Basic information
Outline of the system
Import licensing system is regulated by the Decision on Classification of Goods into Forms of Export and Import establishing the list of goods subject to import and export licensing. Pursuant to Article 34 paragraph 2 of the Law on Trade, the Decision has been adopted by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia at the session held on 26 February 2012 and is published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No.42/2013. The rules concerning the procedure for submission of applications, the competent authorities for issuing of import licences and the list of products subject to licensing requirements are stipulated in the Decision.
MK version of the Decision can be found on the following link:
https://members.slvesnik.com.mk/regulationdetails.aspx?regID=29044
Product coverage
Live animals and products of animal origin.
See Product coverage.
Imports of products stipulated in the Decision are subject to non-automatic licensing. The competent authorities for submission of applications and for delivering import licenses are designated in Article 2 of the Decision. A complete list of products subject to import licensing procedures is given in Annexes 1-9 of the Decision.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning implements measures pursuant to Article XX, paragraphs b) and g) of GATT 1994.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The import licensing system established by the Government Decision is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. The Decision determines the goods for which import license is necessary to be provided by the competent ministries and institutions for the purposes of fulfilling international agreements in order to protect human, animal or plant life or health to protect environment from ozone-depleting substances, and ensure the national security interests.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
There are no restrictions 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
The licensing procedures will apply as long as the need exists for the Republic of Macedonia to implement measures provided in Articles XX and XXI of GATT 1994 and as long as those measures comply with the said Articles.
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Licensing system is statutorily required for the products listed in the Decision as relevant by law legislation adopted pursuant to the Law on Trade ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No.16/04, 128/06, 63/07, 133/07 88/08, 159/08, 20/09, 99/09, 105/09, 115/10, 158/10, 36/11 and 53/11).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Product coverage is defined in the Decision and is not subject to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The system cannot be abolished 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 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
Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning
Address
Ave. Goce Delcev No.18, Skopje
Telephone
+389 2 3215 503
Fax
E-mail address
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
An importer is required to submit the following information to the competent authorities stated in Article 3 of the Decision on Classification of Goods into Forms of Export and Import ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 42/13).
In the application:
1) business name and tax number of the legal person;
2) tariff line at a ten-digit level;
3) description of goods according to the Customs Nomenclature;
4) trade name of goods;
5) quantity of goods, expressed in measuring units;
6) name and adress of the foreign exporter, or importer;
7) period during which the exportation, or importation is to be carried out;
8) statement for the intention of the imported goods and
9) other data, perscribed with special regulations.
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?
Under the system there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or from a particular country.
(a) The licensing authorities have to issue a licence within a maximum 15 days of the submission of the application pursuant to the Law on General Administrative Procedure published in the ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 38/05, 110/08 and 51/11).
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 application for licence may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Not relevant.
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 has to approach only one administrative organ in connection with an application.
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?
No other conditions are attached to the issuance of a licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is licensing administrative charge pursuant to the Law on Administrative Fees published in the ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 17/93, 20/96, 7/98, 13/01, 24/03, 19/04, 61/04, 95/05, 7/06, 70/06, 92/07, 88/08, 130/08, 6/10, 145/10, 17/11 and 84/12).
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is required for licensing.
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?
If the applications meet the criteria, a licence is granted. Failure to meet the ordinary criteria is the only circumstance in which licence applications 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?
In the event of refusal to issue a licence, the applicant has a right of appeal in accordance with the Law on General Administrative Procedure ("Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 38/05, 110/08 and 51/11).
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?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the approved import licence or a copy thereof.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures are required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A licence is valid for three or six months from the date of issue.
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 licence 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?
Foreign exchange issues are not applicable to import licensing.