English
FrançaisComplaint
- Complaint number
- NTB-001-382
- NTB Type
- 2.9. Issues related to transit fees
- Complaint
- Members of CBW-Africa Lesotho Chapter, a group of Women are travelling to Botswana to participate in an Expo each one carrying different products - ranging from cosmetics to herbs and spices, for exhibiting at the expo, and give out as samples as necessary. We have faced a challenge whereby the clearing agent informed the group that we will need to pay R5000 as what she referred to as 'security bond', in addition to the 15% VAT we would have to pay at the Botswana border. As micro enterprises, we don't have these kind of funds, as we are already bootstrapping. This requirement for a M5000 security bond at the SA border therefore represents a barrier to us for accessing the potential intra-Africa trade benefits we are anticipating from our attendance of the Otshwereng Expo. We stand to lose immediate revenue from the Expo and future revenue-earning potential and trade linkages because we are not going to be able to raise this R5000 required by South Africa from us to transit to Botswana through their country. We are therefore requesting for a speedy resolution of our plight.
- Progress update note
-
On 25th August 2026, Botswana Focal Point advised that the reported VAT and R5,000 security bond are South African customs requirements and are therefore not charges imposed by Botswana.
For goods being brought into Botswana for exhibition purposes, there is a provision for a temporary admission of qualifying goods, including commercial samples owned abroad and imported for the purposes of being shown or demonstrated at an exhibition in Botswana.
To benefit from the applicable exemption/temporary admission facility, the exhibitors should write to the Director, Department of Trade Development in advance, providing details of the products and clearly stating that the products are being brought into Botswana solely for exhibition, display or demonstration purposes.
The exhibitors should ensure that the goods are not intended for commercial sale and comply with the applicable temporary admission requirements. Please note that Botswana’s standard VAT rate is 14%.
- Policy or regulatory NTB
- No
- Location
- South Africa: Maseru Bridge (Border post)
- Reporting Country or Region
- Lesotho
- Country specific trade issue
- No
- Date of incident
- 2026-08-24
- Status
- In process
- Product Description
-
Herbs and spices, sorghum-based instant porridge, Herbal teas, hand and body creams, hand and body lotions, hair butters, hair sprays, lip balm, face mask, face serum and tissue oil.
- Total value
- L25.00
- Date reported
- 2026-08-25 07:14
- Modified
- 2026-09-14 14:16
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