| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-358 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2010-02-10 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ministry of Trade |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The process of obtaining DRC Ogeframe certificate delays cargo at the port and increases costs. Procedure is too long as it involves exporter paying fees at Tanzania Revenue Authority in DAr es Salaam Office and then take the document for endorsement by DRC. This is applicable only to transit goods to DRC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Member States agreed to resolve on the strength that no complaints had been received . |
|
|
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-000-523 |
7.1. Arbitrariness |
2012-08-06 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: On all roads |
South Africa |
Resolved
2012-12-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
the traffic police and other authorities in DRC, are enforcing a 40km/hr speed limit on all roads.
If the speed is exceeded, a spot fine of US$500 is imposed.
If the truck is impounded, a further US$100 per day is charged for parking.
This is an unacceptable acitivity, since the normal speed limits are clearly marked with road signs.
40km/hr throughout the country is not a realistic speed limit. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 02 December 2012, the Department of Transport in the DRC advised that an agreement between the drivers and the DRC government was reached that , until 30 January 2013, there will be no speed limits imposed. The DRC government will look at the drivers behaviour and will come back with a final solution to this issue after 30 January 2013. |
|
|
NTB-000-517 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2012-07-16 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: KIPUS Mine |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2012-07-20 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA) reported that Tanzania Trucks, after delivering a consignment they carried from Tanzania to Congo, are charged $100,000/= per truck if they want to carry another consignment on their way back to Dar es Salaam. The attached receipt is just evidence for one transaction but there are other transporters who have paid such charges while there are also other transporters whose vehicles have been detained until now. This fee is charged at KIPUS mine in the name of LOCAL INCOME TAX WHILE LOADING CARGO. Tanzania regards this as an NTB and she needs to know the reason for charging such a huge amount of money from transporters. DRC focal point is requested to treat this matter as urgent since a number of tracks are still detained at Kipus Mine in the D. R. Congo. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 08 October, Tanzania focal point reported that the DRC released the trucks held at the KIPUS Mine . This NTB is therefore considered resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-605 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2013-10-03 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
COMESA |
Resolved
2016-08-24 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The unstable situation at the Kasumbalesa border post between Zambia and the DRC, is causing serious delays on the North-South corridor.
Over the past 6 months, lawlessness on the DRC side of the border, is leading to drivers foreign to DRC being harassed and, on some occasions, being attacked. Police have been unnecessarily harassing drivers for speeding, unroadworthy vehicles and incorrect documentation. The lack of security has resulted in two drivers being shot and wounded; the latest being Patrick Murifi, 31, a Zimbabwean truck driver.
This has caused drivers preparing to enter DRC from the South, to become agitated and, on two occasions, go on strike and effectively close the border to heavy vehicle traffic.
Copperbelt Police chief Joyce Kasosa has confirmed in an interview recently, that calm has been restored but trucks are still not crossing into and from DRC because the drivers want to be addressed and assured of their security while in that country.
It is clear that the situation is volatile and likely to erupt into violence at any time, for the slightest reason.
This situation is not conducive to intra-regional trade and unacceptable to the road transport industry.
A deputation from DRC yesterday to the drivers on the Zambian side, has convinced the drivers to start moving again.
However, the drivers have warned that if there should be further occurrences of the problem, they will blockade the border for 3 weeks.
SADC and COMESA are requested to intervene and call on the government of the Katanga province to take control of the situation and provide a stable environment conducive to intra-regional trade. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the 5th Meeting of the COMESA NTBs Focal Points held in Nairobi from 23-25 August 2016, DRC reported that the matter had been resolved following consultations with COMESA Secretariat and other interested parties . |
|
|
NTB-001-020 |
1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation
Policy/Regulatory |
2021-06-14 |
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kasumbalesa |
Zambia |
Resolved
2021-06-19 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
It has been reported that the DRC Health Department has implemented a mandatory COVID testing fee of US$45 per driver disregarding any other COVID certificates issued by Member States . This has led to Drivers from various countries parking their trucks and not crossing into DRC because they would like the DRC Government to reverse the directive on mandatory COVID19 test at a fee of $45. Currently, there is no traffic movement at Kasumbalesa.
This has disrupted the movement of goods and people between the two countries. We therefore request the relevant officials to resolve this matter.
Reporting on behalf of Truck Drivers |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 19th June , 2021 Zambia Focal Point advised that they had received information that the fees had been reduced to US$10 and therefore the trucks were cleared resolving the problem . The trucks are now able to cross over to DRC side. |
|
|
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-000-445 |
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-000-529 |
1.8. Import bans |
2012-08-08 |
Burundi: National Police |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2013-10-16 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ban on import of fresh fruits from Burundi to Rwanda |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 16 October 2013, Burundi Focal Point reported that, at the 12th EAC Regional Forum on NTBs held on 14th– 17th October, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania, Rwanda reported that Burundi had lifted the ban. Therefore the NTB was resolved |
|
|
NTB-000-912 |
2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin
Policy/Regulatory |
2019-09-10 |
Burundi: Bujumbura Port |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2021-04-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Republic of Burundi has denied preferential treatment of MS -Plate (Iron sheet) produced by ALAF Company in Tanzania. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the NMC meeting, held in April 2021, the meeting was informed that the NTB was Resolved. |
|
|
NTB-000-952 |
1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies
Policy/Regulatory |
2020-03-20 |
Burundi: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2020-09-01 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Disrimination and denial of Market Access for salt in Burundi.
There was a survey carried by Ministry incharge of Public Health in 2018 in relation to the consumption of salt, that the result revealed that only 52% of Burundians consume adequately iodized salt. On the basis of this survey the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism has taken measures to authorize and license four trading companies as importers of adequately iodized packaged with an iodization rate of between 30 and 60ppm and provided with a certificate of conformity from Standards Bureau of the importing country. The companies authorized and approved by Ministry to import salt in Burundi are the followings;
1. Ubuntu Investment company
2. Geprotus
3. Gitega Business Centre
4. Burundi Import (BIMPO)
No other company or individual is authorized to import and market food salt without the authorization of the Minister in-charge of trade. The issue is the government of Burundi is discriminating other companies to import salt in Burundi. This is against EAC rules and procedures, if the issue is standard of salt there is mutual recognition concerning standard in EAC as per SQMT Act 2016.
|
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
During the RMC meeting held on 1 September 2020, Burundi reported that an official letter of the Ministry of Trade informing that the measure reducing the number of companies importing cooking salt has been removed. Now the economic operators in the salt trade are authorized and encouraged to do so in strict compliance with the law. The letter specifies however that the imported cooking salt must be a finished product, crushed, cleaned, dried and packaged, adequately iodized and provided with a certificate of conformity from the office of Standard of the import country. |
|
|
NTB-000-104 |
2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures |
2009-07-26 |
Botswana: Ministry of Agriculture |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana imposed 15% levy on wheat imports |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana advised that she does not impose levy on wheat imports. |
|
|
NTB-000-115 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-07-26 |
Botswana: Ministry of Transport |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana charges very high road levies. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that Botswana charges road levies on entry to Botswana at the border only. Road levies are used for road maintenance in Botswana, and are only paid once at entry point. |
|
|
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:
|
Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that the levies are no longer obtaining |
|
|
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:
|
Botswana imposes ad- hoc import levies on fresh produce |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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 |
|
|
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:
|
An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reporte4d that she does not impose levy on wheat |
|
|
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:
|
An import levy of 15% is charged on wheat flour |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
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. |
|
|
NTB-000-346 |
1.1. Export subsidies
B81: Product registration/approval requirements |
2010-02-09 |
Botswana: Ministry of Health |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-06-08 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Botswana drug registration process was intended to safeguard public health. However, due to lack of human resources, to administer the process, half of the drugs available in South Africa are no longer available in Botswana |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that it regulates medicines to safeguard public health and to assess products/ drugs.
There is a priority list for drugs, e.g. for the following diseases; HIV, Tuberculoses and Malaria.
The issue of lack of human resources is being addressed |
|
|
NTB-000-348 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2010-02-09 |
Botswana: Ministry of Trade |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-07-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana regulates importation and pricing of petroleum products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that petroleum products are not regulated |
|
|
NTB-000-348 |
5.1. Quantitative restrictions |
2010-02-09 |
Botswana: Ministry of Trade |
Botswana |
Resolved
2011-07-22 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Botswana regulates importation and pricing of petroleum products |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
On 22 July 2011, Botswana reported that petroleum products are not regulated |
|
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