Non-tariffy barriers slow down trade flow

New non-tariff barriers are slowing down the flow of goods within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), says Transworld Cargo director Norbert Liebich. The challenge of non-tariff barriers was raised by former Zambian commerce minister Felix Mutati at a Consumer Unit Trust Society (CUTS)-organised discussion on regional trade in Lusaka, Zambia earlier this year. He is quoted by the Post newspaper as saying: “we have agreed to non-tariff barriers, but what is happening on the ground is different. Countries are putting in place the barriers. Unless we begin to tackle these issues we will not be able to use trade by SMEs as a catalyst for growth,” said Mutati. For clearing agents in Namibia this translates into delays and additional costs, says Liebich. An example of additional red tape that has been introduced before a shipment will be released is the requirement of a power of attorney signed by the importer and submitted to the ports authority in Walvis Bay.