| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-356 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs officers arbitrarily verify goods in transit at various check points and break seals for 100% physical verification leading to delays, breakages for goods thinly packed in the container etc. Customs could communicate with the next customs point at the border for verification to avoid 100% verification along the way. In some instances, the verification would have taken place at the point of loading the goods. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that there are only two check points in Misubusubu and at Makambako to check only the if truck abides by transit time and transit route. TRA does not break any seals. If any seal is tempered with transporter is supposed to notify TRA office, transit check point or the nearest police station. All transit check points are automated under asycuda so they can be monitored in the system. TRA is in the process of acquiring electronic cargo tracking system hence check points will go away. |
|
|
NTB-000-162 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Transport |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Registration and accreditation of transporters is too high, (Charge is USD 10,000 per company so that only capable and serious transporters are registered) |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that TRA is responsible for issuing the transporter license and that the fees is only Ks 20 000. |
|
|
NTB-000-149 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Despite efforts to improve the situation, customs procedures in Tanzania are cumbersome. In most cases, depending on the type of product, there is a long verification chain that involves many steps and numerous documents have to be handled/exchanged in the process of importing. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that all customs documentation are now obtained and processed online. Traders engage Clearing Agents for clearing goods who obtain all documents online. |
|
|
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-000-212 |
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-000-066 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Mines |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho has put in place official regulations affecting exports of diamonds and manufactured products which are :
Export and Import control Act 1984
Examination and Movement certificate |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting establishing Lesotho NMC held on 09 August 2011 in Maseru resolved that Lesotho's imposition of this requirement is accordance to article 9 (e) of the SADC Protocolon trade and therefore not an NTB. It was also observed that reporting country had not objected to Lesotho explanation submitted to the 9th meeting of the SADCSub Comitttee on Trade facilitation held in Gaborone on 27 July 2011. This matter is therefore considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-411 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A15: Authorization requirement for importers for sanitary and phytosanitary reasons |
2011-03-23 |
South Africa: National Dept Agricultural
Registrar : Act no 36 of 1947 |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-04-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
My company submitted renewal of existing Farm Feed Registrations at 12 Dec 2010
All the FF regestrations have expired on 28 Feb. 2011
We have enqeired numerous times on the renewal with no satisfaction.
Th ecompany is stuck with 1000mt of cotton oilcake and 100mt of meat and bone meal that can not come in to South Africa from Zimbabwe and Namibia
The local feed plants and feed lots are running out of stock with no local stocks to supply. We therefore seek help to have our applications processed by the relevant Ministry/Department |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Department of Agriculture & Fisheries renewd the licence on 28 March 2011 |
|
|
Products:
|
1207.2: - Cotton seeds : |
|
|
NTB-000-416 |
5.10. Prohibitions |
2011-01-01 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe government absolute ban of the importation of potatoes and tomatoes |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that there is no ban on importation of tomatoes and potatoes as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture at the NMC meeting held on 21 July 2011. |
|
|
Products:
|
2002.10: Tomatoes, whole or in pieces, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid |
|
|
NTB-000-413 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-03-31 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Crossborders buses are not allowed to cross over Kariba Bridge, which in turn will force a number of cross border traders to use Chirundu via Makuti which is expensive to the traders then(can the tonnage limit be reviewed by Zambezi River Authority and the Ministry of transport) |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that a eeting between Zimbabwe and Zambezi river Authority had agreed on th elifting of the ban. The ban has been lifted to allow cross border buses and small commercial transport of up to 11tonnes to use the bridge. |
|
|
Products:
|
0302.11: Fresh or chilled trout "Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oncorhynchus clarki, Oncorhynchus aguabonita, Oncorhynchus gilae, Oncorhynchus apache and Oncorhynchus chrysogaster" |
|
|
NTB-000-370 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2010-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Traders of Plant materials, e.g., seeds are charged different rates by Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Border post in Livingstone (US$20.00) from those charges by other countries e.g., South Africa (ZAR60.00) for each entry. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that the current charge of US$10 on issuance of SPS certificates is competitive in the region. There are no harmonized charges for SPS certificates in the SADC region. |
|
|
NTB-000-417 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2011-04-01 |
Zambia: Mwami |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Small cross border traders who wish to register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) are delayed for at least a day while waiting for that number to activated to enable them to be exempted from paying Advance Income Tax (AIT). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation , Zambia reported that Zambia Revenue Authority effected the mandatory use of the Tax Payer Identification Number (TPIN) on ASYCUDA with effect from 1st January 2011. TPNs are issued once and are valid for life to both individuals and registered companies. Issuance of TPINs has been decentralized and can be completed within a day. Only 2 of the 15 stations/borders are not connected to the fibre optic linking the ASYCUDA but these can still communicate with assistance from Head Quarters and other stations. Taxpayers are encouraged to obtain TPINs in advance before importing goods. |
|
|
NTB-000-242 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Ministry of Agriculture |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
All imports of white maize, yellow maize i.e. the controlled agronomic crops, are subjected to an import permit from the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB). The import of white maize meal. During harvesting season which runs from the 1st of May till the end of August/September (depends on the size of the local harvest) the imports of all white maize is prohibited, though subject to availability of local supply |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Namibia reported that the import of Maize and maize products from all third parties is only regulated for the time the local harvest is not taken up by the local milling sector. |
|
|
NTB-000-392 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-02-14 |
Mozambique: Customs |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs require supervision of packing of all export containers for certain products such as perishables, at point of packing. This means that they have to supervise packing on the farm. This requires that the export company provides transport, expenses and accommodation to customs officers for the times when containers are being packed. Often customs officers are not available, or are delayed meaning that the company has to wait for them. If the company is a regular exporter and its farm is located away from a customs post (often the case) then they are required to provide accommodation, office space and living expenses for customs officers to be permanently on site to supervise any containers packed |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Mozambique reported that this is a not a NTB but a normal customs procedure to seal containers at the farm in order to expedite exports. Once sealed the container is not opened at the port. |
|
|
Products:
|
0708.10: Fresh or chilled peas "Pisum sativum", shelled or unshelled |
|
|
NTB-000-384 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-08-11 |
Mozambique: Tete Bridge |
Malawi |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Drivers crossing through Tete bridge take 2-3 days of waiting to cross in both directions of the route. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Mozambique reported that following completion of construction works, Tete bridge is now fully operational. There are no more delays at the Bridge since construction works have been completed |
|
|
NTB-000-180 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Beira & Nacala are the main ports for imports/export goods, which are currently overworked. Lack of institutional support. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that this is not a barrier because Mozambique has three big ports fully operational. The Maputo port being the main one. In March the Single Window Project will become operational at the Maputo Port, to help reduce the time required for customs clearance |
|
|
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-000-070 |
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-000-067 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho is imposing requires permits on the imports of following bread, milk, eggs, bulk sugar imports, pulses, fruits and vegetables, livestock and liquor. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that she does require permits on the importation of some agricultural products. The Agricultural Marketing Act 26 of 1967 (amended by Act NO.18 of 1973, Order No.6 of 1991 and Act No.5 0f 2001) regulates the importation and exportation of the agricultural products in Lesotho.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the importation of products and supplies which are unsafe or inappropriate for the function for which they are to be sold.
Import Requirements:
•Valid Trading licence
•Import permit |
|
|
NTB-000-209 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B33: Packaging requirements |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Health |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-06-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The health and phytosanitary regulations states that, "no person shall import into Zimbabwe any bottle, can, jar or other receptacle which has been used solely for storing or transporting honey or unprocessed royal jelly which honey or jelly was manufactured or produced in any country other than a specified[1] country unless such bottle, can jar or other receptacle has been sterilized after such use. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that regulations were put in place to protect the environment. |
|
|
NTB-000-199 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) machines are connected to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which is linked through the internet to enable them to access approved copies of CDI forms. Serious delays are faced in processing the export documents because the systems are frequently down or unable to connect during working hours. The verification process by RBZ takes too long - up to 3 days. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that there is fallback method in the event that the system is down. The CD1s are processed manually and are captured later in the excel spreadsheet which is then forwarded electronically to RBZ on weekly basis. There is therefore no delay in processing export documents |
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