Basic information
Outline of the system
The import permit system implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism applies to the import of wild animals or plants or their parts, derivatives and products.
Product coverage
The permit system applies to wild animals or plants or their parts, derivatives and 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 but applications are assessed individually and the nature of use in Namibia.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975 (amended in 1996).
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, common and scientific name of the product, country of origin, date of import.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
A certificate from the country of export CITES Management Authority supporting and verifying the export of the product and a CITES export permit from country of origin.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
At least a 3 days 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
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Two days could be fastest to provide a permit.
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?
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Some products might require the Veterinary approval with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Applications assessed on individual basis and conditions differ as per products.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes there is a fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
N$100.
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 nature of utilisation is trade related but the applicant is not registered in Namibia or live animals are aliens to Namibian environment.
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 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as well as Veterinary approval from Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry for some products, and an export permit from the country of origin.
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 permit is valid for six months.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No, but the permit fee is non-refundable.
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.