Since the beginning of this year, 10 non-tariff barriers (NTB) have been resolved within the East African Community. However, nine NTBs were reported as new in the same period. This is according to the latest report by the East African Community Sectoral Ministers Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment.

The report also states that more NTBs will be resolved by the end of this year and that since last year 62 NTBs have been eliminated by partner states.

The elimination of the NTBs has been attributed to reduced or removal of the number of weighbridges and roadblocks on both the Northern and Central Corridors; reduced procedures and documentation processes at the ports of entry through the opening of One Stop Border Posts; the introduction of the single customs territory and the single electronic window at the ports.

Despite the progress, the partner states are yet to completely eliminate NTBs.

Andrew Luzze, executive director at the East Africa Business Council, said, “The reduction in the number of NTBs in the region is a result of the commitment by all the EAC presidents in ensuring that measures are in place to reduce unnecessary delays at the border posts on the main corridors (Northern and Central) and the ports.”

“NTBs are easily reported and quickly resolved because the secretariat has put in place an NTB innovation framework.”

Source: The East African