| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
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Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations.
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on dimensions, Botswana had agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated. Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete the exercise.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the above basis. |
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NTB-000-609 |
7.1. Arbitrariness
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Botswana: About 100 km North of Gaborone on the Gaborone- Francistown road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A transporter's truck was pulled over at the weigh bridge, about 100 km North of Gaborone, on the Francistown road, at about 3:00pm on the 3rd November 2013.
The weighbridge officials on duty at that time demanded a spot fine – payable immediately alleging that it did not meet the applicable dimensions. The reason for the fine was that the truck was over length – which it was not. The allowance is 22m and .30m for the bull-bar and spotlights. The total length of the vehicle was 22.26 m; 4cm under the allowed length. This truck passed the length inspection on this exact same spot in Botswana the week before.
The official, who did not want to give his name, said that he did not care what happened last time. The truck was over length and would not move until he was satisfied.
The official did not want to speak to the transporter's management and said it was between the official and the driver. They did not want to let the truck go before the unrecorded payment was made. They indicated they would keep it till Monday, when the driver would have the opportunity to pay the fine.
This is not the first time that Botswana officials have issued unrecorded fines for either over height, over length or over width vehicles.
Transport operators request the Botswana central government authorities to clamp down on officials that are unjustifiably harassing drivers and not facilitating the flow of goods along the corridors. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana focal point reported that the legal length of any vehicle combination as per the Botswana Road Traffic Act is 22m, which conforms to the requirements of the SADC Protocol on Transport and Metereology. There was no allowance in the Botswana regulations for inclusion of any other fitted devices to the vehicle since they are considered as part of the 22m. However the Botswana Ministry of Transport and Communication is in consultation with the relevant agencies on the matter of those vehicles which are more than 22m long. Botswana was in the process of reviewing the regulations.
On 24 November 2014, FESARTA reported that, following high-level discussions between SA and Botswana on vehicle dimensions, Botswana agreed that there won’t be prosecutions whilst the regulations were being updated. Botswana was given till March 2015 to complete the exercise.
FESARTA advised that this NTB be considered resolved on the basis of this development. |
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NTB-000-611 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2013-11-15 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved
2014-09-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are the drivers of a Malawi transport company (name supplied) coming to carry clinker from Beira to Malawi. Were here at Beira port, on 15 November 2013 and we have got a problem of document processing since morning up to this period (1600hrs). Mozambique customs officials on duty (name supplied) are receiving unrecorded money from others therefore not attending to those who have not paid him. We re quest that the Mozambique authorities facilitate that our documents are processed without us having to pay un- recorded fees. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 5 September 2014, Mozambique focal point reported that Mozambique had increased surveillance activities therefore these kind of situations were under control . Mozambique had not received any similar complaints after surveillance started. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-612 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-11-05 |
Tanzania: at the border of Burundi/Tanzania |
Burundi |
Resolved
2013-12-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Truck belonging to BRARUDI (the leading Brewery in the Republic of Burundi) has been held at the border of Burundi/Tanzania for a period of 15 days (Tanzania side )because Tanzania Revenue Authority at the border estimate that the products must pay customs duties before enter Tanzania, despite the consignment being accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by Burundi Revenue Authority. And Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority requires the company TO register the products before exporting. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 23 December 2013, Burundi Focal Point reported that BRARUDI Products made in Burundi were allowed to enter in Tanzania following resolution of this NTB during the 13th NMC regional forum held in Burundi 17-20 December 2013. |
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NTB-000-614 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-12-02 |
Mozambique: Inhamizua Road block in Beira |
Malawi |
Resolved
2013-12-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
A Malawian truck (registration number given) is being detained at Inhamizua road block in Beira Mozambique for no proper reason since 12 hours ago. The time of this complaint is 20 32hrs. Traffic Police officer claims Fire Extinguisher is empty which is not the case because it is new and in perfect working condition. Her fellow officers agrees that the Fire Extinguisher is perfect but the lady traffic police officer is refusing to give back the driver cargo documentation until we pay a fine of MTC 5,000. The reason for us paying the fine being that she has already written a fine receipt. Our understanding is we are supposed to pay a fine when we are on the wrong side of the law not when the Police officer is not well conversant with things I.e. Fire extinguishers. Please assist. (Driver’s name and contact details provided) |
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Resolution status note:
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On 26 December 2013, Mozambique Focal Point reported that the problem of Beira has been resolved, and that the lord in question has left the detention area at the road block. |
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NTB-000-616 |
6.5. Variable levies |
2013-12-01 |
Zambia: Nakonde District Council |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2016-08-25 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Nakonde District Council of Zambia has introduced new Council Levy for external trucks entering Zambia in addition to other existing charges and levies. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 25 August 2016, Zambia Focal point reiterated the fact that all Levies collected by the Council are guided by Section 69 and 70 of the Local Government Act CAP 281 of the Laws of Zambia which specifies the Levies to be collected. Under this Act (CAP 281), no Council is mandated to collect motor vehicle fees. This is therefore a policy measure notified to stakeholders . The NTB is considered resolved because stakeholders have been made aware of the regulations . The same will also be contained in the NTMs database. |
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NTB-000-618 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2013-12-06 |
Zambia: Nakonde |
|
Resolved
2016-03-31 |
View |
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Complaint:
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This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Resolved NTB 514 refers, whereby ZAMESCO had been forcing transporters to park in its parking area at Nakonde border post, and pay a daily fee.
In April 2013, Zambia reported that this practice was no longer occurring and the NTB was considered resolved.
However, transporters report that ZAMESCO continues to force transporters to park in its area and pay an increased US$35 per day.
This is unacceptable. If trucks have to park at the border to await clearance, there should be free parking available. If they wish to use ZAMESCO's facility, it should be their choice. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 31st March 2016, Zambia Focal Point reported that there was variety of parking at Nakonde Border which transporters can use. The situation where transporters were being coerced to park at ZAMESCO had been addressed. Therefore, given the availability of variety of packing spaces, Zambia advise that the transporters should explore and opt for best options available. Given this development, this complaint was considered resolved. |
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NTB-000-619 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations |
2014-01-10 |
Mozambique: Tete Corridor |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-07-02 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
South African-registered trucks are required to be escorted by the Mozambique authorities, from the Cuchamano border post, along the Tete Corridor, to their destinations. They are charged US$100 to the Zobue border post and US$150 to the Calomue border post.
Transporters have confirmed that they would prefer not to be escorted, as it delays their trips.
If the Mozambique authorities insist on escorting the vehicles, then the cost should be covered by Mozambique. Transporters should not have to pay for something that they do not want and it should be included in the Mozambique authorities' budget. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 03 July 2014 FESARTA reported that they had received communication from the Mozambique authorities that escorts are only required under exceptional cases, and no charges can be made. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-621 |
1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions |
2014-01-26 |
Tanzania: Nzega Town |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
High way attack that occurred in TANZANIA near NZEGA Town along the Central Corridor |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Tanzania reported that security had improved. Tanzania was providing police escorts. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-624 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2014-02-18 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zambia |
Resolved
2014-03-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A Zambian transport company has 6 vehicles carrying copper into Zimbabwe, detained at the Vic Falls weighbridge, because “the exhaust is pointing down to the ground “ and it must be “up in the air “ according to an official on duty.
The vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes Benz and, for these vehicles; the exhaust is designed to point to the ground.
This exhaust position is perfectly within the law in Zambia where the vehicles are registered. Zimbabwe should respect and accept the Zambian standards.
This action taken by the Zimbabwean official is unacceptable and the Focal point is requested to explain if this is a violation of Zimbabwean law. It is suggested that urgent action be taken to allow the truck to continue with its journey and also to facilitate movement of goods. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 19 March 2014, Zimbabwe reported that the trucks were released on the same day and the owner was advised to contact the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz) to adjust the exhaust as required by Zimbabwean Law. The requirement is in terms of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations promulgated under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter13:11] uploaded onto the system.
However, the Ministry of Transport indicated that they shall not enforce this requirement on foreign registered trucks as long as this is not in their domestic legislation. Zimbabwe is expected to issue a formal notification to this effect to enable enforcement of the said exemption on foreign trucks. |
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NTB-000-626 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-02-28 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Various incidents at both Martins Drift Border post and at Kazungula - Officials imposing Botswana height restrictions of 4.1 - on SA registered vehicles - agreement at 4.3? please advise |
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Resolution status note:
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Thanks Kelly. Please upload a copy.
Regards |
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NTB-000-628 |
6.3. Special supplementary duties |
2014-03-01 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Malawi |
Resolved
2014-09-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Malawi is currently applying a discriminatory excise duty regime that discriminates against imported cigarettes and foreign manufacturers of cigarettes. The Malawian government formally introduced the two-tier discriminatory cigarette excise regime on 3 June 2011. Currently, for imported cigarettes, a specific excise tax of US$ 30 per 1000 cigarettes is levied, compared to the excise rate of US$ 15 per 1000 cigarettes with more than 70% local content. This practice infringes the national treatment principle which requires that cigarettes, once they have crossed the border and entered the domestic market of Malawi, be taxed no less favourably than locally produced cigarettes. In this regard, and under its regional commitments, Malawi should not be allowed to discriminate against foreign made cigarettes by applying higher and discriminatory excise duties. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 13 November 2014, Focal Point Malawi reported that this NTB had been resolved (Customs and Excise (Tariffs) (Amendment) order 2014 ) and Malawi applies a uniform rate. Communication to COMESA Secretariat, currently coordinating the tripartite process, had since been sent and a report of the same was also submitted to the NTBs Focal Point meeting that was held in Nairobi, Kenya on 23 - 25 September, 2014.
uploaded for clarity. |
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Products:
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2402.20: Cigarettes, containing tobacco |
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NTB-000-631 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2014-04-22 |
South Africa: Ficksburg Bridge |
Lesotho |
Resolved
2015-03-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
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I apparently needed a certificate from the State Vet to carry wool tops over the border! This proved impossible to get in Ficksburg. I have also experienced many problems bringing craft goods over to South Africa from lesotho as we need to pay VAT on all goods coming to exhibitions. This is extremely time consuming process and then I have to claim the VAT back when I bring unsold goods back over the border! |
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Resolution status note:
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On 24 March 2015, Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved and therefore must be removed from the pending cases. |
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Products:
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5105.29: Wool, combed (excl. that in fragments "open tops") |
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NTB-000-632 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2014-05-23 |
South Africa: Lebombo |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
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This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
Copper Moon Trading, the company that is running the Lebombo dry port at Komatipoort, near the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post, is forcing transporters to use and pay for its parking facilities in Komatipoort.
This instruction is supported by the Komatipoort municipality.
Attached are invoices for this parking and a "ticket" for a truck not parking in the identified facility.
As with the situation at the Tunduma/Nakonde border post between Tanzania and Zambia, private companies, supported by the municipalities, cannot force transporters to use their parking facilities.
Transporters' vehicles are required to visit the SARS customs clearing offices at the Lebombo dry port and so parking should be provided for them, free of charge, by SARS.
If parking is not provided, then trucks must be allowed to park along the roadway. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-000-633 |
8.8. Issues related to transit
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-05-28 |
Mozambique: Dondo |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The traffic authorities at Dondo, near Beira, are harassing foreign drivers over the documents that the drivers carry.
Of particular note is the vehicle registration document for South African vehicles.
The registration document (RC1) shows the vehicle register number, but not the licence plate number. The authorities want the licence plate number to be shown on the document, and are issuing fines for it not being shown.
The South African licence receipt document (LCO) shows both the register number and the licence plate number. This links the vehicle to the registration document. But the traffic authorities do not accept this.
Another driver, this time from Zimbabwe, received a fine because of alterations to the vehicle registration book. The alterations had been done by the Zimbabwe authorities and stamped by them. But this was not acceptable to the Mozambique authorities and a fine was issued.
It has become clear that the authorities at Dondo generally harass foreign drivers.
This does not encourage good relations between countries and does not facilitate intraregional trade.
The Dondo traffic authorities must be trained in trade facilitation matters and not harass drivers unnecessarily. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing any harrasment so the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-000-634 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2013-11-12 |
EAC |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Egypt's National Monitoring Committee received a complaint from Chemicals and Fertilizers Exporting Company that the cost of shipment between Egypt and the eastern countries in Africa is very high. In addition east African countries prefer that the shipment companies ship fruits rather than chemicals. And hence a suggestion was made to hold a meeting between transport syndicates especially of the landlocked countries in COMESA and the business community in an attempt to reach a solution.
please consider the above mentioned suggestion. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 8th February 2016, Egypt Focal point reported that the NTB be considered closed on the basis that Egypt's National Monitoring Committee did not receive any details from the Exporting Company. |
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NTB-000-637 |
5.5. Import licensing requirements
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-07-14 |
Zimbabwe: Ministry of Industry and Trade |
Egypt |
Resolved
2016-02-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
There is a ban on importation of Soya bean oil packed in bottles by Zimbabwe. Requirement by Zimbabwe for import permit and license for soya oil and detergents from Egypt |
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Resolution status note:
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On 8th February 2016, Egypt Focal point reported that the NTB be considered closed on the basis that Egypt's National Monitoring Committee did not receive any details from the Exporting Company. |
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NTB-000-639 |
8.1. Government Policy and regulations
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-08-25 |
South Africa: Beit Bridge |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The Director, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, South Africa, has instructed that, due to the outbreak of the ebola virus in DRC, no DRC citizens may enter South Africa until further notice.
See the attached notice.
Whilst it is accepted that the outbreak of the ebola virus is a serious issue, the transport industry recommends that other preventative measures be taken at the borders, rather than stop DRC citizens from entering the country? |
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Resolution status note:
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On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. |
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NTB-000-642 |
2.9. Issues related to transit fees |
2014-12-09 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Burundi |
Resolved
2014-12-11 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The United Republic of Tanzania via the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is charging USD200 as registration fee for transit permit on each transit container which contain which contain Chemical products. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Tanzania reported that the levy was abolished in 2012.This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-643 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2014-12-09 |
Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam Port |
Burundi |
Resolved
2015-03-26 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Ports Authority is charging all Transit containers located at at Tanzania International Container Terminal Services (TICTS) a miscellaneous Port Charges. On 05 June 2014, a transporter from Burundi was charged US$90 being for miscellaneous port services for a 20ft container |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 16th EAC regional forum on non tariff barriers held in Kigali in December 2014, Tanzania reported that the double handling charges were abolished. This NTB is therefore resolved. |
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