| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-003 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2021-01-26 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
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Resolved
2024-06-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Government of Zambia issues Statutory Instrument 115 of 2020 , The Customs and Excise Ports of Entry and Routes Amendment Order, 2020, 9A(1) Reads , goods exported through Victoria Falls port in accordance with this paragraph shall be transported by rail, this Order automatically is a ban to export goods to Zimbabwe as the whole process to export using rail is a burdensome to trade by small scale players. Most goods are bought in Kamwala area shops and some being bought in the industrial areas which small players can easily transport using their vehicles or hired vehicles as they combine wares. Introduction for use of Rail is a clear indication by the Government of Zambia to ban export of certain commodities to Zimbabwe as market access will be a challenge to those living within Victoria Falls and the whole part of matebelalend as they are forced to use Chirundu exit .
Trucks can reach Victoria Falls within a day which is different from train, trucks you can accompany your goods different from train, trucks you can be cleared in time whereas using train everything is dumped at one place. this will open other avenues of bush borders or direct smuggling at the borders as officials will not be clearing goods in trucks |
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Resolution status note:
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The NTB is related to NTB-001-004 (which was resolved during the 3rd meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs). The NTB is therefore resolved, on the ground that NTB-001-003 and NTB-001-004 are equivalent, and that the basis on which later was later was resolved applies to the former. |
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Products:
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0401: Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter., 1905: Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products. 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 |
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NTB-001-004 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2020-12-31 |
Zambia: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-09-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Introduction of Statutory Instrument 115 of 2020, Ports of Entry and Routes Amendment Order, page 785 of S.I. 115 -2020 Indicates borders and regulating hours of operation, Kariba and Victoria Falls being affected. For goods destined for Kariba, it will be very difficult and costly for traders to go via chirundu and back to Kariba . The chuiiurundu kariba route doubles the distance and therefire craetes additional cost for landing same product in Kariba. Distance to transport goods directly from Siavonga Juction to Kariba border is 78 kms . Whereas ,the Chirundu routes is: Siyavonga to the border chirundu (20kms); Add 62 kms from chirundu border to Makuti then 77 kms from Makuti to Kariba, totalling 159kms.
This Order disturbs the spirit of Regional integration , traders are crying because of COVID 19 and its effects then another 115 Pandemic, . If all exports are centralized to pass through chirundu it means we are putting pressure at one point this in turn increases chances of smuggling and paying bribes, as of more days are spent at the border. This will give pressure to clearing agents who will make errors in making entries leading to pay heavy fines, the agent will simply abandon the goods leading to the bond being cancelled , this will cause traders to have other options of smuggling and paying bribes, WHY DONT THERE BE CORRECTIVE MEASURES THAN PUNITIVE MEASURES.
This S.I. has come at a point where Zimbabwean traders are not allowed to clear goods over the counter because of COVID 19 and other regulations |
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Resolution status note:
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The 3rd meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs meeting was informed that the Kariba Border Post was designated to accept all commercial transactions therefore the NTB was resolved on grounds that Kariba is an appointed port under the Ports and routes order, therefore commercial transactions trough Kariba border post will continue. |
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Products:
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1905: Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets of a kind suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products., 3401: Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or c and 3401: Soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for use as soap, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, whether or not containing soap; organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or c |
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NTB-001-007 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-02-25 |
Zambia: Livingstone |
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Resolved
2021-11-29 |
View |
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Complaint:
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A member of the South African Brand owners Association is experiencing push back from Zambia’s Ministry of Health in that they do not want to issue the Zambian importers a Health Clearance certificate unless the product has been subjected to re-testing in Zambia.
The association presented the Certificate of Analysis issued by South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development which is responsible for analysis of products in South Africa, which was rejected by Zambia authorities.
The importers ended up going to meet the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health to plead their case for clearance of which the Ministry said that they could not advise on which specific metals to test and advised that for future reference and to avoid this occurring again, the importers may use the former certificates to identify the metals that are present to enable the lab to test accurately. The example attached by the Ministry was for the inclusion of the following tests:
Natamycin
Sorbic Acid
Zinc – ZN
Copper – CU
Iron – FE
Lead – PB
For years the South African Health Clearance Certificate was accepted. The duplication of test conducted results in the below additional costs for our importer:
R240 per wine selected. We export 202 skus. If we have to test all of them at least once a year then we will spend R48 480 annually to confirm that our products are in spect.
Following the meeting with Ministry of Health , the Zambian importers reported that some past COA’s have successfully now managed to gain clearance for 2021 Q1 and Q2. We would appreciate if this matter can be resolved. |
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Resolution status note:
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A meeting held on 29 November 2021 between the Zambian Health Authority , DTIC and affected stakeholders . resolved the matter as follows:
1. Undertaking by Zambia to finish South Africa with the copy of the Regulations.
2. Acceptance of the South African Health Clearance Certificate
3. Testing of products once a year instead of bi-annually. |
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NTB-001-063 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Kasumbalesa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-03-06 |
View |
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Complaint:
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There is slow Clearance by border agencies ( Zambia Customs) causing truck delays. Trucks following a queue 34km long at morning of 24 March 2022 . |
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Resolution status note:
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A Bilateral Ministerial Meeting between the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was held on 6th March 2023. It was agreed that all border agencies of both countries put in place procedures to allow for 24-hour border operations at Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Mokambo and Kipushi in accordance with internal procedures.Based on the outcome of the Bilateral meeting, the NTB is resolved |
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NTB-001-064 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Mokambo Border to Mfulira Road |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The Mokambo Border to Mfulira road has become impassable with trucks getting stuck in the mud and being damaged as a result of the poor road condition |
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Resolution status note:
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During the COMESA Regional capacity building workshop for National focal Points held in Rwanda from 3-6 April 2023, Zambia focal point reported that reconstruction of the Mokambo border to Mfulira had been commenced. It was therefore recommend that this NTB be regarded as resolved considering that Zambia is taking efforts to reconstruct the road |
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NTB-001-090 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2022-10-19 |
Zambia: Katima Mulilo |
Namibia |
Resolved
2026-04-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Issuance of exorbitant transit permit fees by the Zambian Government went up from K3700 to K11200 and is only imposed at the Katima Mulilo Border post and not at any other borders around Zambia. The Permit was supposed to only apply to those entering Zambia for the purpose of doing business and not those in transit such as drivers transporting the goods through/via Zambia. the permit is therefore deemed to be discriminatory (no other SADC/COMESA countries are imposing a similar measure)and, the permit hinders the movement of goods as truck drivers are delayed in trying to source money to fund the permit. |
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Resolution status note:
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After a follow-up via email with the complainant, the complainant confirmed that the NTB was resolved. Secretariat is kindly requested to update status of this NTB to resolved. |
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NTB-001-153 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2024-01-26 |
Zambia: ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2026-04-14 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The ZB Card company shipped a shipment to Zambia at the end of January which is subject to the original SADC laws. When you arrived at ZRA, they refused to allow it, claiming that the HS Code is incorrect, so they ordered ZB Card to change it. ZB Card did that but ZRA has rejected the CoO claiming that it is not authentic. We have contacted TCCIA so that they can confirm its authenticity and TCCIA has done so but since 10/02/2024 there has been no success |
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Resolution status note:
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During the NTBs workshop held in Johannesburg on 14 April 2026, Zambia and Tanzania reported that this issue was resolved , There is no new complain regarding this issue. |
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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? |
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Resolution status note:
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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. |
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Products:
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8432.90: Parts of agricultural, horticultural or forestry machinery for soil preparation or cultivation or of lawn or sports-ground rollers, n.e.s. |
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NTB-001-298 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2025-03-14 |
Zambia: Kazungula Ferry |
Botswana |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
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Complaint:
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On the 14th of March 2025 i encountered challenges when crossing to Zambia for business purposes. The immigration officer at the border enquired on the purpose of my visit to Zambia and i informed her that i was travelling for business and requested for a Business Visit (BV) stamp. The officer indicated that BV is only used when someone is travelling to Zambia to sell not to buy as i had intended to go and purchase sweet potatoes. I informed her that we had previously had challenges with law enforcement officers as they insist that whoever is coming to Zambia for business purposes should have a BV stamp not visitors stamp. The officer solicited a bribe amounting to BWP500.00 in order to give me the BV stamp. This contraction of information between immigration officers and the police officers in Zambia cost us as traders lots of money as well as time. It also compromises our safety when we go to Zambia |
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Resolution status note:
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The issue was resolved during the Bi- National meeting held in February 2026. It was agreed that Zambia will increase number Business Visists from 30 days to 90 days annually. Furthermore, the Travellers are not expected to pay for the Business Visa Stamp. |
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Products:
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0714.20: Sweet potatoes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets |
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NTB-000-033 |
5.10. Prohibitions |
2008-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Rourism, Trade and Industry |
Kenya |
Resolved
2019-04-26 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Ban on Imports
Kenya has complained that Uganda had placed a ban on beef imports |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that the issue is not for Kenya but all other Partner States. And it is only on frozen beef she resolved the issue. |
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Products:
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0202.30: Frozen, boneless meat of bovine animals |
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NTB-000-035 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2008-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Trade |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Import Tariffs
Kenya complained that Ugandan authorities were utilizing 1994 tariff levels as base year for calculating COMESA discounts. |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that she is no longer using 1994 tariff levels as base year for calculations |
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NTB-000-034 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2004-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Transport |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Transit Regulations
Kenya complained that Ugandan authorities were enforcing a requirement that all transit trucks be covered. |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that the matter was resolved in 2006 |
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NTB-000-036 |
4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures
A82: Testing requirement |
2004-05-21 |
Uganda: Uganda Bureau of Standards |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-29 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Kenya complained that Ugandan authorities were requesting for samples of milk to Uganda Dairy Development Authority for testing and that they were not accepting the certificate of analysis from Kenya Bureau of Standards on Kenyan Products. |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda reported that the Uganda Dairy Development Authority (DDA) has never denied entry of milk from Kenya except for a one-off incident that happened in 2007 where the denial of entry was attributed to the water content, about 27%, in the imported milk.
The Uganda DDA respects quality certification from the country of origin and does not subject that milk to fresh certification. Some companies however prefer to bring into Uganda samples for analysis but neither the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) nor the Uganda (DDA) analyze items that have been analyzed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards( KEBS). They only monitor and consult with the sister bureaux of standards in the EAC Partner States. |
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Products:
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0402.10: Milk and cream in solid forms, of a fat content by weight of <= 1,5% |
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NTB-000-473 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2011-11-05 |
Uganda: Malaba |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Certificates of origin are not provided at the borders between Rwanda and Uganda and cross border traders are obliged to collect them from Kampala for goods exceeding 500 US$. The long distance to Kampala is time consuming and additional cost to doing business. |
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Resolution status note:
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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, Zambia, Uganda reported that Certificates are issued at the border so this NTB has been resolved. Rwanda intervened that it is only simplified certificate of origin for small scale traders that are available at the border but that for large scale traders has to be obtained from Kampala. Uganda undertook to confirm on whether Certificates of origin for large scale traders are available at the border. |
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NTB-000-475 |
1.13. "Buy national" policy |
2011-10-06 |
Uganda: Uganda National Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2012-12-03 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Removal of plate numbers on vehicles that have had accidents.The argument given is to force the driver to report to the police. The consequence is loss of goods and vehicle parts because with no plate number the truck/vehicle seems to belong to nobody. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal Point reported that the NTB was resolved in 2012 by Uganda |
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NTB-000-648 |
5.3. Export taxes
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-12-11 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2015-11-18 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Charge of "export tax" of 0.2 % of raw materials exported from Uganda by Rwanda Premier Tobacco Company Ltd |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th EAC Forum on NTBs, Uganda undertook to study evidence provided by Rwanda and report back to the next meeting of the forum. UGANDA is adhering to EAC preferential treatment. |
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NTB-000-654 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2014-12-11 |
Uganda: Mutukula |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2015-12-15 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Rwanda and Uganda have not accorded preferential treatment on exports of rice from Tanzania through Rusumo and Mutukula borders respectively. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal Point reported that Uganda was now according preferential treatment for rice originating from Tanzania. This NTBis therefore resolved |
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NTB-000-661 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2014-12-11 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2015-03-16 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Uganda charges 25% duty rate on scrapping rolls manufactured in Kenya and also on products manufactured in Kenya using glucose. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the Kenya NMC NTBs meeting held in Nairobi on 16th March 2015, Kenya confirmed that Uganda had scrapped the 25% duty .This position was endorsed by the 17th NTB forum thereby resolving this issue. |
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NTB-000-668 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2015-02-17 |
Uganda: It is the Police of Iganga in the Republic of Uganda who take in hostage of the truck and its driver because they get and accident. |
Burundi |
Resolved
2015-12-21 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Following the accident held in IGANGA in the Republic of Uganda on 17 February, 2015 at 19h30, east african time, the truck which is registered in Burundi has been taken in hostage by Uganda Police until today and the driver is in prison at IGANGA. The truck have a COMESA Insurance that occurs wherever you are in the sub region.The COMESA insurance number is 0067772 (truck ) and 0067773 (trailer) valid from 23/03/2014 to 03/22/2015. The truck has the registration number of A2588A (truck) and T0110A (trailer). We are requesting that this truck and its driver can be released, so that they can continue their travel. Note that the truck contains the construction materials and shoes and was returning to Burundi. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 21st December 2015, Uganda Focal Point reported that they had contacted the Police Chief- Director of Traffic who is also a member of the NMC. The truck was released long time ago and therefore this is a resolved NTB. |
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NTB-000-668 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2015-02-17 |
Uganda: It is the Police of Iganga in the Republic of Uganda who take in hostage of the truck and its driver because they get and accident. |
Burundi |
Resolved
2015-12-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Following the accident held in IGANGA in the Republic of Uganda on 17 February, 2015 at 19h30, east african time, the truck which is registered in Burundi has been taken in hostage by Uganda Police until today and the driver is in prison at IGANGA. The truck have a COMESA Insurance that occurs wherever you are in the sub region.The COMESA insurance number is 0067772 (truck ) and 0067773 (trailer) valid from 23/03/2014 to 03/22/2015. The truck has the registration number of A2588A (truck) and T0110A (trailer). We are requesting that this truck and its driver can be released, so that they can continue their travel. Note that the truck contains the construction materials and shoes and was returning to Burundi. |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda Focal Point contacted the Police Chief- Director of Traffic who is also a member of the NMC. The truck was released long time ago and therefore this is a resolved NTB. |
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