Ships and boats

Member:

Legislations

Product Category

Basic information

Outline of the system

The Import Licensing System is regulated by the Import and Export Control Regulations 1941, which is scheduled as part of the Trade Ordinance No. 19 of 1958.

Product coverage

Ships and Boats (under 250 tonnes)

Nature of licensing

Automatic

If Automatic, administrative purpose

National security

Non-Automatic

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

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

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

Quantitative restrictions do not apply

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Legal requirements

Is the licensing statutorily required?

The licencing system is a statutory requirement, published as Legal Notice No.69 of 1999 and has been updated as at Legal Notice No.151 of 2013.

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 persons, firms and institutions 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 Sample form can be downloaded

Sample Application Form.pdf

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

An importer is required to submit the following documents with the application:
- Covering letter explaining need for the imported item- non automatic licences.
- Personal identification.
- Board of Inland Revenue Certificate.
- Registration of business.
- Proforma Invoice of goods if available.

Window of submission of an application

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

Application for a licence must be made at least one (1) week in advance of 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 and/or importation may be made.

Issuing the license

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

A licence may be granted immediately on request in instances where goods arrive without prior knowledge of the applicant.

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

Licenses may be obtained within a shorter time limit or for goods arriving at the port without a license; however, the law stipulates and applicants are encouraged to obtain licenses before goods arrive in the country.

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

Ministry of National security

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

An importer has to approach only one administrative body with an application. However, consideration of all licence applications is not always effective by a single administrative body.

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

Fees and other administrative charges

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

Prior to 17 July 2000 an import licence fee of $11.00 was applicable. Effective 17 July 2000 this fee is no longer applicable.

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

There is no deposit of advance payment requirement associated 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?

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

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

If the Ministry's policy does not allow the reasons for refusal are written on the application form, the applicant has a right to appeal to a higher authority

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Permanent Secretary or Minister

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 Customs copy of the approved Import Licence to the Customs and Excise Division.

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, 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 to the end of the year in which it was issued unless otherwise stated. The validity can be extended if the applicant so request, however extension is not automatic.

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 importers.

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 goods to be imported.