Goods listed in Schedules I & II

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The Import and Export (Control) Regulation Statutory Rules and Orders (SR&O) came into effect on the 20th November 1990. This was subsequently amended by a series of SR&O with the most recent being SR&O No. 55 of 2008.

2

Product coverage

The regulation consists of 3 schedules. The importation of any good listed in the 1st schedule is
prohibited from any place outside the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and Belize. They
may only be imported if a license is obtained from the Minister of Trade.
The importation of any goods listed in the second schedule is prohibited from any place outside the
Caribbean community. They may only be imported if a license is obtained from the Minister of
Trade.
The exportation of any goods listed in the third schedule is prohibited except under license from
the Comptroller of suppliers.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

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

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Both systems are now used for administrative and statistical purposes.

6

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

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The licensing procedures apply to all countries.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

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

13

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

All persons, firms and institutions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are eligible to apply for licences.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

17

Address

18

Telephone

19

Fax

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

The information required in the application are: Name and address of applicant, the name,
quantity and value of items, country of origin, name and address of the exporting firm, signature
of applicant and date of application. See application attached.

25

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

Window of submission of an application

26

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

A minimum forty eight (48) hours is required for processing of applications prior to importation.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

The automatic licenses can be fast tracked based on the circumstances.

29

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

Under certain circumstances /conditions (inadvertency) applications are processed within a shorter time limit.

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

31

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

Application for the products below must be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural transformation, Forestry, Fisheries and Industry before submission to the Trade Department.
- Fish (live, fresh, frozen, processed products)
- Meat products (live, fresh, frozen, processed)
- Fruits and vegetables

32

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

There are no conditions attached to the issuance of a licence.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Yes, there is a fee.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

An Eastern Caribbean five dollar stamp ($5.00) EC must be affixed to the application form.

35

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

No deposit or advancement required.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

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

Generally, there are no circumstances other than failure to meet ordinary criteria under which a
licence may be refused.

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

42

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

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

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 for importation.

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

For agricultural products copies of certificates issued by the Veterinary Division and the Ministry of Agriculture respectively should accompany the import licence; for fish product a stamp from the Fisheries Department must be affixed to the import licence application form.

46

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

There are no other administrative procedures required prior to importation.

Conditions of licensing

47

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

All licences are valid for three months.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

There are no penalties for the non-utilization of a license or a portion of it.

49

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

Licences are not transferable between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

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

Not applicable.

51

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

Not applicable.

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

Not applicable.

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

Not applicable.