WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3/Rev.11
20 August 2001
(01-4051)
Committee on Import Licensing Original:  English
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES2
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on
Import Licensing Procedures
SOUTH AFRICA
Revision
The following notification, dated 14 August 2001, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of South Africa.
_______________
Outline of system
1. South Africa has one licensing system.  This system makes provision for the granting of
permits to meet reasonable requirements of merchants and manufacturers.  Licences are issued uponwritten application by proposed importers.  The Department of Trade and Industry, Directorate:
Import and Export Control is the issuing authority.
Purposes and coverage of licensing
2. Goods still subject to import control and for which licences are granted are listed in
Government Gazette No. 11630 dated 23 December 1988 (as amended).  (See Annex.)
3. Licences are valid for the importation of goods from any country, the choice of the country
of supply being left entirely to the importing party.
4. Licensing is not applied for the purpose of protecting domestic producers.5. Import control is applied pursuant to powers conferred on the Minister of Trade and
Industry by Section 2(i) of the Import and Export Control Act, 1963 (Act 45 of 1963).  Thelicensing is not statutorily required, i.e. the legislation is permissive, not mandatory.  Thelegislation leaves the designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrativediscretion.  It is possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.
                                                     
1 Please note that the only changes made since the last notification circulated in document
G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3 (dated 9 November 2000) are in the replies to questions 6.II and 10.
2 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.G/LIC/N/3/ZA F/3/Rev.1
Page 2
Procedures
6.I. The licensing regulations are published in the Government Gazette and in certain instances
supplemented with policy documents.
II Not applicable in South Africa.
III. Import licences are available to all merchants and manufacturers.  No steps are taken to
ensure the utilization of import permits.  Quotas do not apply in South Africa.  Particularsof import licences granted are not publicized as information of this nature can only bedisclosed with the consent of the permit holder.
IV. Not applicable.V. The length and time for processing applications is dependent on the nature and extent of the
application.  In general applications are dealt with immediately upon receipt.
VI. Licences are valid for the calendar year indicated thereon and may be used for customs
clearance of goods shipped prior to 31 December of that year.
VII. Applications for import licences are considered by the Department of Trade and Industry,
Directorate:  Import and Export Control.  In the case of a limited range of goods,applications are also considered by the Departments of Health and Environment Affairs.  Incertain instances, the obligation is on the prospective importer to approach these bodies.
VIII. With the exception of licensing in respect of used goods or goods controlled in terms of the
Montreal Protocol, the 1998 Convention against chemicals used in illegal drugmanufacturing, the Basel Convention, for health, security or environmental reasons,licences are issued without a pplying quantitative restrictions.
IX. The question is not relevant to South African practice.X. Imports are not allowed on the basis of export performance only.XI. Yes.7.(a) Applications must be made before goods are shipped.(b) Yes.(c) No.(d) See reply 6.VII.8. No application for import licensing meeting the criteria is refused.
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence
9. All persons, firms and institutions who comply with the requirements are eligible to applyG/LIC/N/3/ZA F/3/Rev.1
Page 3
for licences.
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence
10. Importers are required to complete application forms, which are, together with explanatory
notes, available on the website.  The following general information is required:
- Importer's reference number;
- name and business address of applicant;- quantity and description of goods to be imported as well as the custom tariff heading and the
value of goods to be imported;
- customs code number of the importer;- indication whether the goods to be imported are new or used;- port of entry;- country of origin;- units to be imported.
11. Normal customs documents and, where applicable, an import permit is required upon actual
importation.
12. There are no deposits or advance payments associated with the issue of licences.13. There are no licensing or administrative charges.Conditions of licensing
14. A licence is valid for the calendar year during which it is issued, but may be used for
customs clearance of goods shipped before 31 December of that year.  The validity of the licencecannot be extended.
15. There is no penalty for non-use of a licence or portion of a licence.16. Licences are not transferable between importers.17. No other conditions are attached to the issue of a licence.Other procedural requirements
18. There are no other administrative procedures required prior to the importation.Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authority provided that an import licence
is produced or evidence is furnished that an import licence is not necessary.  Foreign exchange isalways available to cover licences.G/LIC/N/3/ZA F/3/Rev.1
Page 4
ANNEX
Import and export control:  Goods subject to import control measures
Description Tariff heading Purpose of control
All used goods, waste and
scrapVarious Health, environmental reasons and in
terms of the Basel Convention
Fish, fresh or frozen,crustaceans and molluscs03.01 to 03.07 Health reasons, no quantitative
restrictions
Black tea 0902.30, 0902.40 Automatic licensing
Sugar and coffee from
Malawi0901, 17.01 In terms of the Trade Agreement
between South Africa and Malawi
Mineral fuels, mineral oilsand products of their
distillation27.07-27.15 Strategic reasons
Radioactive chemical
elements and radioactiveisotopes28.44, 28.45 Health and environmental reasons
Chemicals applicable in the
use of drug manufacturing2806.10, 2807.00, 2841.61,
2902.30, 2909.11, 2914.11,
2914.12, 2914.31, 2915.24,
2916.34, 2922.43, 2932.92,
2932.93, 2932.94, 2933.32,
2939.42, 2939.61, 2939.62,2939.631998 Convention against chemicals
used in illegal drug manufacturing
New pneumatic tyres 40.11 Monitoring for quality specification
Gold and coins 71.08 Monetary policy
Cobalt, cadmium antimony,
manganese diromium,
geranium, vanadium,gallium, hafnium, indium,
rhenium and thallium81.05, 81.07, 81.10, 81.12 Health and environmental reasons
Revolvers and pistols, other
firearms, parts, ammunition
and parts93.03-93.06 Security reasons
Gambling machines ex 9504.30 Quality specifications and public
interest
Ozone-depleting substances ex 2903.10, 2903.30.10,
2903.45.90, ex 2903.49.10,
2903.41-2903.44,
2903.45.05, 2903.46,3824.71.10, 3824.71.90Montreal Protocol
__________