| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-001-101 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2022-11-21 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
SOUTH SUDAN IS IMPOSING COSTLY ROAD USER CHARGES/FEES. The government of South Sudan through the National Revenue Authority imposes high charges on Ugandan transporters for road use. In 2022, Exporters from Uganda to South Sudan were paying Six Thousand Pounds (6,000) but received receipts reading Five thousand pounds( 5000). This fee isn't in the law and is very costly.It is also impossible to explain to the truck/cargo owners the difference in money paid and money receipted
Currently 2023, Exporters from Uganda to South Sudan are paying Twenty eight Thousand Pounds (28,000) but the receipts they get after payment indicate Twenty One Thousand Pounds (21,000).
This is very unfair and increases the cost of doing business.
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Resolution status note:
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The 34th RMC was informed that the road user charges for Uganda traders are 21,000 SSP. The 7,000 SSP extra payment is an administrative charge payable to the Ministry of Interior Traffic Directorate. The fee is charged on all transporters, not only Ugandan transporters.
The meeting was informed that Road user charges in RSS in 2022 was 5,000 SSP. In 2023 RSS is charging transporters RUC amounting 21,000 SSP.
The meeting agreed that RSS should stop charging the extra 7,000 SSP on top of the road user charges which are not issued a receipt. |
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NTB-001-097 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B9: TBT Measures n.e.s. |
2022-11-28 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Bureau of Standards |
Malawi |
Resolved
2023-03-28 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania requires that we produce a Certificate of Analysis done in SGS labs only which are only in South Africa and Mauritius. The test must be done on each and every consignment which is costly and time-consuming. It could have been ideal if they could accept at least from Malawi Bureau of Standard.
Other countries where we export our product accept Certificate of Analysis from our company lab. |
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Resolution status note:
|
From the report of the meting held on 28th March 2023 between SADC Business Council, The Complainant and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), both parties agreed to resolve the NTB as per the attached minutes of the meetings and the accompanying letter with Reference No. TBS/CED/PVoC/G.54/7870 dated 29th March 2023. |
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NTB-001-085 |
1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers |
2022-07-01 |
Kenya: Customs |
Uganda |
Resolved
2024-03-09 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Kenya's restriction of supplies to the Kenyan Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) to only Kenya originating cables and other ESI materials by Kenya (Public Bid Notice ) |
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Resolution status note:
|
NOT New
This complaint was dropped as it it related to trade in services and not trade in goods. Hence it is not an NTB" |
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NTB-001-084 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-07-01 |
Kenya: Customs |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
25% excise duty on table eggs imported table eggs as a new restriction
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Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC meeting noted that the law was not being practiced and Uganda was not being affected by the law. Hence the NTB has been resolved |
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NTB-001-082 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2021-07-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Revenue Authority |
Uganda |
Resolved
2023-05-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Excise duty on imported onions, potatoes, potatoes crisps and potatoes chips effective 1st July 2022 at rate of 25% imposed by Kenya |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 34th RMC noted that the provision of the Law is not applicable hence no NTB has occurred so far and Kenya is requested to amend their law and rectify it to avoid the NTB from occurring. This NTB has been resolved. |
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NTB-001-079 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2022-10-24 |
Uganda: Uganda Revenue Authority |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-05-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
RESUBMITION
DISCRIMINATORY CHARGES BY UGANDA : 18% VAT ON FROZEN WHOLE CHICKEN
In order to export poultry products to Uganda, a Kenyan farmer/producer is charged 18% VAT. It is important to note that in Uganda chicken is not vatable, yet they charge VAT on chicken from EAC countries.
The issue had been reported under NTB-001-010 and indicated as resolved. However, on checking in the URA system, VAT is still charged on frozen whole chicken meat |
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Resolution status note:
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The NTB was considered and resolved under NTB-001-010. The new evidence provided was incomplete and could not furnish Uganda with enough information. Hence the issue is still considered resolved. |
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NTB-001-078 |
1.2. Government monopoly in export/import
Policy/Regulatory |
2022-06-13 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
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Resolved
2023-07-03 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The government of South Sudan through the Ministry of Transport on 25 Feb 2022 had request the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the clearing of all South Sudan cargo at Nairobi Dry Port by moving all containerize cargo by rail and to be cleared at a Private Container Freight Stations (CFS) Autoport Freight Terminals Ltd. When the directive was implemented on 13 June 2022, Stakeholders and the private sector in particulars did not appreciate the move and it see as monopolistic in nature and it did increase the cost of doing business for South Sudan importers, This was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Trade and Industry South Sudan which is the line ministry, The ministry of trade communicated to ministry of transport South Sudan on the implication raise by the private on the cost of import and the monopoly fact, after the consultation between the two ministry in South Sudan, The minister of Trade and Industry wrote two communication letters to the Ministry of Trade Kenya on 23rd May 2022 and Ministry of Transport Kenya on 13 June 2022. However, all the communication had not been responded to from Kenya ministries mention, on 28 July 2022 Members of Parliament summon the ministries of Trade and Transport and resolve to Suspend relocation of South Sudan Cargo via Nairobi to protect South Sudanese and the Minister of Transport South Sudan was requested to revoke his letter to the Ministry of Transport Kenya to allow South Sudanese cargo owner to clear their goods directly from the Port of Mombasa. On 28 July 2022 the Ministry of Transport South Sudan wrote to his counterpart in Kenya requesting the suspension of his previous letter dated 25 Feb 2022. All those communications did not bear fruit on trade facilitation update. Unfortunately on 4th October 2022 the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works. Wrote a letter to the National Treasury and Planning Kenya informing the Cabinet Secretary on not receiving any formal communication from South Sudan Government and for his guidance all South Sudanese cargo is to be rail and cleared at Nairobi.
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Resolution status note:
|
The 42nd SCTIFI noted that Kenya reiterated Her commitment to facilitating the transportation of RSS people and cargo through a letter dated 13th December 2022 addressed to the Minister for Transport South Sudan informing him of a presidential directive on clearance of goods and other attendant operational issues at the port of Mombasa copied to all concerned MDAs of Kenya which is being followed to date. Hence the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-001-068 |
1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country
Policy/Regulatory |
2022-06-16 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives. (State Department of Livestock0 Directorate of Veterinary Services |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Happy sausage Ltd is meat processing company based in Arusha Tanzania. The company produced various types of sausages (fresh, smoked, cooked, fermented), bacon, harm, fresh, beef, lamb, pork and chicken. The company wanted to export its products in Republic of kenya. The company was advised to apply to the government of Kenya for ana import permit of meat and meat products sourced from Tanzania , particulary from its Arusha facility. The application letter is attached for easy reference. The DVS (Kenya) replied to the application through letter with Reference No. MOALF/SDL/DVS/VPH/GEN/54 dated 29th March, 2022 by citing key requirements for meat importation into Kenya(those guidelines included in the letter).
The company complied with all requirements . The dully filled risk assessment questionnaires was submitted to DVS (Kenya)on 12th April 2022 ( the questionnaires is attached for reference) . What remains undone is for the DVS (Kenya) to send staff to Tanzania to Inspect the slaughter and meat processing facility in Arusha. We humbly request the DVS (Kenya) to send its staff to inspect the facility so that to allow the the company to export meat and meat product in Kenya. |
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Resolution status note:
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The Regional meeting was informed that the DVS of Kenya looked at the risk assessment questionnaire submitted by Happy sausage ltd and approved their import permit. The issue was administrative and was resolved. |
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NTB-001-067 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2022-04-15 |
Kenya: |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non recognition of Truck specifications approved and registered in Uganda.Kenya charges truck drivers approximately 150,000 ksh with trucks that have three axle loads.These are recognized and approved for transportation by Uganda. The truck drivers after paying the penalty are required to apply for an exemption permit that should be applied for two weeks in advance which is an additional delay and amounts to an increase in business costs. |
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Resolution status note:
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The meeting was informed that Kenya is implementing the East African Community Vehicle Load Control (Vehicle Dimensions and Axle Configurations) Regulations (EAC-VLC) Act and its subsequent regulations of 2018. The trucks affected were found to be in violation of the Law. The Act provides a maximum of 4 axles (2 steerings and 2 rear) on a rigid chassis vehicle which must not exceed 12 meters. Impounded vehicles had 5 axles on a rigid chassis vehicle which is not allowed by law. The meeting agreed that the Partner States need to abide by the EAC Laws. Hence the complaint is not an NTB. |
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NTB-001-066 |
|
2022-01-01 |
Mozambique: Delegação Aduaneira de Ressano Garcia (Road) |
Mozambique |
Resolved
2024-03-31 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Introduction by Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique of a SINGLE ENTRY Temporary Import Permit (TIP) at a cost of MZN700, which is currently processed manually for the majority of vehicles at Ressano Garcia's KM4 facility.
The costs are prohibitive for companies moving transit cargo from South Africa to the Port of Maputo, with 15 loads per week per vehicle a common achievement. In addition, the delays experienced by the manual processing of the TIP document adds significant cost on account of the waiting time that drivers are subjected to. The Port of Maputo has collaborated with Customs in Mozambique to collect electronic payments for the TIPs, but so far only 10 companies have taken up the use of the facility. Even those companies registered on the Port's electronic system are not guaranteed speedy processing, and delays are still experienced by drivers as they still have to queue to collect the TIP document. Electronic payments should take precedent over manual payments, but in reality this is not the case. It is common knowledge that a R50 bribe will speed up the processing of the TIP document.
The SADC Protocol on Trade is clear in its reference to the removal of tariffs and non tariff barriers. At this point, the TIP cost to one company moving 180 trucks per month, is in excess of R1,4million ZAR or USD88,000. The manual processing compromises the integrity of the system and the costs directly impact the competitiveness of the trade route for imports and transit imports into Mozambique.
With the push towards the harmonization of regulations within the SADC and TRIPARTITE region, the TIP process should be harmonized with that of South Africa which has a multiple entry TIP valid for 6 months and is processed at no cost to the user. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB-001-066 was resolved, and the withdrawal of fees concerning the 750 Meticais fees paid for issuing and extending the Vehicles Temporary Import License on the foreign carriers was reviewed and published in Ministerial Diploma no. 33/2023 of February 14th, attached above. |
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NTB-001-064 |
8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Mokambo Border to Mfulira Road |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Mokambo Border to Mfulira road has become impassable with trucks getting stuck in the mud and being damaged as a result of the poor road condition |
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Resolution status note:
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During the COMESA Regional capacity building workshop for National focal Points held in Rwanda from 3-6 April 2023, Zambia focal point reported that reconstruction of the Mokambo border to Mfulira had been commenced. It was therefore recommend that this NTB be regarded as resolved considering that Zambia is taking efforts to reconstruct the road |
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NTB-001-063 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2022-03-24 |
Zambia: Kasumbalesa |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2023-03-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is slow Clearance by border agencies ( Zambia Customs) causing truck delays. Trucks following a queue 34km long at morning of 24 March 2022 . |
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Resolution status note:
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A Bilateral Ministerial Meeting between the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was held on 6th March 2023. It was agreed that all border agencies of both countries put in place procedures to allow for 24-hour border operations at Kasumbalesa, Sakania, Mokambo and Kipushi in accordance with internal procedures.Based on the outcome of the Bilateral meeting, the NTB is resolved |
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NTB-001-062 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B31: Labelling requirements |
2022-03-22 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2022-06-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Our Company is experiencing discretional acceptance of labelling of Arenel sweets by Port Health South Africa. We export jelly sweets among other products to the Republic of South Africa and our packaging has a sticker written “Jelly Babies” and does not state the word “Sweets”. The majority of sweets sold in the importing country (RSA) have similar packaging. On the 22nd of March 2022 our truck was stopped by Port Health South Africa at Beitbridge Border Post and the officials demanded that our truck return to Zimbabwe with the full load because the product labelling does not conform to the importing country`s labelling requirements. It seems there is no uniformity in the Port Health officials at Beit Bridge Border Posts are accepting labelling requirements for sweets entering RSA. |
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Resolution status note:
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The SA Port Health Authority committed issued Arenel with a six months exemption ( 13 June - 13 December 2022) to continue with their exports to South Africa of apricots and jelly sweets. |
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NTB-001-061 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-12-28 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Republic of South Sudan is imposing a digital border security Control Tag of 100 USD and a control fee of 30 USD at every entry or exit. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 14 June 2022, EAC Secretariat reported that the SCTIFI meeting was informed that the order was revoked and hence the NTB was resolved. |
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NTB-001-060 |
1.8. Import bans
Policy/Regulatory |
2022-02-16 |
|
Uganda |
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Prohibition of Sale of alcohol packed in 200ml containers and confiscation of products by CID and Local government Authorities.This is affecting only imported beverages.No Communication has been received on change of regulatory framework governing packaging of alcoholic drinks. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 14 June 2022, EAC Secretariat reported that the SCTIFI meeting was informed that Uganda banned sachet-packed alcohol.
RSS informed the meeting that this was not an NTB but a health issue. The meeting therefore agreed that the NTB should be resolved in the TBP |
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NTB-001-058 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2022-03-12 |
Egypt: Egypt Revenue Authority |
Egypt |
Resolved
2023-04-06 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The Egyptian customs rejected to apply the COMESA certificate of origin issued by Madagascar attached because the signature is different. COMESA Secretariat is therefore requested to check the attached received from the shipper and advise on way forward. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the COMESA Workshop on Capacity building for Member States held on 2- 6 April 2023, which reviewed this NTB, Egypt National Focal Point was requested to update status of the rejected consignment which was accompanied by the COMESA Certificate of Origin in the online system. However, on further review, it the meeting recommended that this complaint be regarded as resolved because the COMESA Certificate of Origin in question was not confirmed to be authentic. |
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NTB-001-050 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2022-02-14 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
Zambia |
Resolved
2022-09-06 |
View |
|
Complaint:
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There is a disruption in the flow of trade/transit at Nakonde/Tunduma border post due to a protest by transporters in Tanzania who are not moving cargo across the border. This has affected the movement of goods both into Zambia and Tanzania and has resulted in increased congestion on both sides of the border. Considering the important role the Nakonde/Tunduma border post plays along the transport corridor, any further delays resulting from the protests will significantly disadvantage all stakeholders within the region in terms of revenue and costs. This will ultimately have a negative effect on the consumer welfare in the countries and the region at large. It is therefore imperative that the present impasse is resolved as a matter of urgency. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 6th September 2022, Focal Point Zambia Revenue Authority reported that the NTB had been resolved. |
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NTB-001-047 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2021-12-01 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
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Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
On 4th December Juba Trades Union reported challenges in clearing their consignment at Mombasa Port due to new regulations, which is not clear to them at the time they getting their goods for the holiday season, the complain of challenges with the new introduce system including the payment which is not clearly justified or oriented to the stakeholders, clearing process at Mombasa come to stop and goods stop flowing to Nimule border of South Sudan, South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce reported the concern to the Ministry of Trade and Industry indicating the impact of the measure on the market prices and lack of goods if no action is taken considering its a holiday season. traders are losing by been charge demurrages at port and arrival of the goods after the season. The Ministry of trade took action by canceling the Certificate of Destination to allow the flow of goods to the county, However the action was not honored by the RSS Customs office in Mombasa, reported by Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association (KIFWA), National Chamber did meet with the RSS Minister of Finance to look at the matter and he promise to communicate to the Revenue Authority since he is not aware of the new regulation and the charges imposed. With the mounting pressure from the stakeholders National Revenue Authority send a letter to Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Port Authority to support the flow of goods to South Sudan unrestricted and the Minister of trade order is to be honored as per NRA letter, lastly on 21st December the official at Customs RSS in Mombasa started releasing the cargo to RSS with only $50 Charges not those mention on the Certificate of Destination Chagres below:-
1- 40ft Container $400
2- 20ft Container $365
3- Vehicle 4x4 $365
4- Regular Vehicle $300
5- All UN Consignment $365
6- Loose cargo $250
The main challenge traders have face is lack of coordination between different institutions and the partner states when introducing new regulations or policies, this current measure is not official resolved by Customs Division of NRA. we hope Kenya and South Sudan should address it to assure its traders they are on regional integration and the free movement of goods and people are a true. Engagement of stakeholders is a key in success of any measure introduce by the government |
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Resolution status note:
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On 14 June 2022, the Secretariat reported that the framework under the Single Customs Territory (SCT), but also One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) manual has the provisions that allow the deployment of Customs Officers.
The National Revenue Authority sent a letter to Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Port Authority to support the flow of goods to South Sudan unrestricted. On 21st December the official at Customs RSS in Mombasa started releasing the cargo to RSS with only $50. The two Partner States agreed to handle the matter administratively and should be resolved from the TBP |
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NTB-001-046 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2021-12-03 |
Uganda: Malaba |
|
Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
On 3rd December Traders reported that URA enforce regulation on all transit cargo to South Sudan and DRC, where all consignment are to pay a fee of $150 to $214 depend on the type of cargo, and those charges are collected by private company "Sunco Ltd." its said to be a contract between South Sudan government and K-Polygone SAS. then K-Polygone contracted Sunco Ltd. When the issue was raise to the Ministry of Trade by the National Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture. at the time goods have stop flowing to Nimule border of South Sudan, Then Minister of trade issue ministerial order suspending the contract between its ministry and K-Polygone to allow smooth follow of goods to RSS, Upton date traders are still complaining the charges at Malaba border of Uganda still on going and the matter is not resolve.
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Resolution status note:
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On 14 June 2022, the EAC Secretariat reported that charges are collected by the private company "Sunco Ltd." at the Malaba Uganda border
The two Partner States agreed to handle the matter administratively and is resolved. |
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NTB-001-045 |
|
2021-11-22 |
Kenya: Poultry products from Uganda have been banned from entering the Kenyan market. |
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Resolved
2022-06-14 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
The government of Kenya without giving any reason arbitrarily banned all poultry products from Uganda from accessing the Kenyan market. It is not clear when the ban will end or if it will end. My clients have lost and continue to lose a lot of money thanks to this arbitrary and protectionist measure by the government of Kenya going against all the principles of the International Trade especially Kenya's obligations as a part of the East African Community Customs Union. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 14 June 2022, the EAC Secretariat reported that the ban was lifted as a result of the Bilateral meeting of the two Partner States in December 2021.
So, the matter is resolved |
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