Fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled

Member: 

Basic information

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Outline of the system

Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled is required to apply for an import licence from the National Biosecurity Agency, through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade which acts as a one-stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence. The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.

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Product coverage

Fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled. See "Products"

Nature of licensing

Automatic

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If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

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

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Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items. They are also not limited to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally. This measure is in line with Article XX of the GATT 1994, which allows for the protection of animal life and health and to protect human health.

Import licenses for raw and live fish are issued by the National Biosecurity Agency. The restriction on fish has been placed to protect against diseases associated with raw fish from entering into Seychelles. Issuance of an import licence for live fish is also done through the same Ministry, with the aim of ensuring that the species of fish imported would not pose a threat to the local species in swamps and rivers if they were ever released. Such species would include piranhas (pristobrycon, pygocentrus, pygopristis and serrasalmus). These species of fish could have a potentially harmful effect on the existing fish species and bird life.

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

Not applicable.

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The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.

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Expected duration of licensing procedure

Indefinite

Eligibility of applicants

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Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

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What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

Any person intending to import restricted goods need to apply for an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial distribution a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.

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Is there a registration fee?

There is no import licence fee.

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Is there a published list of authorized importers?

No, there is no published list of authorized importers.

Contact point for information on eligibility

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Ministry/Authority

Trade Division, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade

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Address

P.O. Box 313, Victoria, Seychelles

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Telephone

(+248) 4382135

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Fax

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E-mail address

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Contact officer

Submission of an application

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Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Import/Export Permit Unit, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade

Documentation requirements

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What information is required in applications?

A sample form is attached in the Annex which shows all the information that is required.

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

Window of submission of an application

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

An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles

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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

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Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.

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Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

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Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The licence application for import of fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled is made to the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade. The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.

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Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.

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Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

There are no other conditions that apply.

Fees and other administrative charges

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Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

There is no fee or charge for the import licence.

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What is the amount of the fee or charge?

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

There are no such requirements.

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Amount or rate?

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Is it refundable?

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What is the period of retention?

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What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

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Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

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Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

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

An applicant has a right to query the decision.

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If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.

Importation

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Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

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

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What documents are required upon actual importation?

Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:
- Bill of Entry (3 copies);
- Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);
- A valid import licence;
- Packing List;
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and
- Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).

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

No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation.

Conditions of licensing

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

Import licenses for fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled on the restricted list are granted for an open period of one year.

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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 a licence.

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

An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.

Foreign Exchange

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

Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.

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Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.

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Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

Yes, foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.

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What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

For obtaining foreign exchange importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.