| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-731 |
6.6. Border taxes |
2017-01-01 |
Zambia: All Zambian Border Posts |
|
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of fees on all motor vehicles exiting and entering Zambia
This measure will effectively increase transportation costs for both businesses and individuals.
As a landlocked country which is primarily reliant on road transport, this will have major cost repercussions for all industry sectors and increase the cost of doing business, making Zambia less competitive.
The Minister proposes to increase various user fees and charges to recover costs. This would include statutory fees and charges for services provided by government institutions.
Unless the fee increases are matched by an increase in efficiency, this measure will have an overall detrimental effect.
Effective date
All of the above measures will take effect from 1 January 2017. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25 January 2018, Zambia Focal Point reported that this measure had not been implemented therefore this NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-729 |
6.6. Border taxes |
2017-01-01 |
Zambia: All Zambian Border Posts |
|
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction of fees on all motor vehicles exiting and entering Zambia
This measure will effectively increase transportation costs for both businesses and individuals.
As a landlocked country which is primarily reliant on road transport, this will have major cost repercussions for all industry sectors and increase the cost of doing business, making Zambia less competitive.
The Minister proposes to increase various user fees and charges to recover costs. This would include statutory fees and charges for services provided by government institutions.
Unless the fee increases are matched by an increase in efficiency, this measure will have an overall detrimental effect.
Effective date
All of the above measures will take effect from 1 January 2017. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25 January 2018, Zambia Focal Point reported that this measure had not been implemented therefore this NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-728 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2016-11-01 |
Zambia: Kazungula Ferry |
Botswana |
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Importers of beans, ground nuts and sweet potatoes from Zambia into Botswana have complained that they have of late, been charged amount in excess on BWP 1 000 by some Zambian border authority for which receipts are never issued. A number of those complaints have revealed that no receipts were issued to denote what the BWP 1 000 was being paid for. No explanation was also given. These importers have, while in Zambia paid all the charges relating to phytosanitary and other charges for their goods-receipts for such are duly produced.
The additional charge is suspected to be charged without any legal basis from Zambia Government. This additional charge is placing a burden on small traders whose livelihood depends on selling the products in Botswana. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 25th January 2018, Zambia reported that no Zambian Border Authority Charges this Fee and without receipt for that matter. Border Agencies suspect this could be a case of false representation of a Government agency. The matter will be passed on to security wings for further interrogation. If additional information could be availed to assist in identifying those involved. This NTB is considered resolved. |
|
|
Products:
|
1202.41: Groundnuts, in shell (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) |
|
|
NTB-000-727 |
4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures
A53: Fumigation |
2016-12-01 |
Botswana: Kazungula Ferry |
Zambia |
Resolved
2017-05-18 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana border officials demand fumigation certificate for molasses. To my knowledge, foodstuffs like molasses cannot be fumigated and on the Botswana import permits (plant protection), this is not among the requirements. This leads to delays, additional costs (e.g demurrage), possible loss of business and risk of product going bad. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the the 15th meeting of the SADC Sub Committee on Trade Facilitation held on 17- 18 May 2017, Botswana reported that Sanitary import permit is required only for molasses meal. No Sanitary or Phytosanitary import permit is required for liquid molasses and molasses powder and therefore no fumigation certificate is needed for molasses. According to the conditions set as per the Sanitary import permit, imported molasses has to be free of protein of animal origin and not contain any prohibited substances such as growth hormones. Officials from Botswana and Zambia have had a bilateral meeting and the issue has been addressed. |
|
|
NTB-000-723 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2016-09-06 |
Zambia: All ports of entry |
South Africa |
Resolved
2018-01-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Drivers are experiencing long delays in processing of the maize export permits in Zambia. It takes more than 90 days for permits to be processed by the authorities causing drivers to exceed their 90 day limit in Zambia.Once drivers reach this limit, they are required to buy work permits at a very high cost of $225. This impacts heavily on already small margins. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Ministry of Agriculture through the Department of Agribusiness and Marketing is responsible for facilitating trade through the issuance of Control of Goods Import and Export Permits for Agriculture Commodities. The process of issuance of permits starts and is completed within a period of 24 hours. Maize Grain is an agricultural commodity whose export is subject to the Control of Goods Act. Export Permits, Control of Goods, for maize are processed within 24 hours. Delays previously reported were an isolated incident that may have been caused by externalities at play then. The current status is that Export Permits, Control of Goods, for maize are processed within 24 hours. We propose that this be considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-722 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2016-08-29 |
South Africa: OR Tambo International Airport |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2016-11-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The South African Revenue Services at OR Tambo have detained consignment destined for Maseru since 29 August 2016 without explanation. This is yet another time when our goods are detained for more than a week and yet they are destined for Lesotho and not South Africa. The airway bill clearly has the address of the importer being in Lesotho but South African Customs detains the goods nonetheless. South African Customs is requested to explain the rationale for detaining goods destined for other countries , in this case Lesotho and whether it is lawful that goods which arrived on 29 August are still detained? |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Dear Focal Points South Africa and Lesotho,
This issue was resolved long time ago. However, the SADC secretariat recommended that a long term solution be secured that responds to such questions as asked by Lesotho on above comment. You are kindly requested to recommend a way forward on the long term solutions. Otherwise we need to resolve this NTB as per current status . South Africa Focal point is of the view that we resolve it and I agree. This NTB is therefore resolved on the understanding that the Focal Points of Lesotho and South Africa will make necessary arrangements to ensure that the problem does not repeat itself in future now that it has been identified.
System administrator |
|
|
NTB-000-721 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-17 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry & Commerce |
Zambia |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe introduced surcharges on certain products in violation of the letter and spirit of the COMESA Free Trade Area. Zimbabwe introduced Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 , controlling the volumes of imports of products exported by Zambia to Zimbabwe Statutory Instrument (SI 64 of 2016),requires that import licenses be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce before importation of a wide range of products. The instrument is in force and is being implemented |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of NTbs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August , Zimbabawe reported that SI 64 was repealed by SI 122 . Import licences are no longer required . |
|
|
NTB-000-720 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-07 |
Sudan: Sudan Customs Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2021-03-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sudan Customs authority has stopped applying the customs exemption on Egyptian Ceramic tiles products despite the fact that the consignments are accompanied by a COMESA certificate of origin . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
RESOLVED during 1st Meeting of the COMESA Regional NTBs Forum held on 16- 17 March 2021 |
|
|
NTB-000-717 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-07-13 |
Zambia: military base |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-11-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Trucks from various countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi origin transporting Maize bran legally with valid documentation and export permits issued by Zambian Dept of Agriculture were held at Kafue Weigh Bridge for almost a week, others longer than 3 weeks allegedly waiting for validation of export permits.
On 13 July permanent Secretary of Lusaka province arrived and Kafue bridge and after a short talk on maize smuggling to drivers ordered 31 of the trucks to be convoyed back to Lusaka to a military base under escort of military police to be impounded.
The drivers were told that upon arrival at the destination they were to take nothing from the trucks and leave. They were also told that where they were to sleep/reside was not the concern of the military personnel or authorities, it was their own problem.
At the military base the drivers manage to negotiate the removal of their clothing, blankets and personal effect , and were forced to hand over the keys to the vehicles and sign forms of impoundment.
This all for vehicles tranporting goods legally, all carrying clearing documentation legally processed by zambian clearing agents and valid legal permits issued by the Zambian Dept of Agriculture in Lusaka.
Subsequent to this another approximate 20 vehicles has experienced the same process.
Daily representations, discussions and meetings since then between various persons and organizations representing transporters and the office of the permanent Secretary of Lusaka yield no results or explanation for the impoundment of vehicles carrying legal documents, nor a date when the vehicles will be released.
Drivers are out on the streets, many with no suitable place to sleep. Some, out of desperation resorted to hitch-hiking back to their home countries.
Transporters are incurring heavy losses.
We urgently request that these trucks be released by the military and Zambian Authorities as this is costing the Transporters a lot of money in lost revenue and it is illegal for the Zambian Authorities and army to hold legally operated trucks.
The incident is also going to be escalated via the relevant countries' embassies/high commissions and Trade Authorities . |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 17th November 2016, South Focal Point confirmed that the NTB had been resolved . |
|
|
NTB-000-716 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2016-06-30 |
Kenya: Mombasa County |
Burundi |
Resolved
2017-10-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mombasa Country charges transit trucks waiting to load cargo in the parking yard an amount of Ksh 500 per day. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTBs focal Point at the Secretariat reported that this NTB had been resolved by the Dedicated Session of Senior Officials /Permanent Secretaries meeting held in Kampala on how to resolve long standing outstanding NTBs |
|
|
NTB-000-715 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-30 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Envinronment |
Kenya |
Resolved
2016-12-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania authority requires that heat treated wooden pallets be fumigated again at the Border, failure of which they charge penalties. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 22nd EAC NTB Forum held in December 2016, Kenya reported that Tanzania Revenue Authority had lifted the requirement that heat treated wooden pallets be
fumigated again at the Border, failure of which they charge penalties. |
|
|
NTB-000-714 |
6.7. Other
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-30 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Food and Drug Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TFDA registers injectables as per pack size and treats each product by itself rendering retaining licences for the product very expensive. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the meeting of the NTBs Focal Points held on 19- 21 August 2019, Tanzania reported that the Bilateral meeting between Kenya and Tanzania held in December 2018, agreed that each country should to continue charging their domestic fees until when the process of harmonization is completed. Immediate implementation. The meeting called on the EAC Secretariat to facilitate the harmonization of food safety standards in the region. |
|
|
NTB-000-713 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2016-06-30 |
Uganda: Busia |
Kenya |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Exports to DRC are subjected to verifications at Busia border and consignments sealed but an additional charges and verification is done at Busitema where the seal is broken and customer/transporter is charged. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The NTB was resolved during the 22nd EAC NTBs Forum held in December 2016 |
|
|
NTB-000-712 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2016-06-30 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Kenyan Exhibitor for the 40th Dar es Salaam International Tradefair charged duties on goods by TFDA and TRA. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 22nd Meeting of the EAC NTBs Forum held in December 2016 accepted Tanzania report that this was a once off incidence and that adequate arrangements had been put in pace to facilitate clearance of exhibitors goods during trade fair. |
|
|
NTB-000-711 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-06-30 |
Kenya: Mombasa County |
Burundi |
Resolved
2017-10-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mombasa County in Kenya charges transit fees of ksh 6,000 for transit cargo truck. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the Dedicated Session of the Permanent/ Principal/Under Secretaries of Trade and EAC Affairs meeting held in Kampala to resolve long standing NTBs, Kenya reported that the internal consultations with the County Government of Mombasa had been concluded and the charge has been abolished. |
|
|
NTB-000-710 |
2.14. Other
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-04-01 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2017-10-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA offices close earlier (3.00 pm) than KRA Office hindering the Verification at Inland Container Deport (ICD) Nairobi |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Dedicated Session of Senior Officials meeting held in October, 2017 reported that both countries Kenya and Tanzania have harmonised the working hours. Hence the NTB is resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-709 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2016-04-01 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2018-07-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Arbitrary uplifting of value exports of the Air filters for internal Combustion manufactured by Kenafric products leading to high charges on VAT |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The Secretariat reported that this NTB had been resolved by the report of the bilateral meeting held from 3rd -5th July 2018 between Kenya & Tanzania . |
|
|
NTB-000-708 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-04-30 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Charging of a Ks. 30,000 fines for criminal offence (TR361/16) for lorries imported by Uganda from German without Mud Guards. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 22nd EAC NTBs forum held in December 2016 accepted Kenya report that the charges were not discriminatory therefore not an NTB. |
|
|
NTB-000-707 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-05-04 |
Rwanda: Rwanda Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2017-05-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Rwanda does not give preferential treatment for rice originating from Tanzania as per the requirement of the EAC Rules of origin |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 23rd Meeting of the EAC NTBs Forum held from 4- 6 MAy 2017 in Kampala, Rwanda reported that she was now according preferential treatment to Rice imported from Tanzania |
|
|
NTB-000-706 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-05-18 |
Uganda: Uganda Police |
Burundi |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Uganda recognizes the COMESA yellow card insurance but it is not honoured once there is an accident. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 22nd meeting of the EAC NTBs Forum held in December 2016 , accepted Uganda report that she recognizes COMESA Yellow Card insurance. However the policy requires that all trucks involved in criminal accidents should be held to allow investigation. |
|
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