Non Tariff Barriers
Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) restrict trade and are therefore seen by COMESA as a major challenge to the realization of the region’s growth. The following are seen as potential sources of NTBs:
· Customs Clearance Procedures
· Import Regulations
· Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures (SPS)
· Non tariff charges
· Technical regulations
· Transit fees.
As long ago as 2001 COMESA adopted a Road Map for the elimination of NTBs but following a period of relative inaction, it was decided in May 2006 to put in place a permanent mechanism for the resolution of disputes arising from NTBs; that advance notification of NTBs should be made by member States; that a regional policy should be developed and that all should adhere to common standards.
Other decisions and actions were agreed that year and in February 2007 RTFP financed an extensive survey of NTBs in the SADC, COMESA and EAC regions.
In June 2007 there was another meeting, during which a time-bound Action Plan for the elimination of NTBs was developed. A reporting mechanism was also agreed and a full time NTB officer, financed by RTFP, is now based at the COMESA Secretariat and manages a web-based data base. This can be seen on the NTB website (http://ntb.africonnect.com) along with all the reports referred to above.
Under the Tripartite Task Force, COMESA, EAC & SADC have agreed to develop a common mechanism for categorizing NTBs. They will also exchange information and the NTB website (which is currently managed by COMESA ) will eventually incorporate information for the other two RECs as well.
At the request of COMESA, in August 2008 a study was commissioned by RTFP to survey and document the real impact of NTBs to intra-COMESA trade (measured in terms of actual expenses and time losses to the business community). In addition to looking at the impact, the study will include an assessment of the levels of corrupt or unfair practices; seek evidence of lost business opportunities as well as the loss of products (such as perishable goods) and draw comparisons with international benchmarks for international trade. It is hoped that this study will assist the national NTB monitoring committees and regulatory agencies in proceeding to the elimination of NTBs.