| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-523 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2012-08-06 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: On all roads |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-12-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
the traffic police and other authorities in DRC, are enforcing a 40km/hr speed limit on all roads.
If the speed is exceeded, a spot fine of US$500 is imposed.
If the truck is impounded, a further US$100 per day is charged for parking.
This is an unacceptable acitivity, since the normal speed limits are clearly marked with road signs.
40km/hr throughout the country is not a realistic speed limit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 02 December 2012, the Department of Transport in the DRC advised that an agreement between the drivers and the DRC government was reached that , until 30 January 2013, there will be no speed limits imposed. The DRC government will look at the drivers behaviour and will come back with a final solution to this issue after 30 January 2013. |
|
|
NTB-000-517 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2012-07-16 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: KIPUS Mine |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2012-07-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA) reported that Tanzania Trucks, after delivering a consignment they carried from Tanzania to Congo, are charged $100,000/= per truck if they want to carry another consignment on their way back to Dar es Salaam. The attached receipt is just evidence for one transaction but there are other transporters who have paid such charges while there are also other transporters whose vehicles have been detained until now. This fee is charged at KIPUS mine in the name of LOCAL INCOME TAX WHILE LOADING CARGO. Tanzania regards this as an NTB and she needs to know the reason for charging such a huge amount of money from transporters. DRC focal point is requested to treat this matter as urgent since a number of tracks are still detained at Kipus Mine in the D. R. Congo. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 08 October, Tanzania focal point reported that the DRC released the trucks held at the KIPUS Mine . This NTB is therefore considered resolved. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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 . |
|
|
NTB-001-020 |
1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-06-14 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
Zambia |
Resolved
2021-06-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
It has been reported that the DRC Health Department has implemented a mandatory COVID testing fee of US$45 per driver disregarding any other COVID certificates issued by Member States . This has led to Drivers from various countries parking their trucks and not crossing into DRC because they would like the DRC Government to reverse the directive on mandatory COVID19 test at a fee of $45. Currently, there is no traffic movement at Kasumbalesa.
This has disrupted the movement of goods and people between the two countries. We therefore request the relevant officials to resolve this matter.
Reporting on behalf of Truck Drivers |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 19th June , 2021 Zambia Focal Point advised that they had received information that the fees had been reduced to US$10 and therefore the trucks were cleared resolving the problem . The trucks are now able to cross over to DRC side. |
|
|
NTB-001-023 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2021-07-26 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: The DRC government. Ministry of Transport |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The DRC has just published legislation prohibiting foreign vehicles from loading mining products and to remove (export) them from the DRC. The unofficial translation of the new DRC amendment:Article 4-It is strictly forbidden for any vehicle not registered in the Democratic Republic of Congo to load goods, in this case mining products from the national territory; In the event of violation of the above paragraph, the goods are immediately unloaded at the shipper's risk.
According to an unofficial translation of article four of the amendment affecting the DRC's road freight sector, "it is strictly forbidden for any vehicle not registered in the DRC to load goods, in this case mining products, from the national territory”.
The article continues, saying "in the event of violation of the above paragraph, the goods are immediately unloaded at the shipper's risk”. The decision is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on exports out of the DRC's Copperbelt region, with some transporters going so far as to say that it's wholly impractical and a protectionist strategy that is bound to boomerang against the government in Kinshasa. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the SADC Regional workshop on resolution of NTBs it was agreed that SADC Carbotage regulations do not allow foreign trucks to load on return trip |
|
|
NTB-001-118 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2023-05-16 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Mitaka, Lualaba province Democratic republic of Congo |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
DRC authorities in Mutaka, Lualaba province are charging 100 United states dollars for scanning each commercial truck loaded with cargo.
Cumbersome barriers, lengthy procedures have caused unprecedented congestion of hundreds of trucks in Mutaka area.
Truck drivers no sanitation, no wellness facilities, power security. One truck driver died in his truck on the due to Kasumbalesa border. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Taxes have been abolished |
|
|
NTB-001-120 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2023-06-12 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-01-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
SADC Truck drivers at all Borders with DRC are experiencing cumbersome payment procedures for the scanner costing $100 and forced parking costing $30 which has led to congestion (long queues) subjecting drivers to as; no sanitation, delayment on average by 8 days and serious security concerns; and Delayed document processing by mining houses i.e. It takes an average of 14 - 30 days to be cleared after loading. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Considering the Zamia NMC report above, which indicates that the Truckers Association of Zambia stated that the parking fees and scanner charges had been lifted, this NTB is therefore considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-001-125 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2023-06-01 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: |
Malawi |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Cross Border truck drivers from Malawi, Zambia and other COMESA Member States face cumbersome procedures of clearing goods and other transit issues at the relevant border post in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In particular the following is reported:
1. Scanner at Mutaka- Cumbersome payment procedures for the scanner ($100) and forced parking ($30) which has led to congestion for the drivers as well as serious security concerns.
2. Unnecessary stoppages along Kasumbalesa-Kolwezi Corridor causing massive delays.
3. Delayed document processing by Mining houses.
4. Unfair treatment of drivers in an event of accidents, sickness and death. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs workshop 17th - 19th April 2024, DRC Focal Point confirmed that the scanner and parking charges have been lifted.
During NMC meeting held in Malawi in March 2026, Malawi NFP contacted their truck association who confirmed that they were no longer paying the charges therefore NTBs has been resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-031 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2008-12-23 |
Egypt: Ministry of Trade |
Uganda |
Resolved
2009-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
: Authorisation fees for endorsement of COMESA Certificate of Origin
Uganda has complained that Egypt authorities require that Certificates of Origin be endorsed by the Egyptian Embassy in Kampala before dispatch of the goods |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Issue was resolved through COMESA Customs and Trade Committee |
|
|
NTB-000-030 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2008-12-22 |
Egypt: Ministry of Trade |
Kenya |
Resolved
2011-05-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya complained that Egyptian authorities were demanding the galvanized steel coils should be engraved with the wording 'Made in Kenya as proof of origin' |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Egypt reported that the issue had been resolved through diplomatic channels. the Egyptian authorities forwarded an official reply in this regard through diplomatic channels including that the technical standard on Egyptian imports of galvanized steel coils, as well as the COMESA rules of origin does not require codification of the indication of origin on the product. |
|
|
Products:
|
7208.39: Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of >= 600 mm, in coils, simply hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, of a thickness of < 3 mm, not pickled, without patterns in relief |
|
|
NTB-000-006 |
2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers |
2004-05-29 |
Egypt: Egypt Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Authorisation fees for endorsement of COMESA Certificate of
Origin
Uganda has complained that Egypt authorities require that Certificates of Origin be endorsed by the Egyptian Embassy in Kampala before dispatch of the goods. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Egypt reported that she does not require consular or Embassy export documentation. A ministerial Decree issued by the Government of Egypt was circulated to all COMESA Member States on March 22 2007. |
|
|
NTB-000-678 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-08-25 |
Egypt: Egyptian Customs Authority - Ministry of Finance |
Kenya |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non acceptance of COMESA certificates of origin on mill white sugar, LG Electronics (TV sets) originating from Kenya |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 8th February 2016 , Focal Point for Egypt reported that the NTB be considered resolved on the basis of a recommendation from a joint visit on the spot verification for Mill White Sugar and LG products (TV Sets) was undertaken that White sugar & LG Electronics (TV sets) qualify for preferential treatment according to COMESA protocol of ROO. |
|
|
NTB-000-933 |
7.7. Complex variety of documentation required |
2018-10-12 |
Egypt: Port Said Sea Port |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2020-10-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Egyptian authorities require a number of lengthy and costly documentation for clearance of consignment at customs. The identified cumbersome documentation requirements are as follows:
1. All export documents must be signed and stamped by the exporter's legal representative
2. All export documents must be signed and stamped by the Prime Minister's Office of Mauritius (Apostille requirement)
3. All export documents must be signed and stamped by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius (Apostille requirement)
4. All export documents must be signed and stamped by the Egyptian Embassy in Mauritius
5. All export documents must be signed and stamped by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Some products also require a Certificate of Origin issued by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry despite being already accompanied by a COMESA Certificate of Origin. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 5th Meeting of the COMESA Trade and Trade Facilitation Sub Committee held on 6- 8 October , Mauritius reported that the NTB had been resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-058 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2022-03-12 |
Egypt: Egypt Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Egyptian customs rejected to apply the COMESA certificate of origin issued by Madagascar attached because the signature is different. COMESA Secretariat is therefore requested to check the attached received from the shipper and advise on way forward. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA Workshop on Capacity building for Member States held on 2- 6 April 2023, which reviewed this NTB, Egypt National Focal Point was requested to update status of the rejected consignment which was accompanied by the COMESA Certificate of Origin in the online system. However, on further review, it the meeting recommended that this complaint be regarded as resolved because the COMESA Certificate of Origin in question was not confirmed to be authentic. |
|
|
NTB-001-069 |
7.7. Complex variety of documentation required |
2016-09-15 |
Egypt: Chamber of Commerce
Egyptian Embassy
Ministry of Foreign Trade |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2025-10-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A number of procedural requirements are currently impeding the exports of Mauritian products to Egypt. To that effect, the concerned authorities in Mauritius have made enquiries with a registered trader in Egypt and it has been brought to its attention that for an exporter to start trading with an Egyptian importer, the following documents, duly certified by the Chamber of Commerce and approved by the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, have to be submitted as per Ministerial Decree 43/2016:
i. A registration form by the legal representative of the factory or authorised person;
ii. A certificate of legal status of the factory and the issued license of the factory;
iii. A list of products of the factory and their brand;
iv. The brand of the product and the Trademark produced according to a license from the owner;
v. A certificate that the factory has a Quality Control System from a recognised body of The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) or the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) or from an Egyptian or Foreign Government body approved by the Minister of Foreign Trade.
The authorities in Mauritius consider that these procedural requirements constitute a Non-Tariff Barrier and in that regard contravene Article 49 of the COMESA Treaty.
We would appreciate that the authorities concerned in Egypt review these procedures in order to facilitate trade in line with the spirit of the COMESA Treaty.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Egypt has approved the accreditation of Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) as a government entity to issue quality management system certificates, as required for registration by Ministerial Decree No. 43 of 2016. The NTB can now be marked as 'Resolved' |
|
|
NTB-000-058 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-02-09 |
Eritrea: Eritrea Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya reported that the Government of Eritrea is rejecting the COMESA Certificate of origin on processed meat exports from the Farmers Choice in Kenya due to authenticity of Signatures. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Eriteria reported that the issue was resolved by the COMESA customs and trade committee meeting |
|
|
Products:
|
2102.10: Active yeasts |
|
|
NTB-000-129 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-06-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A total lack of consistency in the application of customs procedures at all clearing offices especially with regards to VAT. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) started operating in January 2011 and replaces the Department of Customs and Excise. The organization is therefore in process of developing appropriate customs clearances procedures which will be uniformly applied at all border posts. This also applies to recruitment and training of staff which is still is ongoing to reach the desired levels which will bring efficiencies in the provision of service at all borders. |
|
|
NTB-000-129 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-06-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A total lack of consistency in the application of customs procedures at all clearing offices especially with regards to VAT. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) started operating in January 2011 and replaces the Department of Customs and Excise. The organization is therefore fairly new and is still in process of developing appropriate customs clearances procedures which will be uniformly applied at all border posts. This also applies to recruitment and training of staff which is still is ongoing to reach the desired levels which will bring efficiencies in the provision of service at all borders. |
|
|
NTB-000-130 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Eswatini: Bordergate |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2011-06-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of proper customs procedures and harmonization at the boarder posts. Customs regulations differ per individual officer, per border post , per country. There is no standard procedure of operation which is common to SADC countries |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) started operating in January 2011 and replaces the Department of Customs and Excise. The organization is therefore fairly new and is still in process of developing appropriate customs clearances procedures which will be uniformly applied at all border posts. This also applies to recruitment and training of staff which is still is ongoing to reach the desired levels which will bring efficiencies in the provision of service at all borders. |
|
|
Products:
|
2004.90: Vegetables and mixtures of vegetables, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, frozen (excl. preserved by sugar, and tomatoes, mushrooms, truffles and potatoes, unmixed) |
|
|
NTB-000-328 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Revenue Authority |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2011-06-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The customs declaration system linking Swaziland Borders is not automated. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Swaziland reported that the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA) started operating in January 2011 and replaces the Department of Customs and Excise. The organization is therefore fairly new and is still in process of developing appropriate customs clearances procedures which will be uniformly applied at all border posts. This also applies to recruitment and training of staff which is still is ongoing to reach the desired levels which will bring efficiencies in the provision of service at all borders. |
|
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