WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
2 March 2004 
 
 (04-0922) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
MACAO, CHINA 
 
  The following communication, dated 23 February 2004, is being circulated at the request of 
the Delegation of Macao, China. 
_______________ 
 
I.
 CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU ..................................................................2  
A. LIVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN .................................................................2  
II. HEALTH SERVICES ..............................................................................................................4  
A. NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ;  PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS 
AND MEDICINES (INCLUDING WESTERN MEDICINES AND CHINESE PROPRIETARY 
MEDICINES );  MILK MODIFIED FOR INFANT FEEDING ;  CONTROLLED CHEMICALS OF 
1988  UN CONVENTION ;  DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY REAGENTS ;  PESTICIDES ;  
ESSENTIAL OIL ;  THERAPEUTIC PREPARATIONS FOR USE ON THE HAIR ;  AND 
CHEMICALS , CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS , COLOURING MATTER AND DYES .....................................4  
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES ........................................................................................7  
A. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE , TOBACCO , FUELS AND VEHICLES ;  OPTICAL DISC 
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS ................................................................7  
B. OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ................................................................................................9  
C. IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR ENDANGE RED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS .................10  
IV. OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.......................................................................................12  
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS ..........................................12  
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE FORCE ..............................................................................14  
A. ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES .............................................................................14  
ANNEX A-I – Importation Pro cedures for Group I .......................................................................17 
ANNEX A-II2 – Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group I 
ANNEX B2 – Specimen of Licensing Documents for Group II 
ANNEX C2 – Specimens of Licensing Documents for Groups III, IV and V 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. 
2 Available for consultation on the Secretariat (Market Access Division) (in Chinese and Portuguese 
only). G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 2  
 
 I. CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU 
A. L
IVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN  
Outline of systems  
 
1. An import licence supported by International Animal Health Certificate/International 
certificate of vaccination or another specific requirement is required for the import of live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles).  Furthermore, an in ternational sanitary certificate is required for the 
import of meat, animal products, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and international phytosanitary certificate for live plants, mushroom spawn and edible plant . 
 
Special permits will be issued by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto para 
os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) for the impor t of horses and the health requirements will be 
slightly different according to their origins from different countries. 
 
Import licensing, health controls and control of  importation of animals, plants and animal 
original products are outlined in the Official Gazette, Law No. 7/2003, Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003  and Chief Executive Decision no. 225/2003. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The import licence (IL) for specific products is granted by IACM (see Annex A – number 1), 
and is needed for chapters 1, 2, and 3 as menti oned below and a few products  in chapters 4, 16, 21 
and 95.  All other commodities mentioned below can be imported simply after an Import Declaration 
(ID) has been completed.  
2.1 List of commodity sections and chapters of  the Nomenclature for the External Trade of 
Macao Harmonized System:  - Live animals, Chapter 1. - Meat and edible offal (fresh, chilled,  frozen or prepared), Chapter 2. 
- Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 3. 
- Dairy products, edible products of animal origin, Chapter 4. 
- Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other th an fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, 
frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, Chapter 5. 
- Live trees and other plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots and the like, Chapter 6.  
- Edible vegetables, fruits , nuts and certain roots and tubers, Chapters 7 and 8. 
- Seeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing, Chapter 12. - Prepared edible fat, Chapter 15. 
- Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, 
Chapter 16. 
- Ice cream and other edible ice, Chapter 21. - Prepared animal fodder, Chapter 23. - Animal for circuses, Chapter 95.  
3. IL or ID apply to the animals and products mentioned in 2.1 coming from all countries and 
territories outside Macao SAR.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 3 
 
 
 4. The import licensing system is not intended to rest rict the quantity or value of imports, but to 
protect public health, animal health, animal welf are and prevent the introduction into and spread 
within territory of destru ctive plant diseases and pests. 
 5. The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  Import of 
species under CITES code is regulated by Decree-Law No. 45/86/M.  Legislation does not leave designation of products subject to licensing to admi nistrative discretion.  Legislative approval is 
required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  
Procedures
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Application for IL should be submitted well in  advance of importation (at least three working 
days).  However, in a small number of cases, some applications are exceptionally accepted on the 
working day prior to arrival.  IDs are accepted also on the working day prior to arrival. 
 (b)  Where there is proof of a genuine need, IL may exceptionally be granted on request
 3. 
 (c)  There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for importation should be made. 
 
(d) Both Import Licence (IL) and Import Declaration (ID) are administered by IACM.  However, the Macao Economic Services is the sole administrati ve organ to issue import licences relating to the 
animals and plants listed in CITES (including their readily recognizable parts and derivatives) and 
medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients. 
 
8. Application of IL will not be refused if the ordinary criteria
4 are met.  The reasons for refusal 
are always given to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Chairm an of the Administration 
Committee of IACM. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions , complying with Paragraph 15 of Article 11 of Law 
No. 7/2003, are eligible to apply. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 
10. The required information is outlined in a sample application form for the IL and attached in 
Annex A-II.  
                                                     
 
3 "Exceptional cases" are defined as those that are clai med beforehand either by the exporter or importer 
as of urgent character or in need by the importer,  particularly when dispat ched by air through Macao 
International Airport or via express service. The normal procedure is to produce (documentary) evidence 
supported by reasonable explanation to his/her claim, namely letter(s) by the importer declaring so.  Also, in 
case of events and exhibitions to be held locally, wher e imports into the Macao SAR, on a particular date, of 
certain type of goods either for sale or consumption are proved to be urgent or necessary. 
4 "Ordinary criteria" are the requisite s stipulated by the Foreign Trade Legislation in force, i.e. submitting 
correct and truthful data/information and supporting documents/attachments for evidence. 
 
5 All natural persons and juridical persons with the proof that they have fulfilled tax obligations, 
especially business tax and sales tax etc., are eligible to operate external trade activities. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 4  
 
 11. The required information is summarised in Anne x A with respect to live specimens.  Controls 
of and requirements for import of live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles), animal products 
destined for human consumption (meat, meat pr oducts, eggs, egg products , milk, milk products, 
prepared edible fat), edible ice, fish, crustaceans,  molluscs, prepared animals fodder, vegetable, live 
plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots, seeds, fruit and spores. 
 
12. No fee is charged for IL and ID. 
 13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity for IL is 30 days from the day foll owing issuance, whereas the validity for ID is 
ten working days following the confirmation of Macao Customs Service.  
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of IL. 
 16. Neither ID nor IL is transferable. 
 17.(a)   Not applicable. 
(b)  For wholesale importation, pre-defined cond itions regarding origin requirements, facilities 
and equipment under official control should be met. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
18. No. 
 
19. Not applicable. 
  
II. HEALTH SERVICES 
A. N
ARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ;  PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND 
MEDICINES (INCLUDING WESTERN MEDICINES AND CHINESE PROPRIETARY MEDICINES );  
MILK MODIFIED FOR INFANT FEEDING ;  CONTROLLED CHEMICALS OF 1988  UN CONVENTION ;  
DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY REAGENTS ;  PESTICIDES ;  ESSENTIAL OIL ;  THERAPEUTIC 
PREPARATIONS FOR USE ON THE HAIR ;  AND CHEMICALS , CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS , 
COLOURING MATTER AND DYES  
Outline of systems  
 
1. The import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and 
medicines is controlled through (i) licensing of im porters and (ii) issuing of import licence.  An 
importer of narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, pharmaceutical pr oducts and medicines has to be 
licenced with the Health Services before applying for an import li cence to import these products for 
each consignment.  Import licences are also required for import of the other items specified above.  
Importers who comply with Paragraph 1 of Artic le 11 of Law No. 7/2003 can apply for the import 
licences from the Health Services to import the mentioned products for each consignment.     The licensing system is intended for the pub lic health reasons and to fulfill Macao SAR’s 
international obligations. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 5 
 
 
 Purpose and coverage of licensing  
 2. Import licence issued by the Health Services is  required for the import of all of the above-
mentioned products, which are specified in Gr oup B of Table B of Chief Executive Decision 
No. 225/2003. 
 
3. The licensing system applies to the above-m entioned products coming from all countries and 
territories outside Macao SAR.  4. The purpose of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports, 
but for public health reasons and to prevent divers ion of narcotic drugs a nd psychotropic substances 
into illicit markets as well as controlled chemical s into illicit manufacture of such products. 
 5. The import licensing system is governed by Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003.  For narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the system is statutorily provided under 
Decree-Law No. 34/99/M, whereas Decree-Law No. 58/ 90/M sets out the requirements for the import 
of pharmaceutical products and medicines.  Legisla tion does not leave designation of products subject 
to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legisl ative approval is required when any changes are 
introduced to the existing system. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Application for import licence should be su bmitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narco tic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical 
products and medicines;  and other items, the import licence will be issued within three working days. 
 (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, the import licence may exceptionally be granted on request.  (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation to be made. 
 (d)  The Health Services is the sole administrative organ involved in the processing and authorisation of application for the import licenc es of the most of the mentioned medicines and 
products except those medicines subject to CITES.  The Macao Economic Services is the authority for 
issuing the import licence of those medicines contai ning ingredients subject to CITES, and the Health 
Services is meanwhile involved in  offering recommendations on authorisation of application for the 
said import licence. 
 
8. Application for an import licence will not be re fused if the ordinary criteria are met.  Reasons 
for refusal will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application, and the applicant has the 
right to appeal to the Director of the Health Services. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products  and medicines have to be 
registered with the Health Services, before they can  be allowed to be imported for the purpose of local 
sale or distribution.  A company is required to hold an appropriate firm licence issued by the Health Services before it can apply for an import licen ce.  The fee charged for the firm licence of 
pharmaceutical products and medicines is MOP 3,000;  and the charge  for the annual renewal is MOP 
400.  A licensed firm has to hold an additional permit  issued by the same department if it engages in G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 6  
 
 import of narcotic drugs and ps ychotropic substances.  The fee charged for the said permit is 
MOP 10,000;  and MOP 1,500 is charged for the a nnual renewal.  A list of licensed importers is 
available on request.  The information regarding th e importers is published on the Official Gazette 
when the registration licence is issued to them.  
 For other items, importers who comply with Pa ragraph 1 of Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 can 
apply for an import licence.   Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. When applying for a licence to deal with  narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines, the importe r must provide detailed information namely 
personal identification, certificate of criminal registration and identification of the proposed licensed premises.    
 The application of an import licence of the pr oducts mentioned in above  paragraph must be 
supported by the following documents:   - authentic copies of registration certificate issued  by the health authority of the manufacturing 
or exporting country and production licence issued by the manufacturing country;  
 - authorised import certificate issued by th e Health Services (for narcotic drugs and 
psychotropic substances only);  and 
 
- the Prior Authorisation Application Form.   In addition to that, analytical reports or lite ratures provided by the manufacturer or exporter 
and the Prior Authorisation Application Form have  to be submitted for application of an import 
licence of the other items. 
 11. The valid import licence is the only document required upon actual importation.  Samples of the application forms and the import licence are attached in Annex B.  12. No fee is charged for the issue of the import licence. 
 
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The import licence covering all of the menti oned products is valid for 30 days from the day 
following issuance.  The validity cannot be extended under normal circumstances. 
 15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence.  
16. Not transferable between importers. 
 17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation. 
 19. No foreign exchange control.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 7 
 
 
  
 
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES 
A. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE , TOBACCO , FUELS AND VEHICLES ;  OPTICAL DISC MANUFACTURING 
EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS  
Outline of systems  
1. The import licensing system for alcoholic bevera ges, tobacco, fuels and vehicles, is governed 
by Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003.  For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, the requirements set out under Decree-Law No. 51/99/M are also 
applicable. 
  
The referred licensing systems are administer ed by the Macao Economic Services for the 
aforesaid goods that are specified in Group C of Ta ble B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision 
No. 225/2003.  
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing system covers all goods listed in Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  3. Licensing system applies to the above-men tioned goods or products from all sources. 
 
4. The licensing system is not to be constructed as a means to restrict either quantity or value of 
imports.  
For alcoholic beverages, tobacco, fuels and vehicl es:  to administer the levying of consumption 
tax.  For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials:  to efficiently control the flow of 
such type of equipment into and out of the Region.   Licensing is used as a means to prevent those 
products from being utilised for copyright infringing activities. 
 
5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003 and 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003.  Legislation does not leave designation of products to be 
subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes 
are introduced to the existing system.  Procedures
 
   
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Licences must be applied for at least three working days before importation.  (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, IL may exceptionally be granted on request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  (d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole ad ministrative organ to issue licences for the 
aforesaid goods.  Nevertheless, with regard to vehi cles, one-off registration at and approved by the G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 8  
 
 Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (Instituto para os  Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) of any type or 
model of vehicles is required before importation. 
 
8. Application for a licence will not be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  The reasons for 
refusal are always given to the applicant who has th e right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9.(a)   Not applicable. 
 
(b) Importers who comply with Paragraph 1 of Ar ticle 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply 
for licences.  
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. With regard to documentation for application of licences, a single form is required.  Sample of 
that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C.    For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, full information including 
purpose, utilisation, and final destination and buyer' s personal details of the imported goods must be 
provided in the application.  If the import is fo r local manufacturing purposes, users of such imported 
goods must be themselves manufacturers. 
 
11. For manufacturing equipment and raw material s, only an import licence is required.  
 
12. No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licences. 
 13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The validity of a licence is 30 days, non-extendable, from the day following issuance. 
 15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 17.(a)
   Not applicable. 
 (b)
    No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 18. With reference to import licensing for vehicles,  a prior one-off registration with the Civic and 
Municipal Affairs Bureau (Instituto para os Assunt os Cívicos e Municipais) for all types and models 
of vehicles is required.   19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 9 
 
 
 B. OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of systems  
 1. An import licence is required for import of ozone  depleting substances.  Import controls are 
governed by Decree-Law No. 62/95/M and are primar ily exercised by the Macao Economic Services. 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing system covers all goods specified in the Annex of the referred legislation. 
 3. Licensing system applies to the above-mentioned goods or products originating in or coming 
from those members who are contracting parties to the Montreal Protocol (1987).  Importation of ozone depleting substances from non-parties to the Montreal Protocol is strictly prohibited.  
 
4. The licensing system enables Macao authorities to  comply with and abide by the rights and 
obligations set out in the Montreal Protocol.  Fo r this purpose, a quantitative limit is imposed to 
imports of ozone depleting substances that do not exceed levels agreed under the said Protocol.  
 5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under the said legislation.  
Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  
 6. Imports of ozone depleting substances are subj ect to quantitative restrictions as follows:  
I.  Opening of quota allocation is publicly a nnounced for all importers.  However, the amount 
allocated will not be published. 
 II.  Quota is allocated on a yearly basis.  Licences  are normally issued to importers for individual 
consignments.  III.  The Macao Economic Services is in charge of monitoring the utilisation of both licences and 
quotas.  Unused quotas will not be added to the follow ing allocation exercise.  Importers must provide 
information upon request.  IV.  The submission of applications for licences may be made at any time. 
 
V.  The length of time for processing applications  is normally a minimum of six working days. 
 VI.  Not specified.  VII.  Two authorities, namely the Environmen tal Protection Committee and the Macao Economic 
Services, are involved in the processing of applic ations.  Application for licences should be first 
submitted to the Environmental Protection Committ ee for recommendation.  Then, the application, 
with the attached recommendations if any, is  forwarded to the Macao Economic Services for 
approval. Licences are issued by the Macao Economic Services.  VIII. Quota allocation is carried out in accordance with the provisions set out in the Regulation on 
Utilisation of Quota of Importation of Trichloroe thane, which is administered by the Macao 
Economic Services.  Two types of quota, namely in itial quota and additional quota, are specified in 
the Regulation.  Initial quota is a llocated based on past performance only.  Additional quota is granted 
under a points system set out in the said Regulation, by  an amount of approximate ly 20 per cent of the 
annually agreed level to be distributed to all applicants.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 10  
 
 IX-X. Not applicable. 
 XI. No.  7. Not applicable. 
 
8. Application for a licence will not be refused if both the ordinary criteria are fulfilled and the 
quota does not exceed the allocated lim it.  The reasons for refusal are always given to the applicant 
who has the right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9.(a) Importers who comply with Paragraph 1 of Ar ticle 11 of Law no. 7/2003 are eligible to apply 
for licences.  
(b)
   Not applicable. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. With regard to documentation for application of licences, a single form is required.  Sample of 
that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C. 
 
11. Only valid import licences have to be presented upon actual importation.  
 12. No administrative fee is charged for issuance of import licences. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity of a licence is 30 days, non-extendable, from the day following issuance. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 17.(a)
   Not applicable. 
 
(b)   No. 
  Other procedural requirements
 
 18. There are no other procedural requirements. 
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided  by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  C. I
MPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR ENDANGE RED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
Outline of systems  
1. An import licence is required for import of endangered species of animals and plants, 
(whether alive, dead) body parts, derivatives a nd specimens.  Import controls are governed by  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 11 
 
 
 Decree-Law No. 45/86/M and are administered by the Macao Economic Services. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system covers all species listed in Annexes I, II and III of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  For imports of animals 
and plants specified in the CITES Annexes I and II,  CITES certificates or relevant import licences 
issued by exporting territories or countries are request ed.  In addition, for imports of species listed in 
the CITES Annex III, certificates of origin issued by exporting territories or countries are required.  3. Licensing system applies to all the above-mentioned species originating in or coming from all 
sources.  
 4. The licensing system is not construed as a means to restrict either quantity or value of 
imports, but to preserve animal and plant health, an imal life, as well as to prevent exploitation of 
endangered wildlife in accordance with the CITES. 
 
5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Decree-Law No. 45/86/M.   
Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a)
   Licences must be applied for at least five working days before importation. 
  
(b)  Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licences might exceptionally be granted on 
request.  (c)  There is no time limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  
(d)  The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licences for the 
aforesaid species. 
 
8. Application for a licence will not be refused if  the ordinary criteria are met.  The reason for 
refusal is always given to the applicant who has th e right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9.(a)    Not applicable. 
 (b)  Any persons, firms, entities or institutions th at can fulfil the CITES requirements are eligible 
to apply for licence. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. With regard to documentation fo r application of licences, a single form is required.  Sample of 
that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 12  
 
 11. CITES certificates or relevant import licences issu ed by the exporting territories or countries, 
in addition to the import licences and CITES certifi cates issued by the Macao Economic Services, 
have to be presented upon actual importation.  12. A handling fee of 0.5 per cent on the c.i.f. va lue in patacas is levied, regardless of the country 
of origin. 
 13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. A licence is valid for 30 days, non-extendable, from the day following its issuance. 
 15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence.  
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 17.(a)
   Not applicable. 
 (b)
   No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. With reference to import licensing for medici nes comprising ingredients of species covered in 
the CITES, approval or recommendation by the Health Se rvices is required prior to their importations.   
Regarding the animals and plants listed in the CI TES, quarantine approval by the Civic and Municipal 
Affairs Bureau is required. 
 19. Foreign exchange is automatically provid ed by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.   IV. OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMEN T OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
A. T
ELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS  
Outline of systems  
1. Import controls are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services.  However, the 
Office for the Development of Telecommunications a nd Information Technology is also involved in 
the system of import controls on telecomm unication and radiocomm unication equipment. 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 2. Import licences are required for telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. 
These include: 
 
(a)  Transmitters for radiotelephone, radiotelegra ph, radio broadcasting or television, whether 
or not incorporated with built-in receivers, recorders or sound reproducer (except mobile, 
cordless telephones, close-circuit television sy stems and those with exemption of station 
licence or type approval according to the a pplicable radiocommunication legislation).  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 13 
 
 
  
(b)  Radar equipment, radio navigation e quipment and remote control equipment. 
 (c)  Receivers for radiotelephone, radiotelegraph,  whether or not combined, inside the same 
cabinet, with a sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a timer (except broadcasting 
receivers). 
 (d)
   The spare parts exclusively or part ially for the equipment listed above. 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any country. 
 
4. The import licensing system on telecommunicati on and radiocommunication equipment is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of impor ts.  Instead, its aim is to ensure the products 
imported meet certain standards.   
5. The import licensing system is a statutory re quirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003 and 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003.  Legisla tion does not leave designation of products, which 
are subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Licence application should be submitted before  importing the equipment, taking into account 
the processing time required by the Office for the Development of Telecommunications and 
Information Technology, which is normally within three working days.  
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, IL may exceptionally be granted on request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  (d) The Office for the Development of Telecommunications and Information Technology is the 
sole administrative organ to issue licences for the telecommunication and radiocommunication 
equipment.  8. Import licence application may be refused in  case the equipment does not comply with the 
Technical Standards applicable in Macao. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All firms and institutions are eligible to  apply for import licences except under special 
circumstances where licensing facilities are deni ed owing to the non-compliance of certain 
requirement. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. A sample form is attached in Annex C.  Catalogues/technical specifications for the products 
under application are to be submitted with the a pplication for technical classification purpose. 
 
11. Only the import licence is needed upon actual importation. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 14  
 
 12. No licensing fee is charged. 
 13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. An import licence covering telecommunication a nd radiocommunication equipment is valid 
for 30 days from the day following issuance.  The validity cannot be extended under normal 
circumstances.  
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 16. Not transferable. 
 17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No other administrative procedures are required.  19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
 
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE FORCE 
A. A
RMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES  
Outline of systems  
1. Import controls on arms and am munition, and explosives are primarily exercised by the 
Macao Security Police Force (CPSP – Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública ). 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
2. Import licences are required for certain arms and ammunition, and explosives: 
 
(a) Licence for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 15 
 
 
 (b) Licence for competition gun : 
 
Arms Calibre 
 
 Pistol  .177 
 .22S  (Short)  .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 .32 
 .38  .45 
 Revolvers   .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 .32  .38  .45 
Shotgun  .12 
Precision  .177   Guns 
Automatic or Semi-automatic  .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from any countries or 
territories.  
4. The import licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to monitor 
the inflow of the aforesaid goods.  5. The import licensing system is statutorily defined in the Decree-Law No. 77/99/M of 8 
November 1999, “Arms and Ammunition Rules”,  Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003.  Any changes in existing system require legislative approval.  
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a)
   Applications for import licences should be submitte d one month in advance.  In the case of 
inadvertence, licence can be obtained within a shorter time limit.  (b)
   A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. 
 
(c)   There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for import 
licence may be made. 
 
(d)   The Macao Security Police Force is the sole administrative or gan to issue licences for the 
aforesaid goods.  
8. Import licence applications may be refused if the ordinary criteria are not met.  The applicants 
have the right of appeal to the Macao Security Po lice Force in the event of refusal within 30 days. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
9. All persons, firms and instituti ons which comply with Paragr aph 1 of Article 11 of Law 
No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for licences. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 16  
 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
10. Copy of the Identity Card with application form .  The sample form is attached in Annex C. 
 11. The import licence.  
 
12. There are no licensing fees or administrati ve charges for the issue of licences. 
 13. There are no requirements for deposit or advance payment associated with the issue of 
licences.  
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The period of validity of a licence is 12 months.  It cannot be extended. 
 15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or a portion of a licence. 
 
16. Licences are not transferable. 
 17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
18. There are no other administrative procedures. 
 19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
 Page 17 
 
 
 ANNEX A-I – IMPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR GROUP I 
 
 
1. Import notification  
 
 Macao SAR requires adequate advance notificati on, origin, regarding the proposed date of 
entry into its territory of live animals and live plants, edible vegetable , stating the species’ origin, 
quantity, means of transport, name of the frontie r post to be used and treatment of the plants. 
  Macao SAR requires adequate advance notificati on, regarding the proposed date of entry into 
the territory of a consignment of meat or products of animal origin destined for human consumption, 
together with information on the origin, nature, treatment, quantity and packaging of the meat or 
products, name of the frontier post to be used a nd for wholesale importation, products are required to 
be consigned to establishments approved by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM – 
Instituto para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) and under its supervision. 
 
The above mentioned border entry places are: 
 
Aerial entry  - International Airport; Maritime entry    - Ka Ho Contai ner Terminal; Inner Harbour Docks; 
Terrestrial entry   - Border Gate;  
- COTAI Frontier Post. 
  The frontier Customs staff are under the ju risdiction of Macao Customs (Serviços de 
Alfândega) and they are responsible for the enforcem ent of various Macao, China legislation affecting 
importation and exportation of goods. 
 
1.1 Import Declaration/Import Licence (ID/IL).  1.2 Sanitary  or phytosanitary documentation (to be present ed with the applications upon arrival of 
animals , plants  or goods). 
 
2. Documentational control
 
 2.1 Live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles):  - International Animal Health Certificate (p rovided by the veterinary Authority of the 
exporting country); 
 - Anti-Rabies Vaccination Certificate (dogs a nd cats) and Vaccination Certificate (covering 
other infectious diseases); 
 - Dogs and cats under two months ol d are not allowed to be imported; 
 - Airway Bill (if applicable);  - Import Licence.  
2.2 Meat, fish and by-products for human consumption: 
 - International Sanitary Certificate (not appli cable for ice cream with cocoa, and pet-foods); 
 - With regard to labelling, Decree La w no. 50/92/M applies to all products; 
 - Airway Bill (if applicable);  - Import Licence.             
 
2.3 Edible vegetables,  fruit and plants (for human consumption): 
  - Phytosanitary Certificate is required for import of plants.  (The only exception is the 
exemption for edible plants imported from Mainland China.) 
 - Import Declaration. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/6 
Page 18  
 
  
2.4 Vegetables and plants (any part of  plants) for planting or propagation: 
 - Phytosanitary Certificate is required for import of plants;  - Certificate of origin (if origin has not been stated in Phytosanitary Certificate); 
 - Import Declaration. 
 
3. Sanitary /phytosanitary inspection
 
 
3.1 The sanitary or phytosanitary certification will ha ve to be issued or certified by the official 
department on country of origin. 
 
3.2 Sanitary or phytosanitary inspection will alwa ys apply to the following merchandise:  live 
animals and food products of animal origin, edible ic e, animal fodder, fruit, mushroom spawn, plants 
and vegetables;  physical a nd laboratory examinations w ill apply whenever necessary. 
 
3.3 Products will only be released after proper doc ument control and sanitary or phytosanitary 
inspection.  3.4 If upon sanitary inspection any products or an imals are considered to cause risk to public 
health, or upon phytosanitary inspection any plants  infected by or infested with a plant pest , they will 
not be released for commercial purpose and the importers will be immediately notified of the 
decision.  Adequate sanitary measures regarding the retaining, destruction or re-exportation of the lot 
will be applied.  When the sanitary/phytosanitary  documentation is not correct the importer can 
present the correct documents if not, the pr oducts will be re-exported or destroyed. 
 
3.5 In case of epidemics of any other sanitary problem in the country of origin, additional sanitary 
measures like complementary certification or interdiction of importation may take place.  
3.6 Any encumbrance resulting from retaining, re-exporting or destruction of the products 
(animals or plants) will be under the responsibility of the import agent.  
3.7 The import of soil is prohibited.  The only exception is the exemption for soil imported from 
China.  
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