| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-327 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is a lack of proper customs procedures and harmonization at the border posts as well as lack of an automated customs declaration system linking Swaziland Borders. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that ASYCUDA ++ has been rolled out in 60 percent of the border posts. However it is fully operational on exports. Some modules especially those related to deferment on imports have not yet been implemented yet. Capacity constraints and lack of financial resources and telecommunications infrastructure continue to pose a challenge. Nonetheless, the amendment to the Customs and Excise Act seeking to introduce mandatory electronic declaration has gone through the first reading in Parliament. It is believed that the law will facilitate the allocation of resources to the automation programme. The Department has reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement signed with South Africa with an aim to initiate discussions that will lead to ICT interconnectivity. |
|
|
NTB-000-330 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Anti Smuggling, Quality Control & Examination Teams at border posts lack proper equipment such as forklifts, motor vehicles to carry out inspection. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-000-432 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-09-01 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2016-03-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is charging duty on of fridges and freezers manufactured in Swaziland and exported into Zimbabwe under the FTA preferential trade regime querying the originating status. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 24th March 2016, Zimbabwe Focl Point reported that a joint verification mission on the Palfridge case was carried out during the period 19 to 21 January 2016 in Swaziland between the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). In attendance was the COMESA Secretariat and representatives from the Ministries responsible for Trade from the two countries. After deliberations and tests carried out SRA and ZIMRA agreed that he fridges and freezers are listed as goods of economic importance to Swaziland and should acquire a minimum value addition of 25% for them to qualify under COMESA preferential treatment. The freezers and fridges qualify as originating from Swaziland under COMESA as they acquired a minimum value addition of 25% should therefore be accorded preferential treatment when imported into Zimbabwe |
|
|
Products:
|
8418.50: Furniture "chests, cabinets, display counters, show-cases and the like" for storage and display, incorporating refrigerating or freezing equipment (excl. combined refrigerator-freezers with separate external doors, household refrigerators and freezers of |
|
|
NTB-000-570 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2013-02-26 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Namaacha |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
I'm doing the carton business in Mozambique but factory is in Swaziland. Every time I'm going to pass the border my company always pay 100 USD for every truck of goods I only deliver in Maputo they say it is a road fund every week I use at least 8-10 trucks I'm doing this business since 2009 and until now i need to pay that road fund I want to know why I'm paying this Money. |
|
|
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 in Lusaka Zambia, Mozambique reported that this is a levy on use of national roads and that this amount ranges from US$75-US$100 per trip. Almost all countries in the region have road tax specially for foreign trucks crossing the border.
With this explanation, meeting agreed to resolve the matter. |
|
|
NTB-000-891 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2019-04-09 |
South Africa: Cape Town |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2020-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SARs stopped containers for inspection and are demanding proof of payment from consignee/buyer to the exporting company (Supplier) for the goods in transit to Eswatini. The affected company, Long Wei Investments are experiencing delays and incurring storage and demurrage charges at the port of discharge in Cape Town. SARS has withheld the consignment for over seven days from 9th April 2019. SARs are asking for different documentation at different times and dates thereby further delaying the inspection process and release of the consignments. The affected products are on Bill of Lading No. COSU6198384160 |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Focal Point for Eswatini reported that the matter had been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-973 |
We are asked to pay 500mts to gain entry and exit to and from Mozambique (250 in/250 out) under the guise that the trucks need to be inspected. |
2020-08-04 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Namaacha |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2021-07-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Eswatini Company is asked to pay 500mts to gain entry and exit to and from Mozambique (250 in/250 out) under the guise that the trucks need to be inspected in line with Ministerial Diploma NO 18/2007 of February 9, which approves the table of various fees for Border Posts, effective from August 2, 2020. However inspection cargo is not done and therefore we are made to pay for services not rendered. Further , the drivers have t pay to get their passport stamped.
How do we dertermine the time the vehicles stays at the border if we are billed a hourly charge all documentation and taxes dues are paid in advance to try and speed the process up why does the driver need to pay to have his passport stamped on arrival and more strangely on exiting with an empty vehicle. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique Focal Point reported that the inspection fee for motor vehicles at the Namaacha border was charged under Ministerial Diploma nº 18/2007, of 9 February. However, said fee was revoked by Ministerial Diploma nº 28/2021, of 30 April 2021 |
|
|
Products:
|
3214.10: Glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and other mastics; painters' fillings |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Products:
|
2208.70: Liqueurs and cordials |
|
|
NTB-000-049 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2008-12-22 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Egypt |
Resolved
2013-01-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Pre-verification of Compliance (PVOC)
Complaint drawn to the attention of the Kenyan authorities |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 14 January 2013, Egypt Focal Point reported that Egypt was no longer complaining about the PVOC that Kenya is applying. So the NTB -000-049 should be put in the resolved NTBs category. |
|
|
NTB-000-040 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2005-05-29 |
Sudan: Ministry of Trade |
Egypt |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non adherence of 35% value added
Egypt complained that the Authorities in Sudan denied access on Egyptian Shaving Blades market due to non-adherence with 35% value addition. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Sudan reported that the issue was resolved through the COMESA Customs and Trade Committee. (Report of the COMESA Customs & Trade Committee) |
|
|
Products:
|
8212.20: Safety razor blades of base metal, incl. razor blade blanks in strips |
|
|
NTB-000-637 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-07-14 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Trade |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is a ban on importation of Soya bean oil packed in bottles by Zimbabwe. Requirement by Zimbabwe for import permit and license for soya oil and detergents from Egypt |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 8th February 2016, Egypt Focal point reported that the NTB be considered closed on the basis that Egypt's National Monitoring Committee did not receive any details from the Exporting Company. |
|
|
NTB-000-634 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2013-11-12 |
EAC |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Egypt's National Monitoring Committee received a complaint from Chemicals and Fertilizers Exporting Company that the cost of shipment between Egypt and the eastern countries in Africa is very high. In addition east African countries prefer that the shipment companies ship fruits rather than chemicals. And hence a suggestion was made to hold a meeting between transport syndicates especially of the landlocked countries in COMESA and the business community in an attempt to reach a solution.
please consider the above mentioned suggestion. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 8th February 2016, Egypt Focal point reported that the NTB be considered closed on the basis that Egypt's National Monitoring Committee did not receive any details from the Exporting Company. |
|
|
NTB-000-644 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2014-11-16 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Customs Authority
and also in
Majerwa |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are importing Wheat flour from Egypt from one of the Biggest Flour mill and factory in Egypt. We have original Certificate of Origin and Comesa certificate. But they do not accept and put us import Duty. Before it is 100% Duty free. But now since september they are not accepting it. Egypt is part of Comesa and Good produced in Egypt and 100% Duty free. So why is wheat flour not accepted. Please help |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 5th meeting of COMESA NTBs Focal Points, the two parties reported that the certificate of origin was now being recognised and therefore the NTB had been resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
1101: Wheat or meslin flour. |
|
|
NTB-000-679 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-01-23 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda doubts the originating status of wheat flour exported by Egypt |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 5th Meeting of COMESA NTBs Focal Points held in Nairobi fro 23-25 August 2016, Egypt reported that the complainant had not been forth coming with additional information to facilitate consideration of this matter by the countries, In that regard, The two parties therefore decided that the matter be considered resolved . |
|
|
NTB-000-720 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-07 |
Sudan: Sudan Customs Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2021-03-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sudan Customs authority has stopped applying the customs exemption on Egyptian Ceramic tiles products despite the fact that the consignments are accompanied by a COMESA certificate of origin . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
RESOLVED during 1st Meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs Forum held on 16- 17 March 2021 |
|
|
NTB-000-788 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2017-06-01 |
Ethiopia: All Ethiopian banks. |
Egypt |
Resolved
2020-07-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ethiopian banks are requiring invoices for sales to Ethiopian customers to be stamped by a Chamber of Commerce in Egypt as validation for letters of credit, which is contrary to COMESA rules. Indeed, as per Rule 10 of the COMESA Protocol on Rules of Origin, the only documentary evidence to demonstrate that a good originates from a COMESA Member State is a certificate of origin (not invoices). Consequently, any company should be able to issue an invoice from any country inside or outside the COMESA region, as long as the origin of the products themselves is correctly documented according to COMESA rules through a certificate of origin. Ethiopian banks should comply with Rule 10 of the COMESA Protocol on Rules of Origin and stop requiring invoices to be stamped by predetermined entities (including, inter alia, by a Chamber of Commerce in Egypt). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 9 July , Egypt reported that Egypt accepted Ethiopia feedback which is compliant with the COMESA Rules of Origin |
|
|
NTB-000-980 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2019-11-30 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2021-03-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda Authorities didn't approve Comesa certificate of origin which is issued from Egypt as they are objecting that the product is not Egyptian production . We will be more than happy to invite the delegates from Rwanda to visit our factory & can do inspection to satisfy themselves. The exporting company provided all the required documents necessary to satisfy the criteria for issuing Comesa Certificate to Rwanda. As per the Rules of Egyptian Government for Comesa we have submitted all the necessary documents. Comesa Certificate No. (0092824) is attached. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
RESOLVED during 1st Meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs Forum held on 16- 17 March 2021 |
|
|
NTB-001-058 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2022-03-12 |
Egypt: Egypt Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Egyptian customs rejected to apply the COMESA certificate of origin issued by Madagascar attached because the signature is different. COMESA Secretariat is therefore requested to check the attached received from the shipper and advise on way forward. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA Workshop on Capacity building for Member States held on 2- 6 April 2023, which reviewed this NTB, Egypt National Focal Point was requested to update status of the rejected consignment which was accompanied by the COMESA Certificate of Origin in the online system. However, on further review, it the meeting recommended that this complaint be regarded as resolved because the COMESA Certificate of Origin in question was not confirmed to be authentic. |
|
|
NTB-000-304 |
2.14. Other |
2009-09-09 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2010-12-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of knowledge of regulations by customs officials |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
DRC is participating in the SADC Customs Management project where by the customs officials are now actively involved in regional matters. |
|
|
NTB-000-307 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-09-09 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2010-12-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Limited knowledge of customs procedures and documentation therefore officials impose arbitrary requirements at border posts |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
DRC is actively participating inthe SADC Customs Cooperation Committee thereby increasing knowledge of customs procedures and requirements |
|
|
NTB-000-309 |
5.3. Export taxes
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-09 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ministry of Trade |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Export duty is levied on timber. |
|
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