| Complaint number |
NTB Type
Check allUncheck all |
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
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NTB-000-175 |
1.1. Export subsidies B6: Product identity requirement |
2009-07-27 |
Zambia: Bureau of Standards |
Malawi |
Resolved 2011-03-04 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia has placed standards requirements that sugar from Malawi be fortified with Vitamin A. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that all sugar for domestic consumption, be it imported or manufactured locally is supposed to be fortified with vitamin A.
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NTB-000-175 |
1.1. Export subsidies B6: Product identity requirement |
2009-07-27 |
Zambia: Bureau of Standards |
Malawi |
Resolved 2011-03-04 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia has placed standards requirements that sugar from Malawi be fortified with Vitamin A. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that all sugar for domestic consumption, be it imported or manufactured locally is supposed to be fortified with vitamin A. |
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NTB-000-951 |
Quarantine for All Truck drivers |
2020-04-05 |
Zambia: Kazungula Ferry |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2020-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia imposeS a mandatory 14 day quarantine for all truck drivers entering Zambia during the covid 19 pandemic. From 28 March 2020, drivers using the Kazungula Ferry border post were detained at Kazungula border post and later moved to different sites in Lusaka such as UNZA. It is not clear whether all drivers were screened at the border post to establish if they showed symptoms COVID 19 . All driver are being quarantined including drivers without COVID 19 symptoms. This is not in line with SADC guidelines that stipulates that Member states will undertake initial screening and only quarantine those that show symptoms of COVID 19.
Zambia should have notified all SADC member states of their mandatory quarantine period in advance as required by the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation and WHO Interim Guidance on Quarantine of individuals in the context of the containment of corona virus disease (COVID-19) so that traders could plan accordingly. Zambia ambushed traffic in transit.
Zambia should implement the SADC guidelines which were recently adopted. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 19 Appril 2020, FESARTA reported that all drivers under quarantine have since been released.
Also Zambia has now produced a COVID - 19 Guidelines on Screening for Trucks carrying essential commodities. At certain Zambian border posts such as Vic Falls, Kazangula, Chinade and Chipata drivers are required to be screened and tested for COVID-19, meaning that they are quarantined until the test results are available and if negative for COVID-19 are released to proceed and deliver the cargo to the final destination, if they test positive they are quarantined for 14 days and the transporter must send another driver to replace the quarantined driver to deliver the load. Other border post such as Chirundu, Kasumbalesa and Nakonde, drivers are screened for temperatures and if no symptoms they are allowed to proceed and deliver the cargo to the final destination. |
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NTB-000-422 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees Policy/Regulatory |
2011-07-04 |
Zambia: Chirundu - Lusaka Highway |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia is enforcing a requirement under the CONSTRUCTION AND USE REGULATIONS OF THE ROADS AND ROAD TRAFFIC ACT CAP 464, SECTION 17 (2) OF THE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION imposing a fee of K180, 000 on all trucks using the Zambian roads without mud flaps , unless the truck or trailer is made in such a way that it can capture the mud, water and flying stones coming out of the wheels of the truck. This requirement is not imposed by all other countries on the transit routes. There needs to be understanding amongst member states that they be flexible with enforcement on foreign vehicles and accept those that have valid roadworthiness certificates from their countries of registration. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012,Zambia clarified that the charge on trucks without mud flaps is applied on all vehicles, local and foreign and therefore not discriminatory. This is a legal requirement. It was resolved that this NTB be recorded under the schedule of ‘Resolved’ NTBs of policy and regulatory nature for further consideration |
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Products:
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1703.90: Beet molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar |
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NTB-000-062 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-22 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-02-05 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia is now demanding a carbon tax of US$40 per trip instead of the previously charged US$40 per annum. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia does not charge US$ 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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NTB-000-148 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Tanzania |
Resolved 2011-03-04 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia licensing process just too long. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that the process only takes 24hours |
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NTB-000-931 |
7.3. Corruption |
2019-11-26 |
Zambia: Mazabuka |
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Resolved 2020-06-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia Police (not RTSA) often demand first aid kits from Heavy Goods Drivers. As outlined in Roads and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 464, Third Schedule (Regulation 17), this is NOT a requirement for a HGV, but rather for a passenger omnibus or taxi (vehicles carrying passengers for reward). As best practice and as required by some customers, a few HGV operators do place sealed first aid kits in the cabs of the trucks. ZP then break the seal and claim the kit is incomplete. |
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Resolution status note:
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On June 24 2020, Zambia Focal Point reported that the complaining company had confirmed that this problem was no longer an issue therefore it id resolved |
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NTB-000-932 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2019-12-04 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2020-11-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia Proposed legislation to restrict foreign registered Road Freight Transport Operators from loading cargo into and out of Zambia violates the provisions of the SADC Protocol, particularly:
1.1 Section 5.1 which calls for the development of a strong and competitive road transport industry which provides effective transport services to consumers. Clearly the introduction of quotas is anti-competitive;
1.2 Section 5.2 calls for equal treatment, non-discriminatory, reciprocity and fair competition. As already pointed out the proposed legislation is discriminatory and anti-competitive;
1.3 Section 6 in which a Zambia/Zimbabwe Joint Route Management Group forum exist but apparently has been ignored by the Zambian authorities who have chosen to introduce the proposed legislation without the courtesy of discussion using the established channels.
The transporters see a backlash from regional countries if this comes to pass and we will soon see cargo staging/transfer points arising at border posts as pressure from regional transport operators mount on their respective Governments to implement similar regulation. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 10 November 2020, Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that this issue is one of proposed legislation which is not in force and still under consultation. Other Countries in the region are implementing similar provisions which in our view should be the ones reported as NTBs. Foreign Transporters are not experiencing any challenges in Zambia with respect to this particular complaint. |
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NTB-000-366 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved 2011-03-04 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambia Revenue Authority delays clearing goods at Victoria Falls Border Post in Livingstone, it takes the whole day or two for travellers to be cleared. Only one officer is assigned to inspect the goods and there is arbitrary valuation of goods by the customs officer |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that it only takes 20 minutes to clear passengers with no goods and upto 3hours for those with goods.
There are two officers who inspect as the passenger traffic has reduced due to a number of them opting to use the Chirundu OSBP.
For valuation of goods, they use an already existing database.
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NTB-001-002 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2021-01-27 |
Zambia: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2021-01-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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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:
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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-000-513 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2012-04-19 |
Zambia: Livingstone |
Mozambique |
Resolved 2013-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambian Ministry of Public Works has different operating hours compared to other border agents. On the 19th of April I got to the border at 6:30pm was cleared by both Immigration and Customs but was told that I would have to return to the border the next day because the Public Works officer had already left and I could not continue my trip without pay the toll fee.
When I enquired about this officer's working hours I was told that he left between 4 and 5pm but the border only closes at 10 pm (if memory serves me right). |
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Resolution status note:
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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, Zambia reported that the differences in the working hours for the different agencies had been brought to their attention and that all border agencies operate at the same operating hours. |
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NTB-000-594 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2013-05-21 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved 2013-09-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zambian Police are holding South African CRBTA Permits as security until fines are paid. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 11th July 2013, Zambia focal point reported that, when truck drivers both local and international are found with a case, they are fined and normally asked to pay the fine. However, the drivers give an excuse that they have no money to pay. The Police at that particular check point would then use their initiative of asking for surety from that driver to ensure that the driver pays on his way back. However, since the practice is not covered by law, the officers were sensitized on the issue and have stopped the practice.
On 25 September 2013, South Africa focal point confirmed that the complainant had been consulted and he confirmed that the practice by Zambian police had been stopped. The complaint can therefore be moved to 'resolved complaints’. |
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NTB-000-037 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2008-05-29 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-05-25 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe complained that the Malawian authorities require a Pre-Shipment Inspection on all goods. |
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Resolution status note:
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Malawi reportd that Preshipment Inspection was phased out in 2007. |
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NTB-000-416 |
5.10. Prohibitions |
2011-01-01 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe government absolute ban of the importation of potatoes and tomatoes |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that there is no ban on importation of tomatoes and potatoes as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture at the NMC meeting held on 21 July 2011. |
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Products:
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2002.10: Tomatoes, whole or in pieces, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid |
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NTB-000-960 |
6.6. Border taxes |
2020-06-05 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
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Resolved 2022-10-20 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe has promulgated a new legislation S.I 127 of 2020 which proposes to charge amounts up to USD300 per entry of Beit Border Border Customs Yard meant for payment of the border post modernization and upgrade project. This charge is over and above the Bridge Toll of USD23 per entry and the ZINARA road tolls fees. The proposed charges are just too high and unsustainable, thus we seek their immediate suspension to allow for stakeholder engagement for their input. |
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Resolution status note:
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The relevant authorities in Zimbabwe submitted report as follows :
As a way of addressing challenges at Beitbridge Border Post Government made a decision to upgrade and modernise Beitbridge Border Post through a concession to Zimborders for a period of 17,5 years. Zimborders will invest US$296.7 million dollars into the project and will recoup their investment by collecting border user fees. This project will bring about the much sought efficiency at the border post by providing modern infrastructure and equipment such as terminal buildings, warehouses, weighbridges and scanners. There will also be automation of most processes and the introduction of a single window payment system bringing about convenience to transporters and the travelling public.
The financing model used in this project (Built Operate Transfer), is a universal mode of project financing which can be applied to projects that are bankable where users are expected to pay for the product or service used. In this case, it is Government’s view that the charges are fair relative to the amount invested and the efficiency brought about by the investment. Removing the fee is asking the country to default on the Concession Agreement. Defaulting on agreements leads to country reputational risk and reduction in credit worthiness.
The figure quoted of USD300 applies only for abnormal load vehicles. The fees are as follows.
Type of vehicle USD
Heavy vehicle 100,00
Goods vehicle 175,00
Abnormal (load) vehicle 300,00
Minibus 35,00
Coach 70,00 |
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NTB-000-101 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2009-07-26 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe has single marketing channel for basic commodities. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zimbabwe reported that this is no longer obtaining. |
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NTB-000-546 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import |
2010-09-01 |
Zimbabwe: Harare offices |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2016-08-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe has too many agencies issuing agricultural Permits, thereby giving problems to those who would want to obtain them, for example you have to go to gugunyana offices then you go to Mazowe Plant and Quarantine offices then also you have to go to AMA (agricultural marketing authority) this process we feel its too long why cant it be done under one roof, or one just live your application then the move around into different offices is done within the office bearers |
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Resolution status note:
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Zimbabwe reported that most of the issues are of policy nature therefore awareness programmes with relevant stakeholders and government agencies will be undertaken . |
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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 |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe imposes import restrictions on flour |
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Resolution status note:
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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-000-142 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
South Africa |
Resolved 2011-06-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe imposes restrictions on imports of maize meal |
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Resolution status note:
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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 |
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Complaint:
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Zimbabwe imposes restrictions on imports of maize meal |
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Resolution status note:
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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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