Basic information
Outline of the system
Import of fishing boats: Pursuant to the "Fisheries Act", "Regulations for Fishing Vessel Building Permit and Fishery License Issue", "Operating Rules for Screening Applications to Import Fishing Vessels using New Fishing Methods" and "Regulations for the Import of Ex-foreign flagged squid vessels of over 100 GRT built in and operated by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu", importers shall apply for an approval from the Council of Agriculture (COA)".
Product coverage
The licensing system is non-automatic. The products covered are as follows: Fishing boat: C.C.C. - Code: 8902.00.10.10-9, 8902.00.10.90-2, 8902.00.20.00-9.
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 system is to ensure maintaining continuing use of fishery resources. There are no other methods that can substitute for the current system.
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 system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries and customs territories, unless otherwise specified in the accession protocol of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu or the agreement on the terms of accession to the WTO.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Fisheries Act; Enforcement Rules of the Fisheries Act; The Regulation for Fishing Vessel Building Permit and Fishery License Issue; Operating Rules for Screening Applications to Import Fishing Vessels Using New Fishing Methods; Regulations for the Import of Ex-Foreign Flagged Squid Vessels of Over 100 GRT Built in and Operated by Chinese Taipei
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?
Any abolition of the "Fisheries Law" would require the endorsement through proper legislative process. Abolition concerning "Regulations for Fishing Vessel Building Permit and Fishery License Issue", "Operating Rules for Screening Applications to Import Fishing Vessels using New Fishing Methods", "Regulations for the Import of Ex-foreign flagged squid vessels of over 100 GRT built in and operated by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu" do not need to be endorsed by the legislative branch of the government.
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?
The import of fishing boats is restricted to applicants from the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Fisheries Agency, Council of Agriculture
Address
Telephone
Fax
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
There are standard application forms. Details and documentational requirements related to an application are set forth in the governing regulations (see response to Question 11), which are available for reference in the Secretariat.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
There are standard application forms. Details and documentational requirements related to an application are set forth in the governing regulations (see response to Question 11), which are available for reference in the Secretariat.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
No time requirement before importation is prescribed for acquisition of an import approval.
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 applications for a licence
and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. For fishing boats, it takes about 10 to 20 days.
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?
Applicants have to approach only one administrative body.
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?
There are no conditions attached to the issuance of an approval.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
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 of an approval.
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?
None.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
In the event of refusal, by law, the applicant has a right to appeal by following the procedures provided by the law.
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 import approval and/or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the import approval issued by the competent authorities.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures apart from obtaining an approval document prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
An import approval for fishing boats is valid for six months, and may be extended if necessary.
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 an approval or a portion of it.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Approvals are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.