| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-366 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia Revenue Authority delays clearing goods at Victoria Falls Border Post in Livingstone, it takes the whole day or two for travellers to be cleared. Only one officer is assigned to inspect the goods and there is arbitrary valuation of goods by the customs officer |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that it only takes 20 minutes to clear passengers with no goods and upto 3hours for those with goods.
There are two officers who inspect as the passenger traffic has reduced due to a number of them opting to use the Chirundu OSBP.
For valuation of goods, they use an already existing database.
|
|
|
NTB-000-367 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Asycuda++ system closes at 16.00 hrs for new entries . ZRA does not continue to clear goods after 16.00hrs. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Asycuda++ system is 24hours for those on DTI and there is also e-payment. Its only those who are not on DTI and access the system through Necor which closes at 16hrs are affected, otherwise the system does not close. |
|
|
NTB-000-370 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2010-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Traders of Plant materials, e.g., seeds are charged different rates by Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Border post in Livingstone (US$20.00) from those charges by other countries e.g., South Africa (ZAR60.00) for each entry. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that the current charge of US$10 on issuance of SPS certificates is competitive in the region. There are no harmonized charges for SPS certificates in the SADC region. |
|
|
NTB-000-377 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-02-10 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-07-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Small traders are denied certificates of origin by producers of products in cases where declarations by producers have to be given. ZIMRA has put in place a law where such declarations are denied which is against the protocol provisions |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe reported that ZIMRA does issue certificates of origin. All certificates that are presented to ZIMRA for processing and the goods do meet the origin criteria are processed. |
|
|
NTB-000-378 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2010-02-10 |
SADC |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Cross border traders and exporters in general are not aware of the SADC FTA particularly the tariff reduction schedules. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 10th SADC meeting of the Sub Committtee on Trade Facilitation held on 14-15 June 2012 noted that tariff data is available on the SADC website for the benefit of stakeholders and that Member States have the responsibility to undertake sensitisation in their respective territories to create awareness. |
|
|
NTB-000-359 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Kenya: Ministry of Home Affairs |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
In Kenya, police can claim that a container is security risk and arrest it until customs people come. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the NMC meeting held in Nairobi on 29 August 2011, Kenya reported that this was an isolated case which did not repeat. |
|
|
NTB-000-360 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-02-10 |
Kenya: Ministry of Transport |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya is not calibrating the weighbridges; therefore there is use of different weights. Leading to rampant Bribery activities taking place at the weigh bridges |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the NMC meeting held in Nairobi on 29 August 2011, Kenya reported the weighbridges have been automated such that weight is recorded online. |
|
|
NTB-000-361 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-02-10 |
Kenya: Ministry of Transport |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2016-06-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Unreliable, different readings on the internal weighbridges in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Readings can differ as much as between 500-700kgs resulting in transporters paying unnecessary huge fines. Weighbridges are often verified, however, various factors which include technical faults of the instruments and unscrupulous conduct of the transporters sometimes result in false readings: This problem relates to transit goods in properly sealed containers that, under normal circumstances, cannot be opened before they get to destination. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The EAC secretariat reported that the EAC Axle load act was enacted by EALA in May, 2014 |
|
|
NTB-000-358 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ministry of Trade |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The process of obtaining DRC Ogeframe certificate delays cargo at the port and increases costs. Procedure is too long as it involves exporter paying fees at Tanzania Revenue Authority in DAr es Salaam Office and then take the document for endorsement by DRC. This is applicable only to transit goods to DRC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Member States agreed to resolve on the strength that no complaints had been received . |
|
|
NTB-000-363 |
7.7. Complex variety of documentation required |
2010-02-10 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Documentations requirements for exports to Kenya are too cumbersome (SGS invoice is issued after one month and you are charged inspection charges. With regards to import permits, Zambian exporter has to raise COMESA Certification and send to Kenyan importer before shipping the goods. This process takes more than 3 months. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Issue resolved through COMESA Customs and Trade Committee |
|
|
NTB-000-368 |
2.4. Import licensing
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Trade |
Zambia |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa denies Plant import permit for imports of chilies from Zambia |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Afric areported that Zambia was not able to send information needed to evaluate their plant disease situation, legislation, standards and other requirements. PQPS certificates can therefore not be issued if the above information is not known. |
|
|
NTB-000-369 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A84: Inspection requirement
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa is not facilitating inspection of production areas for issuance of PQPS certificate for exports of fruits to Zambia as per requirement by the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
South Africa reported that Zambia needs to send information needed to evaluate their plant disease situation, legislation, standards and other requirements to the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries . PQPS certificates can not be issued if the above information is not known. |
|
|
NTB-000-369 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A84: Inspection requirement
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
South Africa: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zambia |
Resolved
2011-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
South Africa is not facilitating inspection of production areas for issuance of PQPS certificate for exports of fruits to Zambia as per requirement by the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 1 June 2011 , South Afric areported that Zambia was not able to send information needed to evaluate their plant disease situation, legislation, standards and other requirements. PQPS certificates can therefore not be issued if the above information is not known |
|
|
NTB-000-379 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-19 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
Namibia |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
DRC is charging exorbitant fees which are not in line with SADC and COMESA harmonized fees.From 01/02/10 DRC did not reduce their tolls they instead greatly increases
them. Road tolls in DRC are about 15 ( 1500 % ) times greater than the SADC
recommended. Today a foreign transporter entering DRC at Kasumbalesa going to Tenke
Fungurume mine ( 300 kms each way ) is subject to the following tolls and
fees (distance of 300 kms into DRC and 300 kms out of DRC): Road toll Kasumbalesa/Lubumbashi return $ 300 ; Road tolls Lubumbashi/Likasi return $ 300; Road tolls Likasi/Tenke return $ 150 ; Government tax $ 50 ; Fumigation Fees $ 50 ; Card entry $ 15 ; Tourism/Vaccination fees $ 35 ; Visa for truck $ 25 ; Break bulk fees $ 20. Total cost to the transporter in Fees and Tolls is $ 945. That works out at $
157.5 per 100 kms. The SADC agreed is $ 10 per 100 kms. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
|
|
NTB-000-413 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2010-03-31 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-07-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Crossborders buses are not allowed to cross over Kariba Bridge, which in turn will force a number of cross border traders to use Chirundu via Makuti which is expensive to the traders then(can the tonnage limit be reviewed by Zambezi River Authority and the Ministry of transport) |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 9th meeting of the SADC Sub-committee on trade facilitation, Zimbabwe reported that a eeting between Zimbabwe and Zambezi river Authority had agreed on th elifting of the ban. The ban has been lifted to allow cross border buses and small commercial transport of up to 11tonnes to use the bridge. |
|
|
Products:
|
0302.11: Fresh or chilled trout "Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oncorhynchus clarki, Oncorhynchus aguabonita, Oncorhynchus gilae, Oncorhynchus apache and Oncorhynchus chrysogaster" |
|
|
NTB-000-434 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-04-15 |
Madagascar: Customs |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2015-12-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Madagascar does not confer originating status to Citron Plus soap manufactured by Mauritius and exported to Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 27th COMESA TC Committee in August 2011, the COMESA Secretariat was directed to liaise with Madagascar to implement the Council decision taken at its 29th Meeting in Lusaka to provide justification for refusing the COMESA Certificate. Currently, Mopirove is exporting without difficulty . However an official decision is yet to be communicated to mauritius to avoid the risk that Madagascar Customs can refuse the COMESA Certificate of Origin from Mauritius |
|
|
Products:
|
3401.11: Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use, incl. medicated products |
|
|
NTB-000-434 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-04-15 |
Madagascar: Customs |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2015-12-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Madagascar does not confer originating status to Citron Plus soap manufactured by Mauritius and exported to Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The two parties agreed that the issue does not constitute an NTB because the soap exported by Mauritius to Madagascar enters duty free therefore its not a NTB. This matter is therefore resolved . Madagascar requested the Secretariat to organise . Mauritius confirmed that Exports are no longer subjects to verification on RoO. |
|
|
Products:
|
3401.11: Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use, incl. medicated products |
|
|
NTB-000-434 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2010-04-15 |
Madagascar: Customs |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2015-12-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Madagascar does not confer originating status to Citron Plus soap manufactured by Mauritius and exported to Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the COMESA NTBs Focal Points meeting held in August 2016, Madagascar and Mauritius informed the meeting that this NTB had been resolved in line with the decision of the 28th COMESA Council of Ministers |
|
|
Products:
|
3401.11: Soap and organic surface-active products and preparations, in the form of bars, cakes, moulded pieces or shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap or detergent, for toilet use, incl. medicated products |
|
|
NTB-000-437 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2010-05-12 |
EAC |
Kenya |
Resolved
2015-09-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in transit bonds cancellation by EAC partner states |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Now with the introduction of the Single Customs Territory using a single bond from the port up to final destination, the issue has been addressed. |
|
|
NTB-000-381 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-06-08 |
Mozambique: Posto Fiscal de Cobue |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-03-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mozambique police are charging fines to transporters although their Registration Books have been notarised by the Mozambique Embassy. Notarised Documents are acceptable throughout Mozambique except in other areas particularly the Beira region. Transporters from Malawi and Zimbabwe entering through Mulange/Muloza ; Forbes/Machipanda; Nyamapanda/Cuchamano; Dedza/Calomue and Mwanza/Zobue border posts are affected by these fines. Authorities in these corridors do not accept certified copies of the documents. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Mozambique reported that the Interior Ministry advised that the Road Traffic Code states that the circulation within Mozambican territory with a photocopied document is illegal. Article 42 ( 2) of the Road Traffic Code and Article 7 (2) of Decree no. 68/2008 of 30th December. The fine is set at 200,00 Mts and not 2000,00Mts as was reportedly charged.
2. In a meeting held between SADC secretariat and Mozambique focal [points on 19 September 2011, it was agreed that the SADC secretariat would facilitate consultations between reporting and imposing country on this matter.
3. On 27 March 2012, Mozambique reiterated its position that , the road code in Mozambique states clearly that the driving is subject to an original valid driving license only.
Certified copies of driving licenses are not allowed. Following NTB mission in September, 2011 this complain is resolved. |
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