WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3
9 November 2000
(00-4752)
Committee on Import Licensing Original:  English
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on
Import Licensing Procedures
SOUTH AFRICA
The following notification, dated 16 October 2000, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of South Africa.
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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 upon written application by proposed importe rs.  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).  The licensing isnot statutorily required, i.e. the legislation is permissive, not mandatory.  The legislation leavesthe designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  It ispossible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.
                                                     
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3
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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 except for the importation of footwear originating from non-
WTO member countries.  Quota is restricted to  15 million pairs.  Quota will be increased over
the next 12 months and removed by September 2000.
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.  Particulars of importlicences granted are not publicized as information of this nature can only be disclosed with theconsent 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, applicationsare also considered by the Departments of Health and Environment Affairs.  In certaininstances, 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 drug manufacturing,the Basel Convention, for health, security or environmental reasons, licences are issued withoutapplying 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.G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3
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Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence
9. All persons, firms and institutions who comply with the requirements are eligible to apply for
licences.
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence
10. A new importer is required to complete an importer's registration form.  Otherwise, no forms
are prescribed.  The following 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- value of goods 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 licence cannotbe 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.19. 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.  Foreignexchange is always available to cover licences.G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3
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ANNEX
Import and export control:  Goods subject to import control measures
Description Tariff heading Purpose of control
All used goods, waste andscrapVarious 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 fromMalawi0901, 17.01 In terms of the Trade Agreement
between South Africa and Malawi
Mineral fuels, mineral oilsand products of theirdistillation27.07 to 27.10, 27.11,
27,12, 27.13, 27.14,27.15Strategic reasons
Radioactive chemical
elements and radioactiveisotopes28.44, 28.45 Health and environmental reasons
Chemicals applicable in the
use of drug manufacturing2806.10 2807.00
841.61 2902.302909.11 2914.112914.12 2914.312915.24 2916.342922.43 2932.922932.93 2932.942933.32 2939.422939.61 2939.622939.631998 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,
81.12Health and environmental reasons
Revolvers and pistols, other
firearms, parts, ammunitionand parts93.03 to 93.06 Security reasons
Gambling machines ex 9504.30 Quality specifications and public interestG/LIC/N/3/ZAF/3
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Ozone-depleting substances ex 2903.19.10,
2903.30.10,2903.45.90,ex 2903.49.10,2903.41, 2903.42,2903.43, 2903.44,2903.45.05, 2903.46,3824.71.10,3824.71.90Montreal Protocol
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