Basic information
Outline of the system
There are two automatic licensing systems present in Norway. There is also an automatic licensing of certain agricultural products that are substitutes to domestically produced grains, and are imported both duty-free and out of quota, from least-developed countries (LDCs) and low-income countries (LICs) with less than 75 million inhabitants). This system aims at insuring that import from these countries will not cause serious market disturbances in the domestic market. If the expected import volumes of grain and feed-products reach a level where the volumes threaten to cause market disturbances, a safeguard mechanism might be brought into force. Another rationale behind this system is to give priority to imports from the poorest developing countries.
Product coverage
This automatic licensing system covers imports of grains, flour and feed products from the least-developed countries (LDCs) and low-income countries (LICs) with less than 75 million inhabitants. The products covered by this regulation were listed in Annex 2 to Norway's 2008 notification. (G/LIC/N/3/NOR/2).
[LIST A - Flour, grains and feeding stuff which are given a tariff reduction of 30 per cent when coming from the least developed countries (LLDCs)
For least developing countries the 30 per cent preference is given within an indicative tariff ceiling of 20,000 tons for protein feeding stuff, 75,000 tons for carbohydrate feeding stuff, and 100,000 tons for grain for human consumption.
LIST B - Meat and Meat Products which are given a tariff reduction of 100 per cent when coming from least-developed countries and 10 per cent when coming from developing countries (in addition to those mentioned in List 1)
LIST C - Products which are given a tariff reduction of 15 per cent when coming from developing countries]
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 intention of the system is, as described under the outline of the system, to prevent serious market disturbances. In case of an expected serious market disturbance caused by a major increase in import of grains, flour or feed-products from LDCs and LICs with less than 75 million inhabitants, the duty- and quota-free import of such products from these countries might be suspended.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
There are no quantity or value restrictions, as the licence is issued at the volume applied for, as long as the security mechanism is not activated.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The licensing system for grains, flour and feed products originating in LDCs and LICs with less than 75 million inhabitants applies only to products originating in these countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Regulations pursuant to the introductory provisions to the customs tariff lay down provisions for the security mechanism and surveillance system for duty- and quota-free import of grains, flour and feed products from least-developed countries (LDCs) and low-income countries with less than 75 million inhabitants.
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?
The General System of Preferences is adopted by the Parliament (Stortinget).
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 are eligible to apply for licences as long as they are registered in the Register of Business Enterprises in Norway.
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?
The following information is required in the application: Name and address of applicant, item number according to the Norwegian customs tariff, description of goods, expected import date, country of origin, and other relevant information (such as date, signature, telephone number, reference). In addition, the Agriculture Agency might require a contract (or a confirmation) as to ensure that the import materializes.
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?
The application must be made at least 10 days before the period starts.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
See Answers 26 and 29.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
See Answers 26 and 29.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The licences are given for the following periods: 1 August–7 November, 8 November–24 April and 25 April–31 July.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The application is considered by the Norwegian Agriculture Agency.
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?
There are no other conditions attached to the issuing of licences except the above-mentioned.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There are no charged levies or other licensing fees.
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 for licensing.
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?
N/A.
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?
See Answers 26 and 29.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
At the actual time of importation, the original invoice must be presented along with a plant disease certificate and/or a veterinary certificated where this 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 required prior to importation apart from veterinary, phytosanitary and quality regulations.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The licences are given for the following periods: 1 August – 7 November, 8 November-24 April and 25 April–31 July.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
The licence is not transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is automatically provided.