| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-728 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2016-11-01 |
Zambia: Kazungula Ferry |
Botswana |
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Importers of beans, ground nuts and sweet potatoes from Zambia into Botswana have complained that they have of late, been charged amount in excess on BWP 1 000 by some Zambian border authority for which receipts are never issued. A number of those complaints have revealed that no receipts were issued to denote what the BWP 1 000 was being paid for. No explanation was also given. These importers have, while in Zambia paid all the charges relating to phytosanitary and other charges for their goods-receipts for such are duly produced.
The additional charge is suspected to be charged without any legal basis from Zambia Government. This additional charge is placing a burden on small traders whose livelihood depends on selling the products in Botswana. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 25th January 2018, Zambia reported that no Zambian Border Authority Charges this Fee and without receipt for that matter. Border Agencies suspect this could be a case of false representation of a Government agency. The matter will be passed on to security wings for further interrogation. If additional information could be availed to assist in identifying those involved. This NTB is considered resolved. |
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Products:
|
1202.41: Groundnuts, in shell (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) |
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NTB-000-751 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2017-05-01 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Transporters have noted the many benefits of using Botswana as a transit instead of Zimbabwe. It is a well known fact that Zimbabwe borders are slow and congested, there are many tolls we pay (for no service), numerous road blocks (harrassment of drivers and lack of adherence to SADC appreciation of the Soveriegnty of Foreign COF's), high fuel costs and failing road infrastructure. The completion of the Kazungulu Bridge is a much anticipated event that will give transporters access to an efficient and cost effective transit to Zambia.
On the 11th November 2016, Zambia issued SI 85 of 2016, The Tolls Act in which the Second Schedule Section A and B outlines Entry Tolls for COMESA/SADC and other Countries. Botswana was not included under SADC and awarded tolls higher than other SADC States. On the 1st May 2017, Botswana retaliated by issuing an Amendment of the Road Traffic and Road Transport (Permits) regulations, 2017. Under this Amendment, tolls were increased and in turn, Zambian Transporters handed a hefty penalty. The result is that as a Zambian Transporter our Transit Fees through Botswana increased by 70%.
This makes the Botswana route unattractive and given the congestion at Kazungulu, we have had to run through Zimbabwe again. We are delayed here by congestion, delays in ZIMRA electronic sealing processes and run the gauntlet as described above.
Surely the whole idea of building the Kazungula Bridge is to improve the flow of traffic through Botswana and create economic advantage? With the increase in the tolls in a tit for tat manner, building the bridge is a waste of time.
Could the member States please meet and look at treating each other in the spirit encouraged by SADC. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Based on the information from the Zambian Ministry of Transport and absence of recent complaints, it is reasonable to regard the matter as resolved, unless new evidence of discriminatory tolls or retaliatory measures arises. We remain committed to the principles of SADC regional integration and the efficient movement of goods through the Kazungula Corridor and will continue to engage constructively with Zambia to ensure smooth transit operations. |
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|
NTB-001-014 |
1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-03-17 |
South Africa: Rhodes Quality, Cape Town |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a freight logistics company based in Gaborone, Botswana(100% citizen). During registration on supplies portals in South Africa they require us (Foreign freight logistics companies without branches in South Africa ) to be BBBEE compliant despite we providing them with all company documents verifying that we are foreign based with Head Offices out of South Africa borders. Because of the nature of our business which compels us to conduct cross border transportation, South African supplies would immediately inform us we can't do business with them on the basis of non - compliant on BBBEE requirements. Arrangement in place promotes South African transporters to do cross border and prohibits foreign transporters to haul commodities back to country of operation. Please note we are not issued with any documents as a dispensation on our Head offices out of South African borders.
Kindly assist in the best possible way. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The SADC Regional workshop on NTBs heled on 14-15 April 2026 agreed that the requirement by South Africa for foreign companies to comply by the national investment codes is not a NTB therefore this matter is resolved |
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NTB-001-059 |
7.10. Other |
2017-03-07 |
South Africa: |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-02-12 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Botswana based company, MOTOVAC reporting challenges is struggling to get payment of its Value Added Tax (VAT) import refunds from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) in time. It is reported, VAT refunds are not processed by SARS. The outstanding payments date back as far as 2017 with the company owed BWP 3,528,278.07 in VAT refunds by SARS.
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Resolution status note:
|
The Secretariat organised consultative meetings among the relevant stakeholders, which concluded that the Motovac issue had been resolved. However, it was established that the issue affected more Botswana exporters, hence the need for further consultations with South Africa to address policy challenges affecting the effective payment of VAT refunds. |
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NTB-001-293 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2025-10-12 |
Botswana: Ministry of Lands and Agriculture |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our company is unable to be productive in our business due to shortage of chick supply in the market, caused by delays by the Government (Ministry of Lands and Agriculture) to approve us to import chicks and fertilized eggs for broiler farming. |
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Resolution status note:
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Botswana reoprted that production has stabilized, supported by capacity expansions within local hatcheries towards the end of 2025.
Currently, there is no widespread shortage of day-old chicks in the market, and supply conditions have improved significantly. In this regard, the reported NTB may no longer be applicable. |
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NTB-001-294 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2025-10-28 |
Botswana: Tlokweng Gate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-01-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
BOBS Division Closing their service times during Holidays, weekends and festive days while Cross-border traders and Borders run through out. We urge that there be service aligned with all borders operating times and services. Consignments are then detained until their working times. we then loose revenue, standing times, conditions or goods be affected and further be exposed to risks. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB can be considered resolved, taking into account the update provided by the Botswana NCP, with the BOBS information attached. |
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NTB-001-298 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2025-03-14 |
Zambia: Kazungula Ferry |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On the 14th of March 2025 i encountered challenges when crossing to Zambia for business purposes. The immigration officer at the border enquired on the purpose of my visit to Zambia and i informed her that i was travelling for business and requested for a Business Visit (BV) stamp. The officer indicated that BV is only used when someone is travelling to Zambia to sell not to buy as i had intended to go and purchase sweet potatoes. I informed her that we had previously had challenges with law enforcement officers as they insist that whoever is coming to Zambia for business purposes should have a BV stamp not visitors stamp. The officer solicited a bribe amounting to BWP500.00 in order to give me the BV stamp. This contraction of information between immigration officers and the police officers in Zambia cost us as traders lots of money as well as time. It also compromises our safety when we go to Zambia |
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Resolution status note:
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The issue was resolved during the Bi- National meeting held in February 2026. It was agreed that Zambia will increase number Business Visists from 30 days to 90 days annually. Furthermore, the Travellers are not expected to pay for the Business Visa Stamp. |
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Products:
|
0714.20: Sweet potatoes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets |
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NTB-000-078 |
1.1. Export subsidies
B41: TBT regulations on production processes |
2009-07-23 |
South Africa: SANAS |
Angola |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa does not accept standards from other SADC Member States except SABS |
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Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that SADC is in the process of implementing the TBT annex and establishing the necessary regional institutions to create a regional accreditation system. Until the structures are developed and operational, South Africa will continue to request that products which are not accredited by recognized international accreditation bodies be retested by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This exercise is not meant to deny SA trading counterpart’s access to the South African market, but simply to protect South African consumers. |
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NTB-000-697 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-07-16 |
|
|
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of coordination among the numerous institutions involved in testing and clearance of goods at the Borders |
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Resolution status note:
|
.The NTBs meeting of Focal Points held on 19- 21 August 2019 was informed that the EAC agreed to harmonise the operations of their institutions. This NTB no longer was resolved in the EAC Time Bound mechanism. |
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NTB-000-600 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2013-07-17 |
South Africa: Durban sea Port |
SADC |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The South African Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) is fining transporters for transporting goods from Gauteng to Durban without a cross-border permit. The fine is R2000 (USD200) per truck.
The goods are being transported from Botswana and offloaded in a warehouse in Gauteng, South Africa.
The goods are then re-loaded on to different vehicles and transported to Durban.
The vehicles transporting the goods from Botswana, have cross-border permits.
There should be no reason for vehicles transporting goods from Gauteng to Durban to have cross-border permits, even though the goods come from Botswana. The transportation is wholly within South Africa and on South African vehicles.
See NTB 535/6 for a similar complaint. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. The explanation from CBRTA was acceptable to FESRATA |
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NTB-000-605 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2013-10-03 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
COMESA |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The unstable situation at the Kasumbalesa border post between Zambia and the DRC, is causing serious delays on the North-South corridor.
Over the past 6 months, lawlessness on the DRC side of the border, is leading to drivers foreign to DRC being harassed and, on some occasions, being attacked. Police have been unnecessarily harassing drivers for speeding, unroadworthy vehicles and incorrect documentation. The lack of security has resulted in two drivers being shot and wounded; the latest being Patrick Murifi, 31, a Zimbabwean truck driver.
This has caused drivers preparing to enter DRC from the South, to become agitated and, on two occasions, go on strike and effectively close the border to heavy vehicle traffic.
Copperbelt Police chief Joyce Kasosa has confirmed in an interview recently, that calm has been restored but trucks are still not crossing into and from DRC because the drivers want to be addressed and assured of their security while in that country.
It is clear that the situation is volatile and likely to erupt into violence at any time, for the slightest reason.
This situation is not conducive to intra-regional trade and unacceptable to the road transport industry.
A deputation from DRC yesterday to the drivers on the Zambian side, has convinced the drivers to start moving again.
However, the drivers have warned that if there should be further occurrences of the problem, they will blockade the border for 3 weeks.
SADC and COMESA are requested to intervene and call on the government of the Katanga province to take control of the situation and provide a stable environment conducive to intra-regional trade. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the 5th Meeting of the COMESA NTBs Focal Points held in Nairobi from 23-25 August 2016, DRC reported that the matter had been resolved following consultations with COMESA Secretariat and other interested parties . |
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NTB-000-608 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-10-04 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications |
COMESA |
Resolved
2016-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Zambia is to introduce toll fees for all road users, on 1st November 2013.
The structure of the fees is detailed in the attachments.
The introduction is considered an unfair practice, since the tolls apply to foreign vehicles, and these vehicles pay road user charges on entry into the country.
The road user charges that the foreign vehicles pay (between USD10 per 100 kms and USD16 per 100 kms), are set to cover the road usage cost by the vehicles as they travel the country's roads.
The level of road user charges was recommended by COMESA, of which Zambia is a member.
Updated road user charges are being developed by the COMESA/EAC/SADC Tripartite and, when finalized, will be disseminated to member countries for their implementation.
Thus there is no justification for Zambia to introduce toll fees for foreign vehicles, as it is a duplication of the road user charges paid by them on entry into the country.
The added fees mean that foreign vehicles will be paying more than their fair share for road usage, and merely add to the cost of goods consumed in landlocked countries. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 31st March 2016, Zambia Focal Point reported that Toll fees are charged once at the port of entry for road usage from one point to the other and back. Transporters are only charged extra if they divert from their original route. The toll fees are discriminatory. |
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NTB-000-618 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-12-06 |
Zambia: Nakonde |
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Resolved
2016-03-31 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Resolved NTB 514 refers, whereby ZAMESCO had been forcing transporters to park in its parking area at Nakonde border post, and pay a daily fee.
In April 2013, Zambia reported that this practice was no longer occurring and the NTB was considered resolved.
However, transporters report that ZAMESCO continues to force transporters to park in its area and pay an increased US$35 per day.
This is unacceptable. If trucks have to park at the border to await clearance, there should be free parking available. If they wish to use ZAMESCO's facility, it should be their choice. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 31st March 2016, Zambia Focal Point reported that there was variety of parking at Nakonde Border which transporters can use. The situation where transporters were being coerced to park at ZAMESCO had been addressed. Therefore, given the availability of variety of packing spaces, Zambia advise that the transporters should explore and opt for best options available. Given this development, this complaint was considered resolved. |
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NTB-000-645 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2015-01-23 |
Botswana: Ngoma |
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Resolved
2015-02-11 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
I have a consignment of used vehicles imported from UK and the USA. They are being denied entry to Botswana on transit to Zimbabwe because they are not registered. Apparently Botswana does not allow unregistered vehicles to drive on their roads |
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Resolution status note:
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The affected company reported that they managed to get assistance from the Namibia Customs officials who escorted the consignment back into Namibia then to the Zambia border. They used the Zambia route which is 400 kilometers longer. The company reported that the Department of Transport in Botswana informed them that there won't be a waiver for vehicles not registered in SADC or COMESA region. Only COMESA and SADC registered vehicles are allowed road transit in Botswana
However, tourism vehicles registered outside COMESA and SADC and vehicles destined for Botswana are allowed to be driven in Botswana.
FESARTA confirmed that, according to the regional policy, all vehicles not registered in COMESA or SADC would have to be loaded on other vehicles. |
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Products:
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8704.22: Motor vehicles for the transport of goods, with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine "diesel or semi-diesel engine" of a gross vehicle weight > 5 t but <= 20 t (excl. dumpers for off-highway use of subheading 8704.10 and special purpose |
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NTB-000-651 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2014-12-11 |
Tanzania: Along Central corridor |
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Resolved
2016-06-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Tanzania has several weigh bridge stations along the central corridor |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 21st EAC NTBs Regional Forum , Tanzania reported that the NTB had been resolved because there are only three weigh bridges Vigwaza at the coastal region, Njuki in Singida and Nyakahura in Kagera region weigh in motion weighbridges. It takes maximum of 4 days to exit the border from Dar Port and 2 days for fuel tankers. |
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NTB-000-657 |
5.15. Other
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-12-11 |
Tanzania: Various State Agencies |
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Resolved
2023-07-03 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Numerous monetary charges required by various agencies in the United Republic of Tanzania on exports of dairy products |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 42nd SCTIFI noted that the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Kenya are handling the diary issues bilaterally with the United Republic of Tanzania whereby several meetings at the Ministerial and Summit levels have taken place and are at the final stages to be resolved. Also, the issue is being handled in the ongoing process of harmonization of fees, levies, and charges, and all the charges will be harmonized together with other charges. The SCTIFI hence guided that the NTB should be removed from the Time Bound program and allow the ongoing bilateral processes to be finalized. |
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NTB-000-671 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2015-04-08 |
Mozambique: Beira |
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Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique Police in Beira issued a ticket or fine for 50,000 metical or US $1500 to the driver of a Zimbabwe registered vehicle AC 5376 owned by Suncrest Transport for supposedly violating the third country rule by collecting a load in South Africa, transiting Zimbabwe and delivering or offloading in Beira, Mozambique and this route not being covered by a cross-border permit.
The fine or ticket issued referred to Article 102 of the Road Traffic Act (Places in which Pedestrians may walk) and is not related to the offence, also the fine or ticket does not specify the nature of the offence and only refers to the detention or removal of documents as per Article 122 of the Road Traffic Act (see attached ticket).
The cross-border permits for the subject vehicle (AC 5376) and attached hereto confirm that the vehicle was authorized to use this route and therefore was improperly fined by the Mozambique Police.
This is harrasment of the driver and the action required is the revoking of the fine. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-000-673 |
7.3. Corruption |
2015-06-14 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
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Resolved
2016-02-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambulk Tanker carrying Fuel was weighed at the subject weighbridge with the following axle masses: Steer axle - 6960 kg (legal limit 8000 kg); Drive axles - 17660 kg (legal limit 18000 kg); Trailing axles - 24160 kg (legal limit 24000 kg). Tolerance is 5% on an axle set or on GVM, in this case it would be 1200 kg on the trailing axle set. The weighbridge official printed a weighbridge ticket for the driver which reflected the weights indicated above and showed the legit limits as indicated above with the Total GVM being 48780 kg and the max or legal limit being 50000 kg. This vehicle was within the legal limit on GVM and well within the tolerance on the trailing axle set. Yet printed at the bottom the weighbridge ticket is the comment - TRUCK MUST EXIT AND RETURN TO DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY SO THAT THE LOAD CAN BE CORRECTED!!! (see attached weighbridge ticket). When the driver queried this with the weighbridge official he was told that he must park off the truck and move fuel from the rear tank to the front tank to correct the load. This is clearly not an option and highly dangerous given the nature of the product being carried. The driver went back and started negotiating and gave her Pula 200. The Operator refused to give the driver 5% when entering Botswana. The Operator said it is only applicable AFTER the Martins Drift Weigh Bridge. At Serule and Francistown there was no problem.
This is obviously an attempt a corrupt activity that is taking place at this weighbridge and needs to be stamped out immediately. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 26th February 2016, Botswana Focal Point reported that the general public and business community were encouraged to report all corruption cases with Botswana Police as and when they happen. There are police officers stationed at all Botswana entry points. This will assist in addressing corruption issues. However, it should be noted that the 5% is not applicable at the 1st weigh bridge in Botswana but AFTER the 1st weigh bridge. In this instance, it will be applicable in Serule or Francistown. |
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NTB-000-681 |
7.2. Discrimination
Policy/Regulatory |
2015-10-12 |
Uganda: Malaba |
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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. |
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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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