| Complaint number |
NTB Type
Check allUncheck all |
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
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NTB-000-108 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-26 |
Angola: Telecommunications Department |
South Africa |
Resolved 2011-11-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Angola postal and delivery services are unrelaible |
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Resolution status note:
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During the NTB workshop held in Luanda on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that postal services have been improved significantly in the last few years. DHL, and other services are now available in post offices. The NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-185 |
5.4. Quotas |
2009-07-27 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Annual quota allocations for sugar into SACU |
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Resolution status note:
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South Africa report3ed that Quota allocations have been agreed to on the Sugar Protocol which is also part of the SADC Protocol on Trade |
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NTB-000-330 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Eswatini |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Anti Smuggling, Quality Control & Examination Teams at border posts lack proper equipment such as forklifts, motor vehicles to carry out inspection. |
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Resolution status note:
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Swaziland reported that the procurement of equipment is affected by the lack of financial resources. However, measures are taken to have goods examined at owner’s premises where equipment is available. |
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NTB-001-215 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2024-10-03 |
Kenya: Traffic Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved 2024-11-23 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Arbitrary fines charged to drivers in Kenya not commensurate to the fines specified in Kenya Traffic Control Act 2015
For instance, the driver was fined 25,000 Kenyan shillings where he was supposed to pay only 10,000 Kenyan shillings (Section 53 (1) and 67). Also, Kenya Traffic Control Act (2015) prohibits someone from driving a commercial vehicle for more than a total of eight hours in any 24-hour period (section 66A). This should not apply to transit trucks since the international best practice for maximum driving time for truck drivers is between 11 and 14 hours a day.
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Resolution status note:
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Kenya informed the meeting that the driver was arrested on 12 / 09 / 2024 while driving a Motor Vehicle with Registration No. RAE 579B / RL2395 M / Benz Actros and was consequently presented before Makindu Law Court charged with the following offenses:
● Count 1: Failing to maintain parts and equipment of the M / Vehicle contrary to Section 55 (1) as read with Section 58 (1) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya without rear reflectors). The accused pleaded guilty and was fined KSHS 15,000
● Count 2: Causing obstruction, contrary to Section 53 (1) as read with Section 53 (4) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya. The accused pleaded guilty and fined KSHS 10,000 / =
Hence amounting to a total of KSHS. 25,000
The Republic of Rwanda submitted that there is need to notify counterparts in case a National of one Partner States is charged in another Partner States and Traffic offenses should be distinguished from crime. |
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NTB-000-709 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2016-04-01 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved 2018-07-05 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Arbitrary uplifting of value exports of the Air filters for internal Combustion manufactured by Kenafric products leading to high charges on VAT |
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Resolution status note:
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The Secretariat reported that this NTB had been resolved by the report of the bilateral meeting held from 3rd -5th July 2018 between Kenya & Tanzania . |
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NTB-000-938 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) B31: Labelling requirements |
2020-02-08 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2026-01-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Arenel (Pvt) Ltd was incorporated in the Republic of Zimbabwe in 1961. Arenel is manufacturer, seller and distributor of food and beverages with renowned brands in Biscuits and Sweets both locally, SADC Region and beyond. On Saturday, the 8th of February, 2020, our truck was subjected to inspection by Port Health, South Africa. The inspectorate then detained the truck on the premise that the labeling of our products was not complying to regulation No. R146 of 2010. The truck is still detained. |
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Resolution status note:
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NTB-000-938 concerning consignment detained at Beitbridge border post on the 8th of February 2020 was resolved following consultative meetings facilitated by the SADC Business Council. |
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Products:
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1905.31: Sweet biscuits |
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NTB-000-685 |
1.15. Other |
2016-03-01 |
Zimbabwe: |
Botswana |
Resolved 2016-03-18 |
View |
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Complaint:
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As of the 1st of March 2016 Zimbabwe introduced a system whereby you need to obtain a certificate of conformity in order to export into Zimbabwe. One needs to obtain this certificate from Bureau Veritas. Trucks have been piling up at the Plumtree border while they await clearance with charges up to $250.00 per consignment. No formal communication has been reported by the Government of Zimbabwe to Botswana on this new development. Furthermore we have no record of which products will be affected and who needs to apply for this certificate. We are not even aware of where the Bureau Veritas offices are located in Botswana. As they are situated in South Africa. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 18th March 2016, the Zimbabwe Focal Point from ZIMRA reported that a verification with the Station Manager at Plumtree Border Post had not revealed any cases of trucks piling up at the Border Post. It would be appreciated if the client furnishes more details relating to the Companies affected, the dates, the vehicles involved and the registration numbers so that the Station Manager carries out further verification if need be. The goods affected are listed in Statutory instrument 132 of 2015 which was published on 18 December 2015. The Statutory Instrument (SI) is as available at Printflow (formerly Government Printers) in Zimbabwe, which is too large to attach here. |
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NTB-000-367 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved 2011-03-04 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Asycuda++ system closes at 16.00 hrs for new entries . ZRA does not continue to clear goods after 16.00hrs. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that the Asycuda++ system is 24hours for those on DTI and there is also e-payment. Its only those who are not on DTI and access the system through Necor which closes at 16hrs are affected, otherwise the system does not close. |
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NTB-000-953 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2020-04-11 |
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Namibia |
Resolved 2026-02-18 |
View |
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Complaint:
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At Katima Mulilo border post between the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Zambia, Zambian Authorities/ Command centres, specifically the Zambia Police Service and the Ministry of Health Officials stationed at Katima Mulilo border post from the Provincial Administration in Western Province tasked to screen truck drivers at the border post, are charging Namibian transporters and truck drivers to meet logistical costs of escorting their respective quarantined truck drivers to Kazungula, Livingstone, Lusaka and Kasumbalesa transits especially perishables and other essential commodities such as medicines, clearly at variance with World Customs Organisation (WCO) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Protocols on Trade, destined for the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo via the Walvis Bay - Ndola - Lubumbashi Development Corridor (Namibia, Zambia, DRC). In the Republic of Zambia and other SADC Member states, and in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) Public Health Protocols, screening, testing and quarantining of truck drivers for covid - 19 are State operations and are at variance with the agreed SADC Guidelines on Harmonisation and Facilitation of Cross Border Transport Operations during the covid - 19 outbreak. This is an added cost of doing business, unnecessary cross border delays without prior notification to transporters and a Non - Tariff Barrier to Trade.
This is unprecedented, Namibian transporters are being charged as much as K800 for each Police Officer for at least 3 days and each convoy of trucks has at least 3 Police officers. The cost is meant to cover lodging and subsistence allowance for the officers.
This is an encumbrance to trade, against the SADC Guidelines on movement of goods and services in the region amid covid - 19 and adds to the cost of doing business, against WCO, WTO, and WHO best practices on global trade facilitation and Public Health. |
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Resolution status note:
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Based on the update provided above, the complaint can be considered as resolved. |
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NTB-000-006 |
2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers |
2004-05-29 |
Egypt: Egypt Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Authorisation fees for endorsement of COMESA Certificate of
Origin
Uganda has complained that Egypt authorities require that Certificates of Origin be endorsed by the Egyptian Embassy in Kampala before dispatch of the goods. |
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Resolution status note:
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Egypt reported that she does not require consular or Embassy export documentation. A ministerial Decree issued by the Government of Egypt was circulated to all COMESA Member States on March 22 2007. |
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NTB-000-426 |
1.8. Import bans |
2011-07-01 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on all Potatoes as Directed by the Ministry of Agriculture |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Zimbabwe reported that banning of potatoes was done to protect plants from pests originating across the borders. This is therefore a NTM. |
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NTB-000-529 |
1.8. Import bans |
2012-08-08 |
Burundi: National Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved 2013-10-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on import of fresh fruits from Burundi to Rwanda |
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Resolution status note:
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On 16 October 2013, Burundi Focal Point reported that, at the 12th EAC Regional Forum on NTBs held on 14th– 17th October, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania, Rwanda reported that Burundi had lifted the ban. Therefore the NTB was resolved |
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NTB-000-813 |
4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures A1: Prohibitions/restrictions of imports for SPS reasons Policy/Regulatory |
2017-11-17 |
Uganda: Ministry responsible for Agriculture |
Kenya |
Resolved 2018-05-12 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on importation of poultry and poultry products. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the 25th EAC Regional Forum on NTBs held from 9- 12 May 2018, Kenya and Rwanda reported that the ban on entry of poultry products from Uganda based on the ban from the Veternary and Health Regulatory Authorities had been lifted . |
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NTB-000-033 |
5.10. Prohibitions |
2008-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Rourism, Trade and Industry |
Kenya |
Resolved 2019-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on Imports
Kenya has complained that Uganda had placed a ban on beef imports |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that the issue is not for Kenya but all other Partner States. And it is only on frozen beef she resolved the issue. |
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Products:
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0202.30: Frozen, boneless meat of bovine animals |
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NTB-000-178 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on imports of fresh meat products from Zimbabwe |
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Resolution status note:
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Malawi reported that there is no ban on meat imports but licensing measures were introduced when there was an outbreak of foot and mouth and bird flu diseases |
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NTB-000-177 |
1.1. Export subsidies A11: Prohibitions for sanitary and phytosanitary reasons |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on imports of fresh meat products from South Africa and Zimbabwe |
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Resolution status note:
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Malawi reported that there is no ban on meat imports but licensing measures were introduced when there was an outbreak of foot and mouth and bird flu diseases |
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NTB-000-414 |
1.1. Export subsidies B33: Packaging requirements |
2011-03-01 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-05-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on plastics of thickness less than 30 micro meters |
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Resolution status note:
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The ban is being effected under Statutory Instrument 98 of 2010 - Environmental Management (Plastic Packaging and Plastic Bottles) Regulations , 2010 issued by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Management in terms of section 140 of the Environment Management Act ( Chapter 20:27) to protect the environment |
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Products:
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3923.29: Sacks and bags, incl. cones, of plastics (excl. those of polymers of ethylene) |
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NTB-000-520 |
6.5. Variable levies Policy/Regulatory |
2012-06-20 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved 2018-11-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Beef and Pork from Kenya Farmers Choice are being charged 25% by Tanzania because the company is in the duty remission scheme despite the products not benefiting from the duty remission scheme. |
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Resolution status note:
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During SCTIFI meeting held on 16 November2018, Kenya reported that the NTB was resolved |
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NTB-000-180 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Beira & Nacala are the main ports for imports/export goods, which are currently overworked. Lack of institutional support. |
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Resolution status note:
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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 |
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NTB-000-372 |
7.1. Arbitrariness Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Zambia |
Resolved 2011-08-23 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Beira port authority arbitrarily assign security escort for randomly selected containers and charge US$150 without the knowledge of the importer. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the 8th meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation ,Mozambique reported that the US$150 is a scanning charge gazette and information available to port users. Security is not assigned arbitrarily. |
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