WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/N/3/MWI/1
6 September 1999
(99-3702)
Committee on Import Licensing Original:  English
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
Notification under Article 7.3 of the
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures
MALAWI
The following notification, dated 10 May 1999, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of Malawi.
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Outline of the system
1. The import licensing system is regulated by the Control of Goods Act (Import and Export)
regulations.
Purpose and coverage of licensing
2. The following products are subject to automatic import licensing:
- eggs of poultry;
-  live poultry;
-  compound products containing flour, meal re sidues and other preparations of any kind
suitable for use as animal foodstuffs;
- meat;  and- kitchen and table salt.
The following products are subject to non-automatic licensing:- clothing and uniforms, designed for military, naval, air force or police use;
- radioactive substances;
- mist nets for the capture of wild birds;
- wild animals, wild trophies and wild animal products;
- live fish;
- dieldrin;  and-a l d r i n .
3. The systems apply to goods originating from all countries.4. There are no quantitative restrictions on either system.  The objective of the licensing is
outlined below:G/LIC/N/3/MWI/1
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Product(s) Objective of licensing
Eggs of poultry
Live poultry
Compound products containing flour, meal
residues and other preparations of any kind for
use as animal food-stuffs
Meat and meat productsKitchen and table saltPublic health
Military uniforms Security
Radioactive substances
Mist nets for the capture of wild birdsWild animals, wild trophies
Live fish
Dieldrin
AldrinEnvironmental protection
5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement for reasons of public health, security and
environment.
Procedures
6. Malawi does not maintain a quota system on imports.
7.(a)(b) Upon fulfilment of other statutory requirements, licences are issued on the spot.(c) Licences can be applied for throughout the year.(d) The importer has to approach one administrative organ.8. An applicant is informed of reasons for refusal, and he has the right to appeal.
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence
9. Persons, firms and institutions that fulfil the statutory requirements pertaining to the
importation of a specific product can import.
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence
10. The documents vary depending on the type of product.  However, the following information
must be provided by the importer:
- name of applicant;
- product to be imported;
- specifications of product;  and
- pro forma invoice.
11. The import licence serves as an authority allowing an importer to import.  Where an import
licence gives conditions pertaining to health, an appropriate health certificate is also needed upon
importation.
12. There is no administrative fee upon the issuing of a licence.G/LIC/N/3/MWI/1
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13. There is no requirement for any deposit or advance payment associated with the issuing of a
licence.
Conditions of licensing
14. An import licence is valid for six months and the validity can be extended.15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.16. Licences are not transferable.
17. Where applicable, other administrative procedures may entail health certificates in the case of
food products and the management of the products in the case where there are environmental
concerns.
18. Other than import licensing, Malawi does not maintain other administrative procedures upon
importation.
19. The foreign exchange regime is liberalized such that no licence is required as a condition to
obtain foreign exchange.
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