Basic information
Outline of the system
Import licenses are required for the importation of fish and fish products.
Product coverage
A licensing system is maintained for the importation of: Fish products (live, fresh, frozen, and processed).
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
The main purpose of the licensing is to restrict some undesirable fish species from entering the country (e.g. Piranhas).
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 system applies to all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The laws under which the licensing is maintained are as follows:
- Fisheries Act of 1986;
- Fisheries (Fish and Fish Products) Regulations of 2006.
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?
It is not possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval.
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?
The attached copy of import licence shows the information required in applications.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The importer is not required to supply any other document with the application.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application for a licence must be made at a minimum of 48 hours for fish and fish products.
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
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
A license can be granted immediately on request, providing this request is made in writing.
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?
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
License applications are not affected by a single administrative organ. Applications must be passed on to Ministry of Trade for a second approval after they come to Fisheries Division for a first approval. The importer walks the document through the necessary organs.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of the license.
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?
An Eastern Caribbean five dollar stamp ($5.00 EC) is affixed to the application form.
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?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The following documents are to be presented upon importation: Health certificate.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Procedures related to customs brokerage are required to be completed prior to importation. Forty-eight (48) hours advance notice is to be given to Fisheries Division prior to arrival date of fish products, to facilitate inspection.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A licence is valid for three (3) months.
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 portion of a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.