Basic information
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.
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
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
Both systems are now used for administrative and statistical purposes.
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 procedures apply to all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The Import and Export (Control) Regulations No.55 of 2008.
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 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 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.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
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.
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
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
The automatic licenses can be fast tracked based on the circumstances.
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.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
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
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
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 must be affixed to the application form.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advancement required.
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?
Generally, there are no circumstances other than failure to meet ordinary criteria under which a
licence may be refused.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
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 for importation.
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.
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
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
All licences are valid for three months.
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.
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.