Basic information
Outline of the system
An importer of precious metals, stones and the goods thereof shall have an activity licence in accordance with the Regulation No. 40 of 29 January 2001. Imports of precious metals, stones and the goods thereof are regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Finance No. 56 of 15 July 1999, and are administered by the Ministry of Finance. The licensing does not cover non-commercial imports of a single product and estate.
Product coverage
The licensing covers precious metals, stones and goods produced of precious metals, stones. Imports of precious metals, stones and the goods thereof are subject to non-automatic licensing.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Non-automatic licensing.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing is intended to serve the purposes of consumer protection and to maintain control over technical characteristics of the materials.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No quantitative restrictions.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system applies to the goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing of trade in precious metals, stones and the goods thereof is based on the Precious Metal Products Assay Act and is maintained under the Regulation of the Government of Estonia No. 40 of 29 January 2001, published in Riigi Teataja I 2001 No. 14 and the Regulation No. 56 of the Minister of Finance of 15 July 1999, published in Riigi Teataja Lisa 1999 No. 115, 2000, No. 28.
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 legal persons registered in accordance with Estonian law and having Estonian Assay Office register certificate are eligible to apply for licences.
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 free-form application for registration should contain the name, address and telephone, fax number of the applicant, fields of activities, the name, position and signature of the person who made the application. An applicant is required to submit the following documents with the application:
- In the case of a company: a copy of the memorandum of association or partnership agreement and the articles of association and the list of shareholders;
- in the case of a sole proprietor – the business name of undertaking, the identity code and address;
- a copy of Estonian commercial register card;
- a copy of the Assay Office register certificate;
- a payment receipt of a state fee.
An applicant is required to submit the following documents with the renewal application:
- A copy of commercial register card;
- a copy of the Assay Office renewed register certificate;
- a tax record from the local tax board;
- a payment receipt of a state fee.
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?
It is up to the applicant to decide when to apply for a licence.
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 and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence 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?
An importer has to approach only one administrative organ in connection with an application.
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 a licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a state fee of 4000 EEK.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance 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?
None.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
In the event of refusal to issue a licence, the applicant has a right of appeal pursuant to the procedure provided by law.
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?
Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the approved licence.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A licence is valid for one year from the date of issue. The validity can be extended if the applicant so requests.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization 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 persons.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for the goods to be imported.