Clothing and uniforms, radioactive substances, mist nets, wild animals, wild trophies and wild animal products and live fish

Member: 

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The import licensing system is regulated by the Control of Goods (Import and Export) Act. The licensing system is administered by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Private Sector Development.

2

Product coverage

The following products shall require an Import Licence obtained from the Ministry of Industry and Trade to be imported into Malawi in accordance with the provisions of the Control of Goods Act, Chapter 18:08 of the Laws of Malawi:
(i) Clothing and uniforms, designed for military, naval, air force or police use;
(ii) Radioactive substances;
(iii) Mist nets for the capture of wild birds;
(iv) Wild animals, wild trophies and wild animal products;
(v) Live fish

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

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

Security

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

There are no quantitative restrictions on either system.

6

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

Malawi does not maintain a quota system on imports.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system apply to goods originating from all countries.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

The import licence is issued within 7 days upon receiving the application. The licence is valid for six months and can be extended for another six months with satisfactory reasons.

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?

Persons, firms and institutions that fulfil the statutory requirements pertaining to the importation of a specific product can import.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade

17

Address

P.O. Box 30366, Lilongwe 3, Malawi

18

Telephone

+265 1 770 244; +265 1 770 290

19

Fax

+265 1 770 680

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is the main administrative body for issuance of import licences

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

The following information must be provided by the importer:
- Name of applicant;
- Product to be imported;
- Specifications of product; and
- Pro forma invoice.

25

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

The documents vary depending on the type of product.

Window of submission of an application

26

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

27

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

Licences can be applied for throughout the year.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Upon fulfilment of other statutory requirements, licences are issued on the spot.

29

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

Upon fulfilment of other statutory requirements, licences are issued on the spot.

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The importer has to approach one administrative organ.

31

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

32

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

Where applicable, other administrative procedures may entail health certificates in the case of food products and the management of the products in the case where there are environmental concerns.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

There is no administrative fee upon the issuing of a licence.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

35

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

There is no requirement for any deposit or advance payment associated with the issuing of a licence.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

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

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

An applicant is informed of reasons for refusal.

42

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

An applicant has the right to appeal.

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?

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

The import licence serves as an authority allowing an importer to import. Where an import licence gives conditions pertaining to health, an appropriate health certificate is also needed upon importation.

46

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

Other than import licensing, Malawi does not maintain other administrative procedures upon importation.

Conditions of licensing

47

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

An import licence is valid for three months and the validity can be extended.

48

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

There is no penalty for non-utilization of a licence or a 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.

Foreign Exchange

50

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

The foreign exchange regime is liberalized such that no licence is required as a condition to obtain foreign exchange.

51

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

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?