Basic information
Outline of the system
The Firearms licencing board established by section 2 A of the Firearms Act No.11 of 1 2010.
Product coverage
Under the act “firearm” means:
(a)Any legal barrelled weapon capable of discharging any shot, bullet or missile;
(b) Any restricted or prohibited weapon;
(c) Any component part of a weapon described at paragraph (a) or (b);
(d) Any accessory to any weapon described at paragraph (a).
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
No. Generally, the licencing system prevents the granting of licence to restricted persons “Restricted person” means a person who, within five years immediately preceding the date of his application, has been declared under section 7.
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 licensing procedure applies to all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Laws of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Revised edition Fire arms Act chapter 386. Act No. 12 of 1995. Licensing is statutorily mandated.
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?
Licensing cannot be abolished without legislative action.
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 persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences.
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
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Applications: Fire Arms Act 1995 application Form
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
One passport size photo.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
A Firearms licence is issued within of a properly completed application.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No.
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?
Yes, the application is considered by a single administrative organ. Any person wishes to import a firearm into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines must first file with the Ministry of National Security and obtain approval of the application and Permit for the importation of Firearms.
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 there is a fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
A license fee of EC $250.00.
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?
Applications are not generally ever refused.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In the event that an application for a licence is refused, the reason(s) will be given to the applicant.
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?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Proof the customs department.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The license is valid for a period of 1 year from issuance. The validity of a license can be extended by renewal application for license and new application for import permit.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
No.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
No.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
No.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
No.