| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-546 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2010-09-01 |
Zimbabwe: Harare offices |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe has too many agencies issuing agricultural Permits, thereby giving problems to those who would want to obtain them, for example you have to go to gugunyana offices then you go to Mazowe Plant and Quarantine offices then also you have to go to AMA (agricultural marketing authority) this process we feel its too long why cant it be done under one roof, or one just live your application then the move around into different offices is done within the office bearers |
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Resolution status note:
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Zimbabwe reported that most of the issues are of policy nature therefore awareness programmes with relevant stakeholders and government agencies will be undertaken . |
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NTB-000-555 |
8.4. Transport related corruption |
2012-11-06 |
Zambia: Siavonga Turn off, Lusaka-Chirundu Highway,
Police Manning that Place |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-12-19 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Zupco bus permit taken by Zambian Police citing that the bus has one tyre which is finished and the window screen has a crack , this is causing them to be fined every time when they are at the road block for failing to produce the bus permit, practical on daily basis when they are stopped they have to pay k50000/$10.00 so as to catch up with time just avoiding passengers to run away from them, almost 3 months they cant produce the permit |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that The ZUPCO bus permit was returned on 16 December 2012 by Zambia police. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-552 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification
Policy/Regulatory |
2012-11-01 |
Zimbabwe: Head Office Zimra |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-08-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
form 47 which is customs declaration form on Rebate states, who enjoys travellers rebate and marked(excluding) reads excluding Any person employed as the pilot or master or any member of the crew of an aircraft, ship or vehicle arriving from outside Zimbabwe ,bus crew members,drivers are also included,why are they not given rebate allowance as other nationalities, this is a national benefit why excluding them , what benefits do they have as bus crew members? even the remission they dont understand about it even to be given that remmission they are not, this is the other reason why bus crew members are involved in smuggling with border officials, give them an allowance on daily basis |
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Resolution status note:
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On 7th August 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue authority reported that , travelers rebate excludes "any person employed as the pilot or master or any member of the crew, of an aircraft, ship or vehicle arriving from outside Zimbabwe" This is in terms of Section 114 of the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise General Regulation Statutory Instrument 154 of 2001. This is therefore a legal requirement and it is mandatory that this be implemented. The same regulations also provide for a remission of duty for a consignment of a maximum value of US$20.00 every time one travels. Once the consignment exceeds the US$20.00 duty is paid on the full value of the consignment. Please note that smuggling of goods is an offence which may lead to seizure of the goods and at times prosecution and is therefore discouraged.
Based on this explanation, SADC secretariat advised that the NTB be marked resolved. |
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NTB-000-558 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2012-10-06 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-08-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
My company was importing a pallet of various alcoholic beverages. The consignment was accompanied by the required SADC origin papers from the manufacturer in South Africa. When the pallet was searched officers found, on the label of one of the products, bottled in south, produce of mexico. Upon seeing this the officers immediately seized the tequila, along with some South African made whiskey. Firstly this is in contravention to the SADC protocols of trade, whereby- Rule 9 of the protocols of trade, sections 3 and 4-
3. The competent authority designated by an importing Member State may in exceptional circumstances and notwithstanding the presentation of a certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of this Rule, require, in case of doubt, further verification of the statement contained in the certificate. Member States, through their competent authorities, shall assist each other in this process. Such further verification should be made within three months of the request being made by a competent authority designated by the importing Member State. The form used for this purpose shall be that contained in Appendix IV to this Annex.
4.The importing Member State shall not prevent the importer from taking delivery of goods solely on the grounds that it requires further evidence, but may require security for any duty or other charge which may be payable: provided that where goods are subject to any prohibitions, the conditions for delivery under security shall not apply.
This section clearly states the rules and procedures to be followed when there is a query on the legitimacy of the origin of a product. The Zimbabwean border officials ignored these and seized the goods.
Upon seizure we were given the opportunity to appeal the seizure and prove the origin of the goods.
We did this and the Station Manager at Beitbridge completely ignored all of the evidence we sent him. We have documentation from the manufacturer, proving the origin of the goods, further we gave them the contacts of various people in the South African Tax Department to verify their claims. All of this was summarily ignored and we were issued a notice to pay the duties due for a non-sadc product, and a fine. Together this figure amounts to almost double the value of the products. We have since appealed to the ZIMRA Commissioner General to have the fines and duties repealed and the products released, and are awaiting reply. |
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Resolution status note:
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SADC Secretariat, in consultation with Zimbabwe Revenue Authority recommended that the NTB be considered resolved and that the importer be educated about issues of origin within the context of a Free Trade Area. ZIMRA reported that seizure of the consignment was done in terms of Section 193 (1) of the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) which reads "Subject to subsection (3), an officer may seize any goods, ship, aircraft or vehicle (hereinafter in this section referred to as articles) which he has reasonable grounds for believing are liable to seizure". In this case the origin of the goods was incorrect. |
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Products:
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2208.30: Whiskies and 2208.70: Liqueurs and cordials |
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NTB-000-561 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-10-24 |
South Africa: On the main transport routes in Gauteng, South Africa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The managing director of Cross Country Containers in Zimbabwe, has reported that there had been four incidences of hijacking his vehicles in the Gauteng area.
The first was in October 2011, the second in June 2012, the third in September 2012 and the fourth in October 2012.
All the vehicles hijacked, were carrying copper, from the copper mines in Zambia.
A meeting was held between the road transport industry and the SAPS Hawks, in Pretoria, on the 24th October 2012.
A report of the meeting is attached.
These hijackings have had such a negative impact on Cross Country Containers, that it has stopped operating into South Africa.
The road transport industry, under the guidance of FESARTA, is to send a proposal on the way forward, to the Hawks. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April in Lusaka Zambia, South Africa requeted that this NTB be removed from the online system on grounds that it was security issue. The meeting agreed that this be categorised as ' Non Actionable'. |
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NTB-000-561 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-10-24 |
South Africa: On the main transport routes in Gauteng, South Africa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The managing director of Cross Country Containers in Zimbabwe, has reported that there had been four incidences of hijacking his vehicles in the Gauteng area.
The first was in October 2011, the second in June 2012, the third in September 2012 and the fourth in October 2012.
All the vehicles hijacked, were carrying copper, from the copper mines in Zambia.
A meeting was held between the road transport industry and the SAPS Hawks, in Pretoria, on the 24th October 2012.
A report of the meeting is attached.
These hijackings have had such a negative impact on Cross Country Containers, that it has stopped operating into South Africa.
The road transport industry, under the guidance of FESARTA, is to send a proposal on the way forward, to the Hawks. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the Tripartite NTB SMS Launch meeting held on 9-10 April 2013, in Lusaka, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe reported that this was a security issue that was being attended to by the relevant authorities. |
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NTB-000-568 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2013-02-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-17 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Revaluation of products by customs ,a trader came with catapillar or madora and the value was k 2000000.00=$400.00 and was revalued to K 4180000.00, customs is refusing value for these goods ofwhich it only pays pre sumptive tax this is not the first time Zimra raises value to goods which pays only p tax. Some of these goods are not bought at Lusaka markert were thay have pegged there prices this is one of the reasons why why people would resort to smuggling |
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Resolution status note:
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On 17 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that valuation of consignments is provided for in the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02). This particular valuation of Madora at Kariba Border Post was based on previous importations, investigations and information gathered from the neighboring country Zambia because no commercial invoices were tendered. ZIMRA advised that, where the values declared are within the given range, they are accepted. However where the values differ drastically the assessed values are resorted to. The complainant is advised to liaise with the Station Manager Kariba or the Supervisors to understand how the valuation is conducted. |
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NTB-000-582 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2013-03-18 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-07-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Customs charging duty on STR goods which are exempted from paying duty under the Comesa Simplified Trade Regime |
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Resolution status note:
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On 30 July 2013, Zimbabwe Focal point confirmed ZIMRA report that Zimbabwe does not charge customs duty on goods that qualify under STR if the goods have been properly declared as per the requirement. It should however be taken into cognizance that Import Value Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of 15% is payable. Also where the importer does not have a Tax Clearance Certificate (ITF 263) Presumptive Tax at a rate of 10% of the Value of the goods being imported is payable. Clearance under STR is limited to a consignment of us$1000. If the consignment exceeds the US$1000 duty is paid on the excess
List of goods which qualify under STR are displayed at the respective Border Posts. Furthermore TIDOs are placed at the respective Border Posts to assist persons importing such goods understand the clearance procedures. |
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Products:
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5402.11: High-tenacity filament yarn of aramids (excl. sewing thread and yarn put up for retail sale) |
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NTB-000-577 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2013-04-12 |
Zimbabwe: Zimra Head Office |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs and Excise (Surtax Tariff) Notice ,2012, Statutory Instrument 112 of 2012,
Customs has introduced surtax on almost most of the agricultural products on the STR list of Eligible products, instead of paying 10% as presumptive tax there are now required to additional tax 25% as surtax that will amount to 35% and those which are not agriculture products instead of paying 25% as vat and presumptave tax there is additional 25% that means they will pay 50%, this a barrier, this will disturb the spirit of STR and all efforts to formalise transactions, and inrease cases of smuggling and corruption ,can there be clarity from Customs/Zimra for this surtax |
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Resolution status note:
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On 01 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority ( ZIMRA) reported that the introduction of surtax was not targeted at STR products as the surtax is also levied on importations of the same goods from other countries taking into consideration the terms of any trade arrangements or protocols that may exist between Zimbabwe and that trading partner or block. The On 30 July 2013, Zimbabwe Focal Point advised that the NTB be conisdered resolved by the confirmation from ZIMRA that the surtax was not discriminatory. |
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NTB-000-578 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2013-04-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Customs at kariba Border Post seized my goods: 12 off klorpoder 25 kg and 28 off micromatic plus all cleaning powders claiming that the prices on the invoice are not true. Invoice price for Micromatic was at $3 & $3.50 for klorpowder which are manufactured by Nemchem Zimbabwe .These prices can be verified with manufacturer, Contact Nemchem at + 263 774017418 |
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Resolution status note:
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On 12 June 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that, the goods were seized in accordance with the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) which provides that an officer may seize any goods which he has reasonable grounds for believing are liable to seizure. The Act empowers the Commissioner to either unconditionally or subject to such conditions, whether as to the payment of a fine, order the release of any such goods from seizure or declare them forfeited. The client is therefore advised to make the required representations for possible release of the seized goods and submit them to the office though which the goods were seized stating all the facts relating to the seizure. Any decisions made can be appealed against up to until they reach the Commissioner-Generals office or even the courts to ensure transparency |
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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 |
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Resolution status note:
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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. |
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NTB-000-578 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2013-04-13 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-06-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs at kariba Border Post seized my goods: 12 off klorpoder 25 kg and 28 off micromatic plus all cleaning powders claiming that the prices on the invoice are not true. Invoice price for Micromatic was at $3 & $3.50 for klorpowder which are manufactured by Nemchem Zimbabwe .These prices can be verified with manufacturer, Contact Nemchem at + 263 774017418 |
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Resolution status note:
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he Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) provides that an officer may seize any goods which he has reasonable grounds for believing are liable to seizure. On the other hand the same Act empowers the Commissioner to either unconditionally or subject to such, conditions whether as to the payment of a fine, order the release of any such goods from seizure or declare them forfeited. The client is therefore advised to make the required representations for possible release of the seized goods and submit them to the office though which the goods were seized stating all the facts relating to the seizure. Any decisions made can be appealed against up to until they reach the Commissioner-Generals office or even the courts to ensure transparency. |
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NTB-000-583 |
6.7. Other |
2013-03-26 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-07-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Kariba border post, Zimbabwe. Imports from Zambia; one truck carrying two imports from Zamleather for two different Zimbabwean companies. VAT paid in Harare and transferred to Kariba by ZIMRA. ZIMRA system has IT problem and duty of 5% was to be charged. Protest was lodged and ZIMRA advised that there is no duty because of the Comesa certificates. A day went by and we were then advised that our one shipment had been cleared: with 2% duty. We were informed that there were new acts passed and duty was now applicable. I could find no record of this and refused to pay extra duty in order to clear the VAT and duty now short on the second shipment. ZIMRA Harare advised that this was an IT issue and they were working on it. Third day begins and Kariba say no way to clear shipment without duty being paid. Harare advise Kariba to raise manual IM4 entry, Kariba say the duty is still payable. We are now going into the weekend and I cannot see my truck being cleared until Monday. I have had this issue before in a slightly different context where ZIMRA took duty paid for a shipment on its way to correct an IM4 done the prior month. No notification was given and it took 6 months for my claim to be accepted and the US$ 5703 to be refunded. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 30th July 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that the consignments were eventually cleared manually (i.e. outside the Asycuda System) and allowed under the COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA) at Rates of duty 0% as Zambia is party to the COMESA (FTA). ZIMRA would continue to clear such similar consignments manually until such time Kariba customs migrates from Asycuda ++ to Asycuda World and the clearance will be done in the system. The client will not be inconvenienced by the use of either of the two clearing systems. |
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Products:
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3403.11: Textile lubricant preparations and preparations of a kind used for the oil or grease treatment of leather, furskins or other material containing petroleum oil or bituminous mineral oil (excl. preparations containing, as basic constituents, >= 70% petroleu and 6403.40: Footwear, incorporating a protective metal toecap, with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather (excl. sports footwear and orthopaedic footwear) |
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NTB-000-663 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2015-02-19 |
Mozambique: Weighbridge at Matola on the Maputo corridor |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2017-05-18 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Zimbabwean truck drivers are now facing police harassment near the weighbridge at Matola on the Maputo corridor. The police are taking Zimbabwe drivers licence and their passports, supposedly to check the authentication of the driver holding the documents. The driver is released in order to go and off load and is briefed that the police will have an answer for him on his return.
On his return driver is told that the licence is a fake and the driver is to pay a spot fine of ZAR5000.00. It appears that the police are rubbing the metal disc with something, so that certain information is now very faded, and not legible. When the driver produces his international drivers’ licence, to confirm the validity that is taken away by police, who only return it after some hours, with the expiry date is now illegible. The ZAR 5000.00 rand fine is enforced. The language is a convenient barrier, as the police claim not to be able to speak English. All fines in Mozambique seem to be ZAR 5000.00.
Drivers are detained for days until they come up with some sort of cash ranging from ZAR400.00 upwards if they are lucky. This problem is more prevalent during weekends.
Please can we have a stop put to this practice? Defacing a Government document I believe is an offence, and should not be tolerated. Business is challenging enough as it is, without trade barriers being further forced upon the transport industry. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that the drivers no longer faced this problem hence the problem is resolved. |
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NTB-000-674 |
2.14. Other |
2015-07-03 |
Mozambique: Posto Fiscal de Calomue |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
TRANSHAUL Zimbabwe had 2 trucks arrive at Calomue border on Friday 3 July loaded with groundnuts, they were told they had to wait for a free escort on Monday, or pay for an escort to take them to Cuchamano on Saturday. Against our advise, our client paid the fees being demanded ($100 / truck) after which, the escort only went as far as Tete with the trucks, where they were told they should pay again for another escort to take them through to Cuchamano. Again, our client paid the escort fees. The transporter had another 2 trucks arrive at Calomue on Monday 6 July with groundnuts, who were again told they must pay for escort, or wait until Wednesday for someone to escort them for free. I have told our client not to pay.
The adding of a commodity to the anti-dumping list with an escort requirement by customs needs to be documented and communicated prior to the introduction thereof. Also the communication should clearly state what the cost if any of the escorts are from point of entry to point of exit and availability of escorts.
The current situation being applied as described under paragraph one is not acceptable and needs to be clarified by Alfandega agents at Calomue border demanding escort fees from drivers without documentary proof. |
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Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
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NTB-000-688 |
8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) |
2016-03-29 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-05-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
South Africa Immigration Offices at Beit Bridge gives drivers maximum 14 days on their passports when entering into SA at point of entry. When a driver departs before the 14 days are fully utilized, the next time you want to enter, they tell you to use those remaining days before they can add more days on your passport. This causes drivers to end up running short of days should their trip be longer than the remaining days before the normal 14 days. Zimbabwe transporters are therefore forced to send their drivers back to Beit Bridge without their trucks to get their passports re stamped or they are faced with fines or worse still, they will not be allowed to enter SA again for not exiting on or before the set day when they entered SA initially. This is increasing the cost of doing business. Transporters have lost business during the time drivers are hiking to the border to get passports stamped, the extra night allowances and bus fares and also the down time spent in the process. This problem is a lot worse if loads are short in SA as well.
This matter needs urgent attention on the part of Home Affairs in South Africa as the hampering of transporter and driver movements is not in the interests of trade facilitation and inters regional trade in the region. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 09 May 2016, the South African Focal Point provided the current Visa and Immigration requirements that state that: ‘Visas are not required by passport holders of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi who are entering the Republic as commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers provide their visits do not exceed 15 days and on condition that they can produce a letter confirming their employment with a transport company on entry.
The same principle applies to Zimbabwean commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers, except that their sojourn may not exceed 30 days at a time. The afore-mentioned does not apply to commercial heavy-duty vehicle drivers who transport goods for a South African transport company. Such drivers must be in possession of a valid work visa.’
The requirements are uploaded onto the Notifications window of the Online system www.tradebarriers.org as information to stakeholders . This document can be dowloaded by the public . |
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NTB-000-692 |
1.8. Import bans |
2016-01-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation & Irrigation.
Department of Livestock & Veterinary Services |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-07-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Department of Livestock & Veterinary Services have issued a letter stating they are banning honey imports to protect their honey industry from disease. In the same letter, they state that there is plenty of local honey available so importers should buy local.
Zambezi Gold Honey from Zambia has been imported to Zimbabwe by Le Sel Distribution (Zimbabwean Company) for 6 years now. No complaint has ever been made.
No analyses have been shown to Le Sel (the importer) to prove disease exists.
Zimbabwe Vet Services has refused to consider any exemptions. |
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Resolution status note:
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The Program Officer - Sanitary and Phytosanitary in the SADC Secretariat reported that the NTB-692 on honey import ban from Zambia implemented by the Department of Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe had been resolved. Issuance of permits had resumed.
The SQAM - SPS Programme (Standards – SABF Sub-group) in collaboration with GIZ had actively engaged the Department of Veterinary Services for the timely resolution of the NTB.
We thank officials of the Department of Veterinary Services of Zimbabwe for their cooperation. |
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NTB-000-782 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-09-17 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Trans[porters are experiencing the following delays and other administrative costs as a result of the sealing process by ZIMRA:
• The vehicles are delayed up to 24 hours while waiting for the seals
• ZIMRA Officials remove existing seals to fit their seal and then do not replace the seals when their electronic seals are removed
• ZIMRA Officials have refused to endorse the documents when seals have been removed
• They have damaged transporters equipment and gone so far as to use a drill on a loaded fuel tanker to drill a large hole to fit their seal. This is completely unacceptable!
• Where one of their seals was incorrectly fitted and fell off the truck, they then cut other seals and drew samples of the product to ensure it had not been contaminated. No explanation was given and our customer consequently rejected the load as the integrity had been corrupted
• Transporters are expected to adhere to routes stipulated by ZIMRA. We have Route Risk Assessments on all our routes. The route is determined due to a number of factors including distance and safety. This is pertinent to Zimbabwe where the road infrastructure is failing
• Beyond the instruction to pay for the sealing, transporters are further expected to pay the costs of escorts |
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Resolution status note:
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The payment for sealing is a requirement in terms of the law in terms of Statutory Instrument 113 OF 2017. A fee of $30.00 shall be levied on every road vehicle conveying goods and break bulk cargo through Zimbabwe upon which electronic seals and magnetic sealing cable are placed on the cargo in term of the law.he vehicles are delayed up to 24 hours while waiting for the seals.Noted, it is not the intention of ZIMRA to delay any vehicle because of sealing, sealing is done in the minimum possible time and where delays are experienced, one can immediately contact the Supervisor or Manager on duty for assistance. Contact numbers for Supervisors and Managers are displayed in the offices .
ZIMRA has since obtained the seals and there are no more delays . |
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NTB-000-789 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2017-10-31 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2018-01-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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There is a problem on processing of Temporary Import Permits since Zimbabwe Revenue Authority came up with a system of doing more Temporary Import Permits for one vehicle. Transporters are now made to write 3 Temporary Import Permits on one truck. 1 Temporary Import Permit for the horse and 2 for the 2 trailers. Processing the Temporary Import Permits is taking too long , for example, Temporary Import Permits for 93 & 98 which we submitted at 01:20hrs ( 31st October 2017) were not ready by mid morning 1st November 2017. Another Temporary Import Permit submitted at 1900hrs last in the night of 31st was only done at 03:15 hrs in the morning of 1st November 2017 .
ZIMRA is now making the clearing agent do a TIP for every unit of the truck. The truck itself then the trailer as well. In the case of an interlink, that is 3 TIPS. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 5 December 2017, Zimbabwe Focal Point confirmed the feedback by Revenue Authority that the client should approach the Station Manager for the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at Chirundu One Stop Border Post to be guided on the proper forms to use. With this explanation issue should be taken as resolved. |
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Products:
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8709.19: Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms (excl. electrical |
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NTB-000-789 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2017-10-31 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2018-01-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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There is a problem on processing of Temporary Import Permits since Zimbabwe Revenue Authority came up with a system of doing more Temporary Import Permits for one vehicle. Transporters are now made to write 3 Temporary Import Permits on one truck. 1 Temporary Import Permit for the horse and 2 for the 2 trailers. Processing the Temporary Import Permits is taking too long , for example, Temporary Import Permits for 93 & 98 which we submitted at 01:20hrs ( 31st October 2017) were not ready by mid morning 1st November 2017. Another Temporary Import Permit submitted at 1900hrs last in the night of 31st was only done at 03:15 hrs in the morning of 1st November 2017 .
ZIMRA is now making the clearing agent do a TIP for every unit of the truck. The truck itself then the trailer as well. In the case of an interlink, that is 3 TIPS. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 22 January 2018, FESARTA sent email to Focal Point, Zimbabwe advisng that the NTBs had been resolved as per advice from ZIMRA. ZIMRA advised complainant to approach the ZIMRA office at Chirundu for assistance since this was an issue concerning lack of information on how to go about the procedure. The complainant was guided on the proper forms to use. |
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Products:
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8709.19: Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms (excl. electrical |
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