Complaint number |
NTB Type
Check allUncheck all |
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
NTB-000-225 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-28 |
Zambia: Zambia Revenue Authority |
Zambia |
Resolved 2010-11-22 |
View |
Complaint:
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An Escort fee of either K900 000.00 or K800 000.00 depending on the route is charged. The escort charge covers the expenses for the customs officials who accompany the commercial transit traffic from port of entry to port of exit. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zambia reported that, under normal circumstances, Customs officers do not accompany commercial transit traffic. If motor vehicles such as trucks need to be escorted they use private escorts who charge them accordingly. These are purely private commercial arrangements between transporters and private escorters. However, if such goods in transit are deemed risky by Customs Officers, then Customs Officers would escort such trucks/vehicles. In such cases, the Zambian law requires that an escort fee be paid to Customs Officers by the transporter, and the fee is dependent on the distance to be covered |
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NTB-000-172 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Dedza |
Malawi |
Resolved 2016-08-24 |
View |
Complaint:
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cumbersome and bureaucratic delays encountered in the processing of documentation and clearing of goods at the border posts. |
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Resolution status note:
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Malawi reported that she had established trade facilitation tools e.g. Development of OSBPs with Zambia,( Muchinji/Mwami) and Tanzania. Draft agreements have been Mozambique and Malawi were now awaiting Official signing at Ministerial level. Malawi has also developed a one stop Malawi Trade portal with all legal regulations and procedures for all institutions in Malawi that deal with trade in goods. All trade and business related forms and procedures for the respective institutions can be dowloaded from the trade portal. |
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NTB-000-199 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-06-09 |
View |
Complaint:
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Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) machines are connected to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which is linked through the internet to enable them to access approved copies of CDI forms. Serious delays are faced in processing the export documents because the systems are frequently down or unable to connect during working hours. The verification process by RBZ takes too long - up to 3 days. |
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Resolution status note:
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Zimbabwe reported that there is fallback method in the event that the system is down. The CD1s are processed manually and are captured later in the excel spreadsheet which is then forwarded electronically to RBZ on weekly basis. There is therefore no delay in processing export documents |
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NTB-000-167 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Malawi |
Resolved 2010-07-22 |
View |
Complaint:
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Border delays including irregular border hours |
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Resolution status note:
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Malawi reported that border operating hours are now harmonized and synchronized across borders in Malawi. Malawi now moving to 24hrs. |
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NTB-000-168 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Mauritius: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved 2012-03-30 |
View |
Complaint:
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Import restrictions on sugar |
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Resolution status note:
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At the last NTB meeting in March 2011, Mauritius informed the meeting that import restrictions on sugar in Mauritius have been lifted |
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NTB-000-174 |
1.1. Export subsidies A82: Testing requirement |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Malawi Revenue Authority |
Malawi |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
Complaint:
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Time taken to test products varies between five days for meat and poultry to ten days for batteries. The time factor and discretionary use of these services at the borders has lead to delays in the distribution. |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Malawi reported that the delays could be attributed to the practice of some importers who do not obtain prior certification of products before importing. For importation of meat products, SPS certification has to be obtained from Ministry of Agriculture before importing to avoid delays at the border. The same applies to importation of batteries. Import permit must be obtained from ministry of Trade before importation. The meeting accepted Malawi’s submission to have this NTB resolved. |
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NTB-000-182 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
Complaint:
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Restriction on importation of tobacco leaf from SADC countries |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd meeting the Tripartite NTBs Focal Points and NMC Chairs held in Dar -es-Salaam on 19-20 April 2012, Malawi submitted that importation of tobacco was not restricted. As a matter of fact Malawi imports tobacco from Tanzania Zambia for processing at Malawi companies. The tobacco is re-exported after processing. The meeting was also informed that the companies buying tobacco in the region are the same. |
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NTB-000-183 |
5.12. Export restraint arrangements |
2009-07-27 |
Malawi: Ministry of Trade |
Malawi |
Resolved 2010-07-22 |
View |
Complaint:
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Export restraint on Unmanufactured tobacco |
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Resolution status note:
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This is no longer obtaining |
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NTB-000-135 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved 2012-05-03 |
View |
Complaint:
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Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce |
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Resolution status note:
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Botswana reported that the levies are no longer obtaining |
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NTB-000-135 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved 2012-05-03 |
View |
Complaint:
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Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce |
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Resolution status note:
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Botswana indicated that she did not charge levies but closed borders whenever local produce was enough to supply local demand. The Ministry of Agriculture has advised that the dates for border closure and opening are set by a committee composed of traders and producers. The Ministry notes that sufficient time is allowed for traders to notify their external suppliers on time. While the study on Agricultural NTBs recommended gradual elimination of some NTBs, it recommended that others could only be eliminated after provision of adequate alternative support systems. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration |
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NTB-000-136 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved 2012-05-03 |
View |
Complaint:
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An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
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Resolution status note:
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Botswana reporte4d that she does not impose levy on wheat |
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NTB-000-136 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved 2012-05-03 |
View |
Complaint:
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An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
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Resolution status note:
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Botswana reported that she does not impose levy on wheat imports. Botswana is imposing the 15% levy on wheat flour.The wheat flour Levy was introduced in 2003, through the Control of Goods, Prices and other charges Act Chapter 43 section 8 Subsection 3 which restrict importation on wheat flour, thereby encouraging the protection of industries in Botswana. The ACt is still under review. The 15% levy is intended as protection for millers in Botswana and is also designed to support value addition. Consultations are in progress with relevant Ministry. Botswana indicated that resolution of this complaint is dependent on the results of the review of the “Control of Goods, Prices and Other Charges Act” which has been stalled pending the establishment of a National Body. A study to assess the relevance of the levy on wheat flour is still being planned. This NTB is of regulatory nature and therefore it is resolved that the NTB be transferred to section of 'Resolved NTBs of policy and regulatory nature' for further consideration. |
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NTB-000-190 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
SADC |
Malawi |
Resolved 2011-01-10 |
View |
Complaint:
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Inconsistency of road traffic laws, and their application in SADC. |
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Resolution status note:
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Botswana reported that ahe is in the process of harmonizing traffic laws with SADC traffic laws; however, there are some traffic laws that have been harmonized e.g. road signs etc. |
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NTB-000-216 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2009-07-27 |
SADC |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2016-10-07 |
View |
Complaint:
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Toll fees variation within the region hampers smooth transit of goods. Toll fees should be rationalised. |
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Resolution status note:
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FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
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NTB-000-212 |
1.1. Export subsidies A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Trade |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
Complaint:
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Unreasonable SPS requirements with no scientific basis or excessively averse to risk |
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Resolution status note:
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Lesotho reported that the import license for agricultural products is required to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of diseases and insects. It takes a day for a license to be issued, at the Department of Agriculture. Information on SPS requirements is readily available from the Department of Agriculture. |
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NTB-000-213 |
1.1. Export subsidies A14: Authorization requirement for sanitary and phytosanitary reasons for importing certain products |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
Complaint:
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delays in getting SPS approvals |
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Resolution status note:
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Lesotho reported that the import license for agricultural products is required to ensure food safety and to prevent the spread of diseases and insects. It takes one day for a license to be issued, at the Department of Agriculture. Information on SPS requirements is readily available from the Department of Agriculture |
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NTB-000-214 |
1.1. Export subsidies A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-07-27 |
Lesotho: Ministry of Agriculture |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
Complaint:
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Difficulty in accessing information onSPS requirements |
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Resolution status note:
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During the workshop establishing NMC for Lesotho held on 09 August 2011 in Maseru, it was confirmed that information on SPS requirements is available from the Ministry of Agriculture and that arrangements are in place to upload this information onto the website of the TMinistry of Trade & Industry Cooperation & Marketing. |
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NTB-000-186 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved 2012-04-26 |
View |
Complaint:
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Poor infrastructure. Many delays at Beira and Nacala docks due to heavy traffic and no security available |
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Resolution status note:
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At the 3rd Tripartite NTBs Focal Point point meeting Malawi registered that the issue be resolved considering the submission from Mozambique that the delays, were as a result of procedural matters between the clearing agents and their respective clients and not the Beira Port authorities per se. |
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NTB-000-192 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-27 |
Mozambique: Beira Port |
Malawi |
Resolved 2011-09-23 |
View |
Complaint:
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Inefficient loading and unloading facilities at Nacala and Beira ports in Mozambique resulting in time delays and occasionally additional warehousing costs. |
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Resolution status note:
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In consultations with the Beira Port Authorities, namely, Cornelder, on the 22nd of September 2011, at the Beira Port, Cornelder informed that indeed during the dredging process the Beira port faced a lot of delays but that aspect has been overcome now that the dredging process is over. |
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NTB-000-149 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-07-27 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Tanzania |
Resolved 2011-07-28 |
View |
Complaint:
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Despite efforts to improve the situation, customs procedures in Tanzania are cumbersome. In most cases, depending on the type of product, there is a long verification chain that involves many steps and numerous documents have to be handled/exchanged in the process of importing. |
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Resolution status note:
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Tanzania Revenue Authority reported that all customs documentation are now obtained and processed online. Traders engage Clearing Agents for clearing goods who obtain all documents online. |
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