Plants and plant products

Member: 

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The phytosanitary import permit system for plants and plant products was established by the Agricultural Pest Act, 1973 (Act No. 3 of 1973).

2

Product coverage

There is a single permit system and it applies to all plants and plant products.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

The system is designed to ensure that imports of plants and plant products are free of harmful pests.

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system does not discriminate by country.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

No restriction on eligibility.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

17

Address

18

Telephone

19

Fax

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

Quantity and type of products to be imported, purpose of importation, town and country of origin, port of entry and expected date of arrival.

25

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Window of submission of an application

26

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

A minimum of seven days before date of importation.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

No.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Yes.

29

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The application is processed by a single administrative organ.

31

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

None accept those required for the issuance of an import permit.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Yes there is a fee.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

There is a fee of N$100.

35

Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

No.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

Refusal of an application may be in the case of a potential risk of introduction of pests and diseases in the country.

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

Reasons for such refusal are provided.

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

There is no appeal procedure.

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

No.

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

A phytosanitary certificate from country of origin, a certificate of origin and an import permit
from the Namibian Agronomic Board in the case of controlled products.

46

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

No.

Conditions of licensing

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

Normally up to three months.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

No.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences are non-transferable between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial institution

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?