COMESA, EAC and SADC have resolved to implement a tripartite Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) reporting, monitoring and eliminating mechanism which incorporates concrete timelines for their removal. This was discussed at a meeting held in Nairobi last week at which the three regional economic communities (RECs) discussed ways of integrating the economies of their member states into a single enlarged market through a grand Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA). Removal of all tariff and nontariff barriers to trade is a key requirement for cooperation under the tripartite and vital to achieving the FTA.

The online system was introduced in 2010 with the focal points in Kenya being the Ministries of Trade and  EAC, KEBS, KEPHIS and Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The system is accessible by all members of the public first by registering as users on the website, (www.tradebarriers.org ) thereby enabling them to lodge complaints, edit their own user profiles and view all active and resolved complaints.