| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-049 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2008-12-22 |
Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards |
Egypt |
Resolved
2013-01-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Pre-verification of Compliance (PVOC)
Complaint drawn to the attention of the Kenyan authorities |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 14 January 2013, Egypt Focal Point reported that Egypt was no longer complaining about the PVOC that Kenya is applying. So the NTB -000-049 should be put in the resolved NTBs category. |
|
|
NTB-000-035 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2008-12-22 |
Uganda: Ministry of Trade |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Import Tariffs
Kenya complained that Ugandan authorities were utilizing 1994 tariff levels as base year for calculating COMESA discounts. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda reported that she is no longer using 1994 tariff levels as base year for calculations |
|
|
NTB-000-031 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2008-12-23 |
Egypt: Ministry of Trade |
Uganda |
Resolved
2009-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
: Authorisation fees for endorsement of COMESA Certificate of Origin
Uganda has complained that Egypt authorities require that Certificates of Origin be endorsed by the Egyptian Embassy in Kampala before dispatch of the goods |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Issue was resolved through COMESA Customs and Trade Committee |
|
|
NTB-000-053 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-01-21 |
Burundi: Ministry of Trade |
Eswatini |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Refuse to offer a minimum reduction of 60% on standard importatiion of sugar from Swaziland as agreed.
Burundian Customs are claiming that Swaziland is not a member of COMESA. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Issue was resolved by the COMESA Customs and Trade Committee |
|
|
NTB-000-046 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-01-21 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Malawi |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
wheat flour |
|
|
Products:
|
1101.00: Wheat or meslin flour |
|
|
NTB-000-054 |
5.2. Exchange controls |
2009-02-04 |
Kenya: Private Company |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2009-02-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tara Florist of Mauritius reported that they made a payment in advance for an order of cut flowers to Mayfield Growers of Nairobi, Kenya on 17 August, 2007.
Mayfield Growers failed to deliver the products as agreed. Tara Florist has been sending reminders to Mayfield Growers. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Government of Kenya facilitated resolution of the problem in 2007/8 |
|
|
NTB-000-881 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2009-02-04 |
Tanzania: Nakonde |
Zambia |
Resolved
2020-11-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Since 2006, the Tanzanian Government imposed a ban on importation of poultry and poultry products to curb any possible Avian Influenza Disease outbreak. However, a Zambian Company (Hybrid Poultry Farm) has been denied Transit Permit for hatching eggs destined for Kenya. The hatching eggs are not going to be offloaded in Tanzania as it will only be used as a transit country and will be transported in sealed refrigerated containers. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 10 November 2020, Zambia Focal Point advised that this was no longer an issue therefore should be resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-056 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-02-09 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-03-04 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe reported that Zambia is not issuing permits for the importaion of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that The Ban was lifted and reported during the COMESA Twenty Ninth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee – December, 2010 |
|
|
NTB-000-058 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-02-09 |
Eritrea: Eritrea Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya reported that the Government of Eritrea is rejecting the COMESA Certificate of origin on processed meat exports from the Farmers Choice in Kenya due to authenticity of Signatures. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Eriteria reported that the issue was resolved by the COMESA customs and trade committee meeting |
|
|
Products:
|
2102.10: Active yeasts |
|
|
NTB-000-057 |
2.4. Import licensing |
2009-02-09 |
Zambia: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe reported that Zambia is not issuing permits for the importaion of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Zambia in 2007 suspended importation of sterilized milk until production, consumption and deficit figures were known so that whilst allowing imports , the diary industry which is in its infancy does not suffer but be allowed to grow. Consultations between the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Zimbabwe are ongoing with a view to resolving the problem associated with the importation of sterilized milk from Zimbabwe. |
|
|
NTB-000-055 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-02-09 |
Madagascar: Customs Department |
Mauritius |
Resolved
2010-11-29 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mauritius reported that Madagascar has doubt on the originating status of sopa exported by Maniprove Company of Mauritius to Sarvonnerie Tropicale Company in Madagascar |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Madagascar reported that elimination of this NTB is being done progressively |
|
|
Products:
|
3401.20: Soap in the form of flakes, granules, powder, paste or in aqueous solution |
|
|
NTB-000-436 |
2.14. Other |
2009-04-16 |
EAC |
Kenya |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is lack of harmonized procedures manual for the EAC partner states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th NTBs forum held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the EAC harmonized procedures manual was adopted by the Council in 2012. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-059 |
7.3. Corruption |
2009-04-20 |
Kenya: Rwanda to Mombasa Highway |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Road blocks along the Northern Corridor for transporters carrying goods from Rwanda to Mombasa Port
The policemen at road blocks demand payments of 1000 Uganda Shillings and 50 Kenya shillings. Once you have made the payments they don't even bother to check on what you are carrying. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya reported that issue was resolved through COMESA customs and trade committee meeting |
|
|
NTB-000-412 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2009-05-08 |
Sudan: Port Sudan sea port |
Kenya |
Resolved
2015-01-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sudan customs authorities refused to recognise COMESA certificates of origin for the export of laundry soap noodles manufactured in Kenya. The soap noodles are packed in 25kgs PP woven bags. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 19 January 2015, Kenya focal point reported that, ideally Sudan Customs should have requested COMESA for a verification mission to Kenya, but the issue was left hanging. Kenya would therefore want this NTB removed from the outstanding NTBs ‘as resolved’ on grounds that the affected company had advised Focal point to close the case since they are no longer exporting soap noodles to Sudan. The NTB shall be registered afresh if it features again. At that point, reporting company will be requested to provide the supportive documents with current dates. |
|
|
Products:
|
3401.20: Soap in the form of flakes, granules, powder, paste or in aqueous solution |
|
|
NTB-000-909 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2009-07-01 |
EAC |
EAC |
Resolved
2018-11-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Existence of several weigh bridge stations in the central and Northern corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Transit trucks should be weighed twice, weigh bridges should be reduced to two (2) one at the point of entry and the other at the port of exit.
The two weigh bridges should be equipped with a High Speed Weigh-In Motion (HS-WIM) equipment to save time spent at weigh bridges.
Kenya and Tanzania have installed the High Speed Weign In Motion Weigh Bridges (HS-WIM).
Number of Weigh Bridges in Partner States are as follows: Burundi: 0, Kenya: 4, Rwanda: 0, Tanzania: 3 as agreed, Uganda: 2
The meeting recommended that Uganda be urged to consider installing High Speed Weigh-In Motion Weigh Bridges to resolve this NTB.
URT waived the US$40 sticker fees on transit trucks going through weigh bridges in the central corridor with immediate effect. |
|
|
NTB-000-697 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2009-07-16 |
|
|
Resolved
2019-08-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of coordination among the numerous institutions involved in testing and clearance of goods at the Borders |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
.The NTBs meeting of Focal Points held on 19- 21 August 2019 was informed that the EAC agreed to harmonise the operations of their institutions. This NTB no longer was resolved in the EAC Time Bound mechanism. |
|
|
NTB-000-061 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-22 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-05-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia has increased its carbon tax and is now charging US$40 per trip instead of US$40 per annum |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she does not charge US$ 40 per trip but charges US$40 per every three (3) months and during that period payment is made only once regards less of how many trips are made until the three months expires. |
|
|
NTB-000-062 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-22 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-02-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia is now demanding a carbon tax of US$40 per trip instead of the previously charged US$40 per annum. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia does not charge US$ 40 per trip but charges US$40 per every three (3) months and during that period payment is made only once regards less of how many trips are made until the three months expires. |
|
|
NTB-000-060 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-22 |
Zambia: Ministry of Transport |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2010-11-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zambia has is now charging carbon tax of US$40 per trip an increase from the original US$40 per annum. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zambia reported that she does not charge US$ 40 per trip but charges US$40 per every three (3) months and during that period payment is made only once regards less of how many trips are made until the three months expires. |
|
|
NTB-000-075 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-23 |
SADC |
Botswana |
Resolved
2019-11-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The SADC region has different border operating times and this inhibits intra regional trade |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The SADC Secretariat submitted the following detailed progress report resolving the NTB.
The 29th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Customs Cooperation (SCCC) held on 8-9 May 2019, in Gaborone, Botswana, recalled that that the 13th meeting of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Regional Economic Integration held in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, recognized that impediments to movement of goods across the SADC region should be urgently addressed. The MTF committed to take measures to address the following as “quick wins” to enhance border efficiencies and trade facilitation at selected borders:
a) Harmonization of operating hours at all adjacent borders with different operating hours such as Chirundu, Kasumbalesa, Kasumulo/Songwe border crossings in order to reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation;
b) Review the hours of operation in order to cater for high traffic volumes and meet the requirements of trade at the following border posts:
(i) Chirundu (Zambia/Zimbabwe);
(ii) Kasumbalesa (DRC/Zambia);
(iii) Kasumulo/Songwe (Tanzania/Malawi);
(iv) Kazungula ( Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe);
(v) Machipanda/Forbes (Mozambique/Zimbabwe);
(vi) Calomue/Dedza (Mozambique/Malawi);
(vii) Nyamapanda/Cuchamano (Zimbabwe / Mozambique);
(viii) Tunduma/Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania); and
(ix) Ramokgwebana/Plumtree (Botswana/Zimbabwe)
(x) Santa Clara/Oshikango (Angola/Namibia).
c) Agreed to be proactively involved in the implementation of the one-stop border post (OSBP) programme at the borders to support the following priorities as identified in the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan short-term plan:
(i) Kasumbalesa (DRC / Zambia);
(ii) Kazungula ( Botswana / Zambia /Zimbabwe);
(iii) Tunduma / Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania);
(iv) Mwami / Mchinji (Zambia / Malawi);
(v) Chiponde/ Mandimba (Malawi/Mozambique); and
(vi) Trans- Kalahari / Mamuno (Namibia/ Botswana).
SCCC also noted that the matrix on Progress on Border Management was circulated in March 2019 to all Member States in order to provide an update on the implementation of the trade facilitation initiatives but the submission was received only from South Africa.
The meeting urged the Member States to provide an update on the implementation of the trade facilitation initiatives by latest 30th May 2019
The SCCC:
(i) noted the progress on the implementation of the trade facilitation through initiatives in border management;
(ii) urged the Member States to expedite the implementation of the agreed trade facilitation measure to enhance efficiencies and border crossing as directed by the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration; and
(iii) requested the Member States to submit any further updates with respect of initiatives being undertaken at major border posts in terms of extension and harmonization of border operating hours, One-Stop Border Posts, and Coordinated Border Management
The Secretariat received the update on harmonization of operating hours at all adjacent borders with different operating hours in order to reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation and compiled in the table below.
MAIN SADC BORDERS: HARMONIZATION OF OPERATING HOURS -2019
Border Post Countries Opening hours
1 Kasumbalesa RD Congo / Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
2 Luvu/Lufu Angola/ DRC Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
3 Kazungula Ferry Botswana / Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
4 Victoria Falls Zimbabwe/ Zambia The hours of operation are 06h00 to 22h00.
5 Beitbridge / Mesina South Africa/Zimbabwe The border operates 24hs
6 Nakonde / Tunduma Zambia / Tanzania The border operates 24hs
7 Kasumulu / Songwe Tanzania /Malawi Malawi operating from 06h00 to 18h00 and
Tanzania from 07h00 to 19h00 (time zone)
8 Mwami / Mchinji Malawi/ Zambia The borders operate 24 hours. However, for
Commercial, it is from 06h00 to 18h00
9 Chiponde / Mandimba Malawi/ Mozambique Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00
10 Zobue / Mwanza Mozambique/Malawi Both sides operate from 06h00 to 21h00
11 Machipanda / Forbes Mozambique/Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 20h00
12 Nyamapanda / Cuchamano Mozambique/Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 20h00.
13 Trans-Kalahari / Mamuno Namibia / Botswana Both sides operate from 07h00 to 24h00.
14 Kazungula Ferry Botswana /Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
15 Ramokgwebane / Plumtree Botswana/ Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 22h00.
16 Kopfontein / Tlokweng South Africa/ Botswana Both sides operate from 06h00 to 24h00
17 Beitbridge / Mesina South Africa/Zimbabwe The border operates 24hs
18 Lebombo / Ressano Garcia South Africa/ Mozambique Both sides operate from 06h00 to 24h00
19 Santa Clara / Oshikango Angola/ Namibia Both sides operate from 08h00 to 18h00
20 Jimbe / Jimbe Angola/ Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
21 Maseru Bridge Port of Entry Lesotho / South Africa The border operates 24hs
22 Lomahasha / Namaacha Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 24h00
23 Goba Border Post / Mlhumeni Mozambique/ Eswatini The border operates 24hs
24 Golela Border / Lavumisa Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00
25 Border Posts / Mananga Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00
26 Oshoek Border / Ngwenya Eswatini/South Africa Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00 |
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