Basic information
Outline of the system
The requirement of prior authorization for products affecting public health or State security is
the exception to the system of free importation of goods that has been in force in Bolivia since the enactment of Supreme Decrees 21060 and 22407 of 29 August 1985 and 11 January 1990, respectively, and Law 1182 of 17 September 1990.
The "general provisions of the import and temporary admission customs regimes" Article 9,
adopted by Supreme Decree 24440 of 13 December 1996, established the regulations governing the prior authorization procedure.
Product coverage
The products subject to prior authorization are treated without discrimination on grounds of
origin or provenance; the procedure is thus automatic, under the responsibility of the Ministries of Health and Welfare, Government Ministry - Vice-Ministry of Social Defence.
Psychotropic drugs and alkaloids in general and their pharmaceutical derivatives, only for approved establishments under conditions stipulated by Law No. 1008.
Chemical products and controlled substances in accordance with Law No. 1008 of 19 June 1988 on the regime for coca, controlled substances and related provisions.
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
Automatic licensing is not applied for statistical purposes, and restrictions on importation are
in conformity with Articles XX and XXI of the GATT 1994
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 products subject to prior authorization are treated without discrimination on grounds of
origin or provenance.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is legally compulsory, as it affects public health and State security.
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?
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?
There is no restriction on applications which may be made by firms, institutions and legal
entities, whether national or foreign, which comply with the statutory trade rules.
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
Ministries of Health and Welfare, Government Ministry - Vice-Ministry of Social Defence
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
There is no single application form for prior import authorization, but the importer is required
to submit:
- An authorization application containing the following information:
- Name or business name;
- product to be imported;
- quantity, physical and technical details;
- means of transport;
- any other particulars considered appropriate.
- commercial invoice (original pro forma invoice);
- photocopy of taxpayers' registration (RUC);
- trade register.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
All prior authorizations must be obtained before the goods are shipped in the country of
provenance.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
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?
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?
Issue of an authorization is not made subject to any condition
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No authorization fee is payable.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Issue of the authorization is not conditional on payment of a deposit or an advance.
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?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Any refusal is notified to the applicant in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
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?
The prior authorization resolution issued will be valid for customs clearance purposes, and
will indicate the period of validity, which in no event will modify the time-limits provided for in the
general provisions governing each customs operation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Imports are not subject to other prior administrative procedures, apart from the import
authorization procedure.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The period of validity of a prior authorization varies according to the product.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
To obtain an extension, it is necessary to follow the procedures for a new application, and
there is no penalty for the non-utilization of all or part of an authorization.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Authorizations are not transferable between importers. Importation must be effected
personally by the party concerned.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no foreign exchange restrictions.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
There are no foreign exchange restrictions.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
There are no foreign exchange restrictions.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
There are no foreign exchange restrictions.