Non-Tariff Barriers :: Complaints

Resolved complaints

Showing items 881 to 900 of 930

Complaint number	NTB Type Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments 1.1. Export subsidies 1.2. Government monopoly in export/import 1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership 1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers 1.5. Requirement for counter trade 1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies 1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies 1.8. Import bans 1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country 1.10. Determination of eligibility of an exporting establishment (firm, company) by the importing country 1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation 1.12. Multiplicity and Controls of Foreign exchange market 1.13. "Buy national" policy 1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions 1.15. Other Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures 2.1. Government imposing antidumping duties 2.2. Arbitrary customs classification 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2.4. Import licensing 2.5. Decreed customs surcharges 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2.9. Issues related to transit fees 2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges 2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure 2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers 2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections 2.14. Other Category 3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) Category 4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures Category 5. Specific limitations 5.1. Quantitative restrictions 5.2. Exchange controls 5.3. Export taxes 5.4. Quotas 5.5. Import licensing requirements 5.6. Proportion restrictions of foreign to domestic goods (local content requirement) 5.7. Minimum import price limits 5.8. Embargoes 5.9. Non-automatic licensing 5.10. Prohibitions 5.11. Quantitative safeguard measures 5.12. Export restraint arrangements 5.13. Other quantity control measures 5.14. Restrictive licenses 5.15. Other Category 6. Charges on imports 6.1. Prior import deposits and subsidies 6.2. Administrative fees 6.3. Special supplementary duties 6.4. Import credit discriminations 6.5. Variable levies 6.6. Border taxes 6.7. Other Category 7. Other procedural problems 7.1. Arbitrariness 7.2. Discrimination 7.3. Corruption 7.4. Costly procedures 7.5. Lengthy procedures 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 7.7. Complex variety of documentation required 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 7.10. Other Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding 8.1. Government Policy and regulations 8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) 8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) 8.4. Transport related corruption 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 8.6. Vehicle standards 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees 8.8. Issues related to transit Other Policy or Regulatory NTB Not a policy or regulatory NTB	Date of incident	Location COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Reporting country or region (additional) COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Status	Actions
NTB-001-253	8.8. Issues related to transit	2025-05-11	Zimbabwe: Nyamapanda	South Africa	Resolved 2026-04-15	View
Complaint:	While in transit from BBR to Nyamapanda with a load destined for Malawi, our truck had to divert off the predetermined statutory route through Harare due to roadworks/congestion by no more than 400m. The Zimra tracking seal picked up this diversion and thus, we have been punished with a $2000 fine we which feel is incredibly excessive, especially with proof that the truck was not stationary at all while off-route. This punishment does not seem to fit the crime.
Resolution status note:	During the SADC Regional Meeting on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) held from 14–15 April 2026, National Focal Points from Zimbabwe and South Africa met to discuss this NTB. As was requested by South Africa during a bilateral meeting held on 2 February, 2026, Zimbabwe indicated that according to law, trucks are required to seek pre-authorization of any divergence on the agreed routes. South Africa noted that the truck driver did not comply with the requirements as stated.
NTB-000-512	8.6. Vehicle standards	2012-06-01	Tanzania: Tunduma	South Africa	Resolved 2013-04-10	View
Complaint:	While the SADC and most EAC countries as well as most international countries allow a vehicle length (semi truck and trailer) of 18,5 M Tanzania only allows 17,5M. This is, in itself, not really a problem, and we are willing to buy permits in order to comply with that country's rules. However the only way you can obtain a permit is to arrive at Tunduma border post (or any border post ) then you have to pay someone to catch a bus for about 900 Kms and apply in Dar es Salaam. This can take days and then to aggravate the situation, the permits will only be issued on a Thursday, then the runner has to catch a bus all the way back to the border post in unreliable busses etc. It only took two days to clear the transit goods into Tanzania for transit into Kenya, however we have had to wait approximately ten days just to get a permit for being the normal SADC length of vehicle. We are carrying UN goods and we have now missed the deadline for the goods to be loaded onto the ship in Mombasa. It is entirely unacceptable that Thousands of Dollars of time and money are now lost due to such a rule that the rest of world has moved past. Also if Tanzania wishes to continue to collect revenue for permits then is it not an easier solution for them to have an office at the border (possibly VID) that can issue a permit and allow goods to move in due time. At the very least could Tanroads, or the Ministry not simply allow pre purchase or order of the permits via internet and let VID issue and check the vehicle dimensions at the border? Why does this have to be such a difficult and time consuming issue that slows down trade into and across Tanzania's borders
Resolution status note:	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, Tanzania had consultations with South Africa and agreed it was a one off incident and if any issues arise they should contact Tanroad office at the Tunduma Border.
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.
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.
NTB-000-477	7.4. Costly procedures Policy/Regulatory	2011-12-02	South Africa: Kopfontein	Botswana	Resolved 2012-08-28	View
Complaint:	With effect from the 1st of January 2012 SARS will no longer be accepting bank guaranteed cheques as a mode of payment for the 14% VAT on imports into South Africa. A note from SARS reports that the reason for this major is due to modernization that SARS customs is currently under going and has impact on various areas of business including revenue division whereby every process will be automated. With SARS having stopped allowing foreign clients to participate in the deferment in 2007 and with SARS having on its cards at some point in 2012 they will discontinue those foreign clients who registered fro a deferment account prior 2007. This means foreign companies importing into South Africa will effectively have to pay cash or make use of a South African clearing agent with a deferred account at the boarders. Other alternatives given would be 1. Establish a company in SA which will be invoiced for all products sent to SA and would be liable for the 14% VAT and then on - sell to our current customers. 2. Approach SARS clearing agent, who would then pay the VAT and charge for it as well as clearing our products, note that current monthly VAT payments can go up to a million rands. 3. Approach our SA customers to open VAT deferred accounts with SARS which as proven difficult. further more SARS no longer accepts export documents that are filled in by individual companies, the requirement is that companies use the services of the SA clearing agents, of which a charge of 150 per document in rands is required. An average truck carrying various products for various clients could easily run into thousands of rands per truck load. It is increasingly becoming difficult to export into South Africa.
Resolution status note:	In their letter dated 28 August 2012 to Focal Point South Africa, Sout Africa Revenue Services reported that the NTB had been resolved bilaterally.
NTB-000-718	8.8. Issues related to transit	2016-08-02	Mozambique: Beira Port	Zambia	Resolved 2024-11-29	View
Complaint:	With reference to Resolved NTB-000-606, the matter is anything but resolved. We continue to experience attacks on our vehicles when using the Munhava Port Access. We have contacted numerous Security Companies in Beira to provide security for the vehicles, all have refused quoting the security situation. We have also been advised by other transporters that placing guards on the vehicles will only draw further action against the vehicles in an act of defiance/retribution. The Police do seem to be prepared to escort the vehicles, but we have no contacts nor tariffs charged. In the past week we have recorded 3 violent incidents.
Resolution status note:	A report from the National Focal Point indicated that the Provincial Command of Sofala has significantly enhanced security and protection in critical areas through increased police patrols. Mozambique is committed to allocating additional operational resources, including vehicles and motorcycles, to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, particularly along the N6 transport route.
NTB-000-402	7.4. Costly procedures Policy/Regulatory	2011-03-01	Mozambique: Ministry of Finance	Mozambique	Resolved 2011-09-19	View
Complaint:	Withholding tax is charged on payment to any company not registered in Mozambique. Any truck from a neighbouring country delivering goods to Beira is required to pay this tax on any backload which it may return with to its home destination. In practice this leads to the belief that no foreign truck can collect goods from Beira Port
Resolution status note:	Mozambique reported that for all foreign operatorso undertake commerciaal transit operations, in that country, they must be conform to requirements as per article 25 of the ministerial decree 10/2002 of January 30th.
Products:	2523.29: Portland cement (excl. white, whether or not artificially coloured)
NTB-000-391	7.4. Costly procedures	2011-02-14	Mozambique: Ministry of Finance	Mozambique	Resolved 2011-09-29	View
Complaint:	Withholding tax of 20% is charged on any payment made to a company not registered in Mozambique. Export of fresh produce to Europe by airfreight, or to South Africa by refrigerated road haulage cannot be carried out by any company registered in Mozambique. Therefore payment to service providers such as international airlines and road hauliers engaging in export of perishable goods to Europe or South Africa is subject to payment of 20% withholding tax. International airlines and road hauliers do not accept the deduction of this tax meaning the exporting company based in Mozambique must assume this as a cost, thus increasing the cost of export products, and reducing the margin made on exporting these products
Resolution status note:	At the consultative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Mozambique NTBs focal Points in Maputo on 19 September 2011, Mozambique reported that all compaines doing commercial business in the territory must be registered in that country. Foreign haulage companies wishing to participate in local business must therefore conform with legal requirements.
Products:	0708.10: Fresh or chilled peas "Pisum sativum", shelled or unshelled
NTB-000-112	7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues	2009-07-26	Namibia: Ministry of Home Affairs	South Africa	Resolved 2010-11-22	View
Complaint:	Work permits are required from consultants and business representatives even for one day visits.
NTB-000-911	8.1. Government Policy and regulations Policy/Regulatory	2019-10-15	Zambia: All Zambia Weighbridges	Zimbabwe	Resolved 2020-07-10	View
Complaint:	Zambia applies 0% tolerance on Gross Weight at all Weigh Bridge Stations when all the other counties on the North – South Corridor allows 2 – 5% tolerance on Gross Weight as allowance for weigh bridge weight variances, since weigh bridges give varying weights at any given time which results in fining transporters unnecessarily. The expectation is that Zambia should apply a 2% tolerance on gross weight thereby removing the current challenge faced by foreign operators in the country.
Resolution status note:	During the 8th Meeting of NTBs Focal Points held on 8- 10 July 2020, Zambia reported that it applies a 5% tolerance on Gross Weight at all Weigh Bridges. Zimbabwe needs to clarify whether they are still experiencing challenges. If not it should be considered resolved
NTB-001-106	6.5. Variable levies	2022-07-05	Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority	Zambia	Resolved 2026-04-14	View
Complaint:	Zambia exports into Zimbabwe on beverages attracts additional duty of $ 0.05/Litre.Lengthy Compliance processes, Multiple agency approvals and complex certification requirements further discourage sincere exporters as these layers increase the product turnaround time and further increase RTM cost and delivery time. For example: - COC, Inspection, Route plan B, Importer licenses & various agency registrations (Multiple window clearance, COMESA certificate)
Resolution status note:	During NTb workshop held on 14 April 2026 , Zambia and Zimbabwe reported that the charges on beverages are legal taxes charged on all beverages, nothing discriminatory. Therefore this matter can be resolved.
NTB-000-061	8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees Policy/Regulatory	2009-07-22	Zambia: Ministry of Transport	Zimbabwe	Resolved 2011-05-23	View
Complaint:	Zambia has increased its carbon tax and is now charging US$40 per trip instead of US$40 per annum
Resolution status note:	Zambia reported that she does not charge US$ 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.
NTB-000-060	8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees Policy/Regulatory	2009-07-22	Zambia: Ministry of Transport	Zimbabwe	Resolved 2010-11-22	View
Complaint:	Zambia has is now charging carbon tax of US$40 per trip an increase from the original US$40 per annum.
Resolution status note:	Zambia reported that she does not charge US$ 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.
NTB-000-175	1.1. Export subsidies B6: Product identity requirement	2009-07-27	Zambia: Bureau of Standards	Malawi	Resolved 2011-03-04	View
Complaint:	Zambia has placed standards requirements that sugar from Malawi be fortified with Vitamin A.
Resolution status note:	Zambia reported that all sugar for domestic consumption, be it imported or manufactured locally is supposed to be fortified with vitamin A.
NTB-000-175	1.1. Export subsidies B6: Product identity requirement	2009-07-27	Zambia: Bureau of Standards	Malawi	Resolved 2011-03-04	View
Complaint:	Zambia has placed standards requirements that sugar from Malawi be fortified with Vitamin A.
Resolution status note:	Zambia reported that all sugar for domestic consumption, be it imported or manufactured locally is supposed to be fortified with vitamin A.
NTB-000-951	Quarantine for All Truck drivers	2020-04-05	Zambia: Kazungula Ferry	Zimbabwe	Resolved 2020-04-10	View
Complaint:	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.
Resolution status note:	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.
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
Complaint:	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.
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 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
Products:	1703.90: Beet molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar
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
Complaint:	Zambia is now demanding a carbon tax of US$40 per trip instead of the previously charged US$40 per annum.
Resolution status note:	Zambia does not charge US$ 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.
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
Complaint:	Zambia licensing process just too long.
Resolution status note:	Zambia reported that the process only takes 24hours
NTB-000-931	7.3. Corruption	2019-11-26	Zambia: Mazabuka		Resolved 2020-06-24	View
Complaint:	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.
Resolution status note:	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
NTB-000-932	8.1. Government Policy and regulations	2019-12-04	Zambia: Ministry of Transport	Zimbabwe	Resolved 2020-11-10	View
Complaint:	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.
Resolution status note:	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.

<< Previous 1 2 3...43 44 45 46 47 Next >>

Display:

Non-Tariff Barriers

Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism

Resolved complaints