| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-721 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-17 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe introduced surcharges on certain products in violation of the letter and spirit of the COMESA Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe introduced Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 , controlling the volumes of imports of products exported by Zambia to Zimbabwe Statutory Instrument (SI 64 of 2016),requires that import licenses be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce before importation of a wide range of products. The instrument is in force and is being implemented |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of NTbs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August , Zimbabawe reported that SI 64 was repealed by SI 122 . Import licences are no longer required . |
|
|
NTB-000-992 |
7.10. Other |
2020-12-01 |
Zimbabwe: Chirundu |
Zambia |
Resolved
2021-09-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe is not consistent with the SADC COVID-19 requirement/guidelines of drivers requiring a 14 days validity test as a 48 hours requirement has been imposed. This has resulted in increase in cost of doing business as drivers have to take multiple COVID-19 tests which cost on average $76 per test. Transporters travelling into Zambia on the other hand can use their COVI-19 certificates within a 14 day period. A transporter delivering/transiting in Zimbabwe is required to take at least 2 COVID tests within the 14 day period. In some cases this has caused congestion at the border as truckers rush to beat the 48 hour COVID-19 test validity. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that the COVID policies are consistent with SADC as follows:
1. 14 day validity is for bus operators and Malaitsha
2. Truck operators we need PCR valid for 30 days
3. Regular travellers 48 hrs.
48hrs means that for regular travellers, they must travel within 48 hours of getting PCR results. This requirement is for regular travellers. If truckers are complaining, its a misinterpretation by implementers.
In light of the above, ZIMRA indicated that corrective actions will be undertaken to address issues raised by the complaint. Effective supervision and monitoring will be implemented. |
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|
NTB-000-696 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements |
2016-07-08 |
Zambia: Kafue |
|
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Registered Transporters were offered maize loads from Zambia for export to Harare. Some of the trucks loaded and moved. A balance of 4 trucks have been held back due to what we believe are investigations by the Government of Zambia over issues related to smuggling of maize. It is understood now that the Exporters in Zambia are exporting maize illegally with false documentation.
Despite numerous and repeated requests to either off-load the trucks or verify the documents and release the trucks, the vehicles remain in Kafue with no solution in sight, 18 days after the trucks loaded. The Zambian Army is holding the trucks and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture is refusing to getting involved to assist the truck release process. There are apparently around one hundred trucks being held at Kafue at present for an issue which is not related to the transporter, but which is directly related to the Exporter and the Zambian Authorities.
We urgently request that these trucks be offloaded and 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 the transporters liable in this case.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the trucks were released so the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-000-056 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-02-09 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe reported that Zambia is not issuing permits for the importaion of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that The Ban was lifted and reported during the COMESA Twenty Ninth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee – December, 2010 |
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NTB-000-057 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-02-09 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe reported that Zambia is not issuing permits for the importaion of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Zambia in 2007 suspended importation of sterilized milk until production, consumption and deficit figures were known so that whilst allowing imports , the diary industry which is in its infancy does not suffer but be allowed to grow. Consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Zimbabwe are ongoing with a view to resolving the problem associated with the importation of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe. |
|
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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NTB-000-783 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2017-09-19 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2019-09-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is not adhering to their new procedure for handling transit cargo thereby causing serious delays in clearance of trucks at the Beitbridge border post.
Truckers are experiencing serious delays because ZIMRA is not adhering to the procedure it stipulated in its communication documents. ALL transit cargo is being fitted with seals, despite the cargo already being sealed by client at loading point. Communication from drivers indicated that, currently only 5 trucks being sealed per day.
Trucks then going onto a "list" for transit escort. This is despite the official communication stipulating that ONLY trucks carrying cargo that is not covered by a suitable tent/tarpaulin that cannot be sealed will be considered by authorities to be escorted.
Truck is a tautliner and thus can be sealed yet driver has been informed it needs to be escorted, and he was informed that 5 trucks per day are escorted to Chirundu. Currently he is number 48 in the "list". This goes against what was communicated in ZIMRA informational document.
Our trucks have Route Risk Assessment done prior for the reasons stated by another complainant, yet ZIMRA wants to dictate which roads and routes to use. This procedure is causing unnecessary delays at the border. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 22nd August 2019, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Head of Technical services advised that not all transit cargo is being selected for Electronic Cargo Tracking, but only cargo that is selected as hig risk transit cargo through the use of ZIMRA automated risk management engine. Beitbridge is sealing in excess of 50 of the over 300 transit trucks cleared on a daily basis which is selected by the automated risk management engine. On implementation of Electronic Cargo Tracking System high risk transit cargo that could not be electronically sealed was escorted through Zimbabwe, however, adequate electronic tracking seals have now been procured to facilitate the sealing of all highrisk transit cargo as selected by the risk management engine. As of August 2019, no escort are being done unless there is a specific need. The drivers are at liberty to select their designated route to be followed as they transverse Zimbabwe by completing a Route Declaration Form.
This NTB arose due to challenges faced on implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system in Zimbabwe, through stakeholder engagement and dialogue implementation challenges were resolved. Therefore this NTB has been resolved . |
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NTB-000-199 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-06-09 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) machines are connected to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which is linked through the internet to enable them to access approved copies of CDI forms. Serious delays are faced in processing the export documents because the systems are frequently down or unable to connect during working hours. The verification process by RBZ takes too long - up to 3 days. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that there is fallback method in the event that the system is down. The CD1s are processed manually and are captured later in the excel spreadsheet which is then forwarded electronically to RBZ on weekly basis. There is therefore no delay in processing export documents |
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|
NTB-000-423 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2011-07-12 |
Mozambique: Dondo |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-03-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe transport hauliers companies continue to have problems with certain Mozambique authorities. Mozambique authorities (Police at Dondo) are not accepting certified copies of registration books on grounds that if the vehicle does get stolen there are no legal document to prove the vehicle belongs to transporting company. CVR amendments are also not accepted. It looks like the Police are unnecessary targeting Zimbabwe registered vehicles. They are being unreasonable with their fines which are imposed citing very minor faults on vehicles. The police at Dondo hassle the drivers and find no apparent reason to issue tickets.
Forbes border post is hassling drivers, especially the agriculture department. They say that an agriculture permit is required but the documents s gets checked in Beira, Dondo and Inchope. But when they get to the border they claim that this permit is required. |
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Resolution status note:
|
In a consulative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Focal Points on 19 September 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique reported that, according to existing laws, it is illegal to carry notarised documents. The SADC secretariat in liaison with reporting and imposing country, will facilitate further consultations on the matter if necessary.
2. With regards to agriculture documentation, Moambique reported that documentation is processed by the relevant departments and institutions at the border , therefore this issue does not arise and is considered resolved |
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|
NTB-000-955 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2020-04-08 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
|
Resolved
2020-05-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwean clearing agents are stopped by Zambian security agents from driving across to Zambian side to perform Zimbabwean exit formalities (this is contrary to the OSBP arrangement).
|
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Resolution status note:
|
During the border verification mission by Zambia national Monitoring committee held on 11- 12 June 2020, both Zambia and Zimbabwe border agencies reported that they had put in place a temporary measure whereby a list of Zimbabwean clearing agents doing business during the COVID-19 Pandemic was prepared and shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia. NTB was resolved by this temporary measure |
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|
NTB-000-197 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Rail) |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwean exporters take longer to clear products at the Mozambique/Zimbabwe border. This is affecting particularly exports of fresh milk. This has limited Zimbabweans to exporting products that have a long shelf life into that country. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that there are proper procedures for speedy clearance of fresh products, which ensure timely customs clearance and without damage to the economic operators. We will try to ascertain the situation and creating conditions that this does not happen again |
|
|
NTB-000-663 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2015-02-19 |
Mozambique: Weighbridge at Matola on the Maputo corridor |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2017-05-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwean truck drivers are now facing police harassment near the weighbridge at Matola on the Maputo corridor. The police are taking Zimbabwe drivers licence and their passports, supposedly to check the authentication of the driver holding the documents. The driver is released in order to go and off load and is briefed that the police will have an answer for him on his return.
On his return driver is told that the licence is a fake and the driver is to pay a spot fine of ZAR5000.00. It appears that the police are rubbing the metal disc with something, so that certain information is now very faded, and not legible. When the driver produces his international drivers’ licence, to confirm the validity that is taken away by police, who only return it after some hours, with the expiry date is now illegible. The ZAR 5000.00 rand fine is enforced. The language is a convenient barrier, as the police claim not to be able to speak English. All fines in Mozambique seem to be ZAR 5000.00.
Drivers are detained for days until they come up with some sort of cash ranging from ZAR400.00 upwards if they are lucky. This problem is more prevalent during weekends.
Please can we have a stop put to this practice? Defacing a Government document I believe is an offence, and should not be tolerated. Business is challenging enough as it is, without trade barriers being further forced upon the transport industry. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that the drivers no longer faced this problem hence the problem is resolved. |
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NTB-000-683 |
2.14. Other
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Mt. Selinda |
|
Resolved
2016-03-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
ZIMRA has introduced a new ruling at all its border posts effective 10 February re the vehicle manifest without proper pre-dialogue with regional and border post stakeholders as well as transporters who are being affected the most by this ruling and which is in breach of the SADC protocol to which Zimbabwe is a signatory. The attached Notification and copy of the ZIMRA Manifest Form No. 1 are self-explanatory, the ZIMRA manifest is just a duplication of a standard vehicle manifest with the ZIMRA logo on it and official form number, however ZIMRA are refusing to allow clearing agents to submit any other format of the manifest other than the attached document and transporters are being delayed for days on end until such time as the clearing agent submits documents with the ZIMRA manifest. the average cost per day for a transporter to stand at the border post is US $250 which ultimately will be added onto the cost of an already outrageous transportation cost for the end user consumer to pay. This practice is unethical, in breach of the SADC Protocol on Trade and Transport and not conducive to trade facilitation in the region. Imagine the chaos this situation would cause if all countries or member states in the SADC region adopted the same principal as Zimbabwe has, the transporter would have to fill in a different manifest for every country entered or transited.
This matter requires the immediate and urgent intervention of the focal point representative in Zimbabwe. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
On 18 march 2016, Zimbabwe Focal Point from ZIMRA advised that submission to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of a Manifest (Form 1) on importation of goods by Road has always been a requirement. This is in terms of Section 6 of the Customs and Excise (General) Regulations published in Statutory Instrument 154 of 2001 which reads "6 The report in terms of section 26 of the Act on vehicles engaged in the transportation of goods, other than trains, shall be made in form No. 1, completed at the time of loading the goods in the country of exportation, signed jointly by the transporter who loaded the goods and the person in charge of the vehicle, together with such copies as may be required by the officer to whom the report is made". Section 26 of the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02) is on "26 Person in charge of vehicle to report goods in his or her charge" The Form 1 (Manifest) is a ZIMRA form and is a prescribed form in terms of the said Regulations and therefore it is a requirement that it be standard. It is thus not proper for Clearing Agents to use other formats of the Manifest. For the convenience of the clients arrangements are being made for the Manifest to be available for downloading from the ZIMRA Website .
However the Zimbabwe Focal point advised that the Commissioner Customs and Excise had temporarily given a reprieve and is accepting other formats of the Manifest as submitted by the Agents. The Act and the Regulations were submitted. |
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NTB-001-000 |
2.14. Other |
2020-12-01 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2021-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
ZIMRA is requesting all transporters to be registered in its system to be able to lodge electronic manifest. This is still happening and is resulting in delaying of movement of cargo at all its points of entry. The requirement is compulsory and difficult to operationalise as transporters most of them are small and medium and they do not have the technical know how of doing it. The requirement should be removed or be given to the registered agents who are already utilising the ZIOMTRA system. there has been no joy for both inward bound transporters and removal in transit. This is against the spirit of Trade facilitation . |
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Resolution status note:
|
Issue was resolved |
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NTB-000-555 |
8.4. Transport related corruption |
2012-11-06 |
Zambia: Siavonga Turn off, Lusaka-Chirundu Highway,
Police Manning that Place |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-12-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zupco bus permit taken by Zambian Police citing that the bus has one tyre which is finished and the window screen has a crack , this is causing them to be fined every time when they are at the road block for failing to produce the bus permit, practical on daily basis when they are stopped they have to pay k50000/$10.00 so as to catch up with time just avoiding passengers to run away from them, almost 3 months they cant produce the permit |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that The ZUPCO bus permit was returned on 16 December 2012 by Zambia police. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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