| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-450 |
2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is lack of verification sheds and parking yards at most border posts in the EAC partner states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th NTBs forum held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the 15th EAC Forum on NTBs noted that the ongoing construction of OBSP was addressing this NTB and Partner states reported that construction of OSBPs was at advanced stages at key border posts. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-210 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is no formal dissemination of information as to which agricultural products require permits. Importers are thus caught unaware and spend time processing documents required. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development is currently working on finalising their website on which such information can be accessed. Also a brochure containing such information is currently being worked on. The Permits office offers advice to clients on walk in basis. |
|
|
NTB-000-320 |
5.7. Minimum import price limits |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Other Seychelles |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is price control on goods imported inti Seychelles. Prices of imported goods are limited by a maximum 30% mark-up |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that price control has been removed on all non-food items. Seychelles needs to eliminate NTB’s, therefore need to explore alternative ways of controlling price on food items. |
|
|
NTB-001-150 |
1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country |
2023-11-12 |
Lesotho: DURBAN PORT |
South Africa |
Resolved
2024-05-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
THERE IS QUERIES IN REGARDS TO THE FABRIC AND BEING INSPOECTED, BUT NO RESULT HAS BEEN OUT FROM SARS SINCE A LONG TIME |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully |
|
|
NTB-001-063 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Kasumbalesa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-03-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is slow Clearance by border agencies ( Zambia Customs) causing truck delays. Trucks following a queue 34km long at morning of 24 March 2022 . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
A Bilateral Ministerial Meeting between the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was held on 6th March 2023. It was agreed that all border agencies of both countries put in place procedures to allow for 24-hour border operations at Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Mokambo and Kipushi in accordance with internal procedures.Based on the outcome of the Bilateral meeting, the NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-121 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Customs |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2011-06-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is total lack of consistency in the application of customs procedures at all clearing offices. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reportd that the situation has much improved with ASYCUDA++ |
|
|
NTB-000-972 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2020-07-24 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
|
Resolved
2021-07-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is usually a very long queue of north-bound trucks on the South African side of the border. This situation is very undesirable at it negatively affects trade facilitation along the north-south corridor and is a big concern in efforts to fight the covid-19 pandemic. These trucks are held up at the border due to some of the following reasons:
1) The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Document Processing Centres (DPCs) are opening at 0800hrs and closing at 1500hrs. Outside this period trucks are still moving and documents are continuously lodged into the system by clearing agents. Processes that should be done in the Zimra system cannot be performed during this period. The border post is open for 24 hours and closure of the DPCs creates a bottleneck. Operating hours of the DPCs have been affected by the national curfew (0600hrs-1800hrs) that was recently introduced by Government to fight against the covid-19 pandemic.
2) Other customs processes such as cargo release (manual) procedures and query resolution are taking too much time to be done.
3) Due to the recent upward movement in the exchange rate, clearing agents sometimes do not have enough bond cover to move goods in transit. This has also resulted in truck movement delays. A proposal to have these bonds denominated in USD (in order to introduce stability in the system) has been made by the association to Zimra.
4) There are delays by Zimra in generating T1s which allow movement of transit cargo even in cases where bonds sufficiently cover the goods.
5) Of late Zimra did very well by opening a fast lane (green route) for some traffic but there has been no consistency in this process. The route is closed at times.
6) There are undesignated check-points within the border which humper movement of trucks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
ZIMRA advised that this issue has been dealt with by the Ease of doing business task force, however In the interim as the lead agent will escalate the challenges to the responsible authorities of the respective other agencies making reference to the Ease of doing business resolutions and will monitor to ensure checkpoints as agreed in the Ease of doing business meetings are adhered to. |
|
|
NTB-000-514 |
8.4. Transport related corruption |
2012-02-06 |
Zambia: Nakonde |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A company by the name of ZAMESCO, is charging transporters to park at the Nakonde border post.
The charge is 24 US dollars per day.
There is no official parking area and so the trucks would normally park along the road.
However, they are forced to park in ZAMESCO's parking area, without being given any alternative.
The Zambian authorities have not regulated these parking charges, nor have they condoned them. These are arbitrary charges imposed by a company that has no authority to do so.
They are uneccessarily increasing the cost of transport on the Dar es Salaam corridor.
Attached are scanned copies of parking receipts.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia, Zambia reported that ZAMESCO is a private dry port. Vehicles have the option to park along the road side. |
|
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations .
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on dimensions, Botswana had agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated.
Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete this.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the above basis.
Please remove the NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations.
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on dimensions, Botswana had agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated. Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete the exercise.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the above basis. |
|
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations.
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on vehicle dimensions, Botswana agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated. Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete the exercise.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the basis of this development. |
|
|
NTB-000-563 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-01-11 |
Zimbabwe: Chitungwiza |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's vehicle has once again been held up by the road traffic authorities in Zimbabwe, for the vehicle not complying strictly to the Zimbabwe vehicle regulations.
In this instance, the rear lights of the truck were not in precisely the right position, according to the Zimbabwe regulations.
The official, in this instance, was constable Munaki, official number 060189F.
After intervention by the road transport industry and much delay, the vehicle was released with a warning.
This complaint is similar to that in NTB 524, where the information plate on the vehicle did not comply with the Zimbabwe regulations.
The practice of Zimbabwe road traffic authorities harassing transporters over trivial vehicle equipment regulations is not acceptable.
Vehicles foreign to Zimbabwe, comply with the regulations in their own countries and receive a certificate of fitness to show that they are compliant.
This certificate of fitness should be acceptable to the Zimbabwe authorities, unless, of course, the vehicle is clearly not roadworthy. The rear lights being in a different position, or the information plate giving different information, does not make the vehicle unroadworthy.
Two of the clauses in one of the bi-lateral road transport agreements that Zimbabwe holds with another country, state that each country should "promote fair and equitable treatment for carriers from both countries" and "strengthen their economic and commercial relations in the spirit of co-operation and friendship".
The actions of the Zimbabwe road traffic authorities do not subscribe to the above requirements and the authorities are requested to adhere to the objectives of the bi-lateral agreements. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13 September 2013, FESARTA reported that they had subsequently received a letter from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development, directed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, instructing the police to accept the standards of South African vehicles. FESARTA believes that this letter will also indirectly apply to vehicles from countries other than South Africa entering Zimbabwe. Therefore, FESARTA recommends that NTBs 524 and 563 be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-624 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2014-02-18 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zambia |
Resolved
2014-03-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A Zambian transport company has 6 vehicles carrying copper into Zimbabwe, detained at the Vic Falls weighbridge, because “the exhaust is pointing down to the ground “ and it must be “up in the air “ according to an official on duty.
The vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes Benz and, for these vehicles; the exhaust is designed to point to the ground.
This exhaust position is perfectly within the law in Zambia where the vehicles are registered. Zimbabwe should respect and accept the Zambian standards.
This action taken by the Zimbabwean official is unacceptable and the Focal point is requested to explain if this is a violation of Zimbabwean law. It is suggested that urgent action be taken to allow the truck to continue with its journey and also to facilitate movement of goods. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 19 March 2014, Zimbabwe reported that the trucks were released on the same day and the owner was advised to contact the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz) to adjust the exhaust as required by Zimbabwean Law. The requirement is in terms of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations promulgated under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter13:11] uploaded onto the system.
However, the Ministry of Transport indicated that they shall not enforce this requirement on foreign registered trucks as long as this is not in their domestic legislation. Zimbabwe is expected to issue a formal notification to this effect to enable enforcement of the said exemption on foreign trucks. |
|
|
NTB-000-531 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2012-09-28 |
Botswana: Kazungula Ferry |
Botswana |
Resolved
2016-08-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Chobe municipality is charging foreign transporters a fee to pass through its area of jurisdiction.
There is no justification for any municipality to charge transporters for travelling on the national roads through their areas.
The municipalities do not provide services to the transporters and the national roads are maintained by the national roads authorities.
This practice was started by Zambian municipalities and was halted by the Zambian government.
However, some Zambian municipalities continue to charge.
The practice also does not align with the RECs requirement that the transporters should pay road user charges and not other charges. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Focal Point advised that the Chobe Municipality no longer charges foreign transporters the fees. |
|
|
NTB-000-632 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2014-05-23 |
South Africa: Lebombo |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Copper Moon Trading, the company that is running the Lebombo dry port at Komatipoort, near the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post, is forcing transporters to use and pay for its parking facilities in Komatipoort.
This instruction is supported by the Komatipoort municipality.
Attached are invoices for this parking and a "ticket" for a truck not parking in the identified facility.
As with the situation at the Tunduma/Nakonde border post between Tanzania and Zambia, private companies, supported by the municipalities, cannot force transporters to use their parking facilities.
Transporters' vehicles are required to visit the SARS customs clearing offices at the Lebombo dry port and so parking should be provided for them, free of charge, by SARS.
If parking is not provided, then trucks must be allowed to park along the roadway. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-532 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-09-10 |
Mozambique: Along the Tete to Calomue/Dedza route, on the North-South Corridor |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2012-12-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Drivers of trucks that transport fertilizer from Beira to Malawi, are being attacked and killed along the Tete to Calomue route. Then the loads are being taken through the Calomue/Dedza border into Malawi, and sold there. The trucks are then abandoned. Drivers bodies are found by the side of the road days later. The Mozambique transporters are demanding urgent talks with the Sofala Governor, and commander chief of police, to enforce the patrol on the Beira corridor and find the killers.
It has happened three times:
• A Malawian fuel truck was hijacked and the driver and passenger killed a month ago
• Two weeks later, a truck loaded with fertilizer to Malawi, driver killed and load taken to the Malawi border, sold there and truck taken back to Tete bridge and abandoned
• Last week another truck with fertilizer was hijacked, driver killed and load taken to uncertain place
Satellite tracking has shown that the trucks are hijacked at Angonia village, not far from the Malawi border.
This most serious situation has to be dealt with urgently. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17 Decemebr 2012, Mozambique Focal point reported that the Tax Authority of Mozambique did their due diligence in the central part, which resulted in the arrest of two culprits by the Police Authorities in Tete-Calomué-Dedza region. A detailed report from Mozambique Police authorities is given below :
1. The two arrested culprits (Names provided) have been brought before the courts and are responding criminally for their offences in the Courts of the city of Chimoio and Bárue respectively.
2. Investigations carried out by Mozambique Police found that the drivers themselves have created favorable environment for the Commission of such acts, by collaborating with culprits who generally were selling fuel siphoned from vehicles or tanks, and because these businesses cannot be performed often in villages, drivers ended up giving a ride to these people some of whom are criminals to places that they felt safer and then committed the crimes such crimes as charged.
3. Mozambique is therefore urging member states to adhere to regional transit agreements under the COMESA-EAC-SADC, and also urge the institutions or companies that exploit Mozambique highways to instruct their drivers not to collaborate with the criminals on the roads and not get involved in swindling their employers through selling fuel to street vendors on highways where they end up risking their own lives. |
|
|
NTB-000-576 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-04-16 |
South Africa: Pretoria |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
In 2011 the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, raised its cross-border road transport permits by up to 600%.
Not only was this increase unjustified, but it was done without negotiation with the road transport industry.
The resultant costs are also out of line with the costs for road transport permits in other countries.
FESARTA sent a letter (attached) to the Minister of Transport in South Africa, copied to SADC, but no response was received.
The South African Road Freight Association (RFA) has taken legal action against the increases.
The resultant permit fees put unecessarily high increases on the costs to transport goods to landlocked countries.
This is against trade facilitation. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-553 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2012-11-20 |
Zambia: Mbala town |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Mbala town in Zambia is levying a parking fee on all transporters.
Transporters are not allowed to park along the roadside, but have to use ZAMESCO's parking yard, at a cost of US$36 per day.
This is not acceptable as the transporters are not given any alternative and the parking fee is high. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia, Zambia reported that transporters are allowed to park along the road side. |
|
|
NTB-000-528 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2012-09-10 |
Zimbabwe: Nyamapanda |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2015-06-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Port Health at Nyamapanda, Zimbabwe, has issued a notice to the effect that all goods transiting the border are to be inspected, from 10th September.
The inspection in itself is not a problem.
However, a charge is to be levied for this inspection. This is unacceptable.
Port Health is a government department, which has a duty to perform, in the course of its daily work.
This duty is part of Port Health's daily workload and it budgeted for from Central Government.
Health inspections are done in the interests of the country and are not asked for by the transporter.
There should be no extra charge for this.
What would happen if every government department charged citizens for carrying out their daily duties? |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of COMESA Heads of Customs Sub- Committee held in Nairobi on 19-20 June 2015, Zimbabwe reported that the NTB was an internal control measure and what was required was sensitization of stakeholders on various import and export requirements. This was resolved at the 31st COMESA Trade and Customs Committee meeting held on 7-10 September 2015. |
|
|
NTB-000-619 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2014-01-10 |
Mozambique: Tete Corridor |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-07-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
South African-registered trucks are required to be escorted by the Mozambique authorities, from the Cuchamano border post, along the Tete Corridor, to their destinations. They are charged US$100 to the Zobue border post and US$150 to the Calomue border post.
Transporters have confirmed that they would prefer not to be escorted, as it delays their trips.
If the Mozambique authorities insist on escorting the vehicles, then the cost should be covered by Mozambique. Transporters should not have to pay for something that they do not want and it should be included in the Mozambique authorities' budget. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 03 July 2014 FESARTA reported that they had received communication from the Mozambique authorities that escorts are only required under exceptional cases, and no charges can be made. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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