Basic information
Outline of the system
The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security through Department of Veterinary Services is coordinating the issuance of Import permits. There are procedures outlined by the ministry with regard for issuance of animal and animal product Import permits and this include fish and fish products. The purpose of the procedure is to guide import control officer in issuance of permits in order to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of exotic and/or trans boundary diseases which can jeopardize the country's access to international markets.
Product coverage
The system is maintained to cover products for both the aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
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 license system procedure is intended to regulate the quantity of the fish and fish products that enter into the country.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
There are no specific quotas in relation to the import of the fish and fish products into the country.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods (fish) originating from a myriad number of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The import permit procedure is regulated in accordance with the Diseases of Animals Act CAP 37:01 Section 6. The system cannot be abolished without the approval of the legislative.
Fish Protection Act
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?
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 the permit regardless of the system. Any applicant both new and old importers have the opportunity to apply for the permit. Each applicant is issued with a single permit upon verification and receipt of payment.
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
Department of Animal Production
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The information required is: Applicant name, Postal Address, Contact number, Quantity of the products, Name and address of consignor.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
And the documents required during the application is valid National Identity Card (Omang) or Passport for non-citizens.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
The permit is issued throughout the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
The permit can be granted instantly on request. The processing is done instantly on the receipt of the application.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The processing of an import permit is done on receipt of an application by importer and the process is prompt. This includes verification of fish product health status of the exporting country using WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) and issuing a permit upon verification.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
For the importation of fish and fish products the application is done through the Department of Animal Production,
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
which is then passed to the Department of Veterinary Services for the approval and alternatively for the issuance of the import permit.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
The permit issued by Department of Animal Production in relation to import of fish products is only valid when the importer also has a veterinary permit, and this applies to both products subject to quantitative restriction and vice versa.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The permit fee is P150 per applicant.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
To be issued with the import permit the applicant should pay the permit fee immediately on receipt of an application.
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?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
If the applicant obliged to all the terms and conditions stipulated with regard to the issuance of import permit, no application would be refused.
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?
The permit is issued throughout the year.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation the importer is required to have Valid Passport and Valid Import Permit.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
The are no other administrative procedures.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The period of validity of the permit is 30 days, and it cannot be extended unless an applicant applies for a new permit.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
If an importer decides not to use the permit, no penalty is incurred.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
The permit is not transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
N/A.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
N/A.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
N/A.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
N/A.