| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
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. |
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|
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.
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|
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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. |
|
|
NTB-001-221 |
3. Technical barriers to trade (TBT)
B8: Conformity assessment related to TBT |
2024-10-03 |
Kenya: Lunga Lunga OSBP |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Non-recognition of Standards certificate from TBS by KBS for salt transferred by Neelkant Tanzania company into Kenya, charging six thousand Kenya shillings for each shipment. The EAC Partner States are implementing a harmonised standard on salt. |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the 38th RMC Kenya informed that the NTB was on lime and not salt as reported. The meeting was also informed that there are two harmonized and gazetted standards on lime, but other Partner States are still using their national standards.
Hence if a Partner State is using National Standards, retesting and inspection has to be done
The meeting requested TBS to adopt the harmonized standards EAS;73, EAS;1165;2024 or write to EAC Secretariat in case of any specific reasons for not adopting the standard for further consideration by other Partner State
Hence the NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-273 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-05 |
Kenya: Sirari |
|
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Sodium cyanide convoy of 10trucks delayed due to one truck rects online exit point internal input message reading exit Taveta |
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the exporter did not pay but suffered 8 Days delay at the OSBP with trucks carrying hazardous goods. This is dangerous to the environment and the community around.
However, the issue is operational other than an NTB and should be referred to the Customs Committee for consideration
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution
The NTB was resolved by the COC:
The Sectoral Committee on Customs committed to strengthen inter agency communication and coordination among Partner States Customs authorities to avoid similar incidents in the future. |
|
|
NTB-001-216 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-10-06 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2024-11-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Mombasa county charges: At Mombasa Port they charge county fees where they pay 700 KEShs but these fees are never communicated to the truck driver in any way. Consequently, after some months you get a message that you have parking fees arrears with fines for late payment which can reach 7,000 KEShs.
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting considered the matter and noted that as per the evidence provided, the charges were related to parking fees. The meeting highlighted that it is the obligation of the driver to pay for related parking fees whenever he parks in a chargeable area hence the issue is not as an NTB. |
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|
NTB-001-240 |
1.1. Export subsidies |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Kenya Diary Board (KDB) |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
The Government of Kenya, through the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), has not issued export permits for Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk destined for Kenya since November 2024. This action constitutes a violation of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol and the Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Act, which is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods within the region.
The continued restriction has had severe consequences for Ugandan traders, leading to significant financial losses and, in many cases, the closure of their export businesses. This situation not only undermines regional trade commitments but also disrupts economic integration efforts within the EAC. |
|
|
Resolution status note:
|
Kenya informed the 38th RMC that:
1. Transfers of milk from Uganda to Kenya is ongoing
2. 10 million litres of milk were transferred from Uganda to Kenya between January and March 2025
3. 70 million Kgs have been transferred from Uganda to Kenya in 2024, and 67 million Litres transferred in the same period.
4. Kenya has no quotas on milk, and over 100 importers have been registered to transfer milk from Uganda to Kenya
5. Issued permits for milk if not absorbed effectively, do not allow for extension as per the regulations.
Kenya confirmed that the applications for the permits applied in November 2024 by Uganda were issued in March 2025 and provided evidence to Uganda for that matter. Hence, the NTB was resolved |
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NTB-001-248 |
8.2. Administrative (Border Operating Hours, delays at border posts, etc.) |
2024-11-01 |
Kenya: Diary board |
Uganda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Delays in issuance of import permits for milk
Permits take up to 5 months with no communication |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the NTB issue had been resolved.
Uganda requested Kenya to fast-track the issuance of milk import permits. Kenya is committed to issuing permits timely manner |
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NTB-001-230 |
6.2. Administrative fees |
2024-11-28 |
Tanzania: Ngara District Council |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania charged 100,000Tsh on trucks transporting agricultural products from Kahama and Ngara District to Rwanda, and this is not fair for goods in transit. |
|
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Resolution status note:
|
During the RMC, Tanzania reported that it is a district developmental fee and is charged non-discriminatorily to all traders transferring agricultural produce from the districts and provided evidence for the same.
Hence, the NTB is resolved |
|
|
NTB-001-222 |
8.8. Issues related to transit |
2024-12-06 |
Zimbabwe: Beitbridge |
South Africa |
Resolved
2025-07-23 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
When submitting invoices to declare goods transiting through Zimbabwe (RIT) for import into Malawi, it was brought to our attention that Zimbabwe requires an Ozone Depleting Substances permit (ODS) for air conditioners, refrigeration units and parts thereof which comes at an exorbitant cost. These are transit goods through Zimbabwe and not fully functional at the time until they are assembled within the importing country therefore it is our understanding that no permit would be required in Zimbabwe . |
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Resolution status note:
|
During the consultative meeting held between the SADC Secretariat and Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe clarified as follows:Environmental
Management (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,
Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment
and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023.
1. The licence is issued under regulation SI 49 , section 5(3) : EnvironmentalManagement (Prohibition and Control of Ozone Depleting Substances,Greenhouse Gases, Ozone Depleting Substance Dependent Equipment
and Greenhouse Gases Dependent Equipment) Regulations, 2023.
2. The regulation is issued to conform to international requirements on licensing of ozone depleting substances
3. The licence is issued based on calender year January - December to allow proper accountability and reporting under the international law
4. The licence will be issued electronically as of 1st August 2025 therefore no added costs
5. Cost of the annual licence is USD $50 |
|
|
NTB-001-223 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2024-12-11 |
Uganda: Mutukula |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Our company has been engaged in the transportation of Ammonium Nitrate Prill (ANDP) from Tanzania to Uganda using flatbed trailers for several years. Recently, we received notification from the Security Officers at Mutukula stating that the transportation of this product on flat decks is no longer permitted. Instead, we are now required to utilize high-sided, closed-box trailers or containers.
We understand that these regulations are in place to ensure safety and compliance; however, this change represents a significant investment for transporters, both in acquiring new equipment and in adjusting transport rates. In light of this, we kindly request that the relevant laws and specifications pertaining to the transportation of this material be made available to the public. Access to this information would greatly assist us in directing our efforts and resources effectively. Thank you for your consideration. |
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|
Resolution status note:
|
This is not an NTB as it is a requirement by Community Law that Partner States need to abide by. The goods being tranfered are classified as hazadous goods that need special handling while being transported. |
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|
NTB-001-234 |
2.2. Arbitrary customs classification |
2025-01-20 |
Botswana: Tlokweng Gate |
South Africa |
Resolved
2025-05-27 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a small female-owned company based in Gaborone, Botswana that manufactures small leather goods, mostly for corporates, government and individuals. Our team consists of 5 female employees with 4 full time and 1 on contractual basis. We import our raw material (which is mostly finished leather) from South Africa. We have been importing our material since 2019, however, since 2021 we have been facing a challenge of our raw materials being misclassified. we import finished leather products which is not subjected to Veterinary requirements since it is a finished product. However, we are subjected to go through veterinary regulations which causes delays and confusions on the applicable regulations. We request the proper application of regulations be applied when dealing with our product. The veterinary processes must be done away if there are not applicable.
Our company imports material about 3 times a month from South Africa, with a total average of 3200 dm of finished leather. |
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Resolution status note:
|
A virtual meeting was held on the 29th of April, 2025, between Customs Services(External Eelations & Classification office), the Tlokweng Border Post Manager, Ministry of Trade officials, SADC officials, and the trader to learn more about the trader's challenge. The trader was given the contact details of the Tlokweng Border Manager for assistance in case she faces similar challenges in the future. |
|
|
Products:
|
4113.20: Leather further prepared after tanning or crusting "incl. parchment-dressed leather", of pigs, without hair on, whether or not split (excl. chamois leather, patent leather and patent laminated leather, and metallised leather) |
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|
NTB-001-232 |
2.6. Additional taxes and other charges |
2025-01-23 |
Tanzania: Tanzania Revenue Authority |
Rwanda |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Refusing to grant Preferential Tariff Treatment on Fridges and Freezers.The United Republic of Tanzania denied Preferential Tariff Treatment to Rwandan fridges and freezers manufactured by ALMAHA INDUSTRY CO. LTD, in Rwanda, despite the EAC Customs Management Act and Legal Notice No. EAC/287/2024 offers a 10% import duty remission under regional preferential tariff treatment. Thus, all EAC Partner States are obliged to allow preferential tariff treatment for these products |
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Resolution status note:
|
The 38th RMC was informed that the NTB was resolved |
|
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NTB-001-241 |
7.6. Lack of information on procedures (or changes thereof) |
2025-03-06 |
Kenya: Mandera |
Kenya |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
Tanzania Revenue Authority officers do not seem to have RECTS seals, therefore, demanding for facilitation from transporters. The facilitation includes, Per diem, incidental allowance, in transit allowance and fuel for the government vehicles. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The meeting noted that the complaint was administrative and should be referred to the Committee on Customs for consideration
The meeting noted that the trader did not pay the amount requested of them.
The NTB was referred to SCOC for consideration and resolution |
|
|
Products:
|
6117.90: Parts of garments or clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted, n.e.s. |
|
|
NTB-001-254 |
2.13. Issues related to Pre-Shipment Inspections |
2025-04-01 |
Malawi: Songwe |
Malawi |
Resolved
2025-06-17 |
View |
|
Complaint:
|
We are a company that exports groundnuts from Malawi to Kenya. On average we export three containers in a month to Kenya. Before loading the cargo into the container, the cargo is being inspecting by the MRA official who certify the accuracy of the cargo being loaded into the container for Export.
Once the container is loaded, a seal is placed on it till the container reaches the exit border post, where this seal is removed again for the second confirmation of the load being exported. This requires offloading the consignment, running the risk of contamination, damage and delays as well as cost of offloading and loading. We have been exporting to Kenya since 2022. However, since October 2024, we have been encountering these challenges of being forced to offload cargo at the exit boarder post for inspection purposes by MRA officials, both to and from. This is despite that the cargo is being loaded into the container in the presence of the MRA official at the point of origin of goods. As a result of this we are paying unnecessary costs which is expensive and at times delays the clearance process. All these costs are being encountered by the exporter/importer.
The exit border has machine scanners which have been out of service for some time now. If these were working, we could not encounter this delay and expense which is originating from the offloading and loading of the cargo. At the same times some of the exported or imported cargo gets damaged when carrying out this exercise. Hygiene is also another issue, considering the places where we are doing the off-loading and loading exercise.
A resolution needs to be found ASAP to avoid such delays, repetitive inspections and costs before exiting the country. |
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Resolution status note:
|
The NTB 001-254 issue is now effectively resolved. In a productive virtual meeting on June 17, 2025, key stakeholders—including the SADC Secretariat, a representative from the concerned company in Malawi, the Malawi Revenue Authority, the SADC Business Council, and GIZ—came together to address challenges experienced by exporters at the Songwe Border Post. The Malawi Revenue Authority took the initiative to inform exporters of the obstacles encountered during border crossings and clearly outlined the customs procedures necessary for a smooth export process from Malawi. This collaborative effort demonstrates a commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and supporting exporters. |
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Products:
|
1202.42: Groundnuts, shelled, whether or not broken (excl. seed for sowing, roasted or otherwise cooked) |
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