Basic information
Outline of the system
Import controls are primarily exercised by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau. However, the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau is also involved in the system of import controls on telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment.
Product coverage
Import licenses are required for telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. These include:
(a) Apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including those for communication in a wireless local or wide area network.
(b) Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
(c) Radar equipment, radionavigation equipment and remote control equipment.
(d) The spare parts exclusively or partially for the equipment listed above.
except those with exemption or without need of station license or type approval according to the applicable radiocommunication legislation.
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
The import licensing system on telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Instead, its aim is to ensure the products imported meet certain standards.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any countries or territories.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No.7/2003, amended by Law No.3/2016; Administrative Regulation No.28/2003, amended by Administrative Regulation No.19/2016; and Chief Executive Decision No.209/2021.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Legislation does not leave designation of products, which are subject to licensing, to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.
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 complying with Article 11 of Law No.7/2003, (amended by Law No.3/2016) and Article 6 or Article 30 of Decree-Law No.18/83/M are eligible to apply for licenses except under special circumstances where licensing facilities are denied owing to the non-compliance of certain requirement.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Economic and Technological Development Bureau
Address
Rua Dr. Pedro José Lobo, 1-3, Luso International Bank Building, 2/F., Macao, China
Telephone
(853) 8597 2281
Fax
(853) 2871 2551
Contact officer
Mr. Tai Kin Ip (Director)
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
A sample form is attached in Annex C.
Annex C - Specimen of Licensing document for Group III, IV, V and VI.pdfWhat documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Catalogues/technical specifications for the products under application are to be submitted with the application for technical classification purpose.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
License application should be submitted before importing the equipment, taking account of the processing time required by the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau, which is normally within three working days.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for license and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Where there is proof of a genuine need, import license may exceptionally be granted 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?
The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses for the telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment.
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?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
No licensing fee is charged.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No deposit or advance payment is 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?
Import license application may be refused in case the equipment does not comply with the Technical Standards applicable in the Macao SAR.
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 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?
There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for license and/or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Only the import license is needed upon actual importation.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No other administrative procedures are required.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
An import license covering telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment is valid for 30 days from the day of its issuance. The validity cannot be extended under normal circumstances.
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 an import license.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Not transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no foreign exchange controls.