Summary:
- Available in English, Swahili, and French, the EAC NTBs App allows users to submit complaints. It can be downloaded from the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and other Android devices or accessed via https://eac-mobile.portal.africa/.
The East African Community Secretariat and Partner States have received instructions to put into operation the EAC Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) Mobile Application and conduct awareness campaigns by April 30, 2024.
This directive was issued during the Ministerial Session of the 43rd EAC Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment (SCTIFI) held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The council also acknowledged Trademark Africa for its support in developing the EAC Elimination of NTBs Mobile Application.
The purpose of the EAC Elimination of NTBs Mobile Application is to simplify the reporting, monitoring, and removal of NTBs within the Community. The app was finalized and tested during the National Monitoring Committee (NMCs) meetings in March 2023.
Available in English, Swahili, and French, the EAC NTBs App allows users to submit complaints. It can be downloaded from the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and other Android devices or accessed via https://eac-mobile.portal.africa/.
The Secretariat, in collaboration with Trademark Africa (TMA), officially launched the EAC Elimination of NTBs Mobile Application during the opening ceremony of the 23rd EAC MSMEs Trade Fair held on December 8, 2023, in Bujumbura, Burundi. Sensitization and capacity-building efforts regarding the app will be conducted with support from Trademark Africa to ensure timely reporting, monitoring, and elimination of NTBs.
NTBs, which impede the free movement of goods as outlined in the EAC Customs and Common Market Protocols, include obstacles like import quotas, subsidies, customs delays, and technical barriers.
As of July to November 2023, nine NTBs remain unresolved while two have been resolved, totaling 269 since 2007. Notably, NTB-001-114 concerning exercise books between Uganda and Kenya was resolved through the amended VAT Act of 2022.
During the 43rd SCTIFI meeting, it was directed that Uganda and Kenya resolve NTB 000-864 on discriminatory excise duty on juice by June 30, 2024, and report to the 45th SCTIFI. Also, Kenya and Tanzania were instructed to conduct a joint verification on motorcycle accessories transferred from Kenya to Tanzania by June 30, 2024.
The Secretariat was tasked with prioritizing the harmonization of calibration services for road tankers in the region in the financial year 2024/2025.
Furthermore, negotiations for Free Trade Area (FTA) agreements with the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Singapore were approved by the SCTIFI, with engagement directed to commence by July 30, 2024.
Efforts to simplify and reform avocado export procedures within the Community were also emphasized, urging Partner States to streamline permits and licensing requirements and introduce risk management for regulatory compliance.
Dr. Peter Mathuki, EAC Secretary General, noted the upward trend in intra-trade values and highlighted the importance of addressing issues hindering intra-African trade.
The meeting was attended by officials from various EAC Partner States and witnessed discussions on key trade, industry, finance, and investment matters.
| Examiner. Unfolding The Truth |
| We come to you. Want to send us a story or have an opinion to share? Send an email to editorial@examiner.co.ug |
| I've got feedback! |
