| Complaint number |
NTB Type
Check allUncheck all |
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
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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 |
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Complaint:
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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 |
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Resolution status note:
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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. |
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NTB-001-022 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements |
2021-04-06 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved 2024-06-17 |
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Complaint:
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An exporter in Zambia has been facing challenges obtaining import permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Zimbabwe as they are often told that they're non available. Alternatively, some officer from the above mentioned ministry informally tell them that they can use an already existing import permit for a Zimbabwean company but have to pay a price above than they would have obtained the permit from the ministry. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 17 June 2024, Zimbabwe submitted SI 6 of 2024 .
Regulation 3 of Control of Goods ( Open General Import Licence ) ( Amendment) Notice , 2024 (No. 14) removes requirement for importation of biscuits under tariff heading 19.05. This NTB is therefore resolved |
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Products:
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1905.31: Sweet biscuits |
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NTB-001-050 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2022-02-14 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Zambia |
Resolved 2022-09-06 |
View |
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Complaint:
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There is a disruption in the flow of trade/transit at Nakonde/Tunduma border post due to a protest by transporters in Tanzania who are not moving cargo across the border. This has affected the movement of goods both into Zambia and Tanzania and has resulted in increased congestion on both sides of the border. Considering the important role the Nakonde/Tunduma border post plays along the transport corridor, any further delays resulting from the protests will significantly disadvantage all stakeholders within the region in terms of revenue and costs. This will ultimately have a negative effect on the consumer welfare in the countries and the region at large. It is therefore imperative that the present impasse is resolved as a matter of urgency. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 6th September 2022, Focal Point Zambia Revenue Authority reported that the NTB had been resolved. |
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NTB-000-031 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2008-12-23 |
Egypt: Ministry of Trade |
Uganda |
Resolved 2009-02-04 |
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Complaint:
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: 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 |
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Resolution status note:
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Issue was resolved through COMESA Customs and Trade Committee |
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NTB-000-334 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Ministry of Trade |
Uganda |
Resolved 2015-12-21 |
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Complaint:
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Permits are issued by diffrent authorities in diffrent cities. Agricultural import permits are issued by NAMBOARD in Manzini.; Dairy products imports are issued by Dairy Board in Manzini. Other miscellaneous goods import permits issued by Ministry of Finance in Mbabane. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal point reported that this NTB had been long resolved. Uganda received a letter from Swaziland indicating that the issuance of permits had been streamlined. |
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NTB-000-334 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-09-09 |
Eswatini: Ministry of Trade |
Uganda |
Resolved 2015-12-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Permits are issued by diffrent authorities in diffrent cities. Agricultural import permits are issued by NAMBOARD in Manzini.; Dairy products imports are issued by Dairy Board in Manzini. Other miscellaneous goods import permits issued by Ministry of Finance in Mbabane. |
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Resolution status note:
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This NTB has been long resolved. Uganda received a letter from Swaziland indicating that the issuance of permits has been streamlined. |
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NTB-000-006 |
2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers |
2004-05-29 |
Egypt: Egypt Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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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. |
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Resolution status note:
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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. |
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NTB-000-424 |
6.6. Border taxes |
2011-07-04 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Uganda |
Resolved 2011-08-29 |
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Complaint:
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Effective July 2007 to date Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) imposed a Plant Import Permit (PIP) of KShs 500 on every truckload of Uganda tea in transit to Mombasa, reason that they have to issue a Phytosanitary certificate when Uganda tea is being exported. However at this time Uganda tea is already sold off. This practice is contrary to international practice where the Phytosanitary certificate is issued by a competent authority in the country of origin in this case Uganda. The above practice also many times delays Uganda tea at Malaba due to making receipts, verification and clearing hence late for listing at Mombasa auction therefore making it less competitive. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the NMC meeting held in Nairobi on 29 August 2011, Kenya reported that:
1. Kenya does not issue plant import permit to goods in transit.
2. If tea is specifically declared as in transit, Malaba border verifies documentation and release without charging import permit. However if declared for local consumption, permit is invoked. |
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Products:
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0902.30: Black fermented tea and partly fermented tea, whether or not flavoured, in immediate packings of <= 3 kg |
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NTB-000-443 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements Policy/Regulatory |
2011-07-14 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Uganda |
Resolved 2016-06-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Kenya Charges a plant import permit (PIP) at Malaba on Ugandan tea destined for auction at Mombasa |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved |
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NTB-000-444 |
1.1. Export subsidies A83: Certification requirement Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-02 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved 2014-12-11 |
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Complaint:
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Non recognition by Kenya for SPS certificates issued by Uganda for tea destined for Mombasa action. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Kenya reported that the requirement would be abolished. Kenya reported that tea destined for auction at Mombasa for export must be warehoused in a bonded Customs warehouse (Transit Go down) of their choice. This NTB is therefore resolved |
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NTB-000-450 |
2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Uganda |
Resolved 2014-12-11 |
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Complaint:
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There is lack of verification sheds and parking yards at most border posts in the EAC partner states. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th NTBs forum held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the 15th EAC Forum on NTBs noted that the ongoing construction of OBSP was addressing this NTB and Partner states reported that construction of OSBPs was at advanced stages at key border posts. This NTB is therefore resolved |
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NTB-000-451 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved 2014-12-11 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Additional charges by Container freight stations.The port charges should include charges on container freight charges. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Kenya reported that the port charges by ICDs and CFS should be the one approved by port authorities. Kenya Ports Authority has signed a service level agreement to guide charges by CFS. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-452 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Mbeya |
Uganda |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Tanzania Border posts charge Visa charges of US$ 250 for businessmen from Uganda. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that it does not charge visa from EAC members. |
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NTB-000-454 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Central Corridoor,Tanzania |
Uganda |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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TRA has introduced check points in the Central Corridor with timeframes and imposed charges for the delays to reach the destinations |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that the time frame of clearance of Transit goods from the point of entry to the point of exit had been used as control measure to ensure that there was no divergence of transit goods into local markets. In the Central corridor there are 3 check points that is Missugusugu, Dumila and Isaka.
From all these check points it takes 5 days to across border. In the southern corridor there are also 3 check points and it takes about 3 days to cross borders. Tanzania launched Electronic cargo Tracking System (ECTS) on 12th March, 2012 which was expected to commence operations in June, 2012. With ECTS there will be no need for Time frame as the goods would be monitored electronically. The legal document was given to Rwanda |
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NTB-000-501 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Busia |
Uganda |
Resolved 2013-12-05 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Delays in issuing bonds at Kenya border with Uganda for tea meant for auction in Mombasa |
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Resolution status note:
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On 5 December 2013 Kenya Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved. The Republic of Kenya had over the last two years taken various measures to address all challenges faced by traders along the northern transport corridor some under the presidential directives and committees to resolve all barriers to trade.
Kenya focal point requested that the Republic of Uganda provide an update on the currentsituation to clarify whether it was an issue of delay and if so, what is the current experience? |
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NTB-000-503 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved 2012-08-24 |
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Complaint:
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Kenya has introduced Cash Bond on used clothes and shoes / other items considered of high value |
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Resolution status note:
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During the 7th EAC forum Kenya reported that the Cash Bonds on used shoes and clothes was been abolished as recommended by the Mombasa Ministerial meeting on NTBs in March 2012 |
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NTB-000-504 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved 2013-12-05 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Kenya has introduced Customs warehouse rent that starts after the release of cargo manifest. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 5 December 2013, Kenya focal point reported that this issue was resolved with the signing of Service Level Agreement between the Kenya Ports Authority and the Container Freight Stations. This ensures that there is no double or additional charges |
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NTB-000-505 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2012-03-14 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved 2013-12-05 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Requirement by KRA for transporters to have introductory letters from URA on certain products / consignments, e.g. tyres and spirits. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 5 December 2013, Kenya focal point reported that this NTB had been resolved. Kenya Revenue Authority issued a notice to all Transporters , shipping agents, clearing and forwarding agents on the electronic cargo tracking systems as the principal systems for monitoring the movement of cargo under customs territory and all stakeholders were expected to comply by 31st January 2014 .
The Vehicles that are fitted with Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems WOULD:
1. Get waiver of TGL fees
2. Be able to carry goods on transfer to other partner states and within Kenya subject to approval
3. Enjoy the priority loading at the all customs areas and
4. Move without customs escort through the Northern corridor.
Transporters and shipping lines and agents are now allowed to carry goods along the corridor without challenges previously affecting them. |
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NTB-000-601 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2013-07-12 |
Kenya: All Transit Entry Points into Keny |
Uganda |
Resolved 2015-12-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Kenya Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, State Department for Livestock, Directorate of Veterinary Services, has introduced a new requirement under notice SOPS for Transit Inspection (1), for Hides and Skins consignments in transit through Kenya issued on 12th July 2013, that:
1. Transit goods are for all intent and purposes Imports
2. That transit cargo be subject to physical inspection by an inspector
3. Exporters transiting through Kenya to possess Import permits from the countries of destination
4. Exporters to poses Transit Permits
5. Payment of Transit fees
The requirement is to be effective on 21st July 2013.
Accordingly, this is a new NTBs imposed by the Kenyan Government on Ugandan goods transiting through Kenya. This new requirement is affecting 8 Ugandan companies in the business of exporting hides and skins that transit through Kenya. The measure will increase the cost of doing business because companies will require acquire transit permits for a fee, and delays related to physical inspection. More over the companies have been given a very short time (8 days including weekends) to comply with the new measure.
The Government of Republic of Uganda is of a strong view that this requirement be removed due to reasons above and contravenes the EAC Integration process through the Protocols signed so far. It is also erroneous to refer to transit goods as Imports as is done in the same notice. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal Point reported that the NTB was resolved by Kenya. The Requirement is no longer applicable |
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NTB-000-659 |
2.14. Other |
2014-12-11 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved 2015-03-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Selective auctioning of Ugandan goods at Mombasa Port. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the Kenya NMC NTBs meeting held in Nairobi on 16th March 2015, KRA reported that all auctions had been conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations. Uganda had been given an extended 90 day period in which to notify owners of the auction after which the auction was conducted. This position was endorsed by the 17th NTB forum thereby resolving this issue. |
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