| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-791 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2017-11-10 |
Botswana: Kazungula Road |
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Resolved
2018-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Botswana requires that transporters get exemption permits issued either in Francistown or Gaborone, the same original permits must then be couriered to Kazungula where the permit then must be presented to the Kazungula PTC for authorisation and stamping, then to the Botswana Power Corporation for authorisation and stamping, only then can the truck proceed to Kazungula weighbridge and present the permit and be inspected and weighed.These permits are only valid for 7 days so the window in which to use the same permit is very narrow, especially since there are sometimes issues where Zambia Revenue Authority Asycuda system experiences failures and down time.
Further, Transporters are required to put up abnormal signs and red flags on the trucks before they can be released by the Kazungula weighbridge staff. The weighbridge does not permit trucks with over 4.3 Metres high is not permit and yet most of the trailers which the transporters run are just under 4.4 Meters high with a High Cube container on board.
There are no bridges or low power lines, to which a High cube container with a height of 4.6 Metres , would pose a threat to on the entire route from Zambia through Botswana and South Africa .
This is another one of many hurdles being put in the road which is increasing the costs of regional trade and is yet another barrier to trade on our corridor to South Africa. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 10th April 2018 , Botswana Focal Point reported that Botswana is in compliance with the Regional Standard Dimensions of Vehicles in all its aspects; and specifically the 4.3m overall height.
Exemption permits for over height vehicles is issued from two (2) central locations i.e. Gaborone and Francistown. However Botswana has eased the problem on transporters by issuing Annual exemptions which means the transporter need only to apply once in a year for his Fleet crossing into Botswana. The exemption has no limitations on the number of trips the transporter undertakes nor when the trips are made. The frequent users of the corridor are at liberty to apply for a one year permit.
Transporters are expected to apply for the permit either through their representatives or agents well in advance to enable Department of Roads to process the permit on time. Copies are sent to all the weighbridges along the route that the truck will follow.For safety purposes abnormal signs and red flags are supposed to be mounted on the vehicles before they are allowed onto the public road. |
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NTB-000-976 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2020-08-10 |
Botswana: Kazungula Ferry |
Zambia |
Resolved
2023-10-05 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We have a fleet of trucks and the problem is there is no fixed procedure to calculate the toll that BURS charges. They see the weights on the trailers mentioned on the blue plates which many a times shows 36,000kgs on the small trailer and 36,000 on the big trailer. That means they charge each truck toll for 72000 kgs. Some trailers with the same load and same trailers end up paying 4200Pulas and some trailers with the same cargo and same type of trailers are told to pay 6700 pulas. When the agent goes to ask that if you are charging us for 72000kgs will you allow the truck to carry such weights. They just tell him to leave the office and say there is no negotiation. We fail to understand how 1 truck having the same trailer and same cargo pay 4300 pulas and other truck with same trailer and same cargo is told to pay 6700 pulas. This on our transporters part is unfair. They should come with a fixed charge option that trucks with tri axel trailers will pay this much and trucks with interlinks trailers will pay this much. Please we will be obliged if this issue is raised on top priority. |
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Resolution status note:
|
In this particular case, there was difference in weights between those indicated in the white book and the data plate affixed to the truck. Assistance was sought from the Weighbridge and due to other circumstances the attempt was unsuccessful. In concluding the query, the truck driver was assisted using the previous permits which he had no objections to.
The inconsistency with information from the trucker resulted in the inconsistency of the charges. This was resolved. |
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NTB-000-245 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ministry of Trade |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The acquisition of Pre-shipment inspection numbers and consequent inspection of shipments for exports to Angola make transport pre-planning quite difficult and cause lengthy delays for the transport industry. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that this NTB lacks clarity and complainant could not be traced to provide additional information. The complaint is therefore considered resolved unless additional information is provided. |
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NTB-000-253 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ondjiva Customs |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Clearance of goods by the Ondjiva customs at the Oshikango/Santa Clara border post is too time consuming (red tape/inefficient bureaucracy). |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that its Customs service underwent a structural reform and modernisation resulting in the simplification and harmonisation of customs procedures. Clearance of goods takes maximum 48 hours, if documentation is properly submitted. |
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NTB-000-254 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Angola Revenue Authority |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of harmonized procedures between Namibian and Angolan customs authorities make exports into Angola very difficult and generally frustrating. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, it was reported that Angola has modernised customs procedures by reducing dwell time to 48 hours. Angola is also developed simplified trade regimes for informal and small scale traders, incorporating them into the trading system. |
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NTB-000-259 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ondjiva Customs |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Angola effects random increases in excise duties without notifying traders in advance. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, it was reported that all tariffs and other related fees and charges are gazetted and therefore not charged in ad hoc manner. The Angola Tariff Book is published and available on Angola Customs website (www.alfandegas.gv.ao). |
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NTB-000-261 |
7.4. Costly procedures |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ondjiva Customs |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Extended and unpredictable turnaround time resulting in additional costs of trucking into Angola. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011 it was reported that customs observations were that truck drivers leave trucks at the Angola borders for 3 or more days and return to Oshikango to resolve personal issues, claiming that they are processing documents. Too many trucks are parked at the border without information where the drivers are. In some cases drivers have reported that they are not clear of the physical addresses of destination of the load in Angola. Angola Customs is investing in creating the best conditions for commercial and non commercial border users. Santa Clara border is undergoing a massive expansion with a view to become a regional and international example of trade facilitation infrastructures. |
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NTB-000-108 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-07-26 |
Angola: Telecommunications Department |
South Africa |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Angola postal and delivery services are unrelaible |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTB workshop held in Luanda on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that postal services have been improved significantly in the last few years. DHL, and other services are now available in post offices. The NTB is therefore resolved. |
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NTB-000-244 |
7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues |
2009-09-08 |
Angola: Ministry of Home Affairs |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Processing of visa requirements for business travel and professional staff to enter Angola take long. (10 working days),are costly and rapidly fill the pages of one's passport. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the NTBs national workshop held in Angola on 30 November 2011, Angola reported that Namibian citizens do not require VISA to Angola. VISAs are processed in a period between 2-10 days. |
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NTB-000-394 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A84: Inspection requirement
Policy/Regulatory |
2011-01-15 |
Angola: At the point of offloading. |
South Africa |
Resolved
2015-04-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Ministry of Agriculture in Angola has implemented decree Nr 02/08. This decree requires the inspector to be present at the time of offloading, and to draw samples per load, line item and batch. As there are on average over 100 lines per container and more than one batch per line, this can result in as many as 300 samples being drawn per container. The remaining items will need to be placed in quarantine until testing is finalized and release given.
Given that on average 3 containers arrive in Luanda daily, more than 900 items from Shoprite alone will create a problem for the Lab. Their turn around time of 3 days will be impossible to maintain.
Many of the products are also time sensitive, which means that by the time final release is given, there may be very little shelf life left, if at all.
Then there is also the cost to consider. Sampling and testing is part and parcel of the business but taken to the extreme as is the case here, it becomes a very costly and ultimately damaging excercise both to the Business and the end consumer (reduced shelf life, less choice).
Suggestions:
1. Allow a South African authority (SABS, NRCS) to sample and inspect the goods before dispatching and issue a certificate against the findings, to accompany the load.
2. Allow Shoprite to send samples of the goods onboard via courier company so that the inspection can commence and thus be completed and the certificates issued by the time that the load arrives at the store level. The batch number can be verified by an independant body. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 7th April 2015, South Africa Focal Point reported that they had received confirmation from the complainant that NTB 394, reported by SA against Angola should be recorded as 'resolved' because what was complained about had not been enforced |
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Products:
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0401.10: Milk and cream of a fat content by weight of <= 1%, not concentrated nor containing added sugar or other sweetening matter and 1601.00: Sausages and similar products, of meat, offal or blood; food preparations based on these products |
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NTB-000-741 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade |
2017-02-24 |
Angola: Port of Luanda |
South Africa |
Resolved
2018-06-07 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
New Agency (Bromangol) have been appointed in addition to the Ministry of Health and this has resulted in duplication of processes and tests and this is additional costs for exporter. It takes 43 days to clear goods before they can enter and about 9 imports documentation and process take place. Lack of training by officials. Currently there is a freeze on the issuance of new import licenses and there is no indication as to when will the freeze be lifted. There is no transparency regarding requirements, rules and regulations to comply with exporting. All this rules and regulations changes without notification and it is expected to comply with them immediately. These results in rates introduces which differ from one port to another. (Inconsistent application). There is lack of enforcement and date which increase the uncertainty.
It take 6 - 8 weeks just to obtain visa to Angola, it is not possible to obtain a multiple entry visa. For every business trip visa is a prerequisite. Intellectually property rights legislation is not implemented and it results in litigating which is costly to protect the trademark.The time frame for credit letters used to be 30 days now it is 210 days. |
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Resolution status note:
|
On 7 June 2018, Angola Focal point reported that the laboratory analysis of food and / or perishable products entering Angola conducted by the company Bromangol is no longer mandatory. This activity is liberalized and has competition from any other private company interested in the sector, including the laboratories of the Ministry of Health and Agriculture. In addition, the Customs no longer require the presentation of sanitary inspection certificate issued by Bomangol as a requirement for the submission of the Customs Declaration since November 2017. |
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NTB-000-075 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges |
2009-07-23 |
SADC |
Botswana |
Resolved
2019-11-21 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The SADC region has different border operating times and this inhibits intra regional trade |
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Resolution status note:
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The SADC Secretariat submitted the following detailed progress report resolving the NTB.
The 29th Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Customs Cooperation (SCCC) held on 8-9 May 2019, in Gaborone, Botswana, recalled that that the 13th meeting of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Regional Economic Integration held in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, recognized that impediments to movement of goods across the SADC region should be urgently addressed. The MTF committed to take measures to address the following as “quick wins” to enhance border efficiencies and trade facilitation at selected borders:
a) Harmonization of operating hours at all adjacent borders with different operating hours such as Chirundu, Kasumbalesa, Kasumulo/Songwe border crossings in order to reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation;
b) Review the hours of operation in order to cater for high traffic volumes and meet the requirements of trade at the following border posts:
(i) Chirundu (Zambia/Zimbabwe);
(ii) Kasumbalesa (DRC/Zambia);
(iii) Kasumulo/Songwe (Tanzania/Malawi);
(iv) Kazungula ( Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe);
(v) Machipanda/Forbes (Mozambique/Zimbabwe);
(vi) Calomue/Dedza (Mozambique/Malawi);
(vii) Nyamapanda/Cuchamano (Zimbabwe / Mozambique);
(viii) Tunduma/Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania); and
(ix) Ramokgwebana/Plumtree (Botswana/Zimbabwe)
(x) Santa Clara/Oshikango (Angola/Namibia).
c) Agreed to be proactively involved in the implementation of the one-stop border post (OSBP) programme at the borders to support the following priorities as identified in the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan short-term plan:
(i) Kasumbalesa (DRC / Zambia);
(ii) Kazungula ( Botswana / Zambia /Zimbabwe);
(iii) Tunduma / Nakonde (Zambia/Tanzania);
(iv) Mwami / Mchinji (Zambia / Malawi);
(v) Chiponde/ Mandimba (Malawi/Mozambique); and
(vi) Trans- Kalahari / Mamuno (Namibia/ Botswana).
SCCC also noted that the matrix on Progress on Border Management was circulated in March 2019 to all Member States in order to provide an update on the implementation of the trade facilitation initiatives but the submission was received only from South Africa.
The meeting urged the Member States to provide an update on the implementation of the trade facilitation initiatives by latest 30th May 2019
The SCCC:
(i) noted the progress on the implementation of the trade facilitation through initiatives in border management;
(ii) urged the Member States to expedite the implementation of the agreed trade facilitation measure to enhance efficiencies and border crossing as directed by the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration; and
(iii) requested the Member States to submit any further updates with respect of initiatives being undertaken at major border posts in terms of extension and harmonization of border operating hours, One-Stop Border Posts, and Coordinated Border Management
The Secretariat received the update on harmonization of operating hours at all adjacent borders with different operating hours in order to reduce congestion and enhance trade facilitation and compiled in the table below.
MAIN SADC BORDERS: HARMONIZATION OF OPERATING HOURS -2019
Border Post Countries Opening hours
1 Kasumbalesa RD Congo / Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
2 Luvu/Lufu Angola/ DRC Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
3 Kazungula Ferry Botswana / Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
4 Victoria Falls Zimbabwe/ Zambia The hours of operation are 06h00 to 22h00.
5 Beitbridge / Mesina South Africa/Zimbabwe The border operates 24hs
6 Nakonde / Tunduma Zambia / Tanzania The border operates 24hs
7 Kasumulu / Songwe Tanzania /Malawi Malawi operating from 06h00 to 18h00 and
Tanzania from 07h00 to 19h00 (time zone)
8 Mwami / Mchinji Malawi/ Zambia The borders operate 24 hours. However, for
Commercial, it is from 06h00 to 18h00
9 Chiponde / Mandimba Malawi/ Mozambique Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00
10 Zobue / Mwanza Mozambique/Malawi Both sides operate from 06h00 to 21h00
11 Machipanda / Forbes Mozambique/Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 20h00
12 Nyamapanda / Cuchamano Mozambique/Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 20h00.
13 Trans-Kalahari / Mamuno Namibia / Botswana Both sides operate from 07h00 to 24h00.
14 Kazungula Ferry Botswana /Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
15 Ramokgwebane / Plumtree Botswana/ Zimbabwe Both sides operate from 06h00 to 22h00.
16 Kopfontein / Tlokweng South Africa/ Botswana Both sides operate from 06h00 to 24h00
17 Beitbridge / Mesina South Africa/Zimbabwe The border operates 24hs
18 Lebombo / Ressano Garcia South Africa/ Mozambique Both sides operate from 06h00 to 24h00
19 Santa Clara / Oshikango Angola/ Namibia Both sides operate from 08h00 to 18h00
20 Jimbe / Jimbe Angola/ Zambia Both sides operate from 06h00 to 18h00.
21 Maseru Bridge Port of Entry Lesotho / South Africa The border operates 24hs
22 Lomahasha / Namaacha Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 24h00
23 Goba Border Post / Mlhumeni Mozambique/ Eswatini The border operates 24hs
24 Golela Border / Lavumisa Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00
25 Border Posts / Mananga Mozambique/ Eswatini Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00
26 Oshoek Border / Ngwenya Eswatini/South Africa Both sides operate from 07h00 to 22h00 |
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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:
|
Inconsistency of road traffic laws, and their application in SADC. |
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Resolution status note:
|
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:
|
Toll fees variation within the region hampers smooth transit of goods. Toll fees should be rationalised. |
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Resolution status note:
|
FESARTA reported that the NTB does not exist at present. |
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NTB-000-292 |
2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-08 |
SADC |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Empty space on trucks cannot be utilized due to the 'Third Country' rules. This law should be abolished within SADC |
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Resolution status note:
|
SADC Secretariat reported that, reducing costs of doing business in the region is one of the key objectives of the SADC Secretariat. However, some interventions of the Secretariat are bound by its regional economic integration process. SADC FTA enables goods originating in Member States applying the FTA to enter duty free and quota free under provisions in the SADC Protocol on Trade. For this economic activity, economic operators are not obliged to be registered as economic operators in the countries where goods are delivered if only they are delivering goods. A deeper regional economic integration would be needed in order to allow foreign economic operators to engage in business activities in Member States, benefit from local business opportunities but also meeting fiscal obligations arising from such operations. This is a level of economic integration closer to common market and which forms SADC long term vision. |
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NTB-000-298 |
8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees |
2009-09-08 |
SADC |
Namibia |
Resolved
2012-06-15 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Bond registration fees are generally high in all SADC countries |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 10th meeting of SADC Committee on Trade facilitation held on 14-15 June 2012 noted that the issue of bonds is normally managed by private sector, mostly banks therefore commercial rates would prevail. It was also noted that
within the SADC Customs work programme, there is work to facilitate single transit bond, the result of which should be
ready by March 2013. This NTB was therefore considered resolved on grounds that bond registration fees are cahrged at market rates. |
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NTB-000-317 |
1.1. Export subsidies
A9: SPS measures n.e.s. |
2009-09-09 |
SADC |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The absence of a unified standards system in SADC results in traders having to seek two certificates, one at home and one in the importing country |
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Resolution status note:
|
Botswana reported that there are no Regional Standards in SADC; however SADC is in the process of harmonising the regional standards. Botswana recognizes standards / certificates of other SADC Member States. |
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NTB-000-324 |
7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure |
2009-09-09 |
|
Seychelles |
Resolved
2024-10-03 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Some businesses complained that SADC ports are unable to handle containers that exceed 6 metres (20 ft), which limits exporters in implementing the most cost-effective way of transporting their products |
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Resolution status note:
|
It has been agreed between the SADC Secretariat and Seychelles that the NTB-000-324 should be marked as resolved. If the challenge still exists, it may be reported again as a new complaint, and Seychelles shall address it accordingly. |
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NTB-000-323 |
2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers
Policy/Regulatory |
2009-09-09 |
SADC |
Seychelles |
Resolved
2011-01-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Lack of training of new customs recruits |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
The Recs have embarked on capacity building for memberstates under the trade facilitation programme |
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NTB-000-352 |
2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures
Policy/Regulatory |
2010-02-10 |
SADC |
Namibia |
Resolved
2011-11-10 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The cabotage law applied by SADC Member states contributes to high transport costs. The law does not allow an empty truck to carry back a load from a third country. For example, a South African truck dropping off a load in Namibia cannot pick up a load in Namibia destined for Botswana even though this truck is using trans Kalahari Highway linking the two countries |
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Resolution status note:
|
SADC secretariat responded that : the customs term cabotage as stated in Specific Annex E, Chapter 3 of the revised Kyoto Convention, is applied for imported goods that have not been declared under the condition that they must be transported in a vessel other than the importing vessel in which they arrived in the Customs territory are loaded on board a vessel at a place in the Customs territory and are transported to another place in the same Customs territory where they are then unloaded and cleared. The term can also be used for the same purposes for air transportation (domestic flights).
Looking to the complaint technically, one of the SADC Secretariat key objectives is to reduce the costs of doing business in the region. However, some interventions of the Secretariat are bounded by its regional economic integration process. SADC is currently a FTA among its 11 Member States, enabling goods originating in Member States applying the FTA to enter duty free and quota free under certain conditions stated in the SADC Protocol on Trade. For this economic activity, economic operators are not obliged to be registered as economic operators in the countries were goods are delivered. A deeper regional economic integration would be needed in order to allow foreign economic operators to engage in business activities in Member States, benefiting from local business opportunities but also fiscal obligations. This is a level of economic integration closer to common market and which unfortunately, the SADC Protocol on Trade does not provide for. |
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