Basic information
Outline of the system
Import permits are required for the importation of certain animals and animal products, organisms and vectors, and veterinary biological products, to protect Honduras against the introduction of diseases that do not exist in the country.
Product coverage
Persons interested in importing products and by-products of animal origin as well as products for veterinary use must submit an application in the form laid down by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG). The application must state the name, address and country of the supplier, the quantity and type of product to be imported, the means of transport and the customs port of entry into the country. Permits are valid for a single shipment and for a period of 30 calendar days. In the case of veterinary products, the importer must have the relevant product and establishment registration document issued by the SENASA Veterinary Products Control Department.
Animals and animal products
Domestic farm livestock and other species that may carry diseases that could affect Honduran livestock and poultry; products and by-products derived from animals (livestock) in any manner for commercial or research uses; poultry and hatching eggs and other avian species; animal and avian specimens, tissues or blood products or by-products; materials that have been exposed to animal products capable of contamination with disease agents; samples of dairy products, hay, straw, grasses, etc. for scientific uses from countries considered to be affected with diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza or bovine spongiform encephalopathy; germplasm – semen and embryos (livestock); organisms that affect livestock and avian species and various vectors of such organisms; veterinary biological products, including seeds and substrates; pharmaceutical products for veterinary use.
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 import permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but only to prevent the introduction or entry of animal diseases or disease vectors.
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 import permit system applies to animals and products of any origin, with a few exceptions depending on zootechnical aspects of the species and the country's disease status. Permits for products apply to all countries according to their sanitary status and the type of product involved.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Constitution of the Republic: Article 245, sections 11, 116 and 118 of the General Law on Public Administration, Article 43 of Decree No. 157-94, Amendment to Law on Plant and Animal Health Decree No. 344-2005.
The import permit procedure is mandatory.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The legislation specifies the products which are subject to this procedure.
Is it possible for the government 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?
All natural and legal persons meeting the requirements laid down in the SENASA regulations.
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
General Directorate of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The information to be supplied in applications is that indicated on the forms.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The rules stipulate that the application must be submitted at least 15 days prior to importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Yes, it is possible to access all applications, which are dealt with in chronological order. There is no fixed quantity per importer. New importers must be properly registered as such with the department of veterinary products, and the sanitary status of the exporting country is examined.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
A permit cannot be issued immediately following the application.
According to the legislation, within 15 working days following receipt of the application, but for reasons of internal organization the permit must be issued within 72 hours. Within 30 working days from the date of issue; may be renewed provided that it has not expired for more than five calendar days. However, the technical sub-directorate which granted the permit may amend or cancel it if there is a change in the sanitary status of the exporting country or on any other plant or animal health grounds, in accordance with the regulations which the sub-directorate may lay down by law.
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?
The Technical Sub-Directorate of Animal Health has sole responsibility for examining applications.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
The issuing of a permit is not subject to any other conditions. The applicant must comply with the licensing requirements. The importer guarantees the accuracy of the information supplied in the application.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
User charges in connection with importation are payable.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Not applicable.
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?
An import permit may be refused if any of the requirements laid down in the legislation is not met.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The applicant is notified of the grounds for refusal.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Applicants have the right of appeal to the Technical Sub-Directorate of Animal Health.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Invoice; Animal health import certificate; Single Central American Customs Form; Certificate of origin.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no administrative procedures prior to importation, only the check on the sanitary status of the country of provenance of the product.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The period of validity of an import permit is 30 calendar days. It may be extended on condition that the importer applies for an extension five days prior to expiry.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There are no penalties for non-use of a permit.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Import permits are not transferable among importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.