| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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? |
|
|
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 |
|
|
NTB-000-118 |
1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership |
2009-07-26 |
Seychelles: Seychelles Marketing Board |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The State participates in trading through the Seychelles marketing Board. The State Trading Company has an unfair competitive advantage over private traders. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that SMB no longer in existence. Successor company STC privatised. |
|
|
NTB-001-275 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2025-08-18 |
Tanzania: Namanga |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Customs has raised doubts regarding the Certificate of Origin issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). However, TRA has failed to provide any written explanation for its objections and has refused to verify the certificate directly with KRA via email.
As a result, the goods have been held at the Namanga border, causing delays and financial losses to the consignee. This action by TRA Customs constitutes a violation of the EAC Protocols and Regulations, undermines the rights of the importer, and damages the legitimate business interests of Kenyan enterprises engaged in intra-EAC trade. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The goods were released without any payment. |
|
|
NTB-001-229 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2025-01-16 |
Madagascar: other |
Tunisia |
Resolved
2026-05-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tunisian company "Société des Boissons du Cap Bon" has entered into a partnership with a Madagascan distributor, "4 Seasons", represented by Mrs. Safa Hamdi, for the distribution of its products, in particular juices, soft drinks and cheeses. The Tunisian company agreed to an annual forecast of 12 to 15 containers and in return granted the distributor exclusive rights to distribute its products on the Madagascan market.
The Tunisian company began working with this distributor with a first shipment on March 23, 2024, consisting of a total of four containers: three of juice and one of cheese. Attached are photos of the "Délice" brand products distributed by 4 Seasons in gas stations, supermarkets and traditional markets. Our distributor has also made considerable efforts to promote the products through sponsorship campaigns, urban billboards and a strong digital presence, demonstrating its commitment.
However, the Tunisian company encountered a problem: a company called IBC, which we understand is in the construction business and is neither a distributor nor a juice producer, registered the "Délice" brand in Madagascar under the name "Délice de Fruit" using our logo. It has since contacted the distributor of the Tunisian brand to try to persuade it to work with IBC using its trademark registration.
It should be noted that the "Délide de Fruits" trademark has been registered with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) since December 2022 and with the National Institute for Standardization and Industrial Property (INNORPI) since 2006, 2019 and 2022 (all documents are attached). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The importer successfully cleared their goods under the preferential tariff framework. The electronically issued Certificate of Origin (No. 0170186, dated April 15, 2026) was ultimately accepted and validated by the Tunisian customs authorities. |
|
|
NTB-000-963 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-06-01 |
Kenya: At Taveta border post |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The unclear and high fine of Ksh 100,000 charged by Kenya Revue Authority (KRA)to trucks without Electronic Cargo Tracking gadget (GPS) based on provisions 73 (1) and 204 (a) and (b) of the EACMA 2004 revised in 2017 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During SCTIFI held in September 2020, the Republic of Kenya informed that the fee is not discriminatory and is provided for by the EAC CMA the maximum charge is USD 5,000.Hence the SCTIFI agreed that this is not an NTB and hence is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-642 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2014-12-09 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Burundi |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The United Republic of Tanzania via the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is charging USD200 as registration fee for transit permit on each transit container which contain which contain Chemical products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Tanzania reported that the levy was abolished in 2012.This NTB is therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-220 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2009-07-28 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The valuation of imported goods carried by Small cross border traders is not transparent. Customs officials rely on power to impound imported goods to make small scale cross border traders pay rather suspicious duties. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she is using the WTO Customs Valuation procedure, and has an appeals mechanism to address complaints from the traders |
|
|
NTB-000-286 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of fishmeal under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she is on schedule in terms of implementing her obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol. As a result of Zambia’s successful implementation of the Trade Protocol, Zambia participates in the SADC Free Trade Area. The tariff liberalization of category C is continuing up until 2010 as provided for in the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
NTB-000-287 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Other Zambia |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of pasta under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that Zambia is on schedule in terms of implementing her obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol. As a result of Zambia’s successful implementation of the Trade Protocol, Zambia participates in the SADC Free Trade Area. The tariff liberalization of category C is continuing up until 2010 as provided for in the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
NTB-000-285 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-09-08 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian Government is delaying implementation of phase down schedule of tariffs for imports of salt under the SADC Trade Protocol. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she is on schedule in terms of implementing her obligations under the SADC Trade Protocol. As a result of Zambia’s successful implementation of the Trade Protocol, Zambia participates in the SADC Free Trade Area. The tariff liberalization of category C is continuing up until 2010 as provided for in the SADC Trade Protocol |
|
|
NTB-000-400 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A52: Irradiation |
2011-02-22 |
South Africa: The Department of Trade and Industry |
Zambia |
Resolved
2015-08-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zambian honey sector have come against repeated resistance from the South African authorities to allow organic honey to enter the South Africa market without the unnecessary requirement of irradiation. Therefore, our traders are requesting the South African government for an exemption from the irradiation requirements for the importation of honey from Zambia as set out by the National Department of Agriculture (RSA).
An analysis undertaken by the National Department of Agriculture (NDA) of South Africa collected honey samples from across Zambia during a national disease survey funded by the World Bank in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture of Zambia. The findings of this analysis by the NDA reveal that there is no American Foulbrood Disease in Zambia. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa advised that all honey exports from Zambia were now accepted into that market. |
|
|
Products:
|
0409.00: Natural honey |
|
|
NTB-001-153 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-01-26 |
Zambia: ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2026-04-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The ZB Card company shipped a shipment to Zambia at the end of January which is subject to the original SADC laws. When you arrived at ZRA, they refused to allow it, claiming that the HS Code is incorrect, so they ordered ZB Card to change it. ZB Card did that but ZRA has rejected the CoO claiming that it is not authentic. We have contacted TCCIA so that they can confirm its authenticity and TCCIA has done so but since 10/02/2024 there has been no success |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs workshop held in Johannesburg on 14 April 2026, Zambia and Tanzania reported that this issue was resolved , There is no new complain regarding this issue. |
|
|
NTB-000-194 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-03-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Zimbabwe tariff regime has a wide dispersion of import duty rates across the harmonised System. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and importers are often engaged in disputes over which tariff code to classify certain commodities. Where two tariff codes appear similar, ZIMRA officials would want to maximize revenue and classify commodities according the high revenue earning tariff. At the same time, importers classify commodities according to the lowest tariff rates in order to minimize costs. These tariff classification disputes act as a non tariff barrier which can delay the clearing of goods. Valuation of goods is done by senior Customs (ZIMRA) Officers who are not always available thus causing further delays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that Clear tariff resolution structures are in place. These start from station level up to National level. Importers of goods may escalate the disputes to Fiscal courts and ZIMRA may also seek the assistance of WCO tariff rulings. |
|
|
NTB-001-116 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2023-05-01 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-07-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are 13 road blocks between Nimule and Juba and traders are losing over SSP. 150,000 each. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 42nd SCTIFI, the Republic of South Sudan reported that the SCTIFI directed South Sudan to remve all road blocks and this directive was implemented. There are only two road blocks from Nimule to Juba hence this NTB was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-750 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2017-03-01 |
Zambia: On the road |
Zambia |
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are approximately 600 hundreds trucks ferrying "mukula" logs legally from DRCongo. The loads had genuine documents from Congo and the trucks were checked at kasumbalesa border upon entry to Zambian soil.
We understand that Zambia banned mukula harvesting within its territories but the activity is not banned in Congo. it is unfortunate that the trucks from Tanzania underwent the legal custom check at the border only to be impounded through an impromptu statutory instrument. The drivers and their drivers have been living under deplorable condition with their employing companies not only going through loss by way of their trucks staying idle but also through regular upkeep of their employees.
It also unfortunate that after impounding the said trucks, the relevant authorities in Zambian kept quiet. No meaningful willingness to resolve the issue has been portrayed by the relevant authorities in question. Going by SADC protocol on transit/transportation protocol there is evidence of breach/contravention of the same.
We wish to see a quick resolution of the matter to mitigate the pangs of the losses companies are making and hence the respective governments from which the same operates under.
We do need each other and we'll always need each other owing the same to globalization. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25 January 2018, Zambia Focal Point reported that all 600 trucks had been released. The last 15 were released in September 2017. Attached is the statutory instrument prohibiting the exportation of certain forestry products. Therefore, this NTB should was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-956 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2020-04-08 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
|
Resolved
2020-05-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are daily delays of truck movement due to customs clearing delays by Zambian authorities. Trucks are made to queue on the Zimbabwean side of the border whilst Zambian procedures are being done. The queue on the Zimbabwean side is almost permanent and sometimes stretches up to 10km along the road. Drivers have no ablution and other facilities in the process (health challenges).
The fight against the covid-19 disease is severely affected adversely by this development. In addition to this the trucks are exposed to thieves and wild animals. Clearing agents Zimbabwe transit bonds are also held up pending exit of the trucks. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia NTBs national monitoring Committee undertook a verification mission to Chirundu Border post on 11- 12 June 2020 to ascertain the degree of the problem and recommend way forward. The mission found out that all border agencies were overwhelmed by the increase in the volumes of traffic due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which caused traffic to be diverted from other borders e.g Kazungula Ferry to Chirundu . Following submission of this complaint the Zambia and Zimbabwe put in place the following temporary measures to adress the matter:
1. Increased working hours from 16 hours a day to 24 hours a day;
2. Introduction of an additional lane to fast track the flow of essential goods such as fuels, food medical supplies and medical equipment;
3. Truck drivers are allowed to park their trucks outside the Common Control Zone (CCZ) before undergoing health screening at the passenger terminal in order to decongest the border area; and
4. Introduction of processing of exports in-land to reduce the amount of time spent by the truck drivers at the border.
These measures cleared all the trucks in the ques therefore the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-090 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
South Africa: SouthAfrica Revenue Services |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are delays in VAT refunds for Mauritian importers of South African goods. It is also not clear whether the VAT refunds re only for those companies that use South African imports. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-090 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
South Africa: SouthAfrica Revenue Services |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are delays in VAT refunds for Mauritian importers of South African goods. It is also not clear whether the VAT refunds re only for those companies that use South African imports. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-090 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
South Africa: SouthAfrica Revenue Services |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are delays in VAT refunds for Mauritian importers of South African goods. It is also not clear whether the VAT refunds re only for those companies that use South African imports. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-362 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There are different offices for processing customs documents in Tanzania. There is need for one stop house fore.g. in Dar-es- salaam |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that all documentation for imports is centralized and is available and processed online. Allexports documents are processed at the borders. |
|
English
Français
