Endangered species

Member: 
Afghanistan
Legislations
Product Category

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

A permit from the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) is required for imports of endangered species listed under Appendices II and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which Afghanistan joined on 30 October 1985.

2

Product coverage

Endangered species listed under Appendices II and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

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

Purpose of the licensing system is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants (whether they are traded as life specimens, furs coats or dried herbs) does not threaten their survival, and to protect Afghanistan’s wild flora and fauna from the danger of extinction.

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.

6

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

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Legal requirements

9

Is the licensing statutorily required?

10

Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?

NEPA retains no administrative discretion regarding the designation of products to be subjected to import permit- the Environmental Law specifically refers to the list of endangered species under CITES Appendices II and III.

11

Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?

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?

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

17

Address

18

Telephone

19

Fax

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA)

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

25

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?

27

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

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

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?

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?

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

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?

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?

42

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

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?

46

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

Conditions of licensing

47

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

48

Is there any penalty for the 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?

Foreign Exchange

50

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

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?