Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licensing system is governed by Decree No. 00-505/P-RM of 16 October 2000 on the regulation of foreign trade, Implementing Order No. 09-788 of 7 April 2009 and Interministerial Order No. 2015-1535/MIC/MEF-SG of 15 June 2015 establishing the list of prohibited imports and exports. The licensing system is administered by the Directorate-General of Trade, Consumer Affairs and Competition.
Product coverage
Trade is free with all countries and foreign trade is governed by the following regime:
The licensing procedure relates to the free trade regime provided for in Decree
No. 00-505/P-RM of 16 October 2000 on the regulation of foreign trade. It covers Article 5:
- goods to be released for consumption on the domestic market either as a result of a direct importation from abroad or a regime providing for conditional relief from customs duties and taxes;
- vehicles for the transport of persons and goods;
- goods released from warehouses or any other regime providing for conditional relief from customs duties and taxes.
The following goods, effects or commodities are not subject to the licensing procedure in accordance with Article 6 of Decree No. 00-505/P-RM of 16 October 2000 on the regulation of foreign trade:
- goods that have been abandoned at customs and have become state property;
- animals such as dogs and cats accompanying their owners;
- fuel contained in vehicle tanks or in cans, canisters or other containers up to a maximum limit of 100 litres per vehicle;
- packages imported or exported full;
- commercial samples with a value below a threshold established in an order issued by the Minister of Finance;
- clothing and personal effects clearly not intended for commercial purposes, imported or exported by travellers in their luggage and admitted or exempted under the Customs Code;
- consignments by post or courier of a non-commercial nature and weighing less than or equal to 20 kg, with a value not exceeding a threshold established in an order issued by the Minister of Finance;
- consignments sent to national or international charities;
- goods, property and effects, seized and sold by state administrations;
- furniture with visible signs of use imported as a result of relocation or inheritance;
- agricultural or industrial equipment with visible signs of use imported as a result of relocation and business transfers;
- original works of art imported by their authors;
- transhumance of animals going to or coming from grazing land subject to the completion of the formalities provided for in customs regulations;
- spare parts supplied free of charge under a guarantee contract, the value of which is below a threshold established in an order issued by the Minister of Finance;
- articles or effects admitted free of duty for members of the diplomatic corps or the like, effects or property exported under the same privileges;
- wedding trousseaux and school outfits;
- bank notes;
- postage and revenue stamps;
- any goods of a non-commercial nature with a value not exceeding a threshold established in an order issued by the Minister of Finance.
Free trade regime products - See Products
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 importation of goods under the import licensing system is carried out without restriction on quantities and values. The purpose of the licensing procedure in Mali is to ensure the traceability and predictability of trade for better environment protection and security management. It also provides economic, financial and trade information.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No products are under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is regulated by regulatory or executive acts. The legislative framework includes: Decree No. 00-505/P-RM of 16 October 2000 on the regulation of foreign trade and Implementing Order No. 09-788 of 7 April 2009, as well as Interministerial Order No. 2015 1535/MIC/MEF-SG of 15 June 2015 drawing up the list of prohibited imports and exports.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Yes, the government may suspend or even abolish the system without legislative approval.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Decree No. 00-505/P-RM of 16 October 2000 on the regulation of foreign trade, Implementing Order No. 09-788 of 7 April 2009 and Interministerial Order No.2015-1535/MIC/MEF-SG of 15 June 2015 drawing up the list of prohibited imports and exports have been published in the Official Journal of Mali.
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?
Only approved natural or legal persons (in other words, those meeting the requirements under current regulations in this area, namely registration on the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register and possession of a valid import-export trading licence and a tax identification number) are authorized to engage in import operations.
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?
A sample application form for certificates of intention to import is available from the Single Window and regional representative offices. Applicants must attach a pro forma invoice to their application.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Other documents to be provided:
- transit of cattle and importation of live animals other than bovine animals: presentation of an animal health certificate;
- reproductive seeds: registration in the official national catalogue of the importing country and presentation of an animal health certificate;
- plants: presentation of a permit or a phytosanitary certificate of origin;
- plant seeds: presentation of a permit or certificate of origin;
- meat other than that of bovine animals and game: presentation of a permit or health certificate from the country of origin.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
There is no time limit for the submission of applications for certificates of intention to import. However, the certificate must be established by the importer before the goods are shipped, for documentary inspection reasons.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There is no particular period of the year for the submission of applications for certificates of intention to import. Applications for certificates of intention to import may be submitted at any time of year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Certificates of intention to import are issued automatically within 24 hours of the application being filed and, in all cases, certificates of intention to import are issued automatically provided that the importer meets the necessary conditions.
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?
Importers may approach either the Directorate-General of Trade, Consumer Affairs and Competition (Single Window for Foreign Trade) or its regional representative offices.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Importers may approach either the Directorate-General of Trade, Consumer Affairs and Competition (Single Window for Foreign Trade) or its regional representative offices.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No particular conditions are attached to the issue of a certificate of intention to import.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The importer pays 0.75% of the f.o.b. value as a contribution to the Import Inspection Programme.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is required for the issue of a certificate of intention to import.
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?
Reasons for refusal are stated directly on the application filed by the applicant.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
In the event of a refusal, the applicant is free to appeal the decision before any competent body
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Notably the Trade Tribunal
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The documents required upon actual importation are:
- a certificate of intention to import;
- a definitive invoice or bill of lading/airway bill;
- a preshipment inspection certificate from the inspection company in cases where the f.o.b. value of the goods is CFAF 3,000,000 or more.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No administrative procedures are required prior to importation once the certificate of intention to import has been obtained.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The period of validity of a certificate of intention to import is twelve months from the date on which it is registered with the Directorate-General of Trade, Consumer Affairs and Competition. It may be extended for a further six extra months at the importer's request. All extension requests must be submitted to the Directorate-General of Trade, Consumer Affairs and Competition before the expiry of the original period of validity. The certificate of intention to import may only be extended once. However, special extension of a maximum period of one month may be granted to allow for financial transfers to suppliers.
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 certificate of intention to import or a portion thereof.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Certificates of intention to import are personal and cannot be transferred.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
For goods that are to be imported, foreign exchange is transferred from the client's bank to the supplier's bank (payment by bank transfer).
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Foreign exchange may be obtained without an import licence (certificate of intention to import) for other payments not concerning imported goods.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Foreign exchange is always available for any licence (certificate of intention to import) issued.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
In order to obtain foreign exchange, it is necessary to contact a financial and/or banking institution and any authorized intermediary or the Postal Administration. This leads to the establishment of an "exchange authorization" form, which has to be endorsed by the intermediary responsible for payment.