TradeMark Southern Africa

TMSA has supported the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite to develop a web-based NTB reporting, monitoring and elimination mechanism. This dynamic online system provides a systematic and transparent process for identification and elimination of barriers to trade in the tripartite region.

The main NTBs currently restricting trade in the region have been identified as:

• Customs documentation and administrative procedures – these include non-standardised systems for imports declaration and payment of applicable duty rates; non-acceptance of certificates and trade documentation; incorrect tariff classification; limited and uncoordinated customs working hours; different interpretation of the Rules of Origin and non-acceptance of certificates of origin; application of discriminatory taxes and other charges on imports originating from member States; and cumbersome procedures for verifying containerised imports.
• Immigration procedures – including non-standardised visa fees; and cumbersome and duplicated immigration procedures.
• Quality inspection procedures – delays in inspection of commercial vehicles; cumbersome and costly quality inspection procedures; unnecessary quality inspections (including of products certified by internationally accredited laboratories); non-standardised quality inspection and testing procedures; and varying procedures for issuing certification marks.
• Transiting procedures – Non-harmonised transport policies, laws, regulations and standards including road user charges, third party (cross border) motor insurance schemes, vehicle overland controls systems, vehicle dimensions and standards, cross border road permits and prohibitive transit charges.
• Road blocks – stopping of commercial vehicles at various inter-country road blocks even where there is no proof that goods being transported are of a suspicious nature, such as smuggled goods or drugs.

The system enables stakeholders to report these and other NTBs and to monitor their resolution.  It is supported by NTBs structures whose main function is to process and facilitate resolution of the reported barriers. The NTB structure consists of public and private sector focal points as well as National Monitoring Committees (NMCs).

NMCs comprise all government ministries and departments, private sector organisations, trade associations and major exporters and importers who are appointed to facilitate resolution of reported barriers against their countries as well as barriers imposed against their businesses.

By August 2011, Tripartite Countries had resolved 70,7% of NTBs.  All Tripartite Member countries, furthermore, have established NTB focal points while 16 have established NMCs or have designated existing national structures in this regard . NMC’s in four countries, furthermore, have received orientation and training on the NTB online system.

TMSA is the current administrator of the online system as well as the coordinator of the Tripartite NTBs elimination programme.