Various products

Member: 

Basic information

1

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.

2

Product coverage

The permit system applies to second hand goods, marine and minerals products.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

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

5

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.

6

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

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system is non-country specific.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

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.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

17

Address

18

Telephone

19

Fax

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

Quantity, description, customs code and value of goods to be imported, country of origin, port of entry.

25

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

Window of submission of an application

26

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

No time limit.

27

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

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

Yes.

29

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

No time limit.

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

Ministry of Industry and Trade

31

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.

32

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

No.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

No.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

35

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

No.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

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.

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

Reasons are provided to the applicant for such refusal.

42

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

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

No.

45

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.

46

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

No.

Conditions of licensing

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

The permits are valid for one calendar year.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

No.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences are non-transferable between importers.

Foreign Exchange

50

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.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?