Fish

Member: 

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

Zimbabwe's imports are governed by the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) where imports and exports are exempted from licences. For certain products where import licences are required, the licensing system is administered by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through the Control of Goods Act Ministry of Agriculture also issues permits for agricultural products.

2

Product coverage

Fish-fresh and dried.
Import permits for import of fish are required from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

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

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

For non-agricultural products, licences are issued for statistical purposes and to monitor imports.

6

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

There are no products under quantitative and value restrictions.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

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?

All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

There is no list of authorized importers.

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

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Address

18

Telephone

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Fax

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E-mail address

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Website

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Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

Applicants are required to include information and documents on quantity of products, value of products, Certificate of Incorporation, CR14, Tax Clearance Certificate and application for import licence.

25

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

Applicants are required to include information and documents on quantity of products, value of products, Certificate of Incorporation, CR14, Tax Clearance Certificate and application for import licence.

Window of submission of an application

26

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

Application for a licence must be made before the goods arrive into the country.

27

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

There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and or importation may be made.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

A licence may be granted immediately upon 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?

There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of a licence.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Yes.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

Licence fees ranging from $30 - $60 are charged depending on the product.

35

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

There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance.

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?

The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant.

42

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

In the event of refusal to issue a licence, the applicant can appeal to the reconsideration of the application.

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?

Upon actual importation, the importer is required to submit the approved import licence, the Certificate of Origin and other customs related documentation.

46

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

Apart from import licensing the importer has to comply with normal customs clearance procedures.

Conditions of licensing

47

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

A licence is valid for three months from the date of issue. The validity can be extended through a request for extension.

48

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

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

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences are not transferable between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

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

The local currency is not in use. In 2009, the country adopted a multi-currency system (dollarization).

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?