are forced to undergo recalibration by Ugandan counterpart Authority (Uganda Bureau of Standards) at a charge odd USD 230. This increases the cost of doing business. The trader paid Uganda shillings 2,655,600. It was stated that the certificate from URT is valid for the period of one year. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 27th EASC meeting of April 2025 recommended:
(a) approved the Draft EAC Harmonized Procedures for calibration and verification of road and rail tankers;
(b) Urge Partner States to adopt and implement EAC Harmonized Procedures for calibration and verification of road and rail tankers as per the implementation roadmap
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-922 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-05-30 |
Uganda: UNBS |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of recognition of online KEBs standardization mark validity.
Delay in release of shipment , increased cost of transportation
UNBS and KEBS to mutually recognize online standardization mark validities/online KEBs certificate to avoid any costly delays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI held in September 2020, noted that the issue is operational and should be referred to the quality assurance technical subcommittee for consideration and resolution. The NTB is resolved from this EAC Time Bound Programme. |
|
|
NTB-000-924 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2019-01-14 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Discriminatory treatment (Excise duty) of Kenyan manufactured products among others Pharmaceutical products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The regional Meeting held in February 2023 agreed that the NTB had been resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-947 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B33: Packaging requirements |
2018-03-01 |
Uganda: Uganda Bureau of Standards |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda rejection of tissue paper manufactured in Kenya by Africa Cotton Industries. Uganda does not allow group packaging of tissue paper as provided for under the EAC harmonised standard.
Uganda have not implemented the EAC harmonized standards therefore the products must conform to Uganda National standard. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 7th East African Standards Committee Technical Management Board (TMB) met on 3rd September 2024 resolved the NTB. The TMB meeting decided that toilet paper should be individually wrapped; and the Group-wrapped (individually unwrapped) toilet paper is permitted to a maximum of 10 pieces and should be clearly labeled NOT TO BE SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. The 7th TMB meeting directed the Standards Management Committee (SMC) to adopt the decision of the TMB in the review of EAS 355: 2017 and present the standards for approval in the next East African Standards Committee (EASC) meeting.
The meeting noted that there is already an applicable standard of 2017 and should remain applicable to facilitate market access provided the product meets the set requirements. |
|
|
NTB-000-967 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2020-01-01 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority
|
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda denial of preferential market access for wheelbarrow wheels wholly manufactured by Kenrub LTD transferred into Uganda.
The wheelbarrow wheels have been verified by KRA and issued with the certifiate of origin but Uganda do not accept.
URA has not communicated officially to the manufacturer/buyer or KRA on the reasons for denial of preferential treatment. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 24th November 2020, the Secretariat Focal Point reported that Kenya submitted a report that they are satisfied with progress made to resolve this NTB and hence this NTB has been resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
4012.19: Retreaded pneumatic tyres, of rubber (excl. of a kind used on motor cars, station wagons, racing cars, buses, lorries and aircraft) |
|
|
NTB-000-997 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies
Policy/Regulatory |
2018-07-01 |
Uganda: Uganda VAT |
Kenya |
Resolved
2021-10-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda charges Kenya manufactured excise books VAT at 18%. The VAT is not levied on Uganda locally manufactured books. The discriminative VAT is in violation of Article III of GATT 1994, Article 75(6) of the Treaty establishing the EAC and Article 15 of the EAC Custom Union Protocol as it subjects Kenyan manufactured products to VAT charges not charged on same domestic products in Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Regional Meeting held in October 2021, the Republic of Kenya confirmed that the NTB was Resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-999 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2020-12-01 |
Uganda: Busia |
Kenya |
Resolved
2021-03-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda denial of Market access on Fay Aluminium Foil and Fay Cling they have instead charged full CET to Kimfay Kenya manufactured products.
KRA conducted a verification visit to Kimfay premises as required under the EAC ROO 2015 to ascertain origin and certified in 2016. Since then the company has been exporting under EAC preferential Treatemnt until December 2020 where URA charged full CET and also charged infrastructure levy and excise duty despite the two products meeting the criteria for EAC rules of Origin 2015.
New imposed levies Fay Cling Film film Fay Aluminium Foil
Excise duty 10% 0
Infrastructure levy 1.50% 1.50%
Import duty 0 25%
Existing tax
VAT 18% 18
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NMC it was noted that not all aluminium foil is denied preferential treatment in Uganda. The criteria cited to grant the Origin was contrary to Rule 6 of the EAC RoO 2015. Hence the denial of preferential treatment. KRA will take it up to engage the trader on the matter. Hence the issue is not an NTB and was RESOLVED |
|
|
Products:
|
7607.20.90: -- Other |
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