Understanding non-tariff barriers in the East African Community Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) play a significant role in increasing the cost and time of trade or doing business or simply impede trade between or amongst partner states. The East African Community (EAC) Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Act 2017 refers to NTBs as laws, regulations, administrative and technical requirements other than tariffs imposed by a Partner State, whose effect is to impede trade. Many of the regulations and technical requirements that affect trade – rising from Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) – serve legitimate policy objectives to safeguard public health or the environment.  The EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Regulations, 2017 highlights that one aspect of what makes an NTM an NTB is whether a “measure is discriminatory and restricts trade directly or indirectly. This factbook and toolkit provides an overview of the various categories of NTBs, why NTBs are harmful and how to identify, report and monitoring the resolution of NTBs in EAC context.

Uganda is set to receive a whopping US $229.5m funds for the construction of phase one of Kampala- Jinja express project, following...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Kabanga OSBP IBM" implementor="Tanzania Revenue Authority" target_group="Importers and exporters in East Africa" project_value="US$ 600,000" implementation_period="2011 - 2016" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]The Kobero/Kabanga border crossing is currently characterised by outdated infrastructure, complicated procedures focused on centralized control by multiple border agencies working in isolation and low border agency capacity. Low levels of understanding of import and export procedures by traders and border staff results in delays and poor standards management. Delays increase transportation costs for traders. What: The project focuses on setting up the institutional and legal framework necessary for collaboration in border management at inter-agency and bilateral levels, reviewing and implementing one stop border post procedures, training border agency officials, and installing ICT networks, hardware, furniture and equipment. How: TMA is providing funding for the development of an integrated border management platform and is supporting the lead agencies to implement the project on time and ensure quality. Contact: Israel Sekirasa, Email: [email protected] Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42620" image_2="42630"]A reduction in the total average time it takes to clear cargo at the Kobero/Kabanga border post, which will in turn contribute to reducing trade costs in East Africa.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_2="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock" slide_3="info access for 20 crops & over five breeds of livestock"][single_project_content] Key expected results include; Tanzania’s logistics sector is efficient for...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Mutukula (Tz) OSBP Construction" implementor="Tanzania Revenue Authority" target_group="Importers and exporters in our target countries" project_value="US$ 4,500,000" implementation_period="2011 - 2017" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="#url"]418 vehicles a day pass through the Mutukula border point, with trucks taking over a day on average to process through customs from Tanzania to Uganda. This delay imposes serious costs on traders. They must wait longer for their import or export, pay for the truck to wait at the border, risk perishable goods losing their value and manage unpredictable transport times. What: A one stop border point is being constructed at the Mutukula border point.  This project is related to other TMA supported projects that provide: •  Improved IT infrastructure at border post; •  Harmonised working procedures on both sides of the border; and • Training for border agency staff, freight forwarders and traders. How: TMA is providing funding for the construction of the OSBP and is supporting the lead agencies to implement the project on time and ensure quality.  The project is implemented in coordination with other ongoing initiatives of the World Bank, JICA, USAID, the African Development Bank and the European Union. Contact: Israel Sekirasa: [email protected] Click here to learn more about One Stop Border Posts Program[/single_project_block_1][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id="desired-result"][vc_column][single_project_block_2 heading="Desired Results" image_1="42676" image_2="42678"]Improved physical border infrastructure, harmonised working procedures, faster customs processing and information sharing will reduce waiting times at the Mutukula border point. This will contribute to reducing trade costs in East Africa.[/single_project_block_2][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes"][vc_column][project_single_ele_3_container heading="More Project Insights." sub_heading="Projects Highlights From A Glance" slide_1="info...

[vc_row][vc_column][custom_inner_menus select_menu="project"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][single_project_block_1 heading="Coordination of the EAC regional integration agenda and supporting the Ministry of EAC on its Leadership role" implementor="Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation" project_value="$2,393,000 (Financial Aid arrangement)" implementation_period="January 2010 – June 2019" download_btn_text="Download Project PDF" download_btn_link="https://www.trademarkafrica.com/download/60794/"]The EAC integration agenda poses fundamental challenges to the political and economic landscape for Tanzanians. The public needs greater awareness on key issues, clear timelines, and defined benefits from integration. Inadequate debate and engagement on key issues has contributed to increased fears among sections of society (e.g. the private sector) about the real impact of integration. Various studies on the political economy of regional integration paint a nuanced picture of political commitment, with Parliament appearing much less engaged on regional and international policy compared to the domestic agenda. Most MPs are ill-informed about the process, and there are low levels of accountability for EAC integration across MDAs. As a result, Tanzania is perceived by other EAC members as cautious towards integration. What: This project will ensure that Tanzania benefits from EAC integration through institutional support to help MEAC develop its core capacity through technical assistance (TA) and other modalities of support. Project’s Key expected results include: MEAC improves the strategic leadership and coordination of EAC integration Enhanced awareness and knowledge on EAC integration MDAs increase the implementation of EAC commitments How: The project will strengthen institutional capacity (e.g. on strategic planning, communications, analysis and M&E) through training, mentoring and provision of short- and long-term TA as well as provision of equipment...