Intended Impact
To improve trade through Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) identification and subsequent reduction through the strengthening of National Monitor Committees (NMCs) in order to reduce import and export time across the region.
Impact Achieved
Impact
The NTB Act aims to give effect to the second clause under Article 13 of the Customs Union, by establishing a legal mechanism for identifying and monitoring the removal of NTBs.
A great value of the NTB Act is the possibility for the Council of Ministers to recommend to the Summit the imposition of sanctions against a Partner State, which fails to comply with any directive, decision or recommendations of the Council. The NTB Act remains a landmark milestone in the work in support of the progressive elimination of NTBs within the EAC.
Supporting the NMCs and East African Community (EAC) Secretariat led to removal of the 87 NTBs, out of the 112 identified. This reduced the import and export time which in turn brought on savings.
Impact Achieved
Lessons
1.
To sensitise and train various stakeholders especially Small and Medium sized Traders, should be supported to increase reporting of NTBs.
2.
To assist all EAC countries to effectively liberalise trade and increase trade flows calls for harnessing regional integration.
3.
The importance of mapping the various NTBs reported by firms in EAC countries in the affected sector should be addressed
Recommendations
1.
To eliminate the NTBs through a politically informed and problem focused approach should be adopted. This calls for more evidence on Political Economy and NTBs cost implications.
2.
To inform and reach out to primary beneficiaries and raise awareness of NTBs and their impact.
3.
To ensure the regional and national systems are interconnected through continued development support and improved real-time monitoring of NTBs at national level.
