Women in Trade Project. TradeMark East Africa

Transcription

1 Women in Trade Project implemented by Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited with support from TradeMark East Africa

2 Women in Trade: EAC Sensitization Non-Tariff Barrier Reporting System 2

3 Women in Trade: EAC Sensitization Contents Objectives What is an NTB What is the NTB Reporting System What are the benefits of using the NTB Reporting System How do I use the system Alternative reporting systems 3

4 Women in Trade: EAC Sensitization Objectives Participants will: 1. Be able to define an NTB 2. Understand what the NTB Reporting System does 3. Become aware of the benefits of using the system 4. Learn how to use the system 4

5 What is a Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB)? Obstacles that are not taxes that make it difficult to trade At the border or behind the border In your country or in the country you trade with EAC: Laws, regulations, administrative and technical requirements (not taxes) imposed by a Partner State and restricting trade 5 COMESA: Includes customs procedures, import levies, import restrictions and prohibitions, technical barriers to trade, Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures and their random use.

6 What is the NTB Reporting System 6 The EAC NTB Monitoring System supports the identification and removal of NTBs that affect trade in the EAC The EAC maintains a regularly updated list of resolved and unresolved EAC NTBs. National Monitoring Committees provide national support to the EAC system. Uganda NMC chaired by Ministry of Trade and Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA) Members = all trade facilitation agencies e.g. Min of Agriculture, URA, UNBS etc.

7 What is the NTB Reporting System Each participating trade facilitation agency is represented by a focal officer who sits on the National Monitoring Committee (NMC). Traders report complaints via an electronic system which links all the agencies represented on the NMC. In Uganda: By phone: Access by texting *201# Online: Access via 7

8 What are the Benefits of using the System Provides a means for traders to report the challenges they face while conducting trade Provides trade facilitation agencies with feedback on the trade obstacles that need to be addressed within their own borders or within a neighbouring country 8

9 What are the Benefits of using the System 9 The number of reports received on an issues demonstrates the seriousness of the obstacle. This guides government prioritization in addressing reported NTBs The removal of an NTB results in time and / or cost savings for traders e.g. elimination of road blocks lowers travel time The removal of an NTB promotes increased intraregional trade because trade becomes easier to conduct

10 How do I use the System 10 The drop-down list of NTBs that may be reported includes: 1.Weighbridges too many weighbridges on a particular route 2.Standards Inspection procedures for issuance of certification marks, testing and product inspection 3.Customs customs procedures and taxes relating to clearance of goods 4.Immigration movement of persons across borders 5.Police Road Blocks too many police road blocks on a particular route 6.EAC Affairs 7.Business Regulation and License procedures for business regulation and licenses for exporters and importers 8.Plant and Animal Inspection procedures for issuance of certification markets, testing and inspection of agricultural goods and livestock 9.Other

11 How do I use the System Phone: Make sure that you have at least Uganda shillings 200 in credit on your phone, before dialing the reporting system. Each response you send will lead you to the next phone screen 11 Online: Complete and submit the e-form at:

12 How do I use the System Phone Dial *201# 2. Select the category of NTBs that you wish to report 3. Describe the NTB in one sentence 4. Type the name of the place where the NTB occurred 5. You will receive notification that your complaint has been reported and is being investigated

13 How do I use the System Online Complete and submit the e-form at: 13

14 How do I use the System When a complaint is received, it is automatically copied to the responsible agency and to UCFI Some NTBs can be resolved within 24 hours. Some require national laws to be changed and take more time. Whatever the case, if you send in a complaint, you will receive information on the action to be taken. 14

15 Alternative Reporting Systems EASSI* Manages trade information desks at Busia (Uganda), Katuna (Uganda), Malaba (Kenya), Mutukula (Uganda), Namanga (Kenya) and Taveta (Kenya). Report issues experienced while trading at the border to EASSI. The officers have good working relationships with border agency officials and will help resolve your issues e.g. goods confiscation. EASSI also provides information on trade regulations and procedures in the EAC. 15 *EASSI - The Eastern African Sub-regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women

16 Alternative Reporting Systems Sauti Sauti is a mobile-based trade information and social accountability platform for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. The platform provides access to official border procedures, tax estimates on imports, pricing for 67 commodities in 41 markets in the EAC and daily exchange rate information. Use the platform to anonymously report incidents of corruption and harassment. Your report will be sent to the relevant government authorities and used for evidence-based advocacy by civil society organizations. To use the platform, dial *210*35# (Uganda) and *483*35# (Kenya). 16

17 Call to Report all Challenges It is extremely important for women traders to report the types of harassment faced in trading across borders. If you do not report your challenges, they will not be addressed. 17 Always report any incidences of sexual harassment and bribery.

18 References Project/nrse-ntbs-project/ National NTB Elimination Response Mechanism for Elimination of NTBs Report (2011) MTIC 18 MTIC presentation - Addressing NTBs for improved cross border trade, Ugandan Perspective

19 References For more information, contact: 19 The Programme Manager The NRSE-NTBs Programme 3th Floor Room 320 Farmers House Parliament Avenue P.O Box 7103 Kampala, Uganda.