Basic information
Outline of the system
The licensing of imports of and non-indigenous wild vegetable and animal species (live, dead, parts, products thereof), minerals and fossils is regulated by the
- Nature Conservation Act (OG, No. 56/99);
- Act Ratifying the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Amendment to the Convention and Amendments I, II, III, and IV to the Convention (OG, No. 31/99);
- Act Ratifying the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) (OG, No. 18/98),Act Ratifying the Convention on the Conservation of European wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) (OG, No. 17/99),Decree on the protection of endangered animal species (OG, No. 57/93, 61/93, 69/00),Ordinance on the protection of rare of endangered plant species (OG, No. 15/76),Decree on the regime of the export and import of certain goods (OG, No. 111/01, 20/02, 64/02)
and is administered by the Environmental Agency within the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy.
Product coverage
Goods that are subject to licensing are listed in the Annexes to the above mentioned conventions and decrees.
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 of licensing has no quantitative or value restrictions and it is intended to only ensure effective supervision of international trade and to conserve the nature and species of fauna and flora.
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 of licensing applies to goods from all countries regardless of origin.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The import licensing procedure is governed by the above mentioned legal provisions.
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?
All persons, firms and institutions that are registered for commercial or/and non-commercial activity are eligible to apply for the import licence. The conditions contained in mentioned conventions must also be fulfilled.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All persons, firms and institutions that are registered for commercial or/and non-commercial activity are eligible to apply for the import licence. The conditions contained in mentioned conventions must also be fulfilled.
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?
With the application form the importer provides the following information:
- complete name and full address of importer;
- complete name and full address of exporter;
- scientific name (genus and species) and common name of animal or plant;
- quantity;
- end use statement.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
For the species that are the subject of conventions, a licence from the exporting country must also be submitted.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
It is up to applicant to decide when to apply for the licence. Licence is issued within a month after application, but in some cases it can be within a shorter time limit.
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 can be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
It is up to applicant to decide when to apply for the licence. Licence is issued within a month after application, but in some cases it can be within a shorter time limit.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
It is up to applicant to decide when to apply for the licence. Licence is issued within a month after application, but in some cases it can be within a shorter time limit.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
An importer has to approach only one administrative organ in connection with application.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
An importer has to approach only one administrative organ in connection with application.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of a licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Administrative charge is 4.000 SIT .
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Administrative charge is 4.000 SIT .
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance 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?
An application can be refused if there is a serious threat to domestic species.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for denial are explained to the applicant in writing.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The refusal of issuing a licence, can be appealed pursuant to the procedures provided by law.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The refusal of issuing a licence, can be appealed pursuant to the procedures provided by law.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation can be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation the import licence is required.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Import licences are valid for one year, except for the import licences for aquarium fishes, for which the validity is six months. A licence is a non-recurrent permit.
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 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?
There is freedom of exchange operations.