| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-002 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2021-01-27 |
Zambia: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2021-01-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia Revenue Authority has produced a statutory Instrument (SI NO 115 OF 2020 which prohibits exportation of certain products to neighboring countries e.g Zimbabwe. Trade has been going on well between Zimbabwe and Zambia without challenges and if there was need for commodities to exported or imported with license or permits traders have been abiding as required by Law. Zambia Revenue Authority Kariba is holding trucks intended to cross to Zimbabwe for clearance because of this Statutory Instrument, The statutory Instrument is not clear on the reasons or basis for its effect, It has come harder for the traders as the situation will force them to use chirundu which will then be costly for them to drive back to chirundu, whereas those goods in trucks which are in Zambia have been pre cleared in Zimbabwe awaiting PE as the normal way . |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Zambia Revenue Authority facilitated the clearance of the consignments that were already at Kariba Border Post. Importers/Exporters/Transporters were urged to be guided by the Statutory Instrument on the routes they are required to use when carrying certain cargo.
Due to the nature of the current situation, those already at Kariba were allowed to proceed. |
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Products:
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1905.3: - Sweet biscuits; waffles and wafers :, 0401: Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. and 34: CHAPTER 34 - SOAP, ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS, WASHING PREPARATIONS, LUBRICATING PREPARATIONS, ARTIFICIAL WAXES, PREPARED WAXES, POLISHING OR SCOURING PREPARATIONS, CANDLES AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, MODELLING PASTES, ‘DENTAL WAXES’ AND DENTAL PREPARATIONS |
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NTB-001-003 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2021-01-26 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
|
Resolved
2024-06-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Government of Zambia issues Statutory Instrument 115 of 2020 , The Customs and Excise Ports of Entry and Routes Amendment Order, 2020, 9A(1) Reads , goods exported through Victoria Falls port in accordance with this paragraph shall be transported by rail, this Order automatically is a ban to export goods to Zimbabwe as the whole process to export using rail is a burdensome to trade by small scale players. Most goods are bought in Kamwala area shops and some being bought in the industrial areas which small players can easily transport using their vehicles or hired vehicles as they combine wares. Introduction for use of Rail is a clear indication by the Government of Zambia to ban export of certain commodities to Zimbabwe as market access will be a challenge to those living within Victoria Falls and the whole part of matebelalend as they are forced to use Chirundu exit .
Trucks can reach Victoria Falls within a day which is different from train, trucks you can accompany your goods different from train, trucks you can be cleared in time whereas using train everything is dumped at one place. this will open other avenues of bush borders or direct smuggling at the borders as officials will not be clearing goods in trucks |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB is related to NTB-001-004 (which was resolved during the 3rd meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs). The NTB is therefore resolved, on the ground that NTB-001-003 and NTB-001-004 are equivalent, and that the basis on which later was later was resolved applies to the former. |
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Products:
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0401: Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter., 1905: Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products. and 34: CHAPTER 34 - SOAP, ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS, WASHING PREPARATIONS, LUBRICATING PREPARATIONS, ARTIFICIAL WAXES, PREPARED WAXES, POLISHING OR SCOURING PREPARATIONS, CANDLES AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, MODELLING PASTES, ‘DENTAL WAXES’ AND DENTAL PREPARATIONS |
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NTB-001-004 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2020-12-31 |
Zambia: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-09-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of Statutory Instrument 115 of 2020, Ports of Entry and Routes Amendment Order, page 785 of S.I. 115 -2020 Indicates borders and regulating hours of operation, Kariba and Victoria Falls being affected. For goods destined for Kariba, it will be very difficult and costly for traders to go via chirundu and back to Kariba . The chuiiurundu kariba route doubles the distance and therefire craetes additional cost for landing same product in Kariba. Distance to transport goods directly from Siavonga Juction to Kariba border is 78 kms . Whereas ,the Chirundu routes is: Siyavonga to the border chirundu (20kms); Add 62 kms from chirundu border to Makuti then 77 kms from Makuti to Kariba, totalling 159kms.
This Order disturbs the spirit of Regional integration , traders are crying because of COVID 19 and its effects then another 115 Pandemic, . If all exports are centralized to pass through chirundu it means we are putting pressure at one point this in turn increases chances of smuggling and paying bribes, as of more days are spent at the border. This will give pressure to clearing agents who will make errors in making entries leading to pay heavy fines, the agent will simply abandon the goods leading to the bond being cancelled , this will cause traders to have other options of smuggling and paying bribes, WHY DONT THERE BE CORRECTIVE MEASURES THAN PUNITIVE MEASURES.
This S.I. has come at a point where Zimbabwean traders are not allowed to clear goods over the counter because of COVID 19 and other regulations |
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Resolution status note:
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The 3rd meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs meeting was informed that the Kariba Border Post was designated to accept all commercial transactions therefore the NTB was resolved on grounds that Kariba is an appointed port under the Ports and routes order, therefore commercial transactions trough Kariba border post will continue. |
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Products:
|
1905: Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products., 3401: Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or c and 3401: Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or c |
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NTB-001-007 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-02-25 |
Zambia: Livingstone |
|
Resolved
2021-11-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A member of the South African Brand owners Association is experiencing push back from Zambia’s Ministry of Health in that they do not want to issue the Zambian importers a Health Clearance certificate unless the product has been subjected to re-testing in Zambia.
The association presented the Certificate of Analysis issued by South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development which is responsible for analysis of products in South Africa, which was rejected by Zambia authorities.
The importers ended up going to meet the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health to plead their case for clearance of which the Ministry said that they could not advise on which specific metals to test and advised that for future reference and to avoid this occurring again, the importers may use the former certificates to identify the metals that are present to enable the lab to test accurately. The example attached by the Ministry was for the inclusion of the following tests:
Natamycin
Sorbic Acid
Zinc – ZN
Copper – CU
Iron – FE
Lead – PB
For years the South African Health Clearance Certificate was accepted. The duplication of test conducted results in the below additional costs for our importer:
R240 per wine selected. We export 202 skus. If we have to test all of them at least once a year then we will spend R48 480 annually to confirm that our products are in spect.
Following the meeting with Ministry of Health , the Zambian importers reported that some past COA’s have successfully now managed to gain clearance for 2021 Q1 and Q2. We would appreciate if this matter can be resolved. |
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Resolution status note:
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A meeting held on 29 November 2021 between the Zambian Health Authority , DTIC and affected stakeholders . resolved the matter as follows:
1. Undertaking by Zambia to finish South Africa with the copy of the Regulations.
2. Acceptance of the South African Health Clearance Certificate
3. Testing of products once a year instead of bi-annually. |
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NTB-001-063 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Kasumbalesa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-03-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is slow Clearance by border agencies ( Zambia Customs) causing truck delays. Trucks following a queue 34km long at morning of 24 March 2022 . |
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Resolution status note:
|
A Bilateral Ministerial Meeting between the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was held on 6th March 2023. It was agreed that all border agencies of both countries put in place procedures to allow for 24-hour border operations at Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Mokambo and Kipushi in accordance with internal procedures.Based on the outcome of the Bilateral meeting, the NTB is resolved |
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NTB-001-064 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Mokambo Border to Mfulira Road |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Mokambo Border to Mfulira road has become impassable with trucks getting stuck in the mud and being damaged as a result of the poor road condition |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA Regional capacity building workshop for National focal Points held in Rwanda from 3-6 April 2023, Zambia focal point reported that reconstruction of the Mokambo border to Mfulira had been commenced. It was therefore recommend that this NTB be regarded as resolved considering that Zambia is taking efforts to reconstruct the road |
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NTB-001-237 |
7.10. Other |
2024-05-28 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2025-03-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The authorities on the Zambian customs are issuing COMESA certificates on ploughs and parts exported into Zimbabwe when these products are Imported from India and China. Zambia have no ploughs and parts manufacturer except for wheels. Again how does a COMESA certificate get issued with no manufacturer name inscribed? |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade & Industry and our customs authorities have reviewed this matter and wish to advise that Zimbabwe should not honour the STR Document.
Further to your report that you have seen similar matters, the authorities have gone a step further to look into the said matters.
If our response (i.e. Zimbabwe should not honour this STR Document) is satisfactory, we request that the NTB status be changed to resolved. |
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Products:
|
8432.90: Parts of agricultural, horticultural or forestry machinery for soil preparation or cultivation or of lawn or sports-ground rollers, n.e.s. |
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NTB-000-048 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2008-12-22 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2009-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Egypt complained that the Zimbabwean authorities were applying 40% import duty on alcohol imported from Egypt. |
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Products:
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2208.70: Liqueurs and cordials |
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NTB-000-199 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) machines are connected to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which is linked through the internet to enable them to access approved copies of CDI forms. Serious delays are faced in processing the export documents because the systems are frequently down or unable to connect during working hours. The verification process by RBZ takes too long - up to 3 days. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that there is fallback method in the event that the system is down. The CD1s are processed manually and are captured later in the excel spreadsheet which is then forwarded electronically to RBZ on weekly basis. There is therefore no delay in processing export documents |
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NTB-000-142 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe imposes restrictions on imports of maize meal |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that there are no more quotas on importation of mealie-meal .Anyone .i.e individuals or companies can import any quantity as long as all the requirements are met. |
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NTB-000-142 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe imposes restrictions on imports of maize meal |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that there are no more quotas on importation of mealie-meal .Anyone .i.e individuals or companies can import any quantity as long as all the requirements are met. |
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NTB-000-143 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe imposes import restrictions on flour |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that there are no more quotas on importation of flour .Anyone .i.e individuals or companies can import any quantity as long as all the requirements are met. |
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NTB-000-144 |
1.8. Import bans |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
An import ban has been put in place for poultry products |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the ban has since been lifted on poultry and its products. |
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NTB-000-145 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A 10% import levy is imposed on all agricultural products. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that import levy has been suspended on all basic commodities most of which are agricultural in nature. |
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NTB-000-171 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rice has been turned back from Zimbabwe according to allegations of misuse on Rules of Origin. |
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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. |
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Resolution status note:
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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. |
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NTB-000-195 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-03-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Valuation of goods is done by senior Customs (ZIMRA) Officers who are not always available thus causing further delays. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that an office specifically dealing with valuation matters is now in place at Beitbridge and is headed by a senior officer. |
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NTB-000-200 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Licences for importing cooking oil are only issued in times of shortages. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that trade in cooking oil has been liberalised. This requirement is no longer obtaining. |
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NTB-000-209 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B33: Packaging requirements |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Health |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-06-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The health and phytosanitary regulations states that, "no person shall import into Zimbabwe any bottle, can, jar or other receptacle which has been used solely for storing or transporting honey or unprocessed royal jelly which honey or jelly was manufactured or produced in any country other than a specified[1] country unless such bottle, can jar or other receptacle has been sterilized after such use. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that regulations were put in place to protect the environment. |
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NTB-000-210 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is no formal dissemination of information as to which agricultural products require permits. Importers are thus caught unaware and spend time processing documents required. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development is currently working on finalising their website on which such information can be accessed. Also a brochure containing such information is currently being worked on. The Permits office offers advice to clients on walk in basis. |
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