| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-612 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Tanzania: at the border of Burundi/Tanzania |
Burundi |
Resolved
2013-12-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Truck belonging to BRARUDI (the leading Brewery in the Republic of Burundi) has been held at the border of Burundi/Tanzania for a period of 15 days (Tanzania side )because Tanzania Revenue Authority at the border estimate that the products must pay customs duties before enter Tanzania, despite the consignment being accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by Burundi Revenue Authority. And Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority requires the company TO register the products before exporting. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 23 December 2013, Burundi Focal Point reported that BRARUDI Products made in Burundi were allowed to enter in Tanzania following resolution of this NTB during the 13th NMC regional forum held in Burundi 17-20 December 2013. |
|
|
NTB-000-693 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-04-22 |
Uganda: Lira Mobile weighbridge |
Uganda |
Resolved
2016-04-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
truck number UAQ 474t/UAD 291Q is being held at the LIRA mobile weigbride due to overload after it was weighed in Mbale and bares the weighbridge ticket with the right tonnage as requires to be carried by the truck.
the truck was weighed in mbale with a gross weight of 48 and when weighed in lira, it has a gross weight of 56 tonnes
the truck is loaded with world food program relief food destined for Sudan and this barrier is affecting the supply to the sudannese people who are in urgent need of food |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda Focal point reported that the truck had been released on the same day. |
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|
NTB-000-717 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-07-13 |
Zambia: military base |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-11-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Trucks from various countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi origin transporting Maize bran legally with valid documentation and export permits issued by Zambian Dept of Agriculture were held at Kafue Weigh Bridge for almost a week, others longer than 3 weeks allegedly waiting for validation of export permits.
On 13 July permanent Secretary of Lusaka province arrived and Kafue bridge and after a short talk on maize smuggling to drivers ordered 31 of the trucks to be convoyed back to Lusaka to a military base under escort of military police to be impounded.
The drivers were told that upon arrival at the destination they were to take nothing from the trucks and leave. They were also told that where they were to sleep/reside was not the concern of the military personnel or authorities, it was their own problem.
At the military base the drivers manage to negotiate the removal of their clothing, blankets and personal effect , and were forced to hand over the keys to the vehicles and sign forms of impoundment.
This all for vehicles tranporting goods legally, all carrying clearing documentation legally processed by zambian clearing agents and valid legal permits issued by the Zambian Dept of Agriculture in Lusaka.
Subsequent to this another approximate 20 vehicles has experienced the same process.
Daily representations, discussions and meetings since then between various persons and organizations representing transporters and the office of the permanent Secretary of Lusaka yield no results or explanation for the impoundment of vehicles carrying legal documents, nor a date when the vehicles will be released.
Drivers are out on the streets, many with no suitable place to sleep. Some, out of desperation resorted to hitch-hiking back to their home countries.
Transporters are incurring heavy losses.
We urgently request that these trucks be released by the military and Zambian Authorities as this is costing the Transporters a lot of money in lost revenue and it is illegal for the Zambian Authorities and army to hold legally operated trucks.
The incident is also going to be escalated via the relevant countries' embassies/high commissions and Trade Authorities . |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17th November 2016, South Focal Point confirmed that the NTB had been resolved . |
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|
NTB-000-849 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2018-09-12 |
Uganda: Kampala |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Two Trucks on Transit from Rwanda to Mombasa carrying minerals for export are impounded by Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Uganda confirmed to have received evidence of this NTB from Rwanda. The Trucks that were being held had no customs issue as they had fulfilled all transit requirements. The Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit had held the trucks claiming the transit documents were forged however, customs was consulted and proved that the documents were genuine.
The SCTIFI meeting held in November, 2018 was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Uganda convened a meeting and resolved that matter.
The matter was resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-849 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2018-09-12 |
Uganda: Kampala |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Two Trucks on Transit from Rwanda to Mombasa carrying minerals for export are impounded by Uganda Mineral Protection Police Unit. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during meeting of Nov 2018 |
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NTB-000-661 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2014-12-11 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2015-03-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda charges 25% duty rate on scrapping rolls manufactured in Kenya and also on products manufactured in Kenya using glucose. |
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Resolution status note:
|
At the Kenya NMC NTBs meeting held in Nairobi on 16th March 2015, Kenya confirmed that Uganda had scrapped the 25% duty .This position was endorsed by the 17th NTB forum thereby resolving this issue. |
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|
NTB-000-997 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies
Policy/Regulatory |
2018-07-01 |
Uganda: Uganda VAT |
Kenya |
Resolved
2021-10-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda charges Kenya manufactured excise books VAT at 18%. The VAT is not levied on Uganda locally manufactured books. The discriminative VAT is in violation of Article III of GATT 1994, Article 75(6) of the Treaty establishing the EAC and Article 15 of the EAC Custom Union Protocol as it subjects Kenyan manufactured products to VAT charges not charged on same domestic products in Uganda. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Regional Meeting held in October 2021, the Republic of Kenya confirmed that the NTB was Resolved |
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|
NTB-001-114 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2023-02-01 |
Uganda: URA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda charging VAT of 18% on exercise books from Kenya while Uganda manufacturers of the exercise books are VAT exempt as per the provisions in the Uganda VAT Act. Uganda not exempting VAT on Kenya exercise books is disadvantaging Kenya exercise books as it makes it uncompetitive compared to local manufacturers.
Complete evidence provided Entry no C17644 Ref. 20222094001751.
We request Uganda to grant exemption of VAT on Kenya exercise books as provided in the Act.
Uganda should stop discrimination of Kenya exercise books as this is a re-occuring NTB, it was resolved and now it is back. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 43rd Sectoral Council on Trade Industry Finance and Investment of February 2024 decided that NTB-001-114 on exercise books between the Republic of Uganda and Kenya was resolved through the amended VAT Act of 2022 (EAC / SCTIFI / 43 / 2024 / Decision 10 ) |
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|
NTB-000-969 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers |
2020-06-11 |
|
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-08-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda denial of market Access of essential products of Kenya manufactured and exported handsanitizer by Unilever Kenya.
Uganda Drugs Authority through a letter has denied market access handsanitizer manufactured in Kenya by Unilever Kenya and exported into Uganda Unilever making trucks loaded with the products stranded. The products have been issued with certificates of origin.
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|
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Resolution status note:
|
During the RMC meeting held on 10 August 2020, Uganda Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved . |
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NTB-000-999 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2020-12-01 |
Uganda: Busia |
Kenya |
Resolved
2021-03-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda denial of Market access on Fay Aluminium Foil and Fay Cling they have instead charged full CET to Kimfay Kenya manufactured products.
KRA conducted a verification visit to Kimfay premises as required under the EAC ROO 2015 to ascertain origin and certified in 2016. Since then the company has been exporting under EAC preferential Treatemnt until December 2020 where URA charged full CET and also charged infrastructure levy and excise duty despite the two products meeting the criteria for EAC rules of Origin 2015.
New imposed levies Fay Cling Film film Fay Aluminium Foil
Excise duty 10% 0
Infrastructure levy 1.50% 1.50%
Import duty 0 25%
Existing tax
VAT 18% 18
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NMC it was noted that not all aluminium foil is denied preferential treatment in Uganda. The criteria cited to grant the Origin was contrary to Rule 6 of the EAC RoO 2015. Hence the denial of preferential treatment. KRA will take it up to engage the trader on the matter. Hence the issue is not an NTB and was RESOLVED |
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Products:
|
7607.20.90: -- Other |
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NTB-001-112 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2023-01-01 |
Uganda: Ministry of Finance |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda Denial of Market Access to EAC Partner States Under Preferential Treatment by charging full CET of 35% to juices origination from Kenya transferred to Uganda by Bidcoro. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 43rd SCTIFI the Republic of Uganda informed the meeting that the company Bidcoro was under a country-specific duty remission scheme to import raw materials for the manufacture of fruit juice from September 2021.
Kenya informed the meeting that the company is no longer gazetted under the country-specific DRS
The meeting therefore agreed that the NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-042 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-12-13 |
Uganda: Malaba |
Kenya |
Resolved
2022-05-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda denial of preferential market access for footwear manufactured in Kenya by Umoja Rubber |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda Focal Point advised that this assessment was done before full declaration. The consignment wasn't charged all the indicated taxes after submission of relevant origin documents as in the attachment posted in the system. |
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Products:
|
6402.99: Footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (excl. covering the ankle or with upper straps or thongs assembled to the sole by means of plugs, waterproof footwear of heading 6401, sports footwear, orthopaedic footwear and toy footwear) |
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|
NTB-000-967 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2020-01-01 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority
|
Kenya |
Resolved
2020-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda denial of preferential market access for wheelbarrow wheels wholly manufactured by Kenrub LTD transferred into Uganda.
The wheelbarrow wheels have been verified by KRA and issued with the certifiate of origin but Uganda do not accept.
URA has not communicated officially to the manufacturer/buyer or KRA on the reasons for denial of preferential treatment. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 24th November 2020, the Secretariat Focal Point reported that Kenya submitted a report that they are satisfied with progress made to resolve this NTB and hence this NTB has been resolved. |
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|
Products:
|
4012.19: Retreaded pneumatic tyres, of rubber (excl. of a kind used on motor cars, station wagons, racing cars, buses, lorries and aircraft) |
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|
NTB-000-681 |
7.2. Discrimination
Policy/Regulatory |
2015-10-12 |
Uganda: Malaba |
|
Resolved
2016-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda discriminatively imposed a 10 percent duty on Kenya manufactured Laundry bar soaps. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
At he 21st EAC NTBs Forum, Uganda reported that the 10% charged is Excise duty on cosmetics and soaps.
The NTB was resolved upon receipt of the statutory instrument from Uganda. |
|
|
NTB-000-906 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2019-04-05 |
Uganda: Uganda Weight and Measures Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda does not recognize the Calibration Certificate issued by the Weight and Measures Agent (WMA) for oil tank from URT: Republic of Uganda does not accept the Calibration Certificate of tanks from URT. As a result, our traders are forced to undergo recalibration by Ugandan counterpart Authority (Uganda Bureau of Standards) at a charge odd USD 230. This increases the cost of doing business. The trader paid Uganda shillings 2,655,600. It was stated that the certificate from URT is valid for the period of one year. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The 27th EASC meeting of April 2025 recommended:
(a) approved the Draft EAC Harmonized Procedures for calibration and verification of road and rail tankers;
(b) Urge Partner States to adopt and implement EAC Harmonized Procedures for calibration and verification of road and rail tankers as per the implementation roadmap
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-841 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2018-09-06 |
Uganda: Malaba |
EAC |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda does not recognize the calibration certificate issued by Weight and Measures Agency (WMA) for oil tanks from URT |
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Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported during the 25th EAC Regional Forum on NTBs that it was Resolved |
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NTB-001-208 |
5.15. Other |
2024-05-01 |
Uganda: Fish protection unit |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda is intercepting fish export from Kenya which is in transit to DRC on grounds that Kenya is transferring immature fish that is not accepted in Uganda.
The fish protection unit in Uganda opens the goods on transit in the sealed containers which is against the provisions of goods in transit. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting also noted that Uganda had signed an MoU with Kenya on the movement of fish
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-706 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-05-18 |
Uganda: Uganda Police |
Burundi |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda recognizes the COMESA yellow card insurance but it is not honoured once there is an accident. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 22nd meeting of the EAC NTBs Forum held in December 2016 , accepted Uganda report that she recognizes COMESA Yellow Card insurance. However the policy requires that all trucks involved in criminal accidents should be held to allow investigation. |
|
|
NTB-000-947 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B33: Packaging requirements |
2018-03-01 |
Uganda: Uganda Bureau of Standards |
Kenya |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda rejection of tissue paper manufactured in Kenya by Africa Cotton Industries. Uganda does not allow group packaging of tissue paper as provided for under the EAC harmonised standard.
Uganda have not implemented the EAC harmonized standards therefore the products must conform to Uganda National standard. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The 7th East African Standards Committee Technical Management Board (TMB) met on 3rd September 2024 resolved the NTB. The TMB meeting decided that toilet paper should be individually wrapped; and the Group-wrapped (individually unwrapped) toilet paper is permitted to a maximum of 10 pieces and should be clearly labeled NOT TO BE SOLD INDIVIDUALLY. The 7th TMB meeting directed the Standards Management Committee (SMC) to adopt the decision of the TMB in the review of EAS 355: 2017 and present the standards for approval in the next East African Standards Committee (EASC) meeting.
The meeting noted that there is already an applicable standard of 2017 and should remain applicable to facilitate market access provided the product meets the set requirements. |
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NTB-001-044 |
1.15. Other |
2021-12-03 |
Uganda: Malaba |
Kenya |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda Revenue Authority has introduced a mandatory requirement for import certificate for export and transit cargo to DRC and South Sudan.
This requirement is causing delays to transit cargo to Congo and Sudan and comes with an extra cost to the customers since they have to pay customs agents to secure the certificates on their behalf. This negatively affects export business. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 14 June 2022, the EAC Secretariat reported that this requirement is causing delays to transit cargo to Congo and South Sudan and comes with an extra cost to the customers since they have to pay customs agents to secure the certificates on their behalf.
The SCTIFI meeting was informed that this was upon the request of RSS and DRC and was later recalled. Hence the NTB is resolved. |
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