Resolved complaints

Showing items 121 to 140 of 855
Complaint number NTB Type
Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments
Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures
Category 5. Specific limitations
Category 6. Charges on imports
Category 7. Other procedural problems
Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding
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Date of incident Location
COMESA
EAC
SADC
Reporting country or region (additional)
COMESA
EAC
SADC
Status Actions
NTB-000-400 1.1. Export subsidies
A52: Irradiation
2011-02-22 South Africa: The Department of Trade and Industry Zambia Resolved
2015-08-10
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Complaint: The Zambian honey sector have come against repeated resistance from the South African authorities to allow organic honey to enter the South Africa market without the unnecessary requirement of irradiation. Therefore, our traders are requesting the South African government for an exemption from the irradiation requirements for the importation of honey from Zambia as set out by the National Department of Agriculture (RSA).

An analysis undertaken by the National Department of Agriculture (NDA) of South Africa collected honey samples from across Zambia during a national disease survey funded by the World Bank in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture of Zambia. The findings of this analysis by the NDA reveal that there is no American Foulbrood Disease in Zambia.
 
Resolution status note: South Africa advised that all honey exports from Zambia were now accepted into that market.  
Products: 0409.00: Natural honey  
NTB-000-417 7.5. Lengthy procedures 2011-04-01 Zambia: Mwami Zambia Resolved
2011-07-28
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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.  
NTB-000-534 8.4. Transport related corruption 2012-09-30 Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Machipanda (Road) Zambia Resolved
2013-04-10
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Complaint: On the aforemention date, one of my fuel tankers, was stopped by Mozambique Environmental Officials at the Machipanda border post. The officials advised that they wanted to inspect the fire extinguishers and the driver cooperated by placing the 4 extinguishers at their disposal.

The Officials then pulled the pin on all four extinguishers and discharged the powder. They then told the driver that they were satisfied that the extinguishers worked, and he could proceed.

You cannot do this to a fire extinguisher. It is not like an aerosol can that keeps its pressure. Once you depress the handle and discharge even a small amount of powder, the fire extinguisher is exhausted and of no further use.

Officials can check if the extinguisher is valid on the certificate on the side of the extinguisher and if the site glass indicates pressure in the green.

If we need an extinguisher and the officials have discharged it, we are at the mercy of the fire.
 
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, ZambiaMozambique reported that this was a mistake by officer on duty and this matter has since been corrected and therefore resolved.  
NTB-000-567 1.1. Export subsidies 2013-02-01 Kenya: Namanga Zambia Resolved
2013-02-27
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Complaint: A consignment of sugar exported from Zambia to Kenya by Zambia Sugar has been delayed at the border for more than 20 days, and still has not been released. The COMESA secretariat has assisted in verifying the Certificate of origin that was apparently the initial reason for the delay. However the sugar has still not been processed for release  
Resolution status note: On 27 February 2013, the Coordinator Border Coordination Management, Kenya Revenue Authority advised that, upon
verification of the certificate of origin, all consignments of sugar exports from Zambia into Kenya were released by 23 February 2013. KRA submitted a status report to the Focal Point, Kenya, indicating specific release dates for individual consignmenet as evidence.
 
NTB-000-606 8.8. Issues related to transit 2013-10-08 Mozambique: Beira Port Zambia Resolved
2015-06-19
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Complaint: This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
There is a serious security problem with trucks entering the Munhava area of Beira port.
The Munhava access route is the only entrance used by trucks entering the port to load and offload.
This is an extremely high crime area with drivers being harassed by third parties while entering and departing the port. The road is in a poor condition and is congested so vehicles have to slow right down. The criminal elements gather in this area and stop the vehicles by engaging the rear axle park brake on the fuel tankers or jumping onto the vehicle itself. They then demand money from the drivers (approx. USD 5 to 10). Should the driver fail to pay over the cash, he is then pulled from the vehicle and beaten. The driver is then thrown under the truck while a member of the group enters the truck and steals the personal effects, radios, money, tools etc from the vehicle.
If the drivers overnight within the Port, they are harassed by parties again. If the driver leaves the vehicle to submit documents, they enter the vehicle using duplicate keys. As you know, keys for trucks are not unique.
If you are travelling along this road with fertilizers or as in the case of the attached photo, wheat, then you need an armed guard.
The photo was taken at the Junction of the Main Beira Road and Munhava Road. As the vehicle turned the corner and drove out of Munhava, the guard cleared the weapon and sat down, an indication that he was out of the ‘danger’ area.
It is noted that the target of these attacks are predominately launched at foreign transporters.
ASTROS, the National Road Transport Association (NRTA) in Beira, has held meetings with the chief of Sofala province police, chief of nearest police station, CFM management in Sofala, Cornelder Management, Transport department of Sofala, and ultimately the Sofala Governor. The Governor has even opened a free telephone link to ASTROS. None of these initiatives have solved this problem.
CFM and the police know who the criminals are, where they stay and how they act, but simply do nothing.
This is a most serious situation and requires the urgent attention of the Regional Economic Communities (SADC, COMESA).
 
Resolution status note: On 19 June 2015, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the competent Provincial authorities in Sofala reported that security in the area had been reinforced to ensure safety of truckers. Further Mozambique Focal Point advised that, in future, FESARTA should provide names and force numbers for the police officer/s asking for bribes to assist in further investigations. Mozambique therefore has resolved the complaint  
NTB-000-624 8.6. Vehicle standards 2014-02-18 Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Zambia Resolved
2014-03-19
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Complaint: This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A Zambian transport company has 6 vehicles carrying copper into Zimbabwe, detained at the Vic Falls weighbridge, because “the exhaust is pointing down to the ground “ and it must be “up in the air “ according to an official on duty.
The vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes Benz and, for these vehicles; the exhaust is designed to point to the ground.
This exhaust position is perfectly within the law in Zambia where the vehicles are registered. Zimbabwe should respect and accept the Zambian standards.
This action taken by the Zimbabwean official is unacceptable and the Focal point is requested to explain if this is a violation of Zimbabwean law. It is suggested that urgent action be taken to allow the truck to continue with its journey and also to facilitate movement of goods.
 
Resolution status note: On 19 March 2014, Zimbabwe reported that the trucks were released on the same day and the owner was advised to contact the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz) to adjust the exhaust as required by Zimbabwean Law. The requirement is in terms of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations promulgated under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter13:11] uploaded onto the system.

However, the Ministry of Transport indicated that they shall not enforce this requirement on foreign registered trucks as long as this is not in their domestic legislation. Zimbabwe is expected to issue a formal notification to this effect to enable enforcement of the said exemption on foreign trucks.
 
NTB-000-691 2.4. Import licensing 2015-12-11 Malawi: Mwami Zambia Resolved
2017-05-17
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Complaint: The Government of the Republic of Malawi has enacted the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) (Amendment) Order 2015, a Statutory Instrument placing import restrictions for cement and other products. The effect of this enactment is that cross border traders now require Import License to import the good that are subject to this Statutory Instrument into the Republic of Malawi. Specific reference is made to the strict conditions and instructions for the acquisition of the license being referred to. Products affected include cement, refined cooking oil, laundry soaps, liquor in sachets and fresh milk.

Trucks from the exporter are being denied entry into Malawi and this has resulted in a considerable amount of economic loss for the exporter.
 
Resolution status note: During the 15th Meeting of SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation, Malawi Focal Point reported that, 'While there were some erroneous issues with regard to the dates of the Statutory Instrument and the complaint itself I wish to report that this complaint was resolved last year at a COMESA Meeting on NTBs. The same was reported to the COMESA Policy organs Meetings in Antananarivo Madagascar in October 2016. It should be noted that the Inter-governmental Committee (COMESA Committee of Permanent Secretaries) and the COMESA Council of Ministers endorsed the fact that this NTB complaint was resolved'.
This NTB is therefore resolved on the basi of COMESA Ministerial decision above.
 
Products: 25: Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement and 34: CHAPTER 34 - SOAP, ORGANIC SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS, WASHING PREPARATIONS, LUBRICATING PREPARATIONS, ARTIFICIAL WAXES, PREPARED WAXES, POLISHING OR SCOURING PREPARATIONS, CANDLES AND SIMILAR ARTICLES, MODELLING PASTES, ‘DENTAL WAXES’ AND DENTAL PREPARATIONS  
NTB-000-690 2.4. Import licensing 2015-12-11 Malawi: Mwami Zambia Resolved
2017-05-17
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Complaint: The Republic of Malawi has amended the Control of Goods Act CAP 18:08 to make the order which can be cited as the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) Order, 2015 a Statutory Instrument placing import restrictions on products which include cement, refined cooking oil, laundry soaps among other things. The effect of the enactment is that cross border traders now require an Import License to import the goods that are subject to this Statutory Instrument into the Republic of Malawi. This development has had adverse effects on the company that is in the business of exporting and importing various products to and from Malawi. Currently, trucks carrying cement are being denied entry into Malawi and this has resulted in considerable amount of economic loss for the company.  
Resolution status note: During the 15th Meeting of SADC Committee on Trade Facilitation, Malawi Focal Point reported that, 'While there were some erroneous issues with regard to the dates of the Statutory Instrument and the complaint itself I wish to report that this complaint was resolved last year at a COMESA Meeting on NTBs. The same was reported to the COMESA Policy organs Meetings in Antananarivo Madagascar in October 2016. It should be noted that the Inter-governmental Committee (COMESA Committee of Permanent Secretaries) and the COMESA Council of Ministers endorsed the fact that this NTB complaint was resolved'.
This NTB is therefore resolved on the basi of COMESA Ministerial decision above.
 
Products: 25: Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement  
NTB-000-718 8.8. Issues related to transit 2016-08-02 Mozambique: Beira Port Zambia Resolved
2024-11-29
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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-000-721 5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory
2016-06-17 Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce Zambia Resolved
2019-08-21
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Complaint: Zimbabwe introduced surcharges on certain products in violation of the letter and spirit of the COMESA Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe introduced Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 , controlling the volumes of imports of products exported by Zambia to Zimbabwe Statutory Instrument (SI 64 of 2016),requires that import licenses be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce before importation of a wide range of products. The instrument is in force and is being implemented  
Resolution status note: During the meeting of NTbs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August , Zimbabawe reported that SI 64 was repealed by SI 122 . Import licences are no longer required .  
NTB-000-727 4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures
A53: Fumigation
2016-12-01 Botswana: Kazungula Ferry Zambia Resolved
2017-05-18
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Complaint: Botswana border officials demand fumigation certificate for molasses. To my knowledge, foodstuffs like molasses cannot be fumigated and on the Botswana import permits (plant protection), this is not among the requirements. This leads to delays, additional costs (e.g demurrage), possible loss of business and risk of product going bad.  
Resolution status note: During the the 15th meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 17- 18 May 2017, Botswana reported that Sanitary import permit is required only for molasses meal. No Sanitary or Phytosanitary import permit is required for liquid molasses and molasses powder and therefore no fumigation certificate is needed for molasses. According to the conditions set as per the Sanitary import permit, imported molasses has to be free of protein of animal origin and not contain any prohibited substances such as growth hormones. Officials from Botswana and Zambia have had a bilateral meeting and the issue has been addressed.  
NTB-000-734 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2017-01-09 Malawi: Muchinji Zambia Resolved
2017-09-15
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Complaint: Whenever we have to be attended to by border officers on the Malawian side during the weekend, we are charged a fee which they term 'over-time', amounting to K1,000 Malawian Kwacha, which charge is not levied on the Zambian side.  
Resolution status note: During the 33rd Meeting of the COMESA Customs and Trade meeting held on 12 -15 September 2017, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Malawi reported that the NTB had been resolved.  
NTB-000-748 2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges 2017-05-03 Zambia: Chirundu Zambia Resolved
2018-01-25
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Complaint: There is congestion at Chirundu border as a result of the attached notice which was issued by Zambia Revenue Authority The notice advised Zambian Agents that starting 1 May 2017 no truck shall enter the Zambian scanner without the Zambian bill of entry (stamped or not stamped). Fast lane trucks must not exit the border without having the entry registered.

Below is a report from our team on the ground-

Challenges we have noticed today 09 May 2017 are that,
• It has led to chaos on the Zambian side where some trucks have arrived not registered and have clogged trucks on the queue to the scanner. Some trucks are forced to park until these trucks have been registered because there is nowhere they can move to.
• ZIMRA is not aware and were not prepared for this, although I met the bonds office and had a conversation about this before 1 May they were waiting for an official document from their colleagues which never came until yesterday when ZRA informed ZIMRA that this is the development on the Zambian side.
• Zambian importers/agents who have outstanding issues with customs or waiting for clearance instructions (agent & importer) have affected trucks which arrives while these issues are still pending, therefore trucks for these importers/agents will not be cleared and will block other trucks which were precleared leading to delays.
• Some transporters not preclearing the loads hence leading to chaos at the scanner.
• No parking space before trucks reach the scanner, only 20 trucks are accommodated there thereby leading to a queue/congestion on the Zimbabwean side.
• Transit trucks getting late while on the queue leading to late acquittal issues.

I checked on the queue (Zim side) and noticed that,
• There are 67 trucks queuing from the ZIMRA gate to Shashe area
• The queue is 1.7km long
• At the Zambian scanner trucks which are there are less than 25.
• 95% of trucks on the queue are high risk (those that pass through the scanner).
 
Resolution status note: On 25 January 2018, Zambia Focal Point reported that The requirement was now being well managed and the congestion it could have caused had been eliminated. The NTb is therefore resolved.  
NTB-000-750 8.8. Issues related to transit 2017-03-01 Zambia: On the road Zambia Resolved
2018-01-25
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Complaint: There are approximately 600 hundreds trucks ferrying "mukula" logs legally from DRCongo. The loads had genuine documents from Congo and the trucks were checked at kasumbalesa border upon entry to Zambian soil.
We understand that Zambia banned mukula harvesting within its territories but the activity is not banned in Congo. it is unfortunate that the trucks from Tanzania underwent the legal custom check at the border only to be impounded through an impromptu statutory instrument. The drivers and their drivers have been living under deplorable condition with their employing companies not only going through loss by way of their trucks staying idle but also through regular upkeep of their employees.

It also unfortunate that after impounding the said trucks, the relevant authorities in Zambian kept quiet. No meaningful willingness to resolve the issue has been portrayed by the relevant authorities in question. Going by SADC protocol on transit/transportation protocol there is evidence of breach/contravention of the same.

We wish to see a quick resolution of the matter to mitigate the pangs of the losses companies are making and hence the respective governments from which the same operates under.

We do need each other and we'll always need each other owing the same to globalization.
 
Resolution status note: On 25 January 2018, Zambia Focal Point reported that all 600 trucks had been released. The last 15 were released in September 2017. Attached is the statutory instrument prohibiting the exportation of certain forestry products. Therefore, this NTB should was resolved.  
NTB-000-798 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 2018-01-25 Zimbabwe: Forbes Zambia Resolved
2018-02-09
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Complaint: Due to the topographic nature of the Forbes Border Post, trucks cannot be parked and cleared at the Border as it would create congestion. The trucks are allowed to proceed out of the Valley where the border is situated and must park in Customs Approved Yards in Mutare. Dry Cargo (Flat Decks) have a Dry Port Yard whilst Petroleum Tankers must park at the RMS Yard (Railway Maintenance Yard Customs created the yards to enable them to clear the loads.

1. Transporters are charged a fee to park in these RMS yards. This is an unnecessary charge and there is no evidence that the funds are used for the upkeep of the yard.

2. Despite the fact that this yard houses Dangerous Goods there is limited access control at a rickety gate. The perimeter is not suitably fenced. The view of the tankers is blocked from the main road by strategically placed defunct railway wagons. There is no access control and the yard is surrounded by a maze of tunnels and hedges where trade in stolen fuel is conducted. Third Party vehicles are allowed access to the yard and unfortunately siphoning from side tanks is evident. Given the lack of security staff, fencing and lighting, the situation worsens at nightfall. Recently truckers have been plagued by theft of items from trucks eg batteries from the trucks.

3. There are no facilities for the drivers. The congestion at Forbes is already well documented due to the failing Ascudya system and inefficiencies in the Customs Sealing process and drivers are stuck a minimum of 48 hours in this yard. There are no ablutions and limited access to running water. It is an inappropriate holding yard where a driver cannot rest before leaving on the next leg of his journey. When it rains, the area becomes a muddy morass
There are several truck yards in the area that are well equipped and offer the drivers clean facilities. Customs are requested to not charge for the RMS yard, clean it up and offer the appropriate security and facilities, or allow vehicles to park in other yards.

Transporters have brought this situation to the authorities before but to no avail. Its seems there are vested interests in keeping valuable cargo parked in this insecure area. Drivers are spending too long in filthy and dangerous conditions while being charged for a service that forms part of Customs responsibilities.
 
Resolution status note: On 9 Beruary 2018, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority advised that Vehicles with uncleared goods are sent to park at a Depot licenced and bonded to keep goods before Customs clearance. This is a privately owned premises which does not belong to Customs and therefore the owner charges for accommodating the trucks.
2. The concerns raised for RMS have since been addressed. Tankers are as from 7.2.18 being parked at a new premises (truck yard) while awaiting finalization of clearance process. The new premises has a perimeter fence, ablution facilities, showers and CCTVs
 
NTB-000-881 8.8. Issues related to transit 2009-02-04 Tanzania: Nakonde Zambia Resolved
2020-11-10
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Complaint: Since 2006, the Tanzanian Government imposed a ban on importation of poultry and poultry products to curb any possible Avian Influenza Disease outbreak. However, a Zambian Company (Hybrid Poultry Farm) has been denied Transit Permit for hatching eggs destined for Kenya. The hatching eggs are not going to be offloaded in Tanzania as it will only be used as a transit country and will be transported in sealed refrigerated containers.  
Resolution status note: On 10 November 2020, Zambia Focal Point advised that this was no longer an issue therefore should be resolved.  
NTB-000-935 1.15. Other 2019-12-01 Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce Zambia Resolved
2020-02-26
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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.”
 
NTB-000-966 5.5. Import licensing requirements 2020-05-27 Zimbabwe: Chirundu Zambia Resolved
2023-04-06
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Complaint: A Zambian exporter of yeast is experiencing challenges obtaining import permits from Authorities in Zimbabwe which are not issued when requested. This has been a hindrance to export of yeast to Zimbabwe.  
Resolution status note: During the COMESA Regional Capacity Building Workshop for NMCs and National Focal Points held from 3 to 6 April 2023, Zimbabwe Focal Points reported that import permits were no longer required as the products have been placed on open general import licence. This NTB was therefore resolved . However, Zimbabwe was requested to provide the list of products requiring Import Licence  
NTB-000-976 8.8. Issues related to transit 2020-08-10 Botswana: Kazungula Ferry Zambia Resolved
2023-10-05
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Complaint: We have a fleet of trucks and the problem is there is no fixed procedure to calculate the toll that BURS charges. They see the weights on the trailers mentioned on the blue plates which many a times shows 36,000kgs on the small trailer and 36,000 on the big trailer. That means they charge each truck toll for 72000 kgs. Some trailers with the same load and same trailers end up paying 4200Pulas and some trailers with the same cargo and same type of trailers are told to pay 6700 pulas. When the agent goes to ask that if you are charging us for 72000kgs will you allow the truck to carry such weights. They just tell him to leave the office and say there is no negotiation. We fail to understand how 1 truck having the same trailer and same cargo pay 4300 pulas and other truck with same trailer and same cargo is told to pay 6700 pulas. This on our transporters part is unfair. They should come with a fixed charge option that trucks with tri axel trailers will pay this much and trucks with interlinks trailers will pay this much. Please we will be obliged if this issue is raised on top priority.  
Resolution status note: In this particular case, there was difference in weights between those indicated in the white book and the data plate affixed to the truck. Assistance was sought from the Weighbridge and due to other circumstances the attempt was unsuccessful. In concluding the query, the truck driver was assisted using the previous permits which he had no objections to.
The inconsistency with information from the trucker resulted in the inconsistency of the charges. This was resolved.
 
NTB-000-992 7.10. Other 2020-12-01 Zimbabwe: Chirundu Zambia Resolved
2021-09-02
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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.  
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.
 
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