| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-686 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-03-10 |
Zimbabwe: Blantyre |
Malawi |
Resolved
2016-05-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We understand that as of 1st March, 2016 goods exported into Zimbabwe need a certificate of clearance from Bureau Veritas. The complaint (Nampak Malawi Limited) which has informed us that their goods destined for Bulawayo were inspected by Bureau Veritas on 10th March, 2016 on Nampak Malawi premises.
However, to date the company has not received clearance for the goods to be exported to Zimbabwe. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Exporter recieved feedback |
|
|
NTB-000-557 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2012-03-01 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2013-05-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We would appreciate of Zimra can starndize their operations for duty purposes from the onset of STR project CIF (cost insurence freight) was not charged on on all STR goods, but as of now CIF is being charged, 6% is charged on the total value of a consingment, example plastic spoons costing K1400000.00=$280.00 plus 6% comes to $296.80 if cif was not charged the trader was going to pay $70.00 as vat & p-tax but including cif the trader pays $74.20 we know Zimra is government agent for revenue collection but this must be clear, because some officers, they do not charge this 6% cif and all the borders namely Kariba,Chirundu, Victoria Falls and Nyamapanda they charge differently why not uniformity, |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 27 May 2013, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority advised that the correct method to value commercial consignments imported into Zimbabwe is on a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis. Simplified Trade Regime (STR) importations are commercial importations and therefore this method is applicable. The current practice to value STR goods on a CIF basis is therefore the correct approach. Where the insurance and transport has not been proved the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) of Zimbabwe provides for 1% and 5% of the value the consignment to make it 6% to be considered as the charges respectively. Guidelines on valuation would be recirculated to all stations. |
|
|
NTB-000-829 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2018-07-13 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce and Enterprise Development |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2019-08-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We, Soap & Allied Industries Ltd, Mauritius have shipped under the BL no. MEDUPL008430 & Comesa No.487/18 & BV CoC No.ZWE 2018 206608 / 0001 of 3 FCL of Detergent Powder since 19th June 2018 and reach on 13th July 2018, Our end consignee MEGA MARKET PVT LTD, Mutare, Zimbabwe has already apply for an Import permit month back which same use to be release within a week time.
Unfortunately they still awaiting for the permit for releasing of these FCL till now.
The Detention fee and storage charges incured are too much due to extended days and these will affect the selling cost for end customer as they are not able to clear out the goods.
Note: 3 more FCL of the same products already depart from Mauritius on 08th July 2018 and closed to reach.
We wish to have your attention on that issue and your kind consideration for the smooth doing business between both countries under the proper condition and trade agreement.
We request Zimbabwe to kindly consider on Urgent basis to assist our customer MEGA Market PVT Ltd to obtain the license so that the goods can be cleared. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 22 August 2019, Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that the import licence was issued therefore the NTB is resolved. During the national workshop to launch SMS tool, Zimbabwe reported that the issuance of licences took a maximum 24 hours . Delays are cause d by late or non submission of required documentation. |
|
|
Products:
|
3402.20: Surface-active preparations, washing preparations, auxiliary washing preparations and cleaning preparations put up for retail sale (excl. organic surface-active agents, soap and organic surface-active preparations in the form of bars, cakes, moulded piece |
|
|
NTB-000-407 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2011-03-07 |
Tanzania: Rusumo-Dar es Salaam Road |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Weigh Bridges permanent and Temporary ones.... they do not respect the papers that state the weight carried so they force the drivers to weigh another challenge is that, there is no uniformity in the weights that the various weigh bridges present. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The 10th meeting of SADC Trade Facilitation Committee held onb 14-15 June 2012 accpeted Tanzania's explaination that problem arises due to packaging and loading of containers at the port. If containers are not properly packed, goods move while on transit and affect weigh on an axle. Distribution of weight on an axle may be correct at point of departure, but after some distance, it may change as cargo moves. Since weighing is on axles not cargo, different
numbers may be recorded at a weigh bridge. It was reported that sensitization was already being undertaken to alert traders to reduce the possibility of movement of goods inside containers while in transit by packing properly.Tanzania is modernizing the weighing equipment so as to have electronic devices that cannot be tempered with and can keep records. This will contribute towards solving this problem. This NTb was therefore considered resolved on the basis of sensitization work in progress as well as modernisation programme. |
|
|
NTB-000-156 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Along major highways |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Weighing equipment in some stations is sometimes faulty, meaning that even when a truck has a proper seal, weight readings at different stations vary. Also, there are numerous stations along the major highways, which do not respect seals even when it is clear that such seals have not been tempered with. The most notorious stations are along Moshi and Kibaha on Nairobi-Dar-es-salaam highway. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 10th meeting of SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation accepted Tanzania's explaination that problem arose due to packaging and loading of containers at the port. If containers are not properly packed, goods move while on transit and affect weigh on an axle. Distribution of weight on an axle may be correct at point of departure, but after some distance, it may change as cargo moves. Since weighing is on axles not cargo, different numbers may be recorded at
a weigh bridge. It was reported that sensitization was already being undertaken to alert traders to reduce the possibility of movement of goods inside containers while in transit by packing properly. The meeting therefore agreed to consider the NTB resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-500 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2012-03-14 |
Tanzania: Along MAjor highways |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2015-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Weighing of empty trucks in Tanzania |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania introduced weighing in motion |
|
|
NTB-000-046 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-01-21 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
wheat flour |
|
|
Products:
|
1101.00: Wheat or meslin flour |
|
|
NTB-001-222 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-12-06 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2025-07-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
When submitting invoices to declare goods transiting through Zimbabwe (RIT) for import into Malawi, it was brought to our attention that Zimbabwe requires an Ozone Depleting Substances permit (ODS) for air conditioners, refrigeration units and parts thereof which comes at an exorbitant cost. These are transit goods through Zimbabwe and not fully functional at the time until they are assembled within the importing country therefore it is our understanding that no permit would be required in Zimbabwe . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the consultative meeting held between the SADC Secretariat and Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe clarified as follows:Environmental
Management (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,
Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment
and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023.
1. The licence is issued under regulation SI 49 , section 5(3) : EnvironmentalManagement (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment
and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023.
2. The regulation is issued to conform to international requirements on licensing of ozone depleting substances
3. The licence is issued based on calender year January - December to allow proper accountability and reporting under the international law
4. The licence will be issued electronically as of 1st August 2025 therefore no added costs
5. Cost of the annual licence is USD $50 |
|
|
NTB-000-217 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
When Zimbabwean goods are exported to DRC via Zambia, Zambian authorities require that a bond guarantee be deposited with Customs authorities to safeguard the goods in transit. Zambian authorities call for the bond guarantee to be paid in hard currency at port of entry but refunds are made in Zambian currency at port of exit. The Zambian currency may be of no use to the exporter in the country of destination of the products or country of origin. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that all payments to Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) are in Zambian currency (Kwacha). Based on existing legislation which is consistent with international best practices, all goods transiting through Zambia are expected to be on a transit document (and covered by transit bond/security) or a monetary deposit on all those without bond cover. With the newly introduced Electronic Deposit account system in place, clients who pay a deposit at Entry point are able to get the refund at the Exit point provided they comply with deposit conditions. |
|
|
NTB-000-734 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2017-01-09 |
Malawi: Muchinji |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-09-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Whenever we have to be attended to by border officers on the Malawian side during the weekend, we are charged a fee which they term 'over-time', amounting to K1,000 Malawian Kwacha, which charge is not levied on the Zambian side. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 33rd Meeting of the COMESA Customs and Trade meeting held on 12 -15 September 2017, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Malawi reported that the NTB had been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-512 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2012-06-01 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
While the SADC and most EAC countries as well as most international countries allow a vehicle length (semi truck and trailer) of 18,5 M Tanzania only allows 17,5M. This is, in itself, not really a problem, and we are willing to buy permits in order to comply with that country's rules. However the only way you can obtain a permit is to arrive at Tunduma border post (or any border post ) then you have to pay someone to catch a bus for about 900 Kms and apply in Dar es Salaam. This can take days and then to aggravate the situation, the permits will only be issued on a Thursday, then the runner has to catch a bus all the way back to the border post in unreliable busses etc. It only took two days to clear the transit goods into Tanzania for transit into Kenya, however we have had to wait approximately ten days just to get a permit for being the normal SADC length of vehicle. We are carrying UN goods and we have now missed the deadline for the goods to be loaded onto the ship in Mombasa. It is entirely unacceptable that Thousands of Dollars of time and money are now lost due to such a rule that the rest of world has moved past. Also if Tanzania wishes to continue to collect revenue for permits then is it not an easier solution for them to have an office at the border (possibly VID) that can issue a permit and allow goods to move in due time. At the very least could Tanroads, or the Ministry not simply allow pre purchase or order of the permits via internet and let VID issue and check the vehicle dimensions at the border? Why does this have to be such a difficult and time consuming issue that slows down trade into and across Tanzania's borders |
|
|
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 had consultations with South Africa and agreed it was a one off incident and if any issues arise they should contact Tanroad office at the Tunduma Border. |
|
|
NTB-000-464 |
6.2. Administrative fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-12 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
With effect from 12 September 2011, Zambia Revenue Authority has introduced exorbitant examination fees of K360, 000.00 for 2000 units @ ZMK 180 plus the CED fee of K50, 040.00. The inspection fee and CED are put together and charged as customs clearance fee (asycuda fee) - K410, 040.00 meaning the CED fees have gone up. The total customs clearance fee is now $100 per entry increasing by USD85.00 from USD15.00. The inspection fee does not change relative to the number of units exported/imported. It is a standard fee regardless of the units imported. The units referred to in the Statutory Instrument do not refer to units imported or exported but rather is just a unit of measurement determined by government. The charges, applicable to Imported into the country and those destined for Export out of Zambia, negatively impact on the landed cost of goods and defeat the whole concept of poverty alleviation in Africa. Zambia justifies the objective of the fee as to maintain the inspection equipment e.g. X – rays. |
|
|
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,Zambia reported that the examination fee was removed through a statutory instrument therefore the NTB is resolved. Zambia will forward the SI for posting onto the system. |
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|
NTB-000-477 |
7.4. Costly procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-12-02 |
South Africa: Kopfontein |
Botswana |
Resolved
2012-08-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
With effect from the 1st of January 2012 SARS will no longer be accepting bank guaranteed cheques as a mode of payment for the 14% VAT on imports into South Africa. A note from SARS reports that the reason for this major is due to modernization that SARS customs is currently under going and has impact on various areas of business including revenue division whereby every process will be automated.
With SARS having stopped allowing foreign clients to participate in the deferment in 2007 and with SARS having on its cards at some point in 2012 they will discontinue those foreign clients who registered fro a deferment account prior 2007. This means foreign companies importing into South Africa will effectively have to pay cash or make use of a South African clearing agent with a deferred account at the boarders. Other alternatives given would be 1. Establish a company in SA which will be invoiced for all products sent to SA and would be liable for the 14% VAT and then on - sell to our current customers. 2. Approach SARS clearing agent, who would then pay the VAT and charge for it as well as clearing our products, note that current monthly VAT payments can go up to a million rands. 3. Approach our SA customers to open VAT deferred accounts with SARS which as proven difficult. further more SARS no longer accepts export documents that are filled in by individual companies, the requirement is that companies use the services of the SA clearing agents, of which a charge of 150 per document in rands is required. An average truck carrying various products for various clients could easily run into thousands of rands per truck load. It is increasingly becoming difficult to export into South Africa. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
In their letter dated 28 August 2012 to Focal Point South Africa, Sout Africa Revenue Services reported that the NTB had been resolved bilaterally. |
|
|
NTB-000-718 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2016-08-02 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Zambia |
Resolved
2024-11-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
With reference to Resolved NTB-000-606, the matter is anything but resolved. We continue to experience attacks on our vehicles when using the Munhava Port Access. We have contacted numerous Security Companies in Beira to provide security for the vehicles, all have refused quoting the security situation. We have also been advised by other transporters that placing guards on the vehicles will only draw further action against the vehicles in an act of defiance/retribution. The Police do seem to be prepared to escort the vehicles, but we have no contacts nor tariffs charged. In the past week we have recorded 3 violent incidents. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
A report from the National Focal Point indicated that the Provincial Command of Sofala has significantly enhanced security and protection in critical areas through increased police patrols. Mozambique is committed to allocating additional operational resources, including vehicles and motorcycles, to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, particularly along the N6 transport route. |
|
|
NTB-000-402 |
7.4. Costly procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-03-01 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Finance |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-09-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Withholding tax is charged on payment to any company not registered in Mozambique. Any truck from a neighbouring country delivering goods to Beira is required to pay this tax on any backload which it may return with to its home destination. In practice this leads to the belief that no foreign truck can collect goods from Beira Port |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that for all foreign operatorso undertake commerciaal transit operations, in that country, they must be conform to requirements as per article 25 of the ministerial decree 10/2002 of January 30th. |
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|
Products:
|
2523.29: Portland cement (excl. white, whether or not artificially coloured) |
|
|
NTB-000-391 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2011-02-14 |
Mozambique: Ministry of Finance |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-09-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Withholding tax of 20% is charged on any payment made to a company not registered in Mozambique. Export of fresh produce to Europe by airfreight, or to South Africa by refrigerated road haulage cannot be carried out by any company registered in Mozambique. Therefore payment to service providers such as international airlines and road hauliers engaging in export of perishable goods to Europe or South Africa is subject to payment of 20% withholding tax. International airlines and road hauliers do not accept the deduction of this tax meaning the exporting company based in Mozambique must assume this as a cost, thus increasing the cost of export products, and reducing the margin made on exporting these products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the consultative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Mozambique NTBs focal Points in Maputo on 19 September 2011, Mozambique reported that all compaines doing commercial business in the territory must be registered in that country. Foreign haulage companies wishing to participate in local business must therefore conform with legal requirements. |
|
|
Products:
|
0708.10: Fresh or chilled peas "Pisum sativum", shelled or unshelled |
|
|
NTB-000-112 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2009-07-26 |
Namibia: Ministry of Home Affairs |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Work permits are required from consultants and business representatives even for one day visits. |
|
|
NTB-000-911 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2019-10-15 |
Zambia: All Zambia Weighbridges |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2020-07-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia applies 0% tolerance on Gross Weight at all Weigh Bridge Stations when all the other counties on the North – South Corridor allows 2 – 5% tolerance on Gross Weight as allowance for weigh bridge weight variances, since weigh bridges give varying weights at any given time which results in fining transporters unnecessarily. The expectation is that Zambia should apply a 2% tolerance on gross weight thereby removing the current challenge faced by foreign operators in the country. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 8th Meeting of NTBs Focal Points held on 8- 10 July 2020, Zambia reported that it applies a 5% tolerance on Gross Weight at all Weigh Bridges. Zimbabwe needs to clarify whether they are still experiencing challenges. If not it should be considered resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-061 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-22 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia has increased its carbon tax and is now charging US$40 per trip instead of US$40 per annum |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she does not charge US$ 40 per trip but charges US$40 per every three (3) months and during that period payment is made only once regards less of how many trips are made until the three months expires. |
|
|
NTB-000-060 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-22 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia has is now charging carbon tax of US$40 per trip an increase from the original US$40 per annum. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she does not charge US$ 40 per trip but charges US$40 per every three (3) months and during that period payment is made only once regards less of how many trips are made until the three months expires. |
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