Non-Tariff Barrier Monitoring Mechanism

The SADC Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Monitoring Mechanism allows private sector actors to report trade barriers via an online database, but the resolution of these barriers is often ineffective. NTBs affect products accounting for $3.3 billion, or 20%, of regional trade, with transport-related barriers being the most persistent. Resolution is hampered by inefficient National Monitoring Committees, a lack of technical expertise, and a political preference for cooperative rather than litigious dispute settlement. The document argues that resolution depends on political will, as some states maintain barriers to protect local industry or revenue. Proposed solutions include strengthening business membership organisations, capacitating national focal points, and creating forums for facilitated dialogue between the private sector and government.

• The NTB Monitoring Mechanism is successful in allowing the private sector to register complaints, but the actual resolution of these barriers is far less effective, with many barriers remaining in place even after being marked as resolved.
• Non-tariff barriers in the SADC region impact products that represent one-fifth of regional trade, totaling $3.3 billion.
• Transport-related NTBs are the most common unresolved complaints; as of September 2013, 39 such complaints were long-standing, with some persisting for over 1,000 days.
• Border and port delays cause significant financial losses, such as Shoprite incurring $500 per day for delayed trucks and the Citrus Growers’ Association of South Africa losing $10.5 million per season due to delays at the Port of Durban.
• The resolution of NTBs is obstructed by inefficient National Monitoring Committees (NMCs) and National Focal Points, which often prioritize security or revenue concerns over trade facilitation.
• A preference for cooperative dispute settlement over litigious methods means that NTB resolution relies almost entirely on the political will of the offending government, with little legal recourse for the private sector.
• Small, medium, and micro enterprises lack the political influence to pressure state institutions and must rely on business membership organisations (BMOs), which are often inefficient.
• A specific example of an unresolved NTB involves Zambia requiring foreign tankers to comply with domestic standards and pay for certification, despite SADC protocols requiring member states to recognize roadworthy certifications from other member states.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (n.d.). Non-Tariff Barrier Monitoring Mechanism. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/141125_EDIP_GIZreport_pg79-86_CS8.pdf

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Non-Tariff Barrier Monitoring Mechanism. n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/141125_EDIP_GIZreport_pg79-86_CS8.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Non-Tariff Barrier Monitoring Mechanism |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/141125_EDIP_GIZreport_pg79-86_CS8.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairsndnontariff, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Non-Tariff Barrier Monitoring Mechanism}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/141125_EDIP_GIZreport_pg79-86_CS8.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }