| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-921 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2019-04-01 |
Tanzania: TMDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-08-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TMDA requires that registration of injectables be done per product instead of a pack size. The registration requirement increases cost of the products. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The RMC meeting held on 10 August 2020 was informed that Tanzania registers injectables per pack size as per the registration of pharmaceuticals regulation 5 subsection 6. Hence NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-216 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2009-07-27 |
SADC |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Toll fees variation within the region hampers smooth transit of goods. Toll fees should be rationalised. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
|
|
NTB-000-465 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2006-07-01 |
Zimbabwe: Makuti turn-off to Kariba, from Chirundu-Harare highway. |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-08-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TONNAGE LIMIT ROAD SIGN is still indicating retrictive tonnages. The sign should be removed to allow busses and small commercial trucks for traders to pass on Kariba Bridge. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Focal point reported that the Ministry of Transport removed the sign post in August 2012. |
|
|
NTB-000-157 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Too much time is lost during cross border pre-shipment inspection and certification for Kenyan bound cargo. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the NMC meeting held in Nairobi on 29 August 2011, Kenya reported that KRA is currently carrying out time release study to determine time taken at borders.
2. EAC is in the process of introducing OSBP. |
|
|
NTB-000-948 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2019-12-01 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA arbitrary uplifting values of Kenya products by uplifting of customs invoice values for Kenyan manufactured products
-increase of value of CO2
-Milk and milk products
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI agreed that the issue is operational; KRA and TRA should discuss and resolve it.Hence it is resolved from the EAC Time-Bound Programme |
|
|
NTB-000-925 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2019-06-03 |
Tanzania: Namanga & Arusha |
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-09-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA cannot issue assessment for confectionery until Atomic Energy Certificate is attached in the system. This means samples have to be provided by agent / client to the Atomomic Energy in Arusha and a fee of 0.4% of invoice value paid. Samples from the whole country have to be sent to Arusha.
It then takes about 3-4 days for the certificate to be issued. The agent can then proceed with lodging the assessment after attaching the certificate in the system
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SCTIFI held in September 2020, noted that this is an operational Issue and should be resolved from the EAC Time Bound Programme |
|
|
NTB-000-454 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Central Corridoor,Tanzania |
Uganda |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA has introduced check points in the Central Corridor with timeframes and imposed charges for the delays to reach the destinations |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that the time frame of clearance of Transit goods from the point of entry to the point of exit had been used as control measure to ensure that there was no divergence of transit goods into local markets. In the Central corridor there are 3 check points that is Missugusugu, Dumila and Isaka.
From all these check points it takes 5 days to across border. In the southern corridor there are also 3 check points and it takes about 3 days to cross borders. Tanzania launched Electronic cargo Tracking System (ECTS) on 12th March, 2012 which was expected to commence operations in June, 2012. With ECTS there will be no need for Time frame as the goods would be monitored electronically. The legal document was given to Rwanda |
|
|
NTB-000-847 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2018-09-28 |
Tanzania: Isebania |
Burundi |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA is requiring escort for wines, spirits, and Palm oil destined to Burundi. This decision was not communicated to Burundi and Importers are expected to pay TZS 1,500,000 for this. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
TRA reported that escorts have been discontinued.
NTB resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-710 |
2.14. Other
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-04-01 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2017-10-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA offices close earlier (3.00 pm) than KRA Office hindering the Verification at Inland Container Deport (ICD) Nairobi |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Dedicated Session of Senior Officials meeting held in October, 2017 reported that both countries Kenya and Tanzania have harmonised the working hours. Hence the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-521 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2012-06-20 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA rejects EAC certificates of origin . Tanzania Revenue Authority imposes a duty of 25% of EABL products exported to its subsidiary Serengeti breweries limited in Tanzania |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia, Tanzania reported that certificates of origin are now issued for all EAC products both ion the STR and normal exports. |
|
|
NTB-000-543 |
6.7. Other |
2012-01-01 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Traders are being forced to pay $20 each by the Immigration side of Chirundu if they bear same address of where they are going in Zambia yet they will just going for a day to buy whatever goods for trade, this kind of behaviour of immigration officers is disturbing out traders different from Zimbabwe side what they do to Zambians trading in Zimbabwe |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 31st March 2016, Zambia Focal Point reported that there is no law in Zambia that compels a trader to pay $20. In the event that a trader is asked to pay, they should request for an official government receipt which can be verified with Focal Points. |
|
|
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-000-124 |
2.14. Other |
2009-07-26 |
SADC |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Training of new customs recruits in the region |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that training of new recruits is a point of concern for Seychelles. Training especially for customs officers, on R.O.O, clearing process, investigation, inspection, to conduct time release study ect...is in progress. |
|
|
NTB-000-674 |
2.14. Other |
2015-07-03 |
Mozambique: Posto Fiscal de Calomue |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
|
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. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
|
|
NTB-000-034 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2004-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Transport |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Transit Regulations
Kenya complained that Ugandan authorities were enforcing a requirement that all transit trucks be covered. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda reported that the matter was resolved in 2006 |
|
|
NTB-000-480 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-12-07 |
Zambia: Chililabombwe Municipal Council, Zambia |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Transporters are being charged a motor vehicle fee by Chililabombwe Municipal Council. There is no justification for such a fee since the transporters do not receive any services from the Council. The transporters are travelling on national roads, which are maintained by the government and not the Council. The transporters pay road user charges to the government to maintain the roads. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 7 September 2016, Zambia Focal point reported that All Levies collected by the Council are guided by Section 69 and 70 of the Local Government Act CAP 281 of the Laws of Zambia which specifies the Levies to be collected. Under this Act (CAP 281), no Council is mandated to collect motor vehicle fees. The supporting Local Government Act was uploaded for reference |
|
|
NTB-000-792 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-11-01 |
Zambia: Chililabombwe |
|
Resolved
2019-01-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Transporters are being charged a motor vehicle fee by Chililabombwe Municipal Council. There is no justification for such a fee since the transporters do not receive any services from the Council. The transporters are travelling on national roads, which are maintained by the government and not the Council. The transporters pay road user charges to the government to maintain the roads. According to NTB-000-480, this was addressed on the 7 September 2016, but this problem has emerged again since 20th October 2017. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the by-law has now been revoked and councils have stopped charging the said fees. |
|
|
NTB-000-784 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2017-10-10 |
Zambia: Kapiri Mposhe |
South Africa |
Resolved
2019-01-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Transporters are experiencing substantial delays at the weigh-bridges in Zambia when transiting to and from DRC. To make matters worse trucks get weighed at more than one weigh bridge even though the drivers have copies of the initial weigh bridge slips showing no overloads. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Road Development Agency (RDA) was acting within the law (The Tolls Act of 2011). As a result, trucks are continuously weighed to ensure that no extra loads are added onto the trucks.There is an going process to designate weigh bridges for international truckers as part of the vehicle load management programmes being implemented under the tripartite .Delays in the weighing process are only occasional and not every time. A normal weighing process takes 3 to 5 minutes depending on the details being submitted. All the trucks were cleared and therefore the matter is resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-751 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-05-01 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Transporters have noted the many benefits of using Botswana as a transit instead of Zimbabwe. It is a well known fact that Zimbabwe borders are slow and congested, there are many tolls we pay (for no service), numerous road blocks (harrassment of drivers and lack of adherence to SADC appreciation of the Soveriegnty of Foreign COF's), high fuel costs and failing road infrastructure. The completion of the Kazungulu Bridge is a much anticipated event that will give transporters access to an efficient and cost effective transit to Zambia.
On the 11th November 2016, Zambia issued SI 85 of 2016, The Tolls Act in which the Second Schedule Section A and B outlines Entry Tolls for COMESA/SADC and other Countries. Botswana was not included under SADC and awarded tolls higher than other SADC States. On the 1st May 2017, Botswana retaliated by issuing an Amendment of the Road Traffic and Road Transport (Permits) regulations, 2017. Under this Amendment, tolls were increased and in turn, Zambian Transporters handed a hefty penalty. The result is that as a Zambian Transporter our Transit Fees through Botswana increased by 70%.
This makes the Botswana route unattractive and given the congestion at Kazungulu, we have had to run through Zimbabwe again. We are delayed here by congestion, delays in ZIMRA electronic sealing processes and run the gauntlet as described above.
Surely the whole idea of building the Kazungula Bridge is to improve the flow of traffic through Botswana and create economic advantage? With the increase in the tolls in a tit for tat manner, building the bridge is a waste of time.
Could the member States please meet and look at treating each other in the spirit encouraged by SADC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Based on the information from the Zambian Ministry of Transport and absence of recent complaints, it is reasonable to regard the matter as resolved, unless new evidence of discriminatory tolls or retaliatory measures arises. We remain committed to the principles of SADC regional integration and the efficient movement of goods through the Kazungula Corridor and will continue to engage constructively with Zambia to ensure smooth transit operations. |
|
|
NTB-000-782 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-09-17 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
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 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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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