Basic information
Outline of the system
In order to import agricultural commodities and regulated articles into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines a permit is required. The application for an import permit (IP) must be made well in advance of the shipment. In instances where the particular case has been considered and or a pest risk analysis already conducted the IP will be issued within 48 hours. However, for new cases of when the Phytosanitary conditions at the country of origin have changed, requiring the conduct of a new Pest Risk Analysis (PRA), the time of issuance will depend on the quality of information received to undertake the PRA.
Product coverage
Permits are required for:
- All categories of Plants, plant products and cut flowers;
- Fruits and vegetables;
- Quarry products.
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 measure is geared towards the protection of the territory against exotic pest introductions and invasive species.
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 permit applies to all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The legislation which governs importation is the Plant Protection Act No. 15 of 2005.
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 nationals have the privilege to apply.
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 relative to application is set out in the plant protection and quarantine operational manual. All forms for completion is also found as appendix in this manual.
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?
Application must be made at least two weeks in advance of procurement.
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 restriction in the time of the year that application can be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
In exceptional circumstances consideration can be given, once it’s a commodity that has already been given the clearance from the origin country before and its phytosanitary situation has not changed. However, we do require at least a day to process.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The time could be substantially reduced if it’s a commodity that has been regularly imported and poses no threat to the territory.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The application is processed by one entity: the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry, Fisheries and Industry.
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?
There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of the license.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No fee is charged.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment.
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?
The reason for refusal is based only upon phytosanitary consideration.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
There is no appeal process.
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?
The documents required a copy of the invoice of the commodities and accompanying phytosanitary certificate.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures necessary for prior importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Permits are valid only for the particular consignment.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for not using the permit.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
The permits are non-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.