| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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. |
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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 |
View |
|
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. |
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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 |
View |
|
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. |
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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. |
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NTB-000-985 |
1.8. Import bans |
2020-10-12 |
South Africa: Grobler's Bridge |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-02-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Certified organic honey that is American Foulbrood Disease (AFB)free, complete with Certificate of Analysis from accredited lab Intertek in Germany (accredited by the German National Accreditation body DAkkS - national accreditation body for the Federal Republic of Germany) they are also ISO/IEC 17025 certified and they do engage in proficiency testing) has been banned from entering SA unless irradiated.
2015 bilateral agreement allowed Zambian honey into SA without irradiating due to there being no AFB in Zambia.
SA claims that their ARC lab has tested samples from Forest Fruits and others and found them to be positive for AFB. The ARC lab has always produced inconsistent results and they cannot replicate the results. Sometimes positive and after a retest it is negative. ARC lab is not even SANAS accredited, has no ISO certification and does not engage in proficiency testing for AFB tests. On 23 October 2020 at a round table meeting of SA honey importers and various DAFF departments - meeting called by DAFF NPPO, it was clearly stated and admitted that ARC has performance "gaps".
DAFF scientists have to make decisions based on faulty science and results. The Intertek results consistently come back as negative for AFB disease. The result is in Non Compliance notices being sent to Zambia for samples that get retested and are negative!
As recent as last year, Zambia Veterinary Services did a national survey and found no AFB disease in Zambia.
SA DAFF NPPO is creating haphazard barriers to Zambian honey.
All Zambian exports are now affected.
Since 2015 a considerable amount of business with South African companies has developed in Zambia exporting honey to them. This ban affects the livelihoods of over 140,000 subsistence villagers. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the complaint had been resolved. Please refer to the progress report provided above on 10th December 2025. |
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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. |
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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 |
|
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 |
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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. |
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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 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
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:
|
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:
|
1905.31: Sweet biscuits |
|
|
NTB-001-050 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2022-02-14 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Zambia |
Resolved
2022-09-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
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:
|
On 6th September 2022, Focal Point Zambia Revenue Authority reported that the NTB had been resolved. |
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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. |
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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. |
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NTB-001-184 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-08-09 |
Zimbabwe: Forbes |
Zambia |
Resolved
2026-01-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On 10 August 2024, Zimbabwe imposed a requirement enforcing payment of duty on fuel in transit at the Port of Entry at all border posts ‘in order to secure duty and levies on fuel imported under Removal in Transit Facility’. Such duty and levies shall be recovered on acquittal at the Port of Exit. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) advised that the payment of duty for fuel in transit was to mitigate against transit fraud. With effect from 10 August 2024 all fuel, petrol, diesel, paraffin and jet A1, in transit imported through ports of entry by road is now required to pay duty and levies on entry. The duty and levies will be refunded at the port of exit upon compliance with all the transit procedures, including submission of proof that the fuel has been exported. Consignee’s and/or their representatives should approach ZIMRA at the port of entry to initiate the fuel clearance and payment process. For the refund process, once the fuel has been exported, they should approach ZIMRA at the port of exit to initiate the requisite refund process.
This requirement increases cost of transport. The refund procedures are not clear, and the risk of delayed refunds is very high negatively affecting cashflows for transporters. Also this requirement is treating compliant and non-compliant transporters without distinction and is penalizing the transporters who have been compliant to the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) where the alleged abuse has been detected.
We therefore request The Minister to urgently reconsider improving this measure to facilitate movement of fuel at reasonable costs. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
Under the Finance Act, 2025 [Chapter 23:04], Zimbabwe removed the requirement for a deposit for duties on transit of fuel, with specific reference to Article 57 Amendment of section 234 of Cap. 23.02 |
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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 |
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 |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
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 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
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:
|
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 |
|
Complaint:
|
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:
|
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 |
|
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. |
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|
NTB-000-424 |
6.6. Border taxes |
2011-07-04 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Uganda |
Resolved
2011-08-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
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. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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:
|
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 |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya Charges a plant import permit (PIP) at Malaba on Ugandan tea destined for auction at Mombasa |
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Resolution status note:
|
Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-444 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A83: Certification requirement
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-02 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non recognition by Kenya for SPS certificates issued by Uganda for tea destined for Mombasa action. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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 |
|
|
NTB-000-450 |
2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is lack of verification sheds and parking yards at most border posts in the EAC partner states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
Complaint:
|
Additional charges by Container freight stations.The port charges should include charges on container freight charges. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-000-452 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Mbeya |
Uganda |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Border posts charge Visa charges of US$ 250 for businessmen from Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that it does not charge visa from EAC members. |
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