Animal and animal products

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

To control the movement of animals, animal products (including meat, meat products, eggs, etc.) and animal related materials (including veterinary biological, litter, fodder, refuse, equipment, containers and utensils) into and from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases within the State and other Member states of the Caribbean Community, and to ensure the safe and humane movement of animals from the State and other related and connected issues.

2

Product coverage

Permits are required for the following:
- Domesticated livestock (including but not exclusive to horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry).
- Wildlife (including but not exclusive to monkeys, birds and other exotics).
- Pets (including but not exclusive to dogs, cats, and any of the above-mentioned species kept as pets).
- Animal products (including but not exclusive to meat, eggs, meat products).
- Veterinary biological products (including but not exclusive to vaccines, semen, embryos,
tissues, blood, specimens and samples).
- Animal related materials (including but not exclusive to litter, fodder, refuse, equipment,
containers and utensils).

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

This system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports but to protect the animal and human population of the country.

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

This system applies to animals and animal related items originating in and coming from all countries regardless of species, product or disease status of the country of origin.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences. There are no restrictions.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

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Ministry/Authority

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Address

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Telephone

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Fax

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E-mail address

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Website

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Contact officer

Submission of an application

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Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

The information required can be found in the attached application form for live animals
(except day old chicks). The following information must be provided for animals:
- Name and address of Importer; - Name and address of Exporter; - Number of animals; - Species; - Breed; - Sex; - Colour.
The following information must be provided for animal related items and day old chicks and can be
found in the attached application for import licence: - Name and address of Importer; - Name and address of Supplier; - Name/Description of items; - Quantity of items; - Value of items; - Country of Origin.
Additional information required for different specific items:
- Veterinary Biologicals; - Name of Product; - Official Batch Number assigned in country of manufacture (if any); - Official Mark assigned in country of manufacture (if any); - Name and address of manufacturer; - Name and address of shipper.
Additional information required for semen for artificial insemination of animals:
- Details of animal from which semen was collected and premises where animal is kept; - Name and address of collection agency in country of origin; - Official Batch Number assigned in country of origin (if any).

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What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Window of submission of an application

26

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

The regulation does not indicate a specified amount of time in advance required for the application for an import permit. According to the regulations, any person who imports an animal or animal related item into the state without an import permit commits an offence and the animal or animal related item may be seized, forfeited for retention, destruction or disposal.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

There are no limitations to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

A permit cannot be granted immediately upon request as the application must be reviewed, processed and approved.

29

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The licensing process is affected by the Ministry of Trade and the Animal Health and Production Division (AHPD) in the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Trade regulates licensing (provides the application form, collects fees, etc.) while the AHPD provides the permit, which indicates the conditions under which the animals or animal related items may be imported.

31

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

The licensing process is affected by the Ministry of Trade and the Animal Health and Production Division (AHPD) in the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Trade regulates licensing (provides the application form, collects fees, etc.) while the AHPD provides the permit, which indicates the conditions under which the animals or animal related items may be imported.

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the information provided is correct and comply with the conditions outlined in the permit.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Yes, there is a fee

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What is the amount of the fee or charge?

There is a five dollar ($5) licensing fee paid through the purchase of a revenue stamp.

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Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuing of licences.

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Amount or rate?

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Is it refundable?

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What is the period of retention?

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What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

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Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

An application may be refused if the animal or animal related product does not comply with the
conditions outlined in the Act and its regulations or it is known that they will not be able to comply
with the conditions.

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Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

Once a permit is refused, the importer is notified and the reasons for refusal are provided.

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

There is no provision for appeal in the Act or its regulations.

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

There are no limitations to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or
importation may be made.

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

The importer must furnish the original import permit accompanied by an original health certificate issued by the official veterinary authority from the exporting country or country of origin (as applicable). Further documentation to be provided for animal related items include the invoice, bill of lading and a copy of the Customs entry for verification.

46

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

Importers are required to inform the Veterinary Authority, at least 24 hours, before the arrival of the shipment.

Conditions of licensing

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

A licence and permit are valid for a period of three (3) months. A permit may be revoked if any of the conditions or terms have not been or can no longer be complied with.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or portion of a licence.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences are not transferable between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

Not applicable.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

Not applicable.

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

Not applicable.

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

Not applicable.