| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-237 |
7.10. Other |
2024-05-28 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2025-03-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The authorities on the Zambian customs are issuing COMESA certificates on ploughs and parts exported into Zimbabwe when these products are Imported from India and China. Zambia have no ploughs and parts manufacturer except for wheels. Again how does a COMESA certificate get issued with no manufacturer name inscribed? |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade & Industry and our customs authorities have reviewed this matter and wish to advise that Zimbabwe should not honour the STR Document.
Further to your report that you have seen similar matters, the authorities have gone a step further to look into the said matters.
If our response (i.e. Zimbabwe should not honour this STR Document) is satisfactory, we request that the NTB status be changed to resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
8432.90: Parts of agricultural, horticultural or forestry machinery for soil preparation or cultivation or of lawn or sports-ground rollers, n.e.s. |
|
|
NTB-001-238 |
1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation |
2025-02-16 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2026-02-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our delivery truck (ADS 3378, AFQ 8744, AFQ 8746) destined for South Africa was detained at Beitbridge border post last night by South Africa Port Health authorities due to concerns regarding a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe and the potential risk of contamination in the water. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The Public Health concern has since been uplifted and a number of consignments of purified water have been allowed to enter the South African market. |
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NTB-001-240 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Diary Board (KDB) |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Government of Kenya, through the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), has not issued export permits for Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk destined for Kenya since November 2024. This action constitutes a violation of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol and the Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Act, which is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods within the region.
The continued restriction has had severe consequences for Ugandan traders, leading to significant financial losses and, in many cases, the closure of their export businesses. This situation not only undermines regional trade commitments but also disrupts economic integration efforts within the EAC. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the 38th RMC that:
1. Transfers of milk from Uganda to Kenya is ongoing
2. 10 million litres of milk were transferred from Uganda to Kenya between January and March 2025
3. 70 million Kgs have been transferred from Uganda to Kenya in 2024, and 67 million Litres transferred in the same period.
4. Kenya has no quotas on milk, and over 100 importers have been registered to transfer milk from Uganda to Kenya
5. Issued permits for milk if not absorbed effectively, do not allow for extension as per the regulations.
Kenya confirmed that the applications for the permits applied in November 2024 by Uganda were issued in March 2025 and provided evidence to Uganda for that matter. Hence, the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-241 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2025-03-06 |
Kenya: Mandera |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority officers do not seem to have RECTS seals, therefore, demanding for facilitation from transporters. The facilitation includes, Per diem, incidental allowance, in transit allowance and fuel for the government vehicles. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the complaint was administrative and should be referred to the Committee on Customs for consideration
The meeting noted that the trader did not pay the amount requested of them.
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution |
|
|
Products:
|
6117.90: Parts of garments or clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, n.e.s. |
|
|
NTB-001-246 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-11-01 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Quantitative restrictions on Ugandan Sugar transfers to Tanzania only up to 20,000 MT, are accepted
These Quotas have been subject to bilateral negotiations to allow market access for Uganda Sugar.
We request that Tanzania to remove quantitative restrictions. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania removed all restrictions related to Sugar from the Community. The two Partner States to trade in normal EAC terms. |
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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 |
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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 |
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NTB-001-249 |
6.5. Variable levies |
2025-02-04 |
Kenya: KRA |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Excise duty being charged on onions, potatoes, potato crisps and potato chips transferred from Uganda to Kenya.
This means they are being treated as imports. This was effective 1st July 2022, at a rate of 25% imposed against the EAC CUP.
Kenya is requested to consider removing the excise duty with immediate effect |
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Resolution status note:
|
Uganda submitted that the discriminatory Law was repealed through the Finance amendment Act of 2025. |
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NTB-001-250 |
1.8. Import bans |
2022-01-06 |
Tanzania: CPRA |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-08-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Director General Cereals and Mixed Crops Regulatory Authority (CPRA) informed the public that no permits for exporting maize and rice would be issued before the completion of a certain assessment. Traders and stakeholders were advised to wait until the evaluation was completed. The issuance of epermits was to resume after 1 May 2025, and applications submitted before that date would not be processed or approved. On 30th April 2025, an extension was announced.
We request that there be non-discriminatory treatment for rice,grain and other crops from Uganda from Uganda during this assessment |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 7 August 2025, the Focal for Tanzania reported that this matter was discussed and resolved during the 38 RMC in Nairobi |
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NTB-001-254 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2025-04-01 |
Malawi: Songwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2025-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a company that exports groundnuts from Malawi to Kenya. On average we export three containers in a month to Kenya. Before loading the cargo into the container, the cargo is being inspecting by the MRA official who certify the accuracy of the cargo being loaded into the container for Export.
Once the container is loaded, a seal is placed on it till the container reaches the exit border post, where this seal is removed again for the second confirmation of the load being exported. This requires offloading the consignment, running the risk of contamination, damage and delays as well as cost of offloading and loading. We have been exporting to Kenya since 2022. However, since October 2024, we have been encountering these challenges of being forced to offload cargo at the exit boarder post for inspection purposes by MRA officials, both to and from. This is despite that the cargo is being loaded into the container in the presence of the MRA official at the point of origin of goods. As a result of this we are paying unnecessary costs which is expensive and at times delays the clearance process. All these costs are being encountered by the exporter/importer.
The exit border has machine scanners which have been out of service for some time now. If these were working, we could not encounter this delay and expense which is originating from the offloading and loading of the cargo. At the same times some of the exported or imported cargo gets damaged when carrying out this exercise. Hygiene is also another issue, considering the places where we are doing the off-loading and loading exercise.
A resolution needs to be found ASAP to avoid such delays, repetitive inspections and costs before exiting the country. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB 001-254 issue is now effectively resolved. In a productive virtual meeting on June 17, 2025, key stakeholders—including the SADC Secretariat, a representative from the concerned company in Malawi, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the SADC Business Council, and GIZ—came together to address challenges experienced by exporters at the Songwe Border Post. The Malawi Revenue Authority took the initiative to inform exporters of the obstacles encountered during border crossings and clearly outlined the customs procedures necessary for a smooth export process from Malawi. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and supporting exporters. |
|
|
Products:
|
1202.42: Groundnuts, shelled, whether or not broken (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-001-275 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2025-08-18 |
Tanzania: Namanga |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Customs has raised doubts regarding the Certificate of Origin issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). However, TRA has failed to provide any written explanation for its objections and has refused to verify the certificate directly with KRA via email.
As a result, the goods have been held at the Namanga border, causing delays and financial losses to the consignee. This action by TRA Customs constitutes a violation of the EAC Protocols and Regulations, undermines the rights of the importer, and damages the legitimate business interests of Kenyan enterprises engaged in intra-EAC trade. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The goods were released without any payment. |
|
|
NTB-001-283 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies |
2025-07-07 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2026-02-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania imposition of discriminatory EXCISE DUTY OF TZS 400/KG on exports/Transfers that hinders ON SAFETY MATCHES export from Kenya into Tanzania. The same is not subjecting to SAFETY MATCHES manufactured in Tanzania. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The REC Focal point advised that this matter is in the courts therefore cannot be considered as NTB. |
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|
NTB-001-287 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2025-09-04 |
Tanzania: TRA |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
URT denial of the preferential treatment to blankets that have been manufactured in Kenya and instead subjecting the blankets to full CET of 25% duty on the blankets transferred from Kenya into URT by Spinner and Spinners LTD with reason that the company is benefitting from DRS. The raw material used in the manufacture of the blankets is EAC wide remission on HS Code 5402.33.00 as a regionally eligible code under the DRS. The affected consignment is Assessment Ref: TRA Namanga, Entry Ref. 158254115-25-9900817 subjecting to 25% duty. This creates an unfair trade barrier, distorts competition, and frustrates intra-EAC trade integration goals.
URT to grant preferential treatment to blankets enjoying regional DRS
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The consignee did not request for preferential tariff treatment when making his declaration and thus he was required to pay a total tax of Tshs 37 million. Later an amendment was done on 11th October 2025 and currently the taxes assessed are Tshs 13 million. This resolved the matter. |
|
|
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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