Basic information
Outline of the system
The importation of animals and animal products into Namibia is governed by the Animal Diseases and Parasites Act, 1956 (Act No. 13 of 1956) as amended. A veterinary import permit issued by the Director of Veterinary Services is required for the importation of all animals and animal products into Namibia. The OIE Animal Health Code is used as the guideline for setting import requirements.
Product coverage
A single permit system is used for all animals/animal products imported into Namibia. Conditions of importation are as stated on the import permit.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The system does not restrict quantity except where quarantine is required (space limitations). The system is aimed at preventing the introduction of disease that could constitute a danger to the animal population of Namibia.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system does not discriminate by country except that:
- Animals/animal products from South Africa – a veterinary import permit is required for the
importation of ostriches, elephants, wild pigs, wildebeest and buffalo only. Importation of
other animals/animal products is subject to a veterinary movement certificate issued by an
official veterinarian in South Africa with requirements as set out in the Namibian/South
African bilateral agreement (i.e. no import permit is required).
- Importation of dogs and cats for personal use from South Africa are allowed without a
veterinary import permit, but a health certificate/movement permit issued by an official
veterinarian in South Africa required. All other animals and animal products require a
veterinary import permit.
- In the case of a disease outbreak in a specific country.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The system is governed by the Animal Diseases and Parasites Act, 1956 (Act No. 13 of 1956)
as amended. The import permit is a statutory requirement.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
No restriction on eligibility.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Number and species to be imported, country and farm of origin, place of loading, port of entry
and date of importation.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
A list of other requirements by species and commodity is contained in the application for an import permit.
In the case of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and meat thereof, the application for a veterinary permit must be accompanied by a permit from the Meat Board of Namibia.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications should be made well in advance to allow for risk analysis.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Issuance of a permit is dependent on the risk analysis.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Director of Veterinary Services
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Some imports are subject to the approval of other institutions, e.g. Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the case of protected species, Livestock Improvement Permit in the case of breeding material.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
None, except those as required by the import permit.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes there is a fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a fee of N$50.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Import permits are only refused if normal criteria are not met, e.g. if it appears that the import
constitutes a danger of introducing disease to Namibia, or when quarantine space (where applicable) is unavailable.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons for refusal are given to the applicant.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes. Applicants have the right of appeal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry under the provisions of Act 13 of 1956.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
In the case of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and meat thereof, the application for a veterinary permit must be accompanied by a permit from the Meat Board of Namibia. Some imports are subject to the approval of other institutions, e.g. Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the case of protected species, Livestock Improvement Permit in the case of breeding material.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The period of validity varies according to consignment.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are non-transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial institution.