Non-Tariff Barriers :: Complaints

Resolved complaints

Showing items 821 to 840 of 855

Complaint number	NTB Type Category 1. Government participation in trade & restrictive practices tolerated by governments 1.1. Export subsidies 1.2. Government monopoly in export/import 1.3. State subsidies, procurement, trading, state ownership 1.4. Preference given to domestic bidders/suppliers 1.5. Requirement for counter trade 1.6. Domestic assistance programmes for companies 1.7. Discriminatory or flawed government procurement policies 1.8. Import bans 1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country 1.10. Determination of eligibility of an exporting establishment (firm, company) by the importing country 1.11. Occupational safety and health regulation 1.12. Multiplicity and Controls of Foreign exchange market 1.13. "Buy national" policy 1.14. Lack of coordination between government institutions 1.15. Other Category 2. Customs and administrative entry procedures 2.1. Government imposing antidumping duties 2.2. Arbitrary customs classification 2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin 2.4. Import licensing 2.5. Decreed customs surcharges 2.6. Additional taxes and other charges 2.7. International taxes and charges levied on imports and other tariff measures 2.8. Lengthy and costly customs clearance procedures 2.9. Issues related to transit fees 2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges 2.11. Lack of control in Customs infrastructure 2.12. Lack of capacity of Customs officers 2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections 2.14. Other Category 3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) Category 4. Sanitary & phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures Category 5. Specific limitations 5.1. Quantitative restrictions 5.2. Exchange controls 5.3. Export taxes 5.4. Quotas 5.5. Import licensing requirements 5.6. Proportion restrictions of foreign to domestic goods (local content requirement) 5.7. Minimum import price limits 5.8. Embargoes 5.9. Non-automatic licensing 5.10. Prohibitions 5.11. Quantitative safeguard measures 5.12. Export restraint arrangements 5.13. Other quantity control measures 5.14. Restrictive licenses 5.15. Other Category 6. Charges on imports 6.1. Prior import deposits and subsidies 6.2. Administrative fees 6.3. Special supplementary duties 6.4. Import credit discriminations 6.5. Variable levies 6.6. Border taxes 6.7. Other Category 7. Other procedural problems 7.1. Arbitrariness 7.2. Discrimination 7.3. Corruption 7.4. Costly procedures 7.5. Lengthy procedures 7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) 7.7. Complex variety of documentation required 7.8. Consular and Immigration Issues 7.9. Inadequate trade related infrastructure 7.10. Other Category 8. Transport, Clearing and Forwarding 8.1. Government Policy and regulations 8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) 8.3. Immigration requirements (Visa, travel permit) 8.4. Transport related corruption 8.5. Infrastructure (Air, Port, Rail, Road, Border Posts,) 8.6. Vehicle standards 8.7. Costly Road user charges /fees 8.8. Issues related to transit Other Policy or Regulatory NTB Not a policy or regulatory NTB Check allUncheck all	Date of incident	Location COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Reporting country or region (additional) COMESA Burundi Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Libya Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Rwanda Seychelles Somalia Sudan Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe EAC Burundi Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Tanzania Uganda SADC Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe COMESA EAC SADC	Status	Actions
NTB-001-147	2.2. Arbitrary customs classification	2023-10-17	Kenya: Namanga	Tanzania	Resolved 2024-07-04	View
Complaint:	Increased valuation of sales price of ceramic tile imported with no reasonable explanation from the local tax authorities. As far a cost is concerned, the production cost plus, long-distance transportation and customs clearance fees is higher than these of local producers. Therefore, we request Republic of Kenya to remove the requirements of uplifting the custom value and to use the local price.
Resolution status note:	The issue was considered during the bilateral meeting that took place in Kisumu. During the meeting, Both Parties agreed that no administrative measures including uplifting the customs value of products from the other Party be taken without consultations. Kenya has since reviewed the customs values downwards. The issue was hence resolved
NTB-001-148	1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country	2023-11-23	South Africa: Durban sea Port	Lesotho	Resolved 2024-05-31	View
Complaint:	Pls kindly see below containers that are to be stopped by SARS. 1. MSKU0755208(Case No.: 480816390), vessel will berth on 27/11 2. MRKU3124436(Case No.: 480819630), vessel will berth on 27/11 3. NYKU4442550(Case No.: 480020360), vessel will berth on 3/12 4. BSIU9818016 (Case No.: 480069900),vessel will berth on 3/12 As you know all vessels delayed so long more than 1 month. Our productions are waiting for the materials. We urgently need all the materials for the garments of export. Pls urgently help to release all these containers. Highly appreciated
Resolution status note:	Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully
Products:	6003.30: Knitted or crocheted fabrics of synthetic fibres, of a width of <= 30 cm (excl. those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "long pile", looped pile fabrics, labels, badges and similar articles, knitted
NTB-001-149	1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country	2023-11-24	South Africa: Durban sea Port	Lesotho	Resolved 2024-04-04	View
Complaint:	Pls see below container No. which is to be stopped by Sars. RSU6006851 Case No.: 480928296 Vessel will berth on 27/11 As you know all vessels in Durban delayed so long more than one month. There are Fabric and Accessaries in this container. We urgently need the Fabric and Accessaries from our import containers for export. Pls kindly urgently help to release the container. Highly appreciated
Resolution status note:	Good day, This issue is resolved. Kindly mark it as resolved. Kind Regards, Rendani
Products:	6003.30: Knitted or crocheted fabrics of synthetic fibres, of a width of <= 30 cm (excl. those containing by weight >= 5% of elastomeric yarn or rubber thread, and pile fabrics, incl. "long pile", looped pile fabrics, labels, badges and similar articles, knitted
NTB-001-150	1.9. Determination of eligibility of an exporting country by the importing country	2023-11-12	Lesotho: DURBAN PORT	South Africa	Resolved 2024-05-31	View
Complaint:	THERE IS QUERIES IN REGARDS TO THE FABRIC AND BEING INSPOECTED, BUT NO RESULT HAS BEEN OUT FROM SARS SINCE A LONG TIME
Resolution status note:	Lesotho Focal Point reported that the NTB had been resolved successfully
NTB-001-164	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-04-26	Mozambique:	Lesotho	Resolved 2024-08-01	View
Complaint:	I was about to clear my stuff by the Border at Komatiport or Lebombo border post when the Police man of Mozambique by the name of Maphosa asked me to check my truck then asked for papers for the vehicle, my license, car insurance and important documents on my file, I gave him everything he wanted. He said I should clear my stuff and come back to him. I went for clearing but then I was asked to bring truck papers and license, at that time Maphosa was no where to be found, I asked some police men about him but they said he is in Maputo and I have to go back to Maputo to fetch my things at the police station but never mentioning which police station should I go to, I had to leave all my goods at alfandegars storeroom which is renting even now. I drove back to Lesotho without my license and some documents and luggages because the clearing could not be completed since the truck papers and my license were not available due to that Police officer.
Resolution status note:	The driving licence has been returned to the owner.
NTB-001-178	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-05-13	Uganda: kasindi	Democratic Republic of the Congo	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	On May 13, 2024 the vehicles of certain economic operators transporting salted fish from South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania in transit through Uganda destined for the DRC are blocked in Uganda. The reason given by the protection unit was that these vehicles transported small fish whose marketing was formally prohibited in Uganda
Resolution status note:	The NTB was resolved through a bilateral meeting between DRC and Uganda.
NTB-001-179	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-05-01	Uganda: Government officials	Tanzania	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	Mpondwe Border Government Officials forcefully offload transit cargo for Tanzania traders. In May 2024, Government Officials from the Republic of Uganda intercepted processed salted fish from Tanzania in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Mpondwe Border and were forced to break the seal of the cargo and sell the fish at the Mpondwe market. This is against Trade Facilitation Laws on how to treat Goods in Transit and led to great loss to Tanzanian traders in terms of capital and market.
Resolution status note:	The Republic of Uganda reported that the NTB was resolved, hence Tanzanian fish can access the DRC market without any interception. NTB RESOLVED
NTB-001-183	3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade	2024-08-08	Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards	Uganda	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee.
Resolution status note:	The SCTIFI noted that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and should be referred to the Committee on Standards for consideration.
Products:	4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components)
NTB-001-183	3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade	2024-08-08	Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards	Uganda	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee.
Resolution status note:	During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting, Partner States agreed that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and was referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration.
Products:	4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components)
NTB-001-183	3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) B1: Import authorization/licensing related to technical barriers to trade	2024-08-08	Kenya: Kenya Bureau of Standards	Uganda	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	We are experiencing unfair treatment by KEBS, Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by UNBS. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border KEBS officials have not been fruitful because we didn't receive any help insisting we pay the Inspection fee.
Resolution status note:	During the38th RMC, the meeting agreed that this is an operational issue which was considered by the Standards Committee in April 2025. Hence the NTB is resolved
Products:	4412.94: Laminated wood as blockboard, laminboard or battenboard (excl. of bamboo, plywood consisting solely of sheets of wood <= 6 mm thick, sheets of compressed wood, inlaid wood and sheets identifiable as furniture components)
NTB-001-189	1.8. Import bans	2024-09-17	Malawi: Ministry of Trade & Industry	Kenya	Resolved 2025-03-10	View
Complaint:	Malawi Ministry of Trade & Industry has introduced a new regulation for imports of sweets. Our customer applied for Import Permit 3 times and each time it was rejected. Our customer has tried every possible way however he has not managed. Malawi authorities are not giving the reason in writing. They have informed our customer verbaaly that because of the shortage of forex in Malawi, their superiors have informed them that they are not to issue the Import Permit for sweets. Also, there is a local manufacturer already making sweets so there is no reason to import. This action has raised great concerns, as it contravenes the trade agreements under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), to which both Kenya and Malawi are signatories. We kindly request this issue be addressed promptly.
Resolution status note:	The Ministry of Trade and Industry granted an import licence to Manosalwa Food Industry on 10th March, 2025, for 31500 Cartons of Assorted sweets (Happy Mint, Fruit Drops, Cool Cow and Lollipops). The licence was granted according to the quantity that was applied for.
NTB-001-194	1.8. Import bans	2024-08-13	Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Agriculture	Uganda	Resolved 2024-11-23	View
Complaint:	On 13th August 2024, the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development's State Department for Agriculture, imposed a ban on the importation of brown/table sugar into Kenya through an internal communication from the Principal Secretary. This decision was based on the significant improvements in the production of locally manufactured sugar in Kenya as quoted in the letter. The letter though internal nal was brought to our attention.This action is in direct violation of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Treaty. Under Article 75 of the Treaty, the EAC establishes a free trade area for goods and services among partner states, while also outlining the application of Common External Tariffs (CET). Furthermore, Articles 76 and 104 of the Common Market Protocols emphasize the free movement of goods, people, labour, services, and capital between partner states, as well as the rights of establishment and residence, without restrictions that may hinder regional integration. The ban, therefore, undermines the principles of regional cooperation and integration enshrined in the EAC Treaty. There is no mention that the ban won't affect member states.
Resolution status note:	During the 45th SCTIFI meeting, the Republic of Kenya reported that the communication was an internal proposal that was not implemented. There is no ban on Sugar transfers from EAC Partner States per the Public Notice of 9 September 2024 issued by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
NTB-001-202	8.8. Issues related to transit	2024-09-16	Uganda: Elegu	Tanzania	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	Uganda through the Fisheries Protection Unit intercepted fish from South Sudan at Pakwach Check Point and Elegu One Stop Border Post, breaking seals and inspecting fish which is in transit to DRC, on the grounds that RSS is transferring immature fish that are not accepted in Uganda.
Resolution status note:	The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved
NTB-001-205	2.3. Issues related to the rules of origin	2024-07-01	Uganda: Busia	Kenya	Resolved 2025-04-29	View
Complaint:	Uganda's denial of market access of biscuit and wafers manufactured and transferred into Uganda by Sunveat Industries of Kenya. Reason being that wheat flour materials supplied by Kenblest LTD benefited from imported wheat under Duty Remission Scheme (DRS)
Resolution status note:	Uganda advised that the NTB was resolved and attached the evidence of the movement of good
NTB-001-208	5.15. Other	2024-05-01	Uganda: Fish protection unit	Kenya	Resolved 2025-05-30	View
Complaint:	Uganda is intercepting fish export from Kenya which is in transit to DRC on grounds that Kenya is transferring immature fish that is not accepted in Uganda. The fish protection unit in Uganda opens the goods on transit in the sealed containers which is against the provisions of goods in transit.
Resolution status note:	The meeting also noted that Uganda had signed an MoU with Kenya on the movement of fish The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved
NTB-001-211	2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections	2024-10-01	Uganda: UNBS	Kenya	Resolved 2024-11-23	View
Complaint:	Kenya is experiencing unfair treatment by UNBS. Where the institution refused to recognize PERMITS Issued by KEBS. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border and Headquarters UNBS officials have not been fruitful because the manufacturer didn't receive any help insisting that Kenya manufacturers pay the destination Inspection fee despite products having standardization marks with harmonized standards. UNBS demand that payments for destination must be done without any other documents issued by UNBS. Additionally, it’s been a challenge getting sample receipts when UNBS pick samples for every consignment. Manufacturers would demand drivers to pay for lack of evidence of the huge samples taken by UNBS. Also clients receive less paid items due to samples collected by UNBS. This is unfair and has raised concerns to Kenya manufacturers and clients in Uganda. Affected products include cosmetics products
Resolution status note:	EAC has Harmonized Standards for Furniture, but they are not exhaustive. The trader was transferring types of furniture falling in a category where no harmonized standard exists. In such circumstances the goods might be subject to retesting. The meeting hence noted that this was not an NTB but an operational challenge and should be referred to the Committee on Standards for consideration.
NTB-001-212	2.10. Inadequate or unreasonable customs procedures and charges	2024-10-01	Uganda: URA	Kenya	Resolved 2024-11-23	View
Complaint:	Kenya is experiencing unfair treatment by URA. Where the institution refuses to recognize the weights of export documents of the sealed goods, C2 and road consignment notes. Uganda usually issues notice of seizure for mis appropriation of weight across items. Unfortunately, efforts to engage with border officials have not been fruitful because the officers demand for 100% verification for all the consignments every time at the cost of the manufacturer. This is regardless the products being fragile and without good equipment to offload and load. At times the items brake causing loses to paid products. All shipments to Uganda are subjected to 100% verification by URA, This has huge cost implications and delay in delivery of the goods. Some of the products affected include ceramic products - Close Couple Toilet, Basin and Pedestal.
Resolution status note:	The Senior Officials noted that it is a customs procedure to verify goods transferred and not an NTB. The meeting further emphasized the need for due consideration to be given considering the nature of the products which are fragile.
NTB-001-213	5.14. Restrictive licenses Policy/Regulatory	2021-01-01	Rwanda: Rwanda FDA	Kenya	Resolved 2024-11-23	View
Complaint:	Rwanda requires manufacturers in Kenya to register their cosmetic products with FDA. The process of pproduct registration is cumbersome, not clear and it takes long, sample of evidence attached shows payment was done in 2021 for 63 products but up to date only 37 products have been registered. The registration and payment are demanded despite the products having the Kenya recognized quality marks (SMark) with harminised standard. This is a violation of the SQMT Act. In addition, Rwanda FDA had committed that they are not going to retest nor charge the same fees to products that have been certified with recognised SMark. Invoice number $14,150 and invoice $1,600 FDA. Rwanda use these FDA registration to restrict our cosmetics products and food into Rwanda as Rwanda has not issued licenses for cosmetics since 2021. Additionally, these has reduced shipments of goods to Rwanda and the charges charged to products has made the prices rising.
Resolution status note:	During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting Partner States agreed that the NTB be referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration.
NTB-001-213	5.14. Restrictive licenses Policy/Regulatory	2021-01-01	Rwanda: Rwanda FDA	Kenya	Resolved 2024-11-23	View
Complaint:	Rwanda requires manufacturers in Kenya to register their cosmetic products with FDA. The process of pproduct registration is cumbersome, not clear and it takes long, sample of evidence attached shows payment was done in 2021 for 63 products but up to date only 37 products have been registered. The registration and payment are demanded despite the products having the Kenya recognized quality marks (SMark) with harminised standard. This is a violation of the SQMT Act. In addition, Rwanda FDA had committed that they are not going to retest nor charge the same fees to products that have been certified with recognised SMark. Invoice number $14,150 and invoice $1,600 FDA. Rwanda use these FDA registration to restrict our cosmetics products and food into Rwanda as Rwanda has not issued licenses for cosmetics since 2021. Additionally, these has reduced shipments of goods to Rwanda and the charges charged to products has made the prices rising.
Resolution status note:	During the Sectoral Committee on Trade meeting, Partner States agreed that this issue be referred to the East African Standards Committee (EASC) for consideration.
NTB-001-215	7.1. Arbitrariness	2024-10-03	Kenya: Traffic Police	Rwanda	Resolved 2024-11-23	View
Complaint:	Arbitrary fines charged to drivers in Kenya not commensurate to the fines specified in Kenya Traffic Control Act 2015 For instance, the driver was fined 25,000 Kenyan shillings where he was supposed to pay only 10,000 Kenyan shillings (Section 53 (1) and 67). Also, Kenya Traffic Control Act (2015) prohibits someone from driving a commercial vehicle for more than a total of eight hours in any 24-hour period (section 66A). This should not apply to transit trucks since the international best practice for maximum driving time for truck drivers is between 11 and 14 hours a day.
Resolution status note:	Kenya informed the meeting that the driver was arrested on 12 / 09 / 2024 while driving a Motor Vehicle with Registration No. RAE 579B / RL2395 M / Benz Actros and was consequently presented before Makindu Law Court charged with the following offenses: ● Count 1: Failing to maintain parts and equipment of the M / Vehicle contrary to Section 55 (1) as read with Section 58 (1) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya without rear reflectors). The accused pleaded guilty and was fined KSHS 15,000 ● Count 2: Causing obstruction, contrary to Section 53 (1) as read with Section 53 (4) of the Traffic Act Cap 403 Laws of Kenya. The accused pleaded guilty and fined KSHS 10,000 / = Hence amounting to a total of KSHS. 25,000 The Republic of Rwanda submitted that there is need to notify counterparts in case a National of one Partner States is charged in another Partner States and Traffic offenses should be distinguished from crime.

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