Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licensing system of the Slovak Republic is based on the premise that imports into the Slovak Republic are free except where specific products are subject to automatic or non-automatic import licences. This system is maintained under the Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic 15/1998 Coll. “On the Conditions of the Issuance of an Official Licence for the Export and Import of Goods and Services”, as amended, published in the Collection of Laws of the Slovak Republic.
Activities related to the operation of the import licensing system fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic. The rules for import licensing procedures are neutral in application and administered in a fair and equitable manner.
Product coverage
Extra dangerous poisons, narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursors and subsidiary chemical substances, radioactive material as well as substances affecting the ozone layer.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
The licensing regime is to protect national security, health and environment.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing regime is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
There are no quantitative or value limitations applied for imports of goods included in this group.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
It applies to products originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Products subject to security licensing are contained in the Annex D to the Decree of the Ministry of Economy 15/1998 Coll., as amended.
The licences are issued by the Ministry of Economy, which is also the licensing authority for imports of extra dangerous poisons, narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursors and subsidiary chemical substances, radioactive material as well as substances affecting the ozone layer.
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 natural persons or legal entities domiciled in the Slovak Republic, irrespective of nationality or origin, are eligible to apply for a licence, provided that their economic activities have been registered in the Slovak Republic.
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?
A sample of the application is contained in Annex F-I to the Decree of the Ministry of Economy 15/1998, as amended.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The following documents have to be annexed to the application.
- extract from the commercial register or trade licence,
- other documents according to special regulations,
- contract for the importation of the products in question,
- other documents as set forth in the Decree No. 15/1998, as amended.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The application for a licence has to be submitted not later than 30 days prior to the importation.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence may be made. Application can be submitted during the whole year.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Licence can not be granted 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?
Applications for licences are registered and licences are granted by a single administrative body – the Ministry of Economy. Applications for imports of narcotics and psychotropic substances are also considered by the Ministry of Health and applications for imports of radioactive materials are also considered by the Nuclear regulatory Authority.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Applications for licences are registered and licences are granted by a single administrative body – the Ministry of Economy. Applications for imports of narcotics and psychotropic substances are also considered by the Ministry of Health and applications for imports of radioactive materials are also considered by the Nuclear regulatory Authority.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no other conditions for issuance of a licence. In some cases approval for trading with goods in question is required by the Ministry of Economy.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
The administrative fee is set at the level of 0.1% from the value of imported goods, at least 1.000 SKK.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The administrative fee is set at the level of 0.1% from the value of imported goods, at least 1.000 SKK.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is required in connection with the issue of licences.
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 applications for a licence shall be refused if it does not meet the set requirements.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
It may be also refused when the security or other major interest or commitments of the Slovak Republic so requires. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right of appeal to the Ministry of Economy and, at a second instance, to the court.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
It may be also refused when the security or other major interest or commitments of the Slovak Republic so requires. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right of appeal to the Ministry of Economy and, at a second instance, to the court.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
It may be also refused when the security or other major interest or commitments of the Slovak Republic so requires. The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right of appeal to the Ministry of Economy and, at a second instance, to the court.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
In addition to the security non-automatic licence, the documents usually required by the customs services have to be submitted.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures required to importation apart from security, technical, health and quality regulations.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Licence is valid for period settled in the appropriate contract, but not longer than 1 calendar year. If the importer proves that it was not his fault that the quantity stated in the licence was not utilised and wants to import also during the following period, the validity of licence can be extended for the necessary period.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or a portion of it.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
The foreign exchange is automatically provided for goods to be imported and a licence is not a condition for obtaining a foreign exchange.