Basic information
Outline of the system
The Import Permit is regulated under the Plant Protection Act, Statutory Instrument No.58 of 2009, (Cap 35:02).
Product coverage
(i) The Import Permit authorizes the importation of plants and plant products and other regulated articles into the country.
(ii) Phytosanitary certificates are issued to indicate that consignments of plants, plant products or other regulated articles meet specified phytosanitary import requirements and are in conformity with the certifying statement of the appropriate model certificate.
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
(i) The permit is intended to prevent introduction, spread and establishment of plant pests, to facilitate trade in plants, to enable Botswana to comply with its International obligations.
(ii) Phytosanitary certificates - issued to indicate that consignments of plants, plant products or other regulated articles meet specified phytosanitary import requirements and are in conformity with the certifying statement of the appropriate model certificate.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable, there is no restriction on quantities.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
(i) Permits - The system applies to plants and plant products and other regulated articles imported into Botswana.
(ii) Phytosanitary certificates - The system applies to plants and plant products and other regulated articles exported from Botswana.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Both are regulated under Plant Protection Act of 2007.
Plant Protection Act, Statutory Instrument No.58 of 2009, (Cap 35:02).
Plant protection regulations (chapter 35:02)
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?
They can only be amended by Parliament processes.
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?
Issuance of plant import is given to anyone who applies and Phytosanitary certificate to anyone who complies with the importing country conditions.
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
Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security (Department of Plant Protection)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
(a) Information required for plant import permit:
(i) Name and address of the importer;
(ii) Name and address of the exporter;
(iii) Mode of transport;
(iv) Port of entry into Botswana; and
(v) Name and quantity of consignment to be imported.
b. Information required for Phytosanitary certificate:
(i) Plant import permit from the importing country.
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?
Permits should be applied in advance because there are conditions attached which have to be certified by the exporting country.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Permits and Phytosanitary certificates can be applied for throughout the year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
In certain circumstances yes. According to the Act, 2 weeks for Plant import permits and Phytosanitary certificates.
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?
Issuance for both permits and Phytosanitary certificates is centralized and issued by one organ.
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?
N/A.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
(i) Import permit is P150; and
(ii) Phytosanitary certificate is P300.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit 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?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
A permit can be refused for prohibited plants and plant products and other regulated articles as scheduled in the Act.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
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?
Original import permit and Phytosanitary certificate.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
N/A.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Validity period is 6 months for the permit and 2 weeks for the Phytosanitary certificate. Validity cannot be extended.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No penalty.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licenses are not transferable; users can only transfer with authority from the National Plant Protection Organization.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
N/A.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
N/A.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
N/A.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
N/A.