Basic information
Outline of the system
The Meat Board of Namibia utilises an import/export permit system for the importation/exportation of live animals (cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) and products thereof.
Product coverage
Separate licensing systems are used for imports/exports of live animals and meat.
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 designed to monitor the imports and exports of the commodities mentioned in paragraph 1 above.
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 does not differentiate by country.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The licensing system is maintained under the statutory provisions of the Meat Industry Act 1981.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The implementation of licences requires the approval of the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Therefore, it is not possible 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?
Importers must be registered with the Meat Board.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no 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?
Quantity and type of products to be imported, town and country of origin, port of entry.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
An importer must also be in possession of a veterinary import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications should be submitted well in advance of importation to allow sufficient time for processing.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes.
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?
An importer must also be in possession of a veterinary import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Some imports are subject to the approval of other institutions, e.g. Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the case of protected species, Livestock Improvement Permit in the case of breeding material.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
None accept as required by the permit.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes there is a permit fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a permit fee of N$0.10 per kg excluding VAT for import of meat products.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
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?
There are no circumstances other than specified by the Act.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons are provided to the applicant for such refusal or withdrawal.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes. Applicants have the right to appeal a permit refusal or withdrawal
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Import permit from the Board and a veterinary import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
An importer must also be in possession of a veterinary import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Up to one month. This may be extended upon request.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are non-transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial institution.