Basic information
Outline of the system
An import license is required for the import of specimens of endangered species of animals and plants (whether alive or dead), their body parts and derivatives. Import controls are governed by Law No.2/2017 and Administrative Regulation No.19/2017, and are administered by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.
Product coverage
This licensing system covers all specimens listed in Appendices I, II and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). For imports of animals and plants specified in the CITES Appendices I, II and III, CITES certificates or relevant export licenses issued by exporting countries or territories are required. On the other hand, for specimens of species listed in CITES Appendix III imported directly from countries other than the listing countries, certificates of origin issued by exporting countries or territories could be accepted in lieu.
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
This licensing system is not construed to be a means to place restrictions on either the quantity or the value of imports, but to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable
The system applies to products originating from which country?
This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of the specimens.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Licensing of the above-mentioned specimens is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No.2/2017 and Administrative Regulation No.19/2017.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Legislation does not leave the designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Legislative approval is required before any changes could be made to the existing system.
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?
Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law No.7/2003, amended by Law No.3/2016, are eligible to apply for licenses.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Economic and Technological Development Bureau
Address
Rua Dr. Pedro José Lobo, 1-3, Luso International Bank Building, 2/F., Macao, China
Telephone
(853) 8597 2281
Fax
(853) 2871 2551
Contact officer
Mr. Tai Kin Ip (Director)
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Economic and Technological Development Bureau
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
For each license, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the Economic and Technological Development Bureau together with the presentation of the CITES certificate/certificate of origin issued by the exporting countries or territories. A sample of the form (import license) is attached in Annex C.
Annex C - Specimen of Licensing document for Group III, IV, V and VI.pdfWindow of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Licenses must be applied for at least three working days in advance of importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licenses and/or importation may be submitted.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licenses might be processed 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?
The Economic and Technological Development Bureau is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses for the aforesaid specimens.
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?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
A fee of 70 Patacas will be levied on each CITES certificate issued under the Chief Executive Decision No.212/2017.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is required.
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?
No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The applicant will be informed of the relevant reasons.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes the applicant has the right to appeal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
In circumstances where license application is not accpeted, the applicant has the right to appeal to the the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licenses and/or importation may be submitted.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
CITES certificates and relevant import licenses issued by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau have to be presented upon actual importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
For the import of medicines comprising ingredients of specimens covered in CITES, opinions of the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau are required to be submitted with the license application form. For the import of live specimens and food comprising ingredients of specimens listed in the CITES appendices, quarantine approval by Municipal Affairs Bureau is required upon importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A license expires in 30 days from its day of issuance and cannot be extended.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import license.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no foreign exchange controls.