Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licensing system is regulated by Law No. 31/79 established all goods subject to import licensing. A single application form needs to be completed and submitted to the Ministry of Trade and Industries. The Ministry issues a General Import Licence to shop owners, tourist resorts, hotels and registered bonded warehouses.
Product coverage
The Ministry of Trade and Industries operates a non-automatic licensing system. General licences are issued to those individuals and companies that have a valid business permit to sell the imported items. However, any registered business or enterprise such as local investments and foreign investments, can apply for an import licence to import materials required for that business. Individuals can also apply for an import license without the import permit mentioned above up to MRf 2000.- to import items for personal consumption.
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 licensing system is set to up to monitor those who import the merchandise into the country has necessary permits to sell such items.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to goods originating from all countries except Iraq, Serbia and Montenegro, import of whose products are prohibited as per international obligations.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is a statutory requirement under the law on export and import (No. 31/79).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The legislation does leave designation for products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The government or the executive branch does not have the authority 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?
Licences are issued to those individuals, firms and companies who have a registered business or those who have registered a business under a government department. Licences are also issued to those who need to import items for their personal consumption, upon request.
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?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
No other documents are required to be submitted with application form. For those applicants who do not have the necessary business permits shall provide a list of the items that need to be imported when applying for licence.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The importer must have a valid licence before the goods arrive into the country. Licences are issued on the same day to all applications submitted before 11.00 a.m. All applications submitted after the deadline will be issued the next day.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Except for rice, flour and sugar for which there is a quota for private entrepreneurs, the importer could import up to the licence amount any time within licence period. Importers are allowed to apply to renew the import licence when they wish.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
All licences are granted immediately.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Arrangements have been made to issue licences after the goods arrive in the country. However a penalty fee will be levied on such applicants.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The importer has to approach one administrative body.
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?
None.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No administration fee is charged, however a revenue stamp equivalent to 0.1 per cent of the import value needs to be submitted.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
None.
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 applications have been refused other than the failure to meet the ordinary criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons for refusal are always made known to the applicant.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
In the event of an application the applicant has the right to appeal to the Ministry of Trade and Industries.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
Except for rice, flour and sugar for which there is a quota for private entrepreneurs, the importer could import up to the licence amount any time within licence period. Importers are allowed to apply to renew the import licence when they wish.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Commercial invoices, licence issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industries and other relevant documents such as bill of lading are the documents that need to be submitted to the Customs in order to clear the goods.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
None.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Licences are valid for one year.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
None.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
It is an offence to import products using another person’s licence.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is provided by the banking authorities subject to availability.