| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-732 |
5.15. Other |
2017-01-01 |
Zambia: Zambia |
|
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Carbon Tax Increase over 37% for commercial vehicles |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25th January 2018, Zambia Focal Point advised that the measure was for all motor vehicles and the highest percentage of 40% was on motor cycles and small vehicles. 37% on commercial vehicle was among the lowest percentage increases. This measure was intended to adjust the carbon emission surtax for inflation. It had not been adjusted since its introduction in 2006. This is in line with the Customs and Excise Act 47 of 2016. We propose that this be considered resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-889 |
2.14. Other |
2018-04-05 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Zobwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2019-10-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism received a complaint from Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Ltd of a Non-Tariff Barrier imposed by Mozambican Customs Authorities at Zobue Border Post.
The company reported that Mozambique Customs Officials are demanding that containers carrying processed tobacco transiting through Mozambique should be opened after passing through Zobue Border Post.
Once the container is opened for physical inspection, customers (buyers of tobacco) demand that the exporter should get an official letter from the Mozambique Customs Officials. Unfortunately, Mozambique customs authorities have not issued documents nor provided formal reports stating the occurrence of the inspections and confirming changes in seal numbers once an inspection has taken place. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting to launch SMS tool for Malawi on 30 October 2019, Malawi Focal Point reported that Limbe Leaf Tobacco had written a letter to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism confirming that Mozambique had removed the requirement for additional inspections |
|
|
NTB-000-890 |
7.10. Other |
2018-11-19 |
Kenya: Moi International airport |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2019-04-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Tanzania trader (02 Export Gem Company Limited of Arusha, Tanzania) had exported a consignment of minerals to Kenya. However, the business deal was not sealed and hence the consignment was directed to be taken back to the Country of Origin (Tanzania). All documentation regarding the return of the consgnemnt were processed between TRA and KRA and were concluded. But KRA could not realease the consignment to the Tanzania Trader. Despite all efforts made physically, on phone and in writting, KRA has held the consignment since November, 2018 to date. The company has incured losses in following up on the consignment including among others Hotel bills, escort fees, transfer car fees, storage fees, fees related to documentation processing.
KRA is required to release the consignment to the trader and re-emburse all the costs related to the delay in releasing the consignment. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
This matter was therefore resolved at the Bilateral meeting held on 22-23 April 2019 between Kenya and Tanzania . Kenya committed to deliver the minerals to the trader on 27th April, 2019 at Taveta border Post |
|
|
NTB-000-935 |
1.15. Other |
2019-12-01 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2020-02-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Zambian exporter is experiencing challenges with obtaining certification from Bureau Veritas (BV) South Africa which has been unjustifiably delaying the issuance of Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) despite all the required documents being availed. This has been a continuous hindrance to the company’s ability to export its products to other countries in the COMESA and SADC regions specifically to Kenya and Zimbabwe.
BV South Africa has been systemically delaying in the issuance of CoCs by, inter alia, requesting for the same documents by different officers in the company and by responding to emails very late beyond the stipulated period of 48 hours within which the CoCs should be issued. These delays have previously lasted up to 3 or 4 months. Additionally BV South Africa has also delayed the issuance of Certificate of Conformity on products that were initially passed on previous assessments despite there being no change in the production process. This problem is related to clearance for exports destined for Kenya and Zimbabwe.
The actions by BV South Africa constitute a Non-Tariff Barrier and we would like this issue to be resolved expeditiously as the Company has already incurred losses as a result of the unnecessary delays. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 26 February 2020 a representative from Bureau Veritas responded that they are operating a Verification of Conformity programme or CBCA (Consignment- Based Conformity Assessment) on behalf of Governments (in examples provided Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania). Their detailed response to the NTBs is given below :
Followings the analysis of the files reference you provided, we consider that the files were treated in accordance with the applicable technical requirements. For 2 files, improvement of communication would have certainly leaded into shorter processing time. Among various corrective actions that have been decided, the main one is the creation of a Sales Office in Lusaka in order to directly support all exporters willing to export in countries having such Programme of Verification of Conformity. The support will be provided through awareness and clarifications on the implementation of the various programmes. This will be effective as of March 1st 2020. On top of that an awareness session will be organised in Lusaka at the Inntercontinental Hotel on March 27th at 8h30. You are obviously welcome to attend.
We also remind that these programmes are related to conformity of products and applicable assessment process is not only an inspection. Exporters are advised to initiate their requests as soon as they know they are going to supply goods to the country where such program is in place and not to wait for the goods to be ready to be shipped.” |
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|
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. |
|
|
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 . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Issue was resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-044 |
1.15. Other |
2021-12-03 |
Uganda: Malaba |
Kenya |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda Revenue Authority has introduced a mandatory requirement for import certificate for export and transit cargo to DRC and South Sudan.
This requirement is causing delays to transit cargo to Congo and Sudan and comes with an extra cost to the customers since they have to pay customs agents to secure the certificates on their behalf. This negatively affects export business. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 14 June 2022, the EAC Secretariat reported that this requirement is causing delays to transit cargo to Congo and South Sudan and comes with an extra cost to the customers since they have to pay customs agents to secure the certificates on their behalf.
The SCTIFI meeting was informed that this was upon the request of RSS and DRC and was later recalled. Hence the NTB is resolved. |
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|
NTB-001-208 |
5.15. Other |
2024-05-01 |
Uganda: Fish protection unit |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda is intercepting fish export from Kenya which is in transit to DRC on grounds that Kenya is transferring immature fish that is not accepted in Uganda.
The fish protection unit in Uganda opens the goods on transit in the sealed containers which is against the provisions of goods in transit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The meeting also noted that Uganda had signed an MoU with Kenya on the movement of fish
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
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? |
|
|
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-001-020 |
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-000-082 |
5.7. Minimum import price limits
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-23 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho regulates prices by fixing a floor price for beans and peas. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that she does not regulate prices for any product; however our marketing department sometimes makes some price recommendations based on the market price for legumes. At times when these food stuffs have been subsidized due to lack of food supplies as a result of drought, prices are being regulated (only on subsidized programmes). |
|
|
NTB-000-133 |
5.7. Minimum import price limits
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho regulates prices for dry beans |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that she does not regulate prices for any product; however our marketing department sometimes makes some price recommendations based on the market price for legumes. At times when these food stuffs have been subsidized due to lack of food supplies as a result of drought, prices are being regulated (only on subsidized programmes). |
|
|
NTB-000-134 |
5.7. Minimum import price limits
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
South Africa |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lesotho regulates prices by fixing a floor price for peas |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Lesotho reported that she does not regulate prices for any product; however our marketing department sometimes makes some price recommendations based on the market price for legumes. At times when these food stuffs have been subsidized due to lack of food supplies as a result of drought, prices are being regulated (only on subsidized programmes). |
|
|
NTB-000-320 |
5.7. Minimum import price limits |
2009-09-09 |
Seychelles: Other Seychelles |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is price control on goods imported inti Seychelles. Prices of imported goods are limited by a maximum 30% mark-up |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Seychelles reported that price control has been removed on all non-food items. Seychelles needs to eliminate NTB’s, therefore need to explore alternative ways of controlling price on food items. |
|
|
NTB-000-093 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2009-07-26 |
Tanzania: Banking Institutions |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania banks delay processing bank documents resulting in vessel arriving at the port of destination before the importer receives the original documents from the bank. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania reported that the complaint is obliged to comply with banks’ requirements to speed up the process |
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NTB-000-492 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2012-03-01 |
South Africa: transit in south Africa |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-01-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A private show company has made a complaint regarding the custom stoppages in South Africa.
The Company imports products from Durban and transit through South Africa, the company has been informed that their trucks will be undergoing a tunnel for physical inspections of goods in transit.
The company however, feel that this exercise is detrimental to their business as it is slow and will delay the arrival of goods and attract extra charges. The Company wonders why the good in transit should be stopped by customs/ police for inspections. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 29th December, Zambia Focal Point advised that they had contacted the complainant who confirmed that the problem had been rectified. |
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NTB-000-417 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2011-04-01 |
Zambia: Mwami |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Small cross border traders who wish to register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) are delayed for at least a day while waiting for that number to activated to enable them to be exempted from paying Advance Income Tax (AIT). |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation , Zambia reported that Zambia Revenue Authority effected the mandatory use of the Tax Payer Identification Number (TPIN) on ASYCUDA with effect from 1st January 2011. TPNs are issued once and are valid for life to both individuals and registered companies. Issuance of TPINs has been decentralized and can be completed within a day. Only 2 of the 15 stations/borders are not connected to the fibre optic linking the ASYCUDA but these can still communicate with assistance from Head Quarters and other stations. Taxpayers are encouraged to obtain TPINs in advance before importing goods. |
|
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NTB-000-604 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2013-09-19 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-11-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There are excessive delays at the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Trucks are taking around 5 days to transit the border and are completing only one trip Beira, Zambia and return, per month. Their monthly kilometres travelled is down to around 5000 kms per month. No transporter can accommodate such a low utilization of his fleet.
The queue on the Zimbabwe side, stretches for anything up to 10 kms.
There are several reasons for the delays at this border post, including:
Strict application of new rules and procedures by the Bank of Zambia and ZRA
The scanning machine has been under repair
There were special arrangements for Ministers visiting the border and so restricting the passage of trucks
The commercial operating hours are from 0800 to 1630. This is insufficient for the traffic flow
A tug-of-war between ZRP and ZIMRA as to which should control the traffic on the Zim side
When a crisis like this occurs, officials "make a plan" and clear the border of backlog.
It is understood that it costs $10 to get to the front of the queue and $20 to get into customs. Transit can then be made in 12 hours.
This is not acceptable.
There should be a permanent process in place to ensure the border does not get congested.
One solution, is to open the border from 6am to midnight, as with Beitbridge.
Extra security will have to be put in place to accommodate this night traffic and parking.
Urgent and effective measures must be taken. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 7th October 2013, the Zimbabwe Focal Point reported that the relevant NMC members comprising Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held a meeting on 4 October 2013 to consider the urgent complaint raised by the Transport Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe also posted on the online system as NTB 604. The meeting observed that that the congestion was a result of increased traffic on the North South Corridor and also increase in traffic from Beira Port. This is coupled with inadequate infrastructure at the border which was not designed to contain the large volume of traffic.
The meeting identified the following factors that contributed towards the congestion as well as a way forward to address the problem resulted in clearing the congestion.
1. The congestion which was experienced recently was partly caused by break down of scanner on the Zambian side due to heat. The Zambians are scanning 100% on commercial cargo. This also contributed to the problem.
2. Inadequate infrastructure is the main challenge at the border. North-bound trucks are only released four at a time because there is no holding space on the Zambian side.
3. ZIMRA has a challenge of accommodation at the border, so when they send their relief staff they will be staying in Kariba, which is also costly for them.
4. Problems of congestion at Chirundu can only be solved by engaging the Zambian counter-parts since the problem is brought about by north bound traffic.
5. ZIMRA is pre-clearing most trucks but Clearing Agents release trucks in batches to minimise movement across the border. This creates additional congestion. However, ZIMRA have already engaged the agents on the issue.
6. ZIMRA has already engaged ZRA and they have made an administrative arrangement to work up to 10pm whenever the traffic volume is high. ZIMRA have also reacted to ease the congestion problem by sending 19 additional staff.
7. It emerged that there is lack of control of trucks outside the border area. The police and the Rural District Council seem not to be playing their role. The trucks would also be mixed with that carrying hazardous and flammable goods which is very risk.
8. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development is going to set up a committee which will visit Chirundu Border Post to get more information from the people on the ground.
Way forward
1 Zimbabwe set up a committee to visit the border to establish facts from the people on the ground.
2. Zimbabwe will make effort to engage her Zambian counter-parts so that they create some holding space for north-bound traffic.
3. Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport is working on creating temporary parks on the Zimbabwean side as well as building accommodation for border agencies. |
|
|
NTB-000-604 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2013-09-19 |
Zambia: Chirundu |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-11-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There are excessive delays at the Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and Zambia
Trucks are taking around 5 days to transit the border and are completing only one trip Beira, Zambia and return, per month. Their monthly kilometres travelled is down to around 5000 kms per month. No transporter can accommodate such a low utilization of his fleet.
The queue on the Zimbabwe side, stretches for anything up to 10 kms.
There are several reasons for the delays at this border post, including:
Strict application of new rules and procedures by the Bank of Zambia and ZRA
The scanning machine has been under repair
There were special arrangements for Ministers visiting the border and so restricting the passage of trucks
The commercial operating hours are from 0800 to 1630. This is insufficient for the traffic flow
A tug-of-war between ZRP and ZIMRA as to which should control the traffic on the Zim side
When a crisis like this occurs, officials "make a plan" and clear the border of backlog.
It is understood that it costs $10 to get to the front of the queue and $20 to get into customs. Transit can then be made in 12 hours.
This is not acceptable.
There should be a permanent process in place to ensure the border does not get congested.
One solution, is to open the border from 6am to midnight, as with Beitbridge.
Extra security will have to be put in place to accommodate this night traffic and parking.
Urgent and effective measures must be taken. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 13 November 2013 ZIMRA reported that the problem of long queues at Chirundu had been resolved and there were no queues at the border thereby resolving this NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-846 |
7.5. Lengthy procedures |
2018-09-06 |
Tanzania: Namanga |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania registers Kenya Trucks carrying transit goods. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Tanzania informed the meeting that it is not a new registration but recording them in the system for the purpose of the SCT. This is done annually and is free. URT informed the Meeting that this is declaration and recording of trucks but not registration.
The NTB was resolved |
|
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