EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

STATUS OF ELIMINATION OF
NON TARIFF BARRIERS
IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY
as of September 2015

www.eac.int
EAC SECRETARIAT
ARUSHA, TANZANIA
 EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

STATUS OF ELIMINATION OF
NON TARIFF BARRIERS
IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY
as of September 2015

East African Community

Elimination oF NTBs
REPORT

EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania,
September, 2015

www.eac.int
EAC SECRETARIAT
ARUSHA, TANZANIA
SEPTEMBER, 2015
 Contents
07 Foreword

09 Glossary

10 1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PUBLICATION

12 2.0 QUARTERLY REPORTS OF NATIONAL

MONITORING COMMIT TEES ON NON TARIFF
BARRIERS FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL – SEPTEMBER, 2015

18 3.0 NEW NON TARIFF BARRIERS REPORTED

DURING THE 18TH EAC REGIONAL FORUM ON
NON TARIFF BARRIERS

25 4.0 NON TARIFF BARRIERS REPORTED AS

RESOLVED DURING THE 18 TH EAC REGIONAL
FORUM ON NON TARIFF BARRIERS

26 5.0 UPDATED EAC TIME BOUND PROGRAMME ON

ELIMINATION OF NON TARIFF BARRIERS AS
OF SEPTEMBER, 2015

38 6.0 NON TARIFF BARRIERS RESOLVED SINCE

2009

41 7.0 STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION OF ONE STOP

BORDER POSTS IN EAC REGION

43 8.0 INTIATIVES FOR ELIMINATION OF NON

TARIFF BARRIERS IN EAC REGION

5
 “
I note with appreciation that the EAC NTBs Act 2015 is
undergoing assent by the EAC Heads of State. Once the Act
becomes operational I have no doubt that this will be FOREword
landmark milestone on redressing NTBs which have
continued to hinder free flow of trade in the region.

I
take this opportunity to present to the readers and especially the policy makers of EAC Partner States the 9th
publication on the status of elimination of Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) within EAC region as of the close of
September, 2015.

The publication highlights what EAC has achieved in redressing NTBs in the first quarter of the financial 2015/2016.
The publication is aimed at galvanizing more support for the removal of NTBs which continue to hinder full
achievement of the objectives of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market. In a nutshell the publication shows
that 87 NTBs were cumulatively resolved, 18 reported as unresolved while 13 were reported as new in September,
2015 as reflected in the EAC Time Bound Programme (TBP) on the elimination of identified NTBs. On the unresolved
NTBs, the EAC TBP recommends how and timeframes of resolving them.

I note with a lot of concerns that most of the new reported NTBs during the 18th Regional Forum were on lack of
conferring origin for goods originating from Partner States. There are laid down procedures on how to treat this
category of goods under the EAC Customs Management Act (CMA) 2004. I urge the Partner States to allow such goods
in their markets under execution of a bond while awaiting for undertaking of verification missions in accordance with
EAC Rules of Origin Manual to ascertain their origin.

I also note with appreciation that the EAC NTBs Act 2015 is undergoing assent by the EAC Heads of State. Once
the Act becomes operational I have no doubt that this will be landmark milestone on redressing NTBs which have
continued to hinder free flow of trade in the region.

I commend the good work being done by the National Monitoring Committees, the EAC Regional Forum on NTBs
and the National Implementation Committees on Common Market in championing the elimination of NTBs. It is my
expectation that the National Monitoring Committees on NTBs and the National Implementation Committees on the
EAC Common Market will build synergies in pursuit of elimination of NTBs hindering Intra-EAC trade.

The biggest challenge of our time now is for the Partner States to eliminate the NTBs in accordance with the agreed
EAC Time Bound Programme. To enhance the process of elimination of NTBs, I call upon Partner States to continue
holding bilateral meetings and establish Border Management Committees in pursuit of redressing NTBs in the EAC
TBP.

I finally commend the Development Partners specifically Trademark East Africa and Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for their dedicated support in the elimination of NTBs. It is my hope that this
partnership will continue to grow stronger in future.

DR. RICHARD SEZIBERA

AMBASSADOR
SECRETARY GENERAL
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

6 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 7

 GLOSSARY
CFS Container freight services RBS MIS/ERP Rwanda Bureau of Standards
Management and Information System
COMESA Common Market for Eastern and South
African RRA Rwanda Revenue Authority

EAC East African Community SADC South African Development Community

EU European Union SPS Sanitary and Pyhtosanitary

eCO Electronic Certificate of Origin TANROADS Tanzania Roads Authority

EWURA Energy, Water and Utilities Regulation TBP Time Bound Programme
Authority
TBT Technical Barriers to Trade
FTA Free Trade Area
TCD Time, Cost and Distance
GVW Gross Vehicle Weight
TCD Model Time Cost Distance model
KEBS Kenya Bureau of Standards
TCCIA Tanzania Chambers of Commerce,
KEPHIS Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Industry and Agriculture
Services
TCM Transport, Communications and
KNNCI Kenya National Chamber of Commerce Metrology
and Industry
TCCIA Tanzania Chambers of Commerce,
KRA Kenya Revenue Authority Industry and Agriculture

KSB Kenya Sugar Board TTAC Transit Transport Coordination Agency

ICDs Inland Container Depots TRA Tanzania Revenue Authority

MITC Ministry of Industry, Trade and UNCTAD United Nations Congress on Trade and
Cooperatives Development

MoU Memorandum of Understanding UNECA United Nations Commission for Africa

NCTTA Northern Corridor Transit and Transport UNECAP United Nations Economic and Social
Agreement Commission for Asia and the Pacific

NCTO Northern Corridor Transport UNBS Uganda National Bureau of Standards

Observatory
UNBSICIMS Uganda Bureau of Standards Import
NTBs Non Tariff Barriers and Clearance Information System

NMCs National Monitoring Committees URT United Republic of Tanzania

PCCB Prevention and Combating of Corruption VLC ACT Vehicle Load Control Act
Bureau

PSF Private Sector Foundation

8 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 9

 1.0: PURPOSE OF THE
PUBLICATION
The 9th EAC quarterly report on NTBs gives the
status of elimination of NTBs in EAC region as of
September, 2015 after the 18th EAC Regional
Forum on NTBs which was held on 22nd – 24th
September , 2015 in Arusha, Tanzania.

The EAC Regional Forum considered:

(i) Quarterly reports of National Monitoring

Committees on NTBss;

(ii) New NTBs reported during the 18th EAC Regional

Forum;

(iii) NTBs reported as resolved during the meeting;

and

(iv) Updated the EAC Time Bound Programme on

elimination of identified NTBs.

10 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 11

 2.0: QUARTErLY REPORTS OF NMCs FOR 2.2: Republic of Kenya
THE PERIOD APRIL - SEPTEMBER , 2015 The Republic of Kenya reported that her NMC undertook the following activities for
the period under review:
During the meeting of the 18th EAC Regional Forum, the Partner States presented their NMC reports as follows: Value of intra-EAC trade
(a) SMS based NTBs Reporting system for the year 2014

-3.0 %
The NMC with support of TMEA embarked on the process of designing,
2.1: Republic of Burundi benchmarking, developing and commissioning of an SMS based NTBs
Reporting System to intensify the efforts to eliminate NTBs. Kenya
The Republic of Burundi reported that during April – September, 2015, she did received terms of reference from the United Republic of Tanzania and the
not undertake many NTBs elimination activities because TMEA had temporarily Republic of Burundi in pursuit of enriching the capacity to roll out an
stopped facilitation of Burundi NMC activities. intelligent SMS based NTBs Reporting System. The system is expected to
be in place by 30th June, 2016. The value of intra-EAC trade
However the following activities were still undertaken: declined by 3.0% from US$
5,805.6 million in 2013
(a) In April 2015, the NMC followed up on the registration of Burundi (b) Inter-Counties Forum to US$ 5,632.9 million in
beers by Tanzania Food and Drug Authority and finally Brarudi 2014.
company received a certificate of registration; Border Inter-Counties Forums on Harmonization of Laws, Rules and
Regulations on Regional and Cross Border Trade were held in Mombasa, The decline was driven by
(b) The NMC made a follow up on the issue of EAC Preferential Tariff Kisumu and Bungoma in April, 2015. The main objective of the forums the decrease in the value of
Br Ke Rw Tz Ug
Treatment on Kaluworks Products from Kenya. The NTB was resolved 4.6% 5.3% 7.0% 7.0% 4.8% was to dialogue with counties to formulate a common strategy to combat exports that went down by
and Kaluworks products now enjoy EAC Preferential Tariff Treatment; and eliminate NTBs. The forums recommended that levies charged on 12.7%.
transit tracks by counties be abolished.
EAC Gross Domestic
(c) In partnership with EAC Ministry, the NMC organized a Sensitization Product (GDP) growth rate
Kenya, Tanzania and
Workshop on EAC Integration in Makamba Province (Tanzania Border). for the year 2014
Uganda recorded an
Elimination of NTBs at national and regional level were deliberated (c) Forum for security agencies

5.7 % increase in their shares to

upon.
total intra-EAC trade while
The NMC organized a forum for stakeholders along the Northern Corridor.
that of Rwanda and Burundi
The forum brought together National Police Service Personnel, Kenya
declined.
National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Weighbridges Personnel,
transporters and other stakeholders along the Corridor to brainstorm on
The EAC Partner States the most appropriate strategy to combat NTBs in order to make the During the review
continued to post positive results after rebounding from the global financial Corridor more efficient and user friendly. period, Kenya continued to
and economic crises. dominate intra-EAC trade,
accounting for about 32.8%
Rwanda and Tanzania recorded the highest (d) County-Focused sensitization programme of total intra-EAC trade
economic growth rates of 7.0%, while Burundi registered the lowest rate of while Tanzania and Uganda
4.6%. The NMC carried out County-focused sensitization programme in June, accounted for 26.4% and
2015 to sensitize communities living in border counties, on opportunities 23.6% of the total intra-EAC
that have accrued as a result of regional integration and also informed trade, respectively.
The coordinated approach of the monetary policy and improved food pro-
them of their role in eliminating NTBs.
duction in the community eased inflation rates to single digit in all Partner
States during 2014 with an average rate of 4.6%.

(e) NMC preparatory meeting in preparation of the 18th EAC regional forum
on NTBS

The NMC held a meeting on 17th September, 2015 to prepare for the
18th Regional Forum. Among other issues, the preparatory meeting
deliberated on emerging NTBs and updated the Matrix. The meeting
recommended that the regional Forum should strive to resolve the long
outstanding NTBs.

12 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 13

 2.3: Republic of Rwanda 2.4: United Republic Of Tanzania
The NMC reported that it undertook the following activities for the period under review: The United Republic of Tanzania reported that her NMC
undertook the following activities for the period under
(a) The study on “National benefits from reducing time and costs to trade in Rwanda” was finalized. The study review:
sought to quantify the direct economic benefits to the Rwandan economy of reducing time and costs to trade. The United Republic of Tanzania with financial assistance
The proposed methodology used in the study would help the NMC to quantify the impact of removed and (a) National Monitoring Committee (NMC) meetings
outstanding NTBs in the future.
Two NMC meetings were held on 12th May and 11th Au-
gust, 2015. The objectives of the meetings were to:
(b) NMC members participated in the quarterly breakfast meeting between Private Sector Federation and the
Ministry of East Africa Community Affairs on 23rd April 2015. During the meeting, a presentation was made (i) Deliberate on NTBs;
by the NMC coordinator on the Status of Current NTBs along the central corridor.
(ii) receive updates from the NMC Members on NTBs
that fall under their Institutions; and
(c) The Ministry of East African Community organized early in June 2015, a Fact finding mission on police check TMEA produced promotional materials to enhance aware-
points between Rusumo-Kigali and Rugende stop to help understand the issues raised by the private sector. (iii) receive new NTBs and updating the EAC Time ness on NTBs and the existing mechanisms of reporting
NMC members were part of the team and findings were presented to various stakeholders. Bound Programme on the elimination of NTBs.
Another meeting was held on 18th September, 2015 in
(d) On 13th August 2015, an NMC meeting was held and it deliberated on the following items: the preparation for the 18th EAC Regional NTBs Forum. In
addition, The NMC considered the following activities:
(i) The NMC work plan and the M&E plan 2015-2016;
(ii) NTBs presented at MINEAC-PSF breakfast meeting (b) NTBs Surveillance in Central Corridor
(iii) Presentation of identified NTBs for the proposed bilateral meeting between Rwanda and Tanzania; The United Republic of Tanzania with financial support
and from Trademark East Africa (TMEA), conducted the third
surveillance mission in the Central Corridor from 4th to
(iv) Review NMC Membership composition. 17th May, 2015. The surveillance mission was conducted
covertly by three members of the NMC boarding into tran-
sit cargo trucks disguising as helpers to the truck drivers
(e) On 9th September 2015, a delegation composed of the Ministry of East African Comunity and the NMC from Dar es Salaam Port to Kigali. The purpose was to find
coordinator visited Gatuna border post to engage with Rwanda border committee and deliberate on the out any progress that has been made along the corridor
progress on issues pertaining to cross border trade. The field mission objectives were to: since the last surveillance.
(i) assess the progress in the implementation of use of ID card at Gatuna border post and challenges for The mission generally confirmed the earlier documented
business people and other travelers; complaints that foreign registered truck drivers are not
experiencing NTBs previously reported by Tanzanian
(ii) evaluate the implementation of the single customs territory and identify associated challenges; and registered truck drivers of being subjected to rent seek-
ing practices by some public officials operating along the
(iii) Identify other cross border trade issues and NTBs linked to Gatuna border crossing point. central corridor.
(f) An NMC meeting was organized on 17th September 2015 in preparation of the 18th EAC regional forum on (c) Development of the National NTB Strategy
NTBs which considered the following:
The United Republic of Tanzania with financial assistance
(i) NTBs in the EAC Time Bound Programme and reporting of new NTBs; from TMEA, hired a consultant to develop a National
Strategy that aims to address identified NTBs and ensure
(ii) Presentation and discussion of EAC Bill on elimination of NTBs 2015; and eliminated NTBs do not re-emerge. The first draft of the
strategy was presented to Stakeholders and circulated
(iii) Presentation and discussion of NTBs study on Benefits to the Rwandan economy for reducing time NMC for comments. It is envisaged that the Strategy will
and costs to trade. be launched in the last quarter of 2015.
14 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9
(d) Study on Impact Assessment for selected priority
NTBs
from TMEA was undertaking a study to assess the impact
of selected NTBs on trade. A consultant had been engaged
and the inception report had been submitted to the Minis-
try of Industry and Trade for consideration.
(e) Production of Publicity Materials on NTBs
The Ministry of Industry and Trade with the support of
and elimination. About 12500 materials were produced
and distribution to various stakeholders and business com-
munity was ongoing.
(f) Private Sector Stakeholders dialogue on pending
NTBs
The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce Industry and
Agriculture (TCCIA) and the NTBs Private Sector Focal
Point, with funding from TMEA,organized a Dialogue for
Private Sectors on the pending NTBs. The outcome of the
dialogue was the Private sector’s position for every NTB.
The positions have been used to strengthen advocacy
campaigns on reducing the cost of doing business in the
country.
(g) Training of exporters on Electronic Certificate of
Origin in Mtwara and Lindi
The electronic certificate of origin system is aimed at re-
ducing the cost of doing business to exporters by simplify-
ing the issuance of Certificates of Origin for the products
from the United Republic of Tanzania.
(h) Sensitization seminar by the Tanzania Food and
Drug Authority (TFDA)
A Sensitization seminar was carried out in the EAC Partner
states on TFDA activities and interplay between standards
and technical regulations.
15
 2.5: Republic of Uganda

The Republic of Uganda reported that her NMC undertook
the following activities under the period under review:
(a) The National Response Strategy on Elimination of
Non-Tariff Barriers Project
(iii) Uganda now accords preferential tariff
treatment to rice imported from Tanzania
provided the importer presents a valid
EAC certificate of origin.

The National Response Strategy on Elimination of NTBs (iv) Alleged arbitrary delays on imports by
project which was to wind up in April 2015 was extended Tanzania Distillers Limited. Uganda
in order to finalize the implementation of the Communica- requested for evidence on this alleged
tions Strategy. During the period under review, the Project NTB.
concentrated on the development of the communications
materials namely,radio, TV and documentary. The procure-
ment process for media houses is currently ongoing.
(c) Sensitization programmes undertaken

One Hundred stakeholders were trained on the functional-

(b) Highlights on how outstanding NTBs in the EAC ity of the NTBs Reporting System during the Sensitization
TBP have been resolved Workshop on COMESA Free Trade Area organized by the
Regional Infrastructure Implementation Programme (RIIP)
(i) 25% import duty on products imported on 30th April 2015 in Mbarara District.
by Vayas Kenya Limited into Uganda
ceased in the previous financial year. The
company imports into Uganda free of
duty upon presentation of an EAC (d) Bilateral meetings held to address NTBs in the EAC
certificate of origin. TBP

The NMC members participated in the bilateral Ministe-

(ii) 0.2% export levy charged on Rwanda rial meeting between Uganda and the Republic of Kenya
Premier Tobacco Company Limited. The held on 9th August 2015 where it was agreed that another
NTB still persists and Uganda bilateral meeting should take place to iron out outstanding
recommend that the proposed bilateral issues affecting the two Partner States. However the meet-
meeting between Rwanda and Uganda be ing is yet to take place.
held to resolve this matter.

16 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 17

3.0: NEW NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
REPORTED DURING THE
18TH EAC REGIONAL FORUM
Exports of motor vehicles
assembled in Kenya are not
accorded preferential treatment
when exported to the United
Republic of Tanzania.
Partner States reported the following Evidence was provided.
New Non Tariff Barriers Delays in issuance of work permits
during the Regional Forum: for Burundian Officers posted at Submitted By: Repiblic of Kenya

Dar es Salaam port under EAC

Single Customs Territory

Evidence was provided.

Submitted By: Repiblic of Burundi

Kenya had introduced a compulsory

requirement under the SCT for all trucks
loaded within Kenya and destined to
Uganda to be verified, issued with a C2
NTBs are often justified on four main reasons:
document and exit note at an ICD located
on Mombasa road in the opposite direction
1 To safeguard health, safety, and security of
human beings, animals and plants, and against
environmental pollution.
of the route to Ugandan borders.

Evidence was provided.

2 To protect home industries and consumers

Submitted By: Repiblic of Uganda

3 To safeguard national security

Rwanda Commuter Buses

4 To safeguard against revenue loss travelling to Kampala are

charged 10,000 Uganda
shillings per bus in each district
NTBs appear in the form of rules, regulations and
laws that have a negative impact to trade. The EAC as they travel to Kampala.
has adopted this broad guideline to define NTBs as Evidence was provided.
“quantitative restrictions and specific limitations that
act as obstacles to trade”. Submitted By: Repiblic of Rwanda
Kenya Revenue Authority denied
ethanol exported by Kilimanjaro
Biochem Ltd to Kenya customers and
put conditions like owning storage
tanks while suppliers other Partner
States are not subjected to such
condition.
Evidence was provided.

Submitted By: United Repiblic of Tanzania

18 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 19

3.1: Republic of Burundi
Work Permits
Delays in issuance of work permits
for Burundian Officers posted at
Dar es Salaam port under EAC
Single Customs Territory.
Evidence was provided
20 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9
3.2: Republic of Kenya
Railway
Development
Levy
United Republic of
Tanzania has introduced a
railway development levy
of 1.5% for imports from
Kenya.
Evidence was provided
Plastics
Stripping
Products
Plastics Stripping products
exported to United
Republic of Tanzania are
not accorded preferential
treatment by United
Republic of Tanzania.
Evidence was provided
Cement
Savannah cement
produced in Kenya is not
accorded preferential
treatment while exported
in Uganda.
Evidence was provided
Motor Salt
Vehicles Exports
Exports of motor Salt exports are not
vehicles assembled in accorded preferential
Kenya are not accorded treatment in United
preferential treatment Republic of Tanzania.
when exported to the
United Republic of
Tanzania.
Evidence was provided Evidence was provided
Single
Customs Juice
Territory Exports
URT has posted a few Exports of juices
personnel at the Port produced by Delmote
of Mombasa which is company in Kenya
affecting clearance of are not accorded
imports and exports preferential treatment in
under the EAC Single Rwanda.
Customs Territory.
Evidence was provided
Evidence was provided
SCT SCT
Documents Staff
Single Customs Territory Tanzanian Government
officials posted in Kenya
(SCT) documents
under SCT were only 3
processing in Tanzania instead of 11 as agreed hence
were taking up to 10 causing delays of exports and
days to be cleared. payment of waiting charges
exporters thence, increasing
costs to business.
Evidence was provided Evidence was provided
21
 3.4: Republic of Uganda
3.3: Republic of Rwanda
Truck Load
Documentation

Commuter Levying Kenya had introduced a compulsory requirement

Work under the SCT for all trucks loaded within Kenya
Permits Buses Charges and destined to Uganda to be verified, issued with
a C2 document and exit note at an ICD located
Burundi Revenue on Mombasa road in the opposite direction
Delays in issuance of work Rwanda Commuter Authority (OBR) is of the route to Ugandan borders. This affects
permits for Rwandan Buses travelling to levying charges on transporters in terms of delayed delivery and
officials posted at Dar es Kampala are charged goods imported by additional expenses in fuel.
Salaam port under EAC 10,000 Uganda shillings Rwanda Small Traders
Single Customs Territory. per bus in each district using the EAC Simplified Evidence was provided
as they travel to Certificate of Origin. The
Kampala. fees are not receipted.
Evidence was not provided Evidence was provided Evidence was not provided

3.5: United Republic of Tanzania

Tanzania Chemical & Broken

TRANCIS Agro-Processed Glass
System Products Recycling Ethanol
Duty Export
Delays in issuance of Evaluation Conditions Cement
United Republic Delays of registration and certificates by Tanzania’s
of Tanzania is not retesting of products by National Environment Uganda Revenue Kenya Revenue Authority Rwanda Revenue Authority
registering Rwandan Management Authority Authority had raised the denied entry of Kilimanjaro
TFDA for Rwanda exports denied ethanol exported
price of ethanol produced cement produced by Amson’s
Freight Forwarders to United Republic of (NEMA) which is valid for by Kilimanjaro Biochem Tanzania Ltd until the
on the Tanzanian Tanzania especially the three months but takes by Kilimanjaro Biochem Ltd to Kenya customers payment of a bond.
TRANCIS System. Lack chemical products and three months to get a Ltd from USD 0.87 to USD and put conditions like
of registration of Freight agro-processed products. new certificate needed 1.04 for duty evaluation owning storage tanks
Forwarders hinders them by Bralirwa Company Ltd purposes because the while suppliers other
from providing service Evidence was provided to be allowed to export company supplies to Partner States are
to EAC transit cargo broken glasses and some other customers at not subjected to such Evidence was provided
destined for markets bottles to Dar es Salaam higher prices while other condition.
such as Malawi and DRC for recycling by KIOO Ltd. companies enter the
leading to loss of business. The impact on delays market at USD 0.75 to
and the short duration of USD 0.90 without being
certificates lead to loss subjected to the raise. Evidence was provided
Evidence was not provided
of business.

Evidence was provided Evidence was provided

22 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 23

 3.6: Deliberations and Recommendations
Regarding the Partner States submissions
on New NTBs
Rwanda and Uganda had not
Weighing of empty trucks by
accorded preferential treatment
Tanzania in the Central Corridor.
for rice exports from Tanzania.
The meeting deliberated on the new NTBs reported
and agreed as follows:

I II III
Provision of Review of SCT Implementation
Documentary Evidence Evidence Provided Structure

The NTBs whose documentary For NTBs whose documentary

evidence was not provided should
not be included in the EAC Time
evidence was provided, Partner
States should study the evidence
Bound Programme on elimination of
identified NTBs in accordance with
the Council decision of the 28th
Meeting of the Council held on 29
November, 2013;
EAC\CM\28\Decision 33.
Partner States were urged to
provide documentary evidence
through the EAC Secretariat in order
to expedite the resolution process
and report back during the next
meeting in December, 2015
The meeting noted that under SCT
implementation structure, each
4.0: NON TARIFF BARRIERS
Partner State had designated an
SCT Country Coordinator whose REPORTED AS RESOLVED DURING
mandate is to coordinate, monitor
and liaise with other Partner State
Coordinators to ensure smooth
THE 18TH EAC REGIONAL FORUM ON
implementation.
NTBs
The SCT Coordinators report to the
M&E Team composed of Commis-
sioners of Customs which report to
the Committee on Customs. It was
therefore noted that issues related
to implementation of SCT, including
access rights to Customs Systems
should be addressed to through that
structure.

Rwanda had not accorded

Rwanda transporters paid
preferential treatment on
USD 300 per truck as a
confectionary products by
national park fee.
Candy Kenya Ltd.

24 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 25

 5.0: UPDATED EAC TIME BOUND
PROGRAMME ON ELIMINATION OF
IDENTIFIED NON TARIFF BARRIERS
AS OF September, 2015
A summary on the status of elimination of NTBs in the region shows that:

(i) Four (4) NTBs were resolved during the meeting;

(ii) Eighteen (18) NTBs were reported as unresolved;

(iii) Thirteen (13) complaints were reported as new NTBs and

evidence was provided; and

(iv) Eighty six (86) NTBs were reported as cumulatively

resolved.

26 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 27

 NTB source NTB source
& Ministry/ & Ministry/
NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status / NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status /
ment/ Impact to Action Time- ment/ Impact to Action Time-
No summary Partner or Success Recommen- No summary Partner or Success Recommen-
Agency for businesses frame Agency for businesses frame
description States Factor dations description States Factor dations
action action

1. Lack of All EAC Partner Statutory Time wasted Need to Insufficient The Ministers 2. Existence of Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania Time lost at Reduction Political The Ministers
coordination States agencies invest in financial decided that: several and Burundi the stations of the goodwill decided that
among the One-Stop- resources for weighbridge leading stations to from the the weigh-
i. collaboration
numerous Centres and investment stations in the to loss of two. one at Govern- bridges be
among the
institutions electronic in buildings, regulatory
central corridor business as the port of ment. reduced to
involved in single facilities and agencies be goods do entry and two, one at
testing goods window IT system/ enhanced; not reach the other at the point of
systems at equipment. their the port of entry and
border ii. agencies op- destination exit. other the port
stations. erate under in time of exit.
Reported in 2009 one stop post
Success Fac- as is current- Tanzania
tor ly being done reported that
between
she had intro-
Proposal by Ke- Kenya and
Uganda;
duced three
nya to amend stop inspec-
description of Collaboration tion centres
NTB: of all institu- iii. agencies (Vigwanza,
collaborate at
tions into the national Manyoni and
fast-tracking borders with Nyakanazi).
the proce- a view to One Stop In-
Lack of proper dures under fast tracking
coordination spection Sta-
the same clearance
tions (OSISs)
among border roof. of goods at
agencies in clear- border entry including

June, 2016
weighbridge

June, 2016
ance of goods points; and
to be con-
iv. Mutual structed at
recognition Vigwaza,
of certificates Manyoni and
issued by Nyakanazi.
agencies is Vigwaza
ongoing.
weighbridge
Construction for transit
of one border cargo is com-
posts in the plete and
Partner States operational.
will address the Manyoni and
NTB. Nyakanazi
under design
of construc- to be com-
tion of OBSPs pleted by June
is covered 2015.
under chapter
seven of this
report.

28 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 29

 NTB source
NTB source
& Ministry/
& Ministry/
NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status /
NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status /
ment/ Impact to Action Time-
No summary Partner or Success Recommen- ment/ Impact to Action Time-
Agency for businesses frame No summary Partner or Success Recommen-
description States Factor dations Agency for businesses frame
action description States Factor dations
action

3. Ugandan Kenya Uganda Ban on Political Pressure The Ministers

5. Border manage- All Partner States Revenue Business Harmoniza- Security is- The meeting
restriction of Departments market goodwill to from urged Repub-
ment institutions’ Authorities community tion of work- sues and noted that the
beef & beef of Veterinary entry and mutually businesses lic of Kenya
working hours to identify ing hours awareness completion
products from Services; loss of recognise not to to review the
are not harmo- impact by business of OBSPs will
Kenya Ministries potential inspection recognize legal notice

June, 2016
nized. community address this
of livestock markets. procedures, products No. 69 to Delays and NTB.
development inspection from EAC address the extra cost to
and Agricul- reports and Partner issues of the doing busi-
Reported ture certificates States due to BSE disease
in 1996 ness
fear of loss o by December

November, 2015
30th, 2012.
markets
6. Non-harmonized All Partner States Ministries of Additional Harmoniza- EAC, in col-
road user charges Transport and cost to do- tion the road laboration
A bilateral / road tolls Infrastructure ing business user charges with SADC
Success Factor meeting was /road toll and COMESA,
process is working on

June, 2016
held on 29th –
Political 30th October, a model for
goodwill to 2015 between harmonizing
recognize Kenya and the principles
EAC as a Uganda. The for road user
single next bilateral charges
market area is expected
to resolve the
NTB. 7. Cigarettes Kenya Tanzania Loss of Abolition Resistance During the
4. Charges of plant Burundi Kenya Plant Adds to cost Abolish Resistance The ministers manufactured in business of the from the 29th meeting
import permit Health of doing charges and from issuing decided that Kenya exported requirement private sector. of the Coun-
(PIP) at Malaba Services business. reorganiza- authority Partner States to Tanzania cil, Tanzania
for tea destined (KEPHIS) tion of the should recog- required to have undertook to
nize certificates a local 75% repeal the law
for auction at SPS certifi-
issued by ac- tobacco governing the
Mombasa cate . credited institu-
Burundi- 75% local to-
tions of other
Process on- bacco content
Partner States.
going by June, 2015.
EAC SPS Proto- Refer latest
col was signed council deci-
in July 2013 and sion.
Kenya- In once ratified by

July, 2016
progress Partner States it Tanzania re-
June, 2016

will address the ported that

NTB. internal con-
sultations to
The NTB will be
resolved once
implement
the SPS protocol Council deci-
is ratified. sion to repeal
the law were in
The meeting progress. Tan-
noted that Ke- zania would
nya recognizes report to next
Phyto-Sanitary meeting of
certificates is-
Council on
sued by Partner
States for tea progress made
destined for
Mombasa tea
auction.
30 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 31
 NTB source NTB source
& Ministry/ & Ministry/
NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status / NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status /
ment/ Impact to Action Time- ment/ Impact to Action Time-
No summary Partner or Success Recommen- No summary Partner or Success Recommen-
Agency for businesses frame Agency for businesses frame
description States Factor dations description States Factor dations
action action

8. Tanzania Food Kenya, Burundi TFDA Loss of Abolition The 18th meeting 9. Re-introduction Tanzania Kajiado and Adds to cost Abolition Abolition of
of the East African
and Drugs market of the Standards Com-
of county transit Kwale counties of doing of county county transit
Authority requirement mittee held on Fee in Kenya business transit fee Fee.

June 30, 2016

requires 24th October, 2014
deliberated on the Reported in Kenya re-
companies NTB:
exporting to October, 2013 ported that
Tanzania to i. Urged TBS to this was work
register which adopt all the in progress.
harmonized
may entail EAC Standards
retesting and to ensure that
re-labeling of all there are not
barriers arising
10. Discrimination Kenya Tanzania Denial of Removal Removal of
the products. from the Stan- of Smirnoff ice market discrimina- discrimina-
dards; brand of East tion tion.
African Brewer-
ii. Requested
TFDA to carry ies (Kenya) Ltd A verifica-
out a review on products. tion mission
food product was under-
safety control
systems in other
taken but not
Partner States completed
for the purpose Secretariat
of creating
confidence
awaiting
and facilitating missing doc-
trade within the uments from
EAC region and
report back in
East African
Breweries

June, 2016
June 2015.
Ltd through
The 18th meeting the Ministry
of the EAC regional
forum on NTBs of EAC Ke-
recommended that: nya.

November, 2015
i. EAC Secretar- The meeting
iat to facilitate
composition of recommend-
the technical ed that Ke-
expert team nya submits
of food safety
regulations to the required
review of the documents
EAC Partner by 15th April,
States food
safety systems 2015 to en-
and come up able the
with the recom- committee to
mendations to
be undertaken finalize.
in order to
facilitate rec-
ognition of test
certificates

ii. EAC Secretar-

iat to assist in
coming up with
the TORs for
the task force.

iii. EAC Secretariat

to source funds
for this exercise

32 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 33

 NTB source NTB source
& Ministry/ & Ministry/
NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status / NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status /
ment/ Impact to Action Time- ment/ Impact to Action Time-
No summary Partner or Success Recommen- No summary Partner or Success Recommen-
Agency for businesses frame Agency for businesses frame
description States Factor dations description States Factor dations
action action

11. Numerous All Partner States Various Harmoniza- The SCTIFI 13. Tanzania is Burundi Tanzania Adds to Abolition of Burundi pro-
monetary charges Partner State tion of the urged Part- charging USD Ministry of the cost the charge vided evidence
required by Agencies charges ner States 200 as transit fee Health of doing during the 16th
various agencies to forward for containers business EAC Regional

December, 2015
charges on Forum n NTBs.
in the United with chemical
dairy products
Republic of to the EAC products Tanzania
Tanzania on Secretariat in undertook to
exports of dairy order to work report progress
products modalities to on elimination
harmonize during the next
them. meeting.

The Secretariat

December, 2015
informed the
14. Rwandan Rwanda URT Adds to cost Harmoniza- Tanzania
meeting that
the Republic
Transporters of doing tion of tran- reported that
of Kenya, pays 300USD per business sit charges the charges

December, 2015
Burundi, truck as a had been
Rwanda and national park fee. harmonized
Tanzania who and all trans-
had submitted porters pay
their charges. $40 national
park fees.
The meeting
recommended
Uganda sub-
mits by 30th 15. Charge of Rwanda Uganda Adds to the Adherence Uganda and
October 2015 “export tax” of cost of do- to the EAC Rwanda un-
to enable the 0.2 % of raw ing business Preferential dertook to

December, 2015
Secretariat to materials Tariff hold a bilat-
undertake the exported from Treatment eral meeting
harmonization
Uganda by and report
exercise.
Rwanda Premier back dur-
12. Charging of Kenya Uganda Loss of According Political Kenya provid- Tobacco ing the next
25% duty rate business EAC goodwill ed evidence Company Ltd meeting.
on products preferential including
manufactured by treatment to the name of
the company
Vayas Kenya Ltd the products. 16. Mamimou Rwanda Ministry of Adds to cost Abolition Evidence was
during the
in using glucose meeting. Charcoal Export Environment of doing of transit provided.
imported under Ltd based in Kenya business. charges
EAC duty Uganda re- Kigali is charged Kenya un-
November, 2015

remission ported that transit fees on

dertook took
she considered to study the
charcoal exports

November, 2015
the NTB re- evidence and
solved because to Dubai via report back in
the 25% duty Mombasa Port. the next meet-
is a tariff. ing.

Kenya and RESOLVED

Uganda to
consult and Rwanda to
report during verify
this meeting.

34 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 35

 NTB source
& Ministry/
NTB Affected Depart- Prioritized Bottlenecks Status /
ment/ Impact to Action Time-
No summary Partner or Success Recommen-
Agency for businesses frame
description States Factor dations
action

17. RRA was not Tanzania Rwanda Loss of According Political During the
according business EAC goodwill meeting
preferential preferential Tanzania
treatment to treatment provided
G&B Soap documentary
Industries (Ltd) evidence.

December, 2015
Rwanda
undertook
to study the
evidence and
report back
during the
next meeting

18. Kenya was Uganda Kenya Loss of Open Political Kenya and
restricting Cable business tendering goodwill Uganda un-
Corporation opportuni- process dertook to

December, 2015
(Uganda) Ltd ties hold a bilat-
from its eral meeting
tendering and report
processes for the back dur-
supply of electric ing the next
cable products. meeting.

36 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 37

6.0: NON-TARIFF BARRIERS
RESOLVED SINCE 2009

The following NTBs have been resolved since 2009: 28. Lack of simplified certificates of origin issued 44. Kenya had issued new immigration
by Tanzania; regulations whereby work permits would
1. Tanzania requirement of cash bonds for 14.
Kenyan ban on one day old chicks from not be issued to other nationalities below
transportation of sugar to Rwanda; Uganda; 29. Non-implementation of EAC harmonised the age of thirty five years and earning not
documents by all Partner States; less than K.shs168, 000 per month;
2. Burundi charges entry fee for vehicles from 15. Cumbersome testing procedures for food
other Partner States; exports and imports into Tanzania; 30.
Non-implementation of EAC harmonized 45. Restriction of employment by Non-
documents; Governmental Organizations to Ugandans
3. Varying application of axle load specifications 16. Partner States not using green, yellow, red only which is affecting Tanzanians;
applied by all Partner States; channels while clearing goods; 31. Visa charges of US$ 250 for businessmen
entering Tanzania from other Partner States; 46. Charges by Container Freight Stations
4. Imposition of visa fee to Burundians entering 17. EAC Standards Bureaus had varying proce varied from port charges at the port of
United Republic of Tanzania; dures for issuance of certification marks, 32. Re-introduction by Kenya of a cash bond on Mombasa which was affecting imports to
inspection and testing; vehicles above 2000 cc and sugar transiting Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda;
5. Delays at the Ports of Mombasa & Dar es from Mombasa to Uganda;
Salaam, which affect imports and exports 18. Non-recognition of EAC Rules & Certificates 47. Congestion at the port of Dar Es Salaam
through the ports; of Origin by all Partner States; 33. Delays in issuing bonds at Kenya border with which affected Burundi, Rwanda and
Uganda tea meant for auction in Mombasa; Uganda;
6. Restriction of Konyagi exports from Tanzania 19. Charge of 1.5% dairy levy by Uganda for im
into Kenyan market; ports from Kenya; 34. Non recognition of EAC certificate of 48. Payment of double handling charges at the
origin by TRA for furniture products ICDs and at the Dar Es Salaam port
7. Lack of preferential treatment on galvanized 20.
Charge of 1.5 % diary levy on exports of dairy manufactured in Kenya;
sheets exported to Rwanda by Kenya; products from Kenya by [which partner 49. Inadequate Police Escort mechanism for
state) 35. Tanzania had re-imposed a visa charge of trucks ferrying goods in all Partner States;
8. Requirement for certificates of analysis for between U.S$ 200-250 on Ugandan
goods destined for export to Rwanda and 21. Uganda’s certification procedures on exports business persons travelling to Tanzania; 50. Controlled movements of Cargo Trucks
Burundi from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya; of milk from Kenya; between Isaka / Rusumo and Isaka /
36. Requirement for original documentation at Kabanga were not allowed to move beyond
9. Levying of extra charges on Kenya 22. Delays in Releasing of cargo manifest by all the port of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam for 18:00hrs within Tanzania going to Burundi,
pharmaceutical firms exporting to Tanzania; Partner States; clearance of goods destined to Burundi; Rwanda and Uganda;

10. Requirement of TISCAN inspection 23. Reduction of grace period for transit cargo 37.
Kenya Import levy of Kshs 2 per Kg on 51. Harassment of informal businessmen from
procedure that requires documents to be at Dar port from 30 to 14 days which affects Agricultural Products from Tanzania; United Republic of Tanzania by Kenyan
transmitted to South Africa and cleared all Partner States; Immigration Officials at Namanga Border;
there for each lot in Tanzania for exports 38. Exports of plastic products from Kenya were
from Kenya; 24. Requirement that that exporters of Herbal subjected to 10% and 25% CET rate; 52. Prohibitions of imports of food products
products to Tanzania from Uganda must from Burundi to Rwanda;
11. Requirement of road consignment note from declare formulae; 39. Tourist vans from Kenya were not allowed
transporters even before the goods have entry to Tanzania; 53. Kenya Revenue Authority at Taveta Border
been parked; 25. Delays at Malaba border for trucks driving to required certificates of Origin from Tanzania
Uganda; 40. Lack of interface within the customs’ to have serial numbers;
12. Requirement for executing bonds for import systems in the Revenue Authorities in
taxes before being issued with stamps for 26. Kenya had introduced Cash Bond on used Partner States; 54. Uganda restricted export of mosquito nets
excise duty purposes in Tanzania for imports clothes and shoes / other items considered produced by A to Z Mills Company in Arusha;
for Kenya; of high value imported by Uganda through 41. Requirement for OTS (Open Tender System)
port of Mombasa; for bulk Fuel Procurement System to Burundi 55. Rice, small fish and palm oil from Burundi
13. Holding, retesting milk and milk products at port of Mombasa; were denied entry to Rwanda;
bearing quality marks and imposition of 27. Kenyan trucks entering Tanzania were
import quotas; charged a levy of US$ 200; 42. Imposition of 75% CET duty or $200 per 56. Tanzania did not accept copies of bill of
metric ton by Uganda on rice wholly landing while clearing cargo at Sirare border;
produced in Kenya;
57. Kenya notified clearing agents that there
43. Cut-flower from Tanzania for re-exports to would be no further extension of customs
Europe and Russia blocked by Kenya warehousing;
38 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 39
 7.0: STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION OF
ONE STOP BORDER POSTS (OBSPs) IN THE
58. Kenya delayed inspection of export goods to 73. Uganda registered insurance companies
Tanzania at factory level; were not recognized in Kenya; EAC REGION
59. United Republic of Tanzania had restricted 74. Requirement Kenya for a single bond in the
imports of beer from Burundi; single customs territory; The construction of One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) The International Office for Migration (IOM) and
in EAC region is implemented by Development United States Agency for International Development
60. Requirement by the Kenya Revenue 75. Lengthy, restrictive and unclear Partners in close collaboration with Partner States (USAID) are also involved in promoting the OSBP
Authority that tea from Uganda destined administrative procedures of licensing and EAC Secretariat. projects by supporting the soft infrastructure
for Mombasa auction market should be Ugandan owned container freight stations/ aspects.
stored at 3 selected Customs Transit warehouses at the Port of Mombasa; The construction and operationalization of OSBPs in
Go-down in Mombasa EAC Partner States is anticipated to eliminate some Seven (7) OSBPs construction projects are fully
76. Delays by KRA in posting online clearance of of the NTBs in the region. There are fifteen OSBP completed, though only three (3) are officially
61. Kenya required Uganda imports of oil to be goods destined to Tanzania; projects at various levels of construction at internal operational under bilateral arrangements between
transported through rail and by road to have borders supported by the following Development Partner States.
bond guaranteed by bank; 77. Re-introduction of yellow fever requirement Partners:
at Namanga border and Kilimanjaro Four (4) OSBPs are not operational because of lack
62. A requirement that Cigarettes exported to International Airport; i. Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA); of operational legal framework though the EAC
Uganda from Kenya had to have a local OSBPs Act is undergoing the process of assent by
material content of 75%; 78. Auto-Axillary Ltd products (U bolt and ii. African Development Bank (AfDB); EAC Heads of States.
Center bolts) from Kenya were charged
63. Lack of Verification sheds and parking yards CET of 25% in Tanzania; iii. Japan International Cooperation The current status of the construction of OSBPs in
at border posts affecting all Partner States; Agency (JICA); and Partner States is summarized below:
79. Tanzania Port Authority charged USD90 as
64. Charging of full duty on aluminum products way leave fees for transit container of 20 iv. World Bank
from Kenya to Uganda which didnot not feet and 140USD for container of 40 feet for
enjoy EAC duty remission scheme; transit trucks from Burundi;

65. 80. Selective auctioning of Ugandan goods at

Introduction of a levy of 1.5% for railway
development in Kenya for imports destined Mombasa Port; 7.1: Republic of Burundi 7.2: Republic of Kenya
to Kenya;
81. Scanning of Uganda goods by anti-
66. Metal products from Kenya were charged a counterfeit agency at Mombasa;
CET of 25% when exported to Burundi;
82. Charging of 25% duty rate on scrapping rolls
67. Tanzania is charged plastics from Kenya a manufactured in Kenya; In the Republic of Burundi, three (3) OSBPs were In the Republic of Kenya, six (6) OSBPs were
CET rate of 25%; being constructed. under construction at Busia, Lungalunga, Taveta,
83. Weighing of empty trucks in the Central Malaba, Namanga and Isebania. Among these,
68. Several Police road blocks along Central Corridor-Tanzania; Two (2) OSBPs at the border with the Republic of civil works at Lungalunga and Tevata were 100%
Corridor, estimated at 30 between Dar es Rwanda (namely Ruhwa, Gasenyi), were complete, and Teveta had been operationalized.
Salaam to Rusumo border; 84. Numerous Weighbridges Containerized completed and are operational.
cargo to Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi At Malaba OSBP, civil works were completed but
69.
Lack of harmonized port procedures were subjected to imposition of 4 The construction of Kobero OSBP was to be the bridge between Uganda and Kenya was not
manual; weighbridges instead of two as decided by completed on 15th July 2015. Currently the civil complete.
the Council. works were at 80% and is expected to be
70. Non-recognition of rules of Origin for motor completed in December 2015. The construction of Busia OSBP was about 98%
vehicles; 85. Rwanda and Uganda was not complete and it is expected to be completed by
according preferential treatment on exports November 2015.
71. Uganda National Bureau of Standards of rice from Tanzania through Rusumo and
rejected the products as from Kenya as Mutukula borders respectively; and At Namanga OSBP civil works were at 90%
substandard ; complete and the civil works were in progress
86. Rwanda was not according preferential which included laying of fibre networks and paint-
72.
Mandatory requirement for all sugar treatment to confectionery products by ing. However, this project has a challenge in that it
importers from Uganda to obtain prior produced Candy Kenya Ltd. lacks sufficient water.
permission in Kenya before any sugar
import; At Isebania OSBP the civil works were 100%
complete.

40 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9 41


7.3: Republic of Rwanda
In the Republic of Rwanda, nine (9) OSBPs were
under construction namely; Rusumo, Gatuna,
Kagitumba, Cyanika, Rusizi I & II, Nemba, Ruhwa,
Akanyaru Haut and Gisenyi. Rusumo OSBP was
completed and the facility was occupied in
February 2015.
Nemba and Ruhwa OSBPs were also completed
and are now operational.
At Kagitumba OSBP, construction had been
completed and the facility was handed over to
the Rwandan government. The project awaited
launching and official opening.
At Gatuna OSBP, 20% of the civil works had been
completed. The feasibility studies for Akanyaru
Haut and Gisenyi were completed and awaited
potential Development Partners to fund the next
stage of construction.
In Cyanika, designing of OSBP had commenced,
while at Rusizi I & II infrastructure and procedure
audits were being conducted to determine the
suitability of OSBP.
7.5: United Republic of
Tanzania
In the United Republic of Tanzania, nine (9) OSBPs
were under construction namely, Namanga,
Horohoro, Holili, Sirari, Rusumo, Mutukula, Kabanga,
Tunduma, and Manyovu.
Civil works at Namanga had been completed and
the facility was handed over to Tanzania Revenue
Authority.
Other OSBPs completed are: Horohoro, Holili,
Sirari, Rusumo, Mutukula, and Kabanga. Whereas
Tunduma OSBP, the designs were awaiting
approval, while Manyovu OSBP, the study was
completed and awaits a potential funder.
42 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9
7.4: Republic of Uganda
Seven (7) OSBPs were under construction in the
Republic of Uganda namely Malaba, Busia, Katuna,
Mirama Hills, Mutukula, Elegu and Cyanika.
At the Malaba OSBP, construction of buildings had
been completed and the construction of the exit
road was ongoing and expected to be
completed by December 2015 but the bridge
between Uganda and Kenya was not complete.
Officials from Uganda and Kenya had relocated to
the new facility.
At Busia, construction was 85% complete and
it was expected to be completed by December
2015. However, this project was behind schedule
and was likely not to meet the completion deadline
of December 2015.
At Katuna, civil works were at 20% completion due
to delays caused by border location as a result
of being surrounded by the mountains and the
marshland.
At Mirama Hills, construction had been completed
and the facility was handed over to the Ugandan
Government. The project awaits official opening.
At Mutukula construction of buildings was
complete but works on the exit road, parking yard
and fence were not yet complete.
At Elegu OSBP, the contract was signed in
September 2015 and construction was expected
to be completed by February 2017.
At Cyanika infrastructure and procedure audits to
assess suitability for OSBP were conducted in 2011
but construction had not commenced.
8.0: INTIATIVES FOR ELIMINATION OF
NON TARIFF BARRIERS IN EAC REGION
The following initiatives are being undertaken
towards elimination of NTBs affecting intra-EAC
trade.
8.1 AUTOMATION IN TRADE:
A SOLUTION FOR NTBs IN THE ing requested by internal users as well as external
EAC
During the meeting of the 18th EAC Regional Forum
on NTBs, TMEA informed the meeting that it had
undertaken a study on Automation in Trade as one
of the solutions for NTBs in the EAC. Mr. Alex Kipy-
egon, Programme Manager, ICT4TRADE who is the
lead consultant, presented the study findings which
include the following:
(a) Rwanda Bureau of Standards Management the 2015.
Information System Enterprise Resource
Planning (RBS MIS/ERP).
(b) Uganda National Bureau, imports and
Clearance Information Management System
(UNBS IICIMS).
(c) Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and 8.2 MONITORING THE
Industry, Automating certificates of Origin
(KNCCI- CoO).
8.1.1 RSB MIS/ERP
RSB presented a unique scenario and the
functionalities of the project include: a complaint
module, standard catalogue, System Certifica-
tion, and S-Mark Application. It has also an Import
Inspection and Clearance Module and sits within
ReSW. Discussions were ongoing to integrate the
ReSW so as to allow sharing of information.
8.1.2 UNBS IICIMS
The Emphasis of IICIMS is on Import Inspection and
Clearance procedure.The process was mapped out
and streamlined. The Support from the senior man-
agement had led to rapid adoption of the system.
The Malaba, Mutukula, Entebbe border stations are
using the system. Additional functionality was be-
stakeholders.
8.1.3 Automating Certificate of Origin (RoO)
TCCIA had already automated their certificate
on RoO. KNCCI was still issuing certificate of RoO
manually. It was anticipated that the automated
certificates would be rolled out before the end of
New functionalities such online payment was ex-
pected to be a game changer. Notifications would
be done through emails and SMS system.
PERFORMANCE OF THE
NORTHERN CORRIDOR BY THE
NORTHERN CORRIDOR TRANSIT
AND TRANSPORT COORDINATION
AUTHORITY
8.2.1 Introduction
The Northern Corridor Transit and Transport
Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) is an inter-
governmental organization established under
the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport
Agreement(NCTTA) comprising of six Member
States namely; Burundi, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.
43
The primary focus of Secretariat is to facilitate
trade and transport through the corridor. The
secretariat uses various tools to monitor
performance of the corridor i.e. Northern
Corridor Transport Observatory (NCTO), the
Northern Corridor Dashboard and also through the
Northern Corridor Trade and Transport Logistics
Stakeholders Surveys.
8.2.2 The Northern Corridor Transport
Observatory
The NCTO is a monitoring tool that
assesses and measures performance of the
Northern Corridor and has an online platform
(http://top.ttcanc.org) to track and disseminate
information on various key performance indicators.
The Observatory features 31 key performance
indicators viz:
(a) Volume and Capacity,
(b) Transit times and Delays;
(c) Efficiency and Productivity; and
(d) Cost and Rates.
Ten of these indicators are monitored on a weekly
basis through the Northern Corridor Performance
Dashboard which could also be accessed via
http://top.ttcanc.org or www.kandalakaskazini.
or.ke
The Dashboard measures the implementation of
the Mombasa Port Community Charter which
commits both Private and Public sector
stakeholders involved in handling of and clearing of
goods transported through the Port of Mombasa to
undertake measures that will enhance efficiency of
the port and the Northern Corridor.
The Observatory provides key information to
inform policy interventions along the Corridor.
Weekly, monthly, quarterly and Semi-annual reports
can be accessed via the Transport Observatory
Portals (TOP).
44 Status of Elimination of NTBs as of September 2015 | Vol 9
8.2.3 Northern Corridor Trade and Transport
Logistics Stakeholders Surveys
The NCTTCA also carries out Trade and Transport
Logistics Stakeholders Surveys on an annual basis.
The survey is conducted by a multi-disciplinary
Survey Team comprising of public and private
sector stakeholders involved in handling and
clearing goods along the corridor.
The objectives of the survey are to: monitor
implementation of NCTTCA Policy Organs
recommendations; sensitization of stakeholders
about ongoing trade facilitation initiatives;
identification of the NTBs along the Corridor and
measures to eliminate them; and collection of data
and information to feed the Transport Observatory.
During the Surveys, observations are made on
physical transport infrastructure and facilities in
place, procedures for handling and clearance of
goods along the corridor and plenary sessions with
stakeholders at various transit nodes are made
findings of the survey discussed.
The 2015 survey covered the transit sections of
Mombasa- Nairobi, Nairobi-Malaba via Eldoret and
Malaba-Kampala and the survey reports can be ac-
cessed via http://ttcanc.org/reports.php
National Monitoring Committees on NTBs and Corri-
dor Authorities are encouraged to collaborate and
align their monitoring frameworks and ensure that
there is a clear mechanism to ensure that recom-
mendations on NTB removal are implemented.
Stakeholders encouraged make use of the Obser-
vatory Data and survey reports
8.3 EMERGING NTBS RELATED
INFORMATION ON THE
CENTRAL C ORRIDOR
8.3.1 Introduction
The Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilita-
tion Agency (CCTTFA) is implementing the Central
Corridor Transport Observatory Project (CCTO)
with funding from TMEA. The Transport Observa-
tory was officially launched on 9th July 2013 by the
Council of Ministers.
CCTO monitors a number of indicators measuring
performance of the corridor; provides tools for the
diagnosis of problems relating to high transport costs
along the Central Corridor; identifies areas requiring
improvement with regard to the reduction of costs;
and provides reliable and high quality information that
could be used by policymakers.
8.3.2 Issues Raised
Through number of tools for diagnosing problems
including data collection among stakeholders ICT
systems and number of surveys conducted regularly
along the corridor, CCTO raised major challenges
observed including:
i. inadequate access lanes for trucks to the
weigh in motion bridges at Vigwanza, varia
tion in weighbridge readings, and poor infra
structure at some weighbridge e.g. Kyaka;
ii. Lack of enough road side space for police
to conduct the checks causing queue at the
weighbridges; and
iii. Poorly managed road blocks affects transit
were also pointed out as challenges.
There is need for collaboration between National
Monitoring Committees on NTBs and the Corridor in
identifying and resolving NTBs as well as deliberating
on the regular use of Transport Observatory Portals
reports, presentations and findings during quarterly
meetings so as to address emerging NTBs related
information along the corridors.
45
East African Community Secretariat Telephone: +255 27 2162100
P.O.Box 1096, Fax: +255 27 2162190
Arusha, Tanzania E-mail: eac@eachq.org

www.eac.int