| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-215 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2024-10-03 |
Kenya: Traffic Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Arbitrary fines charged to drivers in Kenya not commensurate to the fines specified in Kenya Traffic Control Act 2015
For instance, the driver was fined 25,000 Kenyan shillings where he was supposed to pay only 10,000 Kenyan shillings (Section 53 (1) and 67). Also, Kenya Traffic Control Act (2015) prohibits someone from driving a commercial vehicle for more than a total of eight hours in any 24-hour period (section 66A). This should not apply to transit trucks since the international best practice for maximum driving time for truck drivers is between 11 and 14 hours a day.
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|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the meeting that the driver was arrested on 12 / 09 / 2024 while driving a Motor Vehicle with Registration No. RAE 579B / RL2395 M / Benz Actros and was consequently presented before Makindu Law Court charged with the following offenses:
● Count 1: Failing to maintain parts and equipment of the M / Vehicle contrary to Section 55 (1) as read with Section 58 (1) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya without rear reflectors). The accused pleaded guilty and was fined KSHS 15,000
● Count 2: Causing obstruction, contrary to Section 53 (1) as read with Section 53 (4) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya. The accused pleaded guilty and fined KSHS 10,000 / =
Hence amounting to a total of KSHS. 25,000
The Republic of Rwanda submitted that there is need to notify counterparts in case a National of one Partner States is charged in another Partner States and Traffic offenses should be distinguished from crime. |
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|
NTB-000-349 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Transport |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2011-03-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa charges on refrigerated trucks that come to pick bananas from Mozambique are too high |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that this is no longer existing |
|
|
NTB-000-258 |
6.2. Administrative fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Namibia: Namibia Agronomic Board |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Namibian Agronomic Board decided not to register agents for white maize imports anymore. The permit fee is now NAD51.00/permit and the permit is valid for a specific period (one month) only |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Namibia reported that there is no need for agents for white maize imports. The permit fee of N$ 51.00 covers administrative costs only. Period of validation is one month because all imports are effected in one month. The import of maize and maize products from all 3rd parties is only regulated for the time the local harvest is not taken up by the local milling sector. |
|
|
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 $100 per entry increasing by USD85.00 from USD15.00. The inspection fee does not change relative to the number of units exported/imported. It is a standard fee regardless of the units imported. The units referred to in the Statutory Instrument do not refer to units imported or exported but rather is just a unit of measurement determined by government. The charges, applicable to Imported into the country and those destined for Export out of Zambia, negatively impact on the landed cost of goods and defeat the whole concept of poverty alleviation in Africa. Zambia justifies the objective of the fee as to maintain the inspection equipment e.g. X – rays. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,Zambia reported that the examination fee was removed through a statutory instrument therefore the NTB is resolved. Zambia will forward the SI for posting onto the system. |
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|
NTB-000-592 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2013-05-27 |
Mozambique: Posto Fiscal de Calomue |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-09-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
administrative charges - transporter was requested to pay 10US$ memorandum of understanding fees |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
However, on 05 June 2013, Mozambique focal point advised that all the vehicles transporting merchandise to Calómue frontier, and others are subject to following payments:
1. On transit, revenue authorities shall cover for one Transit Memo the value of 550, 00 MT. Therefore, Custom Affairs would not collect additional funds.
2. On imports, competent memo is emitted with the stamp that guides the clerk driver to a Tete Customs Affairs, to follow-up the process of customs clearance.
The value of 10 000 meticais being paid by the complainant could possibly refer to fees paid to a customs broker. Therefore, Mozambique requested complainant to provide statements specifying who was responsible for this charge, and present the actual payment receipt, or other document that to enable further action on this issue.
As at 26 September 2013, complainant had not submitted proof of payment as per request from focal point Mozambique, so that Mozambique could introduce some measures to resolve the particular complaint. This complaint is therefore considered resolved on grounds that the response by Focal Point could have adequately answered the query. |
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|
NTB-000-899 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2017-07-28 |
Tanzania: TFDA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2019-08-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TFDA (Tanzania Foods & Drugs Authority) imposes a 1.5% fees on FOB value on all imports (food, drugs & cosmetics). This is badly hurting local and regional trade as well as local manufacturers. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Extra Ordinary SCTIFI of August 2019 noted that since TFDA had been dissolved, there is no more fees paid to TFDA. Hence the NTB was resolved. |
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NTB-001-216 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-06 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mombasa county charges: At Mombasa Port they charge county fees where they pay 700 KEShs but these fees are never communicated to the truck driver in any way. Consequently, after some months you get a message that you have parking fees arrears with fines for late payment which can reach 7,000 KEShs.
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting considered the matter and noted that as per the evidence provided, the charges were related to parking fees. The meeting highlighted that it is the obligation of the driver to pay for related parking fees whenever he parks in a chargeable area hence the issue is not as an NTB. |
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NTB-001-230 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-11-28 |
Tanzania: Ngara District Council |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania charged 100,000Tsh on trucks transporting agricultural products from Kahama and Ngara District to Rwanda, and this is not fair for goods in transit. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the RMC, Tanzania reported that it is a district developmental fee and is charged non-discriminatorily to all traders transferring agricultural produce from the districts and provided evidence for the same.
Hence, the NTB is resolved |
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NTB-001-273 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-05 |
Kenya: Sirari |
|
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sodium cyanide convoy of 10trucks delayed due to one truck rects online exit point internal input message reading exit Taveta |
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the exporter did not pay but suffered 8 Days delay at the OSBP with trucks carrying hazardous goods. This is dangerous to the environment and the community around.
However, the issue is operational other than an NTB and should be referred to the Customs Committee for consideration
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution
The NTB was resolved by the COC:
The Sectoral Committee on Customs committed to strengthen inter agency communication and coordination among Partner States Customs authorities to avoid similar incidents in the future. |
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|
NTB-000-505 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2013-12-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Requirement by KRA for transporters to have introductory letters from URA on certain products / consignments, e.g. tyres and spirits. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 5 December 2013, Kenya focal point reported that this NTB had been resolved. Kenya Revenue Authority issued a notice to all Transporters , shipping agents, clearing and forwarding agents on the electronic cargo tracking systems as the principal systems for monitoring the movement of cargo under customs territory and all stakeholders were expected to comply by 31st January 2014 .
The Vehicles that are fitted with Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems WOULD:
1. Get waiver of TGL fees
2. Be able to carry goods on transfer to other partner states and within Kenya subject to approval
3. Enjoy the priority loading at the all customs areas and
4. Move without customs escort through the Northern corridor.
Transporters and shipping lines and agents are now allowed to carry goods along the corridor without challenges previously affecting them. |
|
|
NTB-000-812 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2017-11-17 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in releasing trucks at Tunduma & Rusumo border post by Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as a result of manual lodging of import documents |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during the meeting of SCTIFI of 16th November,2018 |
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|
NTB-000-830 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2018-07-16 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-02-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambian Registered Tanker carrying sulphuric acid from South Africa was weighed at the Martins Drift weighbridge with the following axle masses: Steer axle - 5200 kg (legal limit 8000 kg); Drive axles - 18200 kg (legal limit 18000 kg); Trailing axles - 22800 kg (legal limit 24000 kg). Tolerance is 5% on an axle set or on GVM, in this case it would be 900 kg on the driving axle set. The weigh bridge official instructed the Driver to Park telling him that his driving axle was overloaded without the application of the 5% tolerance. It is observed that only at this weigh bridge there is no application of the 5% tolerance. In the spirit of harmonization South Africa, Zambia and Botswana the legal limits are the same with a 5% tolerance except at Martins Drift weighbridge. Kindly assist to resolve this issue at Martins Drift which is causing unnecessary loss of transit time and charges. Please note that this is not a one off incidence. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
The complaint can be considered resolved, taking into account the update provided by the Botswana Focal Point and confirmed by the Zambia Focal Point. |
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NTB-000-850 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2018-09-01 |
Kenya: Namanga |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
KRA has issued a public notice which introduced Single Custom entry clearance that increases cost of doing business for example to clear 100 trucks using bulk system was costing Kshs 150,600, however, using the current system of single customs entry one truck cost Kshs8,500/-. If you have to clear 100 trucks it will cost Kshs 850,000/- |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was discussed in the CoC and agreed that the SCT TWG should analyse the risks of making one bulk declaration and cost implications of multiple declarations. The TWG should work out a mechanism for knocking off cargo.
The Secretariat informed the meeting that the TWG on SCT will develop a framework to knock off cargo in the customs clearance system from 11th-15th Dec 2018.
The matter is to be resolved by the CoC. |
|
|
NTB-001-026 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2021-08-18 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-02-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There has been noticeable decrease in the volume of traffic crossing the Beitbridge border on the Zimbabwean side of the border for a few months now. On a normal working day +/- 1 500 trucks can cross the North South Corridor Border. The crossing entails Customs releases with the verification of other Government agencies to test and verify safety and security of the goods (Consignment).
However, in the last few months, the number has reduced to a maximum of +/- 400 trucks crossing the North South corridor. The drop in the movement of cargo is a combination of many factors and cannot be blamed solely on the hard infrastructure layout. An alignment with clear roles, responsibility, risk management profile , screening and removing of old outdated manual processes is required.
The challenge emanates from lack of harmonisation by enforcement Government agencies operating at the border which creates a huge bottleneck with minimal peace of mind, i.e SAPS on the South African side, Zimbabwe with its multiple Other Government Agencies involvement and linkage to a Private security company controlling the flow of cargo movement.
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|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The complaint has been resolved, taking into account the new developments provided above. |
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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-001-248 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Diary board |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in issuance of import permits for milk
Permits take up to 5 months with no communication |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the NTB issue had been resolved.
Uganda requested Kenya to fast-track the issuance of milk import permits. Kenya is committed to issuing permits timely manner |
|
|
NTB-000-088 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: South African Revenue Services |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-06-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa charging an import levy on beer |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that beer is traded free under SADC and 5%/litre under SACU (Source: Jacobsens tariff book) |
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NTB-000-084 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa is charging import levy on UHT milk |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that , according to the tariff book, the applied tariff rate for SACU/SADC countries for this product is zero. |
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NTB-000-085 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa is charging import levy on imports of pasta |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that all tariffs applied by SA to SADC countries have been agreed to on the SADC Protocol on Trade, According to the tariff book, this product is traded free under |
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|
NTB-000-086 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa applying a levy on imports of sorgum |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that, according to the tariff book this product is traded free under SADC, for SACU, a tariff of 3% /kg is charged. .This has been discussed by SACU Member Countries, again this complaint does relate to NTBs, |
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