Basic information
Outline of the system
The import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is subject to licensing control under Law No.17/2009, amended by Law No.10/2016, Law No.10/2019, Law No.22/2020 and Law No.10/2021. Licensing in relation to substances listed in Tables 5 and 6 appended to the Law is administered by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau
Product coverage
This licensing system covers all substances listed in Tables 5 and 6 appended to Law No.17/2009, amended by Law No.10/2016, Law No.10/2019, Law No.22/2020 and Law No.10/2021.
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
This licensing system is not to be construed as a means to impose restrictions on either the quantity or the value of imports, but to implement measures to control the illicit traffic of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as stipulated under the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Licensing for the above-mentioned substances is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No.17/2009, amended by Law No.10/2016, Law No.10/2019, Law No.22/2020 and Law No.10/2021. A regulation detailing on the procedures of licensing is already under way.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
It is clear that legislation does not leave the designation of substances to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Legislative approval is required before any changes could be made to the existing system.
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 who comply with Article 11 of Law No.7/2003, amended by Law No.3/2016, are eligible to apply for licenses.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Economic and Technological Development Bureau
Address
Rua Dr. Pedro José Lobo, 1-3, Luso International Bank Building, 2/F., Macao, China
Telephone
(853) 8597 2281
Fax
(853) 2871 2551
Contact officer
Mr. Tai Kin Ip (Director)
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
For each license, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the Economic and Technological Development Bureau. A sample of the form (import license) is attached in Annex C.
Annex C - Specimen of Licensing document for Group III, IV, V and VI.pdfWhat 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?
Licenses must be applied for at least three working days in advance of importation.
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 limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licenses and/or importation may be submitted.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Where there is proof of a genuine need, import license might be processed immediately on request.
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?
The Economic and Technological Development Bureau is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses for the aforesaid goods.
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.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licenses.
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.
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?
No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Yes.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes the applicant has the right to appeal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The applicant has the right to appeal to the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licenses and/or importation may be submitted.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Only valid import licenses have to be presented upon actual importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other procedural requirements.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The validity of a license expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import license.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no foreign exchange controls.