Non-Tariff Barriers

Complaint

Complaint number

NTB-001-167  

NTB Type

5.5. Import licensing requirements  

Complaint

Nakara (pty) , a Namibian company formally requests a dispensation from the South African Veterinary (SA VET) import permit required for imports of Namibian finished leather. Nakara (pty) Ltd, a Namibian tannery, has maintained an unblemished record and has never been implicated in any wrongdoing in the past. However, due to the current regulatory framework, we find ourselves inadvertently impacted by the necessity of the SA VET import permit on Namibian leather exports. It is important to note that no other country imposes such a requirement on imports of finished leather into South Africa. South Africa is Nakara's biggest export market and the aforementioned unnecessary NTB puts Nakara into a competitive disadvantage. A disadvantage that hinders further growth in the trade relationship between Namibia and South Africa in the leather sector, both being members of the SADC region.  

Status note

During the SADC regional NTBs workshop held on 14- 15 April 2026, South Africa focal points reported that there were no restrictions on th importation of leather. The VET department issued permits as per requirement .  

Progress update note

 

Policy or regulatory NTB

No 

Location

South Africa: All border crossings by road, air or sea (Other)  

Reporting Country or Region

Namibia  

Country specific trade issue

No  

Date of incident

2024-05-16  

Status

Resolved  

Date of resolution

2026-04-15  

Product Description

Finished leather hides for the leather manufacturing industry

Computer-assisted translation

• English
• Arabic
• French
• Portuguese

×

Close window

 

Total value

0  

Date reported

2024-05-16 15:27  

Modified

2026-04-17 10:35