The implications of non-Tarriffs barriers to trade in SADC free trade area: a case of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Abstract

Although the main objective for the adoption of SADC Trade Protocol was to enhance economic gains through elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) within the member states, the objective has failed to remove NTBs in member states. This study indicated that NTBs is a reality and they are found in member states. The study argued that SADC trade Protocol has failed to take into consideration the implications of NTBs on SADC free trade area. This study has established that several NTBs continue to exist, and some have persisted. The NTBs that have persisted for more than seventeen years include a long list made up of quantitative restrictions, customs procedures and administrative requirements, technical standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, government participation in trade, lack of infrastructure, restrictive rules of origin and anti-dumping measures. Other NTBs that still exist include: corruption at border posts; several road blocks; lack of recognition of individual country’s standards. The results of study show that without NTBs at the SADC level there are positive production, trade and welfare implications attributable to elimination of NTBs in intra-regional trade. NTBs in the SADC region are restrictive or rather they are protective in nature to trade. NTBs frustrate free trade and benefits of competition in terms of pricing to the consumer. The research adopted the qualitative research paradigm using a case study. In this study purposive sampling was done to come up with seven respondents. To eliminate the existing NTBs and to reduce the possibility of new ones being created, first and foremost, the SADC countries need to design effective mechanisms for identifying and verifying information about NTBs and ensuring their elimination. This will require giving the SADC Monitoring and Mechanism the mandate to compel individual countries to eliminate any identified NTB and to ensure that no new ones are created. The Government of Zambia and Zimbabwe needs to examine the trade barriers.