| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-446 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Kenya |
Resolved
2015-09-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Port Charges are not harmonized. Port charges should be benchmarked with international port charges |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya and URT submitted the Port procedures manual to the EAC Secretariat. |
|
|
NTB-000-447 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2016-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Customs working hours are not harmonized |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Customs working hours have been harmonized by OSBPs |
|
|
NTB-000-450 |
2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is lack of verification sheds and parking yards at most border posts in the EAC partner states. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th NTBs forum held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the 15th EAC Forum on NTBs noted that the ongoing construction of OBSP was addressing this NTB and Partner states reported that construction of OSBPs was at advanced stages at key border posts. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-451 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Additional charges by Container freight stations.The port charges should include charges on container freight charges. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Kenya reported that the port charges by ICDs and CFS should be the one approved by port authorities. Kenya Ports Authority has signed a service level agreement to guide charges by CFS. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-452 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Mbeya |
Uganda |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Border posts charge Visa charges of US$ 250 for businessmen from Uganda. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that it does not charge visa from EAC members. |
|
|
NTB-000-453 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Ministry of Transport |
Burundi |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
No movements of Cargo Trucks beyond 6:00 pm within Tanzania. This affects trucks from Rwanda, Burundi & Uganda |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Burundi agreed that this NTB be resolved on the basis that Tanzania was modernising the tracking equipment so as to have electronic devices that can be monitored electronically along the transport corridor to the final destination. This provision allows Tanzania Revenue Authprity to make the necessary timely interventions. Burundi and Tanzania have signed a joint MoU in joint patrol and were provided equipment to maintain security along the affected areas. However Tanzania wouldl notify Burundi on the operationalization of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). |
|
|
NTB-000-454 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Tanzania: Central Corridoor,Tanzania |
Uganda |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
TRA has introduced check points in the Central Corridor with timeframes and imposed charges for the delays to reach the destinations |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Tanzania reported that the time frame of clearance of Transit goods from the point of entry to the point of exit had been used as control measure to ensure that there was no divergence of transit goods into local markets. In the Central corridor there are 3 check points that is Missugusugu, Dumila and Isaka.
From all these check points it takes 5 days to across border. In the southern corridor there are also 3 check points and it takes about 3 days to cross borders. Tanzania launched Electronic cargo Tracking System (ECTS) on 12th March, 2012 which was expected to commence operations in June, 2012. With ECTS there will be no need for Time frame as the goods would be monitored electronically. The legal document was given to Rwanda |
|
|
NTB-000-455 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Central Corridor |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2011-09-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya. Kenya demands that trucks should noit weigh more than 48Tonnes axle load whereas other partner states allow 56tons. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The 6th EAC Regional Forum on Non tariff barriers held from 12-13 March 2012, adopted recoomendation from the meetin of EAC permanent secretaries of the sectoral Council of transport , communications and metrology held in Nairobi on 16-19 August 2011 that a meeting of experts be convined by EAC secretariat to develop supportive legal, institutional and operative framework for approval by the council in 2012. This NTB is therefore considered resolved by the regional forum. |
|
|
NTB-000-455 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-03 |
Kenya: Central Corridor |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2011-09-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya. Kenya demands that trucks should noit weigh more than 48Tonnes axle load whereas other partner states allow 56tons. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
The axle load was agreed at 56 tons in the recent past and could possibly be a case where a hiccup arises due to lack of information by the implementing agency. When we have such cases of varying application of axle load specifications by Kenya along the Northern Corridor (Weighbridge), then it is useful to specify the weighbridge and give necessary details for us to follow and address the complain . However, the issue of varying application of axle load specifications should no longer occur because the region has adopted a uniform applicable axle load of 56 Tonnes |
|
|
NTB-000-456 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A83: Certification requirement |
2011-09-03 |
EAC |
Kenya |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
EAC Standards Bureaus have varying procedures for issuance of certification marks, inspection and testing. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th NTBs forum held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that Partner States Regulatory Agencies are collaborating in clearance of goods and that there is now mutual recognition of certificates issued by Partner States Testing bodies. This NTB was therefore resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-444 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A83: Certification requirement
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-09-02 |
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture |
Uganda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non recognition by Kenya for SPS certificates issued by Uganda for tea destined for Mombasa action. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Kenya reported that the requirement would be abolished. Kenya reported that tea destined for auction at Mombasa for export must be warehoused in a bonded Customs warehouse (Transit Go down) of their choice. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-445 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2011-09-02 |
Burundi: Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2012-04-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Burundi customs system does not interface within the customs’ systems in the Revenue Authorities in Partner States |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Burundi and Rwanda NMC consultations held during the 3rd meeting of the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs in Dar-es-salaam on 19-20 April 2012 concluded that the issue had been resolved after Rwanda bureau of standards recognised that Burundi water meets international standards. |
|
|
NTB-000-448 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2011-09-02 |
EAC |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Inadequate Police Escort mechanism. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, EAC Secretariat reported that the All Partner States were providing police escorts. This NTB is therefore resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-678 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-08-25 |
Egypt: Egyptian Customs Authority - Ministry of Finance |
Kenya |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non acceptance of COMESA certificates of origin on mill white sugar, LG Electronics (TV sets) originating from Kenya |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 8th February 2016 , Focal Point for Egypt reported that the NTB be considered resolved on the basis of a recommendation from a joint visit on the spot verification for Mill White Sugar and LG products (TV Sets) was undertaken that White sugar & LG Electronics (TV sets) qualify for preferential treatment according to COMESA protocol of ROO. |
|
|
NTB-000-430 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2011-08-23 |
Tanzania: Lungalunga |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
plastic bags doubted as to the rule of origin despite the existence of rule of origin certificate |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC secretariat reported that a report of the verification mission was considered by the meeting of SCTIFI following which , letters were sent out to Partner States and revenue authorities informing them that plastic products are supposed to benefit from preferential treatment. |
|
|
NTB-000-467 |
2.14. Other |
2011-08-08 |
Zimbabwe: Kariba |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2011-10-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
On the 8/8/2011 a trader came with 45 pairs of slippers that is plastic footwear which qualifies the product to be traded using Comesa certificate of Origin under code 6404 since the onset of the project, the trader was charged duty of $72.00 calculated from total value of $31.10 yet she was only to pay vat & p-tax of $7.76, after discussions with Customs Manager she then paid $14.00 for vat, p-tax,and storage charge of $6.00 for 3days. from this day custom then banned importation of plastic footwear under this code 6404 and this ban is only at Kariba border Post, Zimbabwe, yet on Zambian side they give Comesa Certificate of Origin for the same product ,this is now promoting smuggling of this product along Zambezi River if that person dont want to Chirundu route |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority reported that the product Plastic Slippers is classified in tariff 6402.2000 which is not on the COMESA STR Common List of products therefore customs officers could not clear under that instrument. However, following consultations between officials from Zimbabwe and Zambia, products in HS code 6402 will be put up for consideration to be included on the COMESA STR list of products at the next reveiw meeting. |
|
|
Products:
|
6404.19: Footwear with outer soles of rubber or plastics and uppers of textile materials (excl. sports footwear, incl. tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, training shoes and the like, and toy footwear) |
|
|
NTB-000-428 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin |
2011-08-01 |
Tanzania: Mbeya |
Kenya |
Resolved
2013-10-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
EXPORT OF PLASTIC FROM KENYA TO TANZANIA ARE SUBJECTED TO 25% DUTY |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
At the 12th Regional Forum on NTBs held from 14th – 17th, October 2013, at EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC secretariat reported that a report of the verification mission was considered by the meeting of SCTIFI following which , letters were sent out to Partner States and revenue authorities informing them that plastic products are supposed to benefit from preferential treatment. |
|
|
Products:
|
3905.21: Vinyl acetate copolymers, in aqueous dispersion |
|
|
NTB-000-425 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-07-21 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-10-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
DRC transit charges are too exhorbitant. For example, a truck delivering to Tenke, will have to pay $340 + 750 + 125 + 125 = $1340 for one return trip.That is, providing the truck doesn’t wait more than one day at the Zambian border.
There have been many complaints about it, but little seems to be done. There are ongoing efforts by the RFA and other stakeholders to get the toll fees as low as possible yielded some positive resulted in a once off reduction of the fees which still are too high. Each trip through Kasumbalesa to Lubumbashi costs a staggering US$ 125.There is need for transparency and fair toll fees at regional level. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
|
|
NTB-000-443 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-07-14 |
Kenya: Malaba |
Uganda |
Resolved
2016-06-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Kenya Charges a plant import permit (PIP) at Malaba on Ugandan tea destined for auction at Mombasa |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-423 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2011-07-12 |
Mozambique: Dondo |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2012-03-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Zimbabwe transport hauliers companies continue to have problems with certain Mozambique authorities. Mozambique authorities (Police at Dondo) are not accepting certified copies of registration books on grounds that if the vehicle does get stolen there are no legal document to prove the vehicle belongs to transporting company. CVR amendments are also not accepted. It looks like the Police are unnecessary targeting Zimbabwe registered vehicles. They are being unreasonable with their fines which are imposed citing very minor faults on vehicles. The police at Dondo hassle the drivers and find no apparent reason to issue tickets.
Forbes border post is hassling drivers, especially the agriculture department. They say that an agriculture permit is required but the documents s gets checked in Beira, Dondo and Inchope. But when they get to the border they claim that this permit is required. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
In a consulative meeting held between SADC Secretariat and Focal Points on 19 September 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique reported that, according to existing laws, it is illegal to carry notarised documents. The SADC secretariat in liaison with reporting and imposing country, will facilitate further consultations on the matter if necessary.
2. With regards to agriculture documentation, Moambique reported that documentation is processed by the relevant departments and institutions at the border , therefore this issue does not arise and is considered resolved |
|
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