Non-Tariff Barriers

Complaint

Complaint number

NTB-001-128  

NTB Type

2.4. Import licensing  

Complaint

Reference is made to a resolved complaint with number NTB-000-966, which pertained to a problem with import licensing requirements into Zimbabwe.

The complainant was a Zambian exporter of yeast that was experiencing challenges in obtaining import permits from the Authorities in Zimbabwe, which permits were not issued when requested. This complaint is similar to the problem experienced by Rymco (Pty) Ltd, trading as Anchor Yeast, being hindered in exporting yeast from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

The date of resolution is indicated as 06 April 2023. A status note pertaining to the complaint reads as follows: “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 license. This NTB was therefore resolved.”

South Africa requests confirmation on whether the lifting of the import licensing requirement on yeast also applies to SADC countries, specifically South Africa.  

Progress update note

On 2 February 2026 the SADC Secretariate facilitated a meeting between South Africa and Zimbabwe .South Africa had noted that the NTB was said to have been resolved during the COMESA Regional Capacity Building Workshop for NMCs and National Focal Points held from 3 to 6 April 2023,wherein Zimbabwe Focal Points reported that import permits were no longer required as the products have been placed on open general import license. The request by South Africa to Zimbabwe was for Zimbabwe to confirm that the Open General Import also applies to SADC Member States as well. Zimbabwe confirmed that the Open General Import Licensing requirements have been uplifted for SADC Member States and the legislation notice will be provided to the SADC Secretariat by 06 February 2026  

Policy or regulatory NTB

No 

Location

Zimbabwe: Johannesburg/Pretoria (Non-government institution)  

Reporting Country or Region

South Africa  

Country specific trade issue

No  

Date of incident

2023-06-23  

Status

In process  

Product Description

2102.10 Active yeast

Computer-assisted translation

• English
• Arabic
• French
• Portuguese

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Total value

0  

Date reported

2023-08-03 11:16  

Modified

2023-08-29 12:03