Basic information
Outline of the system
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is responsible for the control of imports into the country
and implements an import permit system for all products that require permits and not under the
jurisdiction of other Government institutions and agencies. In particular, permits are issued for second hand goods, marine and minerals products.
Product coverage
The permit system applies to second hand goods, marine and minerals products.
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 system is intended as an instrument to control the importation of goods into the country as well as for statistical purposes.
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 system is non-country specific.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The Import and Export Control Act of 1994 makes provision for the Ministry of Trade and Industry to control the importation of goods into the country.
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?
It is not possible 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 and businesses who meet the criteria are eligible to apply for an import permit.
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?
Quantity, description, customs code and value of goods to be imported, country of origin, port of entry.
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?
No time limit.
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
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
No time limit.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
No, unless the products to be imported are under the jurisdiction of other Government
institutions.
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.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
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?
Permits applications may not be granted if the products to be imported are in a depleted condition particularly in the case of second hand goods.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons are provided to the applicant for such refusal.
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?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The importer must furnish the customs officials with the import permit by the Ministry of Trade and Industry only for those products not under the control of other Government institutions.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The permits are valid for one calendar year.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are non-transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
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.