G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
9 December  2022 
(22-9192) Page: 1/24 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original:  Spanish  
 
  
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE  7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT ON  
IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2020 AND  2021)  
EL SALVADOR  
The following communication, dated 3 0 November  2022, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of El  Salvador.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Quotas  
No changes have been made to the procedure on quotas notified in document  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/4 of 
27 August  2020, which therefore remains valid.  
 
Other licences  
As a general rule, the importation of products does not require import licences ; however, there are 
some products that require permits, authorizations, certificates and/or approval for importation, for 
reasons of public safety, animal or plant health, or enviro nmental protection.  
 
El Salvador has the Import and Export Processing Centre (CIEX El Salvador) of the Central Reserve 
Bank, Import Section, which is the body responsible for centralizing, streamlining and simplifying 
import and export procedures.  
 
Interes ted parties can contact the Centre by email: cieximportaciones@bcr.gob.sv ; or telephone : 
(+503) 2281 8000 . S ome import procedures are available online at: 
https://www.ciexelsalvador.gob.sv/ciexelsalvador/ . 
 
A process to improve governance is under way to reduce response times for products requiring 
import authorization, provided the required doc umentation is complete and submitted in advance of 
importation.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Table of c ontents  
 
1  ALCOHOL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
2  PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, RAW MATERIALS AND ADDITIVES FOR FOOD AND 
BEVERAGES, CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS, PHARMACEUTICALS, FERTILIZERS AND 
PREPARATIONS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL USE AND COSMETICS  ................................ ........  4 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
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  2.1  Prepared Foodstuffs, Raw Materials and Additives for Food and Beverages  ...........................  4 
2.2  Chemicals and Compounds, Pharmaceutical Products, Fertilizers and Preparations For 
Pharmaceutical Use and Cosmetics, Hygiene Products and Medical Inputs  ................................ .. 6 
3  ARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES AND PYROTECHNIC PRODUCTS  .............................  8 
3.1  Arms and Ammunition  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8 
3.2  Explosives and Pyrotechnic Products  ................................ ................................ .............  10 
4  NARCOTICS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, AGGREGATED PRODUCTS, PRECURSORS, 
CHEMICALS, AND VETERINARY AND ANAESTHETIC PRODUCTS  ................................ ..... 12 
5  SOURCES AND EQUIPMENT GENERATING IONIZING RADIATION  ..............................  14 
6  HYDROCARBONS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  15 
7  PLANTS, ANIMALS AND PRODUCTS THEREOF  ................................ .............................  16 
8  CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL -BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS FOR AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK 
OR VETERINARY USE ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
9  OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ ...............  20 
10  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ .......................  21 
11  WILDLIFE SPECIES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 21 
 
_______________  
 
 
1  ALCOHOL  
Outline of systems  
1. Authorization is required to import or produce potable and non -potable ethyl or industrial alcohols, 
and non -potable methanol, isopropyl, butyl or other non -potable alcohols . These are authorized 
through annual quotas, the aim being to regulate the operational, health -registration, 
quality -control, tax -payment and consumer -guarantee aspects of production, processing and sale.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is not to limit the quantity or value of imports, but rather to ve rify 
compliance with the quality requirements indicated in paragraph 1.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Law regulating the production and sale of alcohol and 
alcoholic beverages , and the amendment thereto.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable, as this product is not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on the importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) Registration pro cedures for companies importing or producing alcohol must be sought from 
the Alcohol and Tobacco Unit of the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) before the product arrives for 
clearance . Meanwhile, applications for the importation of potable and non -potable alcoho l are 
made through the Import and Export Processing Centre (CIEX El Salvador), Import Section, G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 3 - 
  of the Central Reserve Bank  (BCR) . Thereafter, the allocation and authorization of the ethyl 
alcohol quota to be imported or purchased must be requested from the  Tax Obligations 
Oversight Division attached to the Directorate -General of Internal Revenue of the Ministry of 
Finance.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly , provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c) There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
More details of the procedure for applying for authorization to import or produce alcohol can 
be found on the following websites:  
 
˗ https://www.transparencia.gob.sv/institutions/minsal/services/1018 ; 
˗ https://www.mh.gob.sv/servicios/autorizacion -de-la-cuota -de-alcohol -a-importar -o-
adquirir -a-importadores -empresas -industriales -farmaceuticas -o-laboratorios -usuarios -de-
alcohol -etilico/ . 
(d) For this product, the import authorization is only processed by a single administrative organ . 
 
8. Authorization is refused only when  the established legal requirements  are not met . Applicants are 
informed  in writing . In El Salvador , the Law on Administrative Procedures regulat es the 
administrative review procedure for settling disputes when authorizatio n is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdictio n to verify the legality and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import authorizations, whether natural or legal 
persons, including foreign nationals with a residence permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10. Importers must comply with the requirements set out in ANNEX I (a).  
 
11. In addition, they must complete form 1 for registration/renewal in order to import alcohol ; form 
2 for the imp ortation of ethyl alcohol and other alcohols ; and form 3 for an inventory of ethyl alcohol, 
set out in ANNEXES I  (b), (c) and (d), respectively.  
 
12. Some licences or permits are free of charge . Fees are charged for o thers and details are provided 
for each product.  
 
13. No, where the licence or permit requires payment, this is made at the time of issue of the permit . 
No advance payment is required.  
 
Licensing conditions  
14. Pursuant to Article 45 -B of the Law regulating the production and sale of alcoho l and alcoholic 
beverages , and the amendment thereto, importers, industrial and pharmaceutical companies or 
laboratories using ethyl alcohol must apply in January of each year to the Directorate -General of 
Internal Revenue of the Ministry of Finance for au thorization of the respective alcohol quota to be 
imported or purchased during the year . This authorization must be submitted at the time of 
importation or purchase of the product, as the case may be.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of i mport licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify  the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
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  17. (a) No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
(b) There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. To submit an application to the Directorate -General of Internal Revenue of the Ministry of Finance 
for the allocation and authorization of the ethyl alcohol quota to be imported or purchased ; the 
quantity requested must be the same as that previously authorized by MINSAL . This application is 
set out in ANNEX I (e).  
 
Instructions are available for completing the forms related to these procedures.  
 
19. The legal currency in circulation  in El Salvador is the United States dollar and the exchange rate 
is set by the Central Reserve Bank and has been fixed since 2001.  
 
2  PREPARED FOODSTUFFS, RAW MATERIALS AND ADDITIVES FOR FOOD AND 
BEVERAGES, CHEMICALS AND COMPOUNDS, PHARMACEUTICALS, FERTILIZ ERS AND 
PREPARATIONS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL USE AND COSMETICS  
2.1  Prepared Foodstuffs, Raw Materials and Additives for Food and Beverages  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Pursuant to Article 88 of the Health Code, an authorization is required to import prepared 
foodstuffs, raw materials and food additives, which must be sanctioned by the Ministry of Health, 
subject to analysis and registration.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is not to limit the quantity or value of imports, but rather to verify 
compliance with food and beverage standards so that the products are fit for human consumption.  
 
5. This ty pe of product is governed by the Health Code.  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement pro cess to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c) There are no limitations on the date of s ubmission of an application.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
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  (d) As of 10 January 2019, authorizations to import prepared foodstuffs, raw materials and food 
additives are processed through the electronic import request form in the Imports System 
(SIMP) of the Import and Export Processi ng Centre (CIEX -BCR), available at the following web 
pages: www.ciexelsalvador.gob.sv  or www.ciexelsalvador.com  
 
More details about the procedure for requesting authorization to import prepared foodstuffs, 
raw materials and food additives can be found at: 
http://usam.salud.gob.sv/index.php/novedades/noticias/noticias -empres as/557 . 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Sal vador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the adminis trative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons, including foreign nationals with a residence permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. Applicants must be regis tered as a user in the Environmental Health Information System of the 
Environmental Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health, and in the Foreign Trade Facilitation 
System of the Central Reserve Bank. Information on the importer and the product to be im ported is 
required. For each section by product, the application form is attached.  
 
The documents required are described in detail for each product in the section entitled 
"Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence", such as the  certificate of 
free sale or other official document containing the same information, etc.  
 
11. The request and original certificate of free sale bearing an apostille, issued by the Ministry of 
Health or the respective official authorization from the count ry of origin.  
 
The certificate of free sale must describe or give the name of the product(s) to be imported.  
The certificate of free sale will be returned to the user and must be valid (it is valid for 1 year).  
 
For countries that do not issue certificates  of free sale, an official alternative document that contains 
the same information as the certificate of free sale may be submitted.  
 
12. The import authorization for prepared foodstuffs, raw materials and food additives is subject to 
the payment of a ser vice fee of USD 5.00 for each application.  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. (Phytosanitary, animal health and food certificates) It varies depending 
on the type of product.  
 
The validity of licences cannot be extended, th ey must be requested again. Consideration will be 
given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been some delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non-transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
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  17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No, none.  
 
19. The legal currency in circulation in El Salvador is the United States dollar and the exchange rate 
is set by the Central Reserve Bank and has been fixed since 2001.  
 
2.2  Chemicals and Compounds, Pharmaceutical Products, Fertilizers and Preparations For 
Pharmaceutical Use and Cosmetics, Hygiene Products and Medical Inputs  
Outline of systems  
 
1. In accordance  with Legislative Decree No. 417, authorization must be obtained and the fees must 
be paid for the licence to import or manufacture chemicals and compounds, pharmaceutical products, 
fertilizers and preparation for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use, hygiene p roducts and medical 
imports. The authorization will be issued once the product has been assessed and approved by the 
regulatory authority.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries,  irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but rather to 
verify compliance with chemical and pharmaceutical product standards for human consumption/use.  
 
5. This type  of product is governed by Legislative Decree No. 417, entitled "Fees applicable in the 
National Directorate of Medicines for services and licences for health establishments".  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement pro cess to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  The importation of these products can be processed through the single window of the Import 
and Export Processing Centre (CIEX -BCR).  
 
The importer must be registered in the Imports System (SIMP) of CIEX -BCR. 
To import me dicines, the importer must apply to the National Directorate of Medicines (DNM) to 
create a user name and password for the administrative procedures portal, so that the import 
voucher can be generated, which will then be submitted through the CIEX single w indow together 
with the import application.  
 
The import application must be submitted through the CIEX single window, with the supporting 
technical documentation.  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
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  More details about the procedure for requesting authorization to import chemicals and compou nds, 
pharmaceutical products, fertilizers and preparations for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use, can be 
found at: https://www.medicamentos.gob.sv/index.php/es/66 -como -importar .  
 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
In El Salvador, th e Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public a dministration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons, including foreign nationals with a residence permit.  
 
Documenta tional and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. Importers must be registered in the CIEX -BCR Imports System (SIMP), by following the steps 
described here: https://www.ciexelsalvador.gob.sv/ciexelsalvador/pasos -para-registrarse -en-simp-
2/. 
 
They must have a user name and password for the DNM administrative procedures portal. These 
can be requested electronically by sending an email to: 
importaciones.exportaciones@medicamentos.gob.sv  or in person at the counters in the DNM by 
completing the form set out in Annex II (a). Information on the importer and the product to be 
importe d is required. For each section by product, the application form is attached.  
 
The documents required are described in detail for each product in the section entitled 
"Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence", such as the cert ificate of 
free sale or other official document containing the same information, etc.  
 
11. The import application must be submitted through the CIEX single window, with the supporting 
technical documentation. Document requirements can be found in the CIEX Guía de importaciones 
de medicamentos, cosméticos, higiénicos, productos químicos e insumos médicos (Manual for 
imports of medicines, cosmetics, hygiene products, chemicals and medical inputs), attached in 
Annex II (b). The approved import licence or permi t.  
 
12. Authorization to import chemicals and compounds, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers and 
preparations for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use, hygiene products and medical inputs is subject 
to payment of a product -specific tariff, which is set forth in Legislative Decree No. 417. See 
Annex  II (c).  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. (Phytosanitary, animal health and food certificates) It varies depending 
on the type of product. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested again. 
Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been some 
delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific pr oduct/quantities to be imported.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 8 - 
  17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No, none.  
 
19. The legal currency in circulation in El Salvador is the United States dollar and the exchange rate 
is set by the Central Reserve Bank and has been fixed since 2001.  
 
3  ARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES AND PYROTECHNIC PRODUCTS  
3.1  Arms and Ammunition  
Outline of systems  
 
1. The Ministry of Defence shall issue the special permit for the importation of firearms and 
ammunition. The importer must obtain this permit prior to the entry of such articles into the national 
territory.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is to control and regulate the use, manufacture, import, export and 
marketing of firearms, ammuniti on, explosives, accessories and similar items, in order to protect 
the lives, personal integrity and property of citizens.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Law on the control and regulation of arms, ammunition, 
explosives and similar items. Anne x III (a).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement process to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c) There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d) The special permit application to import and market firearms and ammunition is to be 
submitted to the Logistics Directorate of the Ministry of Defence.  
 
8. Authorizatio n is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, the Law on Admin istrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 9 - 
  Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, whic h have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for  import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons, including foreign nationals with a residence permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. Application with the applicant's details and area of activity according to the format given in 
Annex III (b). Information on the importer and the product to be imported is required. For each 
section by product, the application form is attached.  
 
The d ocuments required are described in detail for each product in the section entitled 
"Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence", such as the certificate of 
free sale or other official document containing the same information, etc.  
 
11. A copy of the Salvadoran national identity card (DUI), tax identification number (NIT) and 
credentials of the legal representative, and the import permit.  
 
- Criminal and police records of the company's legal representative and board members;  
- The c ompany's articles of association, NIT, value added tax (VAT) identification number and 
business registration number;  
- A sworn statement before a notary public that the information is true;  
- List of arms and ammunition to be imported/marketed (first time ); 
- A sketch of the company's location;  
- If the importer cannot complete the formalities, an authorized representative may do so upon 
presentation of the special or administrative power of attorney with a special clause, and 
certified DUI and NIT.  
 
12. The special permit to import arms and ammunitions is issued subject to the payment of a fee of 
USD 1,434.86.  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested 
again. Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been 
some delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No, none.  
 
19. The legal currency in circulation in El Salvador is the United States dollar and the exchange rate 
is set by the Central Reserve Bank and has been fixed since 2001.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 10 - 
  3.2  Explosives and Pyrotechnic Products  
Outline of systems  
 
1. The Ministry of Defence shall issue the special permit for the importation of explosives and 
pyrotechnic products. The importer mus t obtain this permit prior to the entry of such articles into 
the national territory.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is to control and regulate the use, manufacture, import, export and 
marketing of explosives and pyrotechnic products, in order to protect the lives, personal integrity 
and property of citizens.  
 
5. This type of product is governed  by the Law on the control and regulation of arms, ammunition, 
explosives and similar items. Annex III (a).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement process to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importat ion. 
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  Submit to the Logistics Directorate of the Ministry of Defence the application for a pyrotechnic 
products permit for natural persons or, in the case of companies, the application for a 
pyrotechnic products permit for legal persons.  
 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. App licants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for set tling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrativ e disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons, including forei gn nationals with a residence permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. Application with the applicant's details and area of activity according to the format given in 
Annex III (b).  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 11 - 
  For each section by product, the application form is attached.  
 
(a) The application with the applicant's details and area of activity according to the natural or 
legal persons format, given in Annex III (c) and Annex III (d);  
(b)  Photocopy of the zoning ordinance issued by t he respective town hall allowing the 
manufacture, storage or marketing of pyrotechnic products or pyrotechnic -related substances;  
(c)  Photocopy of the health certificate issued by MINSAL;  
(d)  Photocopy of the certificate of compliance with security measu res, issued by the Fire Service 
of El Salvador;  
(e)  The applicant's DUI, NIT, passport or permanent residency permit, either the originals and 
photocopies, or photocopies certified by a notary public;  
(f)  The original clean criminal record certificate fr om the National Civilian Police;  
(g)  Photocopy, certified by a notary public, of the special power of attorney (in the event that it 
is not the applicant who collects the permit);  
(h)  The company's most recent financial statement filed and duly registere d with the 
National  Registry Centre (CNR) and social security contributions, in order to determine into 
which category the company falls (large, medium -sized or small);  
(i)  Documentation to be submitted as photocopies shall be notarized by a notary publi c; 
(j)  Simple photocopy of the receipt of payment issued by the Special Activities Fund of the 
Logistics Support Command of the Armed Forces (FAE -CALFA), Arms Register in the 
Ministry  of Defence.  
 
Legal persons should also submit:  
 
(k)  A notarized photoc opy of the valid public deed of incorporation of the company or group and 
any modification of the articles of incorporation, duly registered with the Business Registry;  
(l)  Valid identity card of the legal representative of the company or its sole directo r, as the case 
may be, duly registered and up to date in the Business Registry;  
(m)  Photocopy of the company registration certificate;  
(n)  The original clean criminal record certificate of the legal representative issued by the 
National  Civilian Police.  
 
11. The import licence.  
 
12. The issuance of the special permit to import explosives and pyrotechnic products is subject to 
the payment of a fee, calculated according to which category the company belongs to and pursuant 
to Executive Decision No. 1119 of the Finance Branch, dated 9 August 2016, as follows:  
 
Micro -enterprise………. = USD 93.58  
Small enterprise…… = USD 729.50  
Medium -sized enterprise…… = USD 1,882.64  
Large enterprise……… = USD 3,647.43  
First pyrotechnics inspection = USD 50.00  
Re-inspection for comments made during the first inspection = USD 25.00  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested 
again. Consideration will be given to  special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been 
some delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the imp orter 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other conditions.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 12 - 
  Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
4  NARCOTICS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, AGGREGATED PRODUCTS, PRECURSORS, 
CHEMICALS, AND VETERINARY AND ANAESTHETIC PRODUCTS  
Outline of systems  
 
1. The importation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, aggregated products, precursors, 
chemicals, and veterinary and anaesthetic pr oducts is regulated, controlled and subject to 
authorization by the National Directorate of Medicines and the Anti -Drug Trafficking Division of the 
National Civilian Police, in accordance with the provisions of international treaties and agreements, 
in par ticular the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the 1961 Convention 
as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 
1971, and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narc otic Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances of 1988.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is to regul ate and control the use, manufacture, importation, 
exportation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, aggregated products, precursors, chemicals, 
and veterinary and anaesthetic products, with a view to preventing any activity relating to the 
diversion  and illegal use of controlled substances. The importation of these products is subject to an 
annual licence or permit, depending on the quantity that is expected to be needed in that year.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Regulations on Narcot ics, Psychotropic Substances, 
Precursors, Chemical Substances and Products, and Aggregates. Annex IV (a).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).   
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  Submit to the Logistics Directorate of the Ministry of Defence the application for a pyrotechnic 
products permit for natural persons or, in the case of companies, the application for a 
pyrotechnic products permit for legal persons.  
 
Comp lete the application form to import narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, aggregated 
products, precursors, chemicals, and veterinary and anaesthetic products, and submit it to 
the National Directorate of Medicines. Annexes IV (b), (c) and (d).  
 
More det ails about the procedure for requesting authorization to import this type of product 
can be found at: https://www.medicamentos.gob.sv/index.php/es/servicios -
m/descar gables/ue -m. 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 13 - 
  In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a clai m before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. Import  permits for this type of product are issued by the National Directorate of Medicines, they 
are granted to pharmaceutical laboratories, pharmacies, hospitals, first aid stations, suppliers of 
dental materials, clinical laboratories and pharmaceutical quali ty control laboratories. Permits are 
also granted to veterinary suppliers, pharmacies and hospitals, agri -services, universities, 
autonomous institutions, and other business or bodies that require these substances or products. 
Similarly, permits are issued  to industries that use these substances in their production processes 
and in other special cases.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. Importers of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, aggregated products, precurs ors, 
chemicals, and veterinary and anaesthetic products must submit, in writing, no later than the month 
of May of each year, their import forecasts for controlled substances and products, estimated for the 
next calendar year, except for those who import t hese substances and products only occasionally.  
 
11. This type of product may only be imported subject to authorization and the issuance of a licence 
or a permit from the Narcotics Unit of the National Directorate of Medicines.  
 
Import quantities greater than the quotas assigned to each establishment may not be authorized.  
 
The import application form shall include:  
 
• The name and address of the importing establishment and its registration number with the 
Directorate;  
• The name of  the official in charge and their registration number with the relevant professional 
body, or the person responsible for the establishment;  
• The name and address of the exporter and the country of origin of the controlled substance 
or product;  
• The quantity of the substance or product to be imported, given in numbers and words, the 
pharmaceutical form and dosage form;  
• The name of the substance and its use;  
• The product's brand name, the substance it contains, the concentration and registration 
number with the Directorate;  
• The means of entry and point of entry;  
• The signature and seal of the official in charge or the person responsible;  
• The seal of the establishment licensed by and registered with the Directorate.  
 
12. The cost of import permits for narcotic dru gs, psychotropic substances, aggregated products, 
precursors, chemicals, and veterinary and anaesthetic products is set out in Legislative Decree 
No. 417, entitled "Fees Applicable in the National Directorate of Medicines for Services and Licences 
for Heal th Establishments", Annex II (c).  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. (Phytosanitary, animal health and food certificates) It varies depending 
on the type of product. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be  requested again. 
Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been some 
delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 14 - 
  16. Import licences or permits are non-transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b) There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requireme nts 
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
5  SOURCES AND EQUIPMENT GENERATING IONIZING RADIATION  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Imports of products generating ionizing radiation require prior approval before those articles enter 
the national territory. This authorization may be obtain ed through the Directorate -General of Health 
of the Ministry of Health.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of the se licences is to achieve an appropriate level of protection and security for 
occupationally exposed workers, patients, the general public and the environment.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by Decree No. 41, entitled "Regulations on Radiation Protec tion 
and Safety". Annex V (a).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement pro cess to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  The import permit request must be submitted to the Directorate -General of H ealth of the 
Ministry of Health.  
 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit  was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing  a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 15 - 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons, including foreign nationals with a residence permit.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10-11 Fulfil the requir ements set out in Annex V (b).  
 
12. An import permit for this type of product costs USD 75.00 (for between one and three pieces of 
equipment or sources) and USD 150.00 (for more than three pieces of equipment).  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. The vali dity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested 
again. Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been 
some delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other co nditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
6  HYDROCARBONS  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Hydrocarbon imports require prior authorization to enter the national territory issued by the 
Ministry of Economic Affairs, in order to regulate the operations  of the oil industry at all stages.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is not to restrict imports, but to regulate the operations of the oil 
industry at all stages.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the General Law on Hydrocarbons and the Law regulating the 
storage, transportation and distribution of oil products. Annexes VI (a) and (b).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement process to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 16 - 
  (b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete .  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  Submit the import application and the accompanying documents to the Directorate of 
Hydrocarbons and Mines of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.  
 
8. Authorization is refused  only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply  for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10-11 Fulfil the requirements set out in Annex VI (c).  
 
12. The import application is free of charge; however, the selling  prices of hydrocarbons on the 
domestic market are governed by the General Law on Hydrocarbons.  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested 
again. Consideration wil l be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been 
some delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
7  PLANTS, ANIMALS AND PRODUCTS THEREOF  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Imports of plants, animals and products thereof require prior approval before those articles enter 
the national territory, this includes an inspection by the Ministry of Agricul ture and Livestock, with 
the aim of preventing the introduction of pests and diseases into the country.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 17 - 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is not to restrict imports, but to prevent the introduction of pests 
and diseases into the country.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Law on Plant and Animal Health. Annex VII (a).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not a pplicable.  
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement process to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no li mitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  Submit the import application and the accompanying documents to the Ministry of Agriculture 
and Livestock.  
 
"Prior approval" means submitting, in advance, to the office of the Ministry of Agricul ture and 
Livestock (MAG) designated by CIEX -BCR, the documentation (originals or copies) for imports 
of plants, animals, and products of animal or plant origin for agricultural use, to be processed 
through the different customs offices of the country. Thes e imports will then be released for 
entry into the country.  
 
"Inspection" means paying for checks carried out on plants, animals, products of animal or 
plant origin upon entry into the country, to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.  
 
8. Authori zation is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals,  which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to appl y for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 18 - 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. (a)  Import request (see Annexes VII (b) and (c));  
(b)  Prior request;  
(c)  Original and copy of the plant and animal health import authorization;  
(d)  Originals or copies of the documents required, as indicated on the import authorization;  
(e)  Original and copy of the goods declaration (DM) or the Central American Single Declaration 
(DUCA), including attached doc uments;  
(f)  Original and copy of the product invoice;  
(g)  Proof of pre -payment and inspection, issued by MAG (original and copy).  
 
12. Prior phytosanitary authorization for imports of plants, products and by -products of plant origin, 
animals, products an d by-products of animal origin, and agricultural inputs, costs USD  5.65 
(including VAT). Inspections of imports of products of plant or animal origin vary depending on their 
weight and the customs point of entry.  
 
13. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. (Phytosanitary, animal health and food certificates) It varies depending 
on the type of product. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested again. 
Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods  are in transit and there has been some 
delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product /quantities to be imported.  
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b)  There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
8  CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL -BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS FOR AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK 
OR VETERINARY USE  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Imports of chemical and chemical -biological products for agricultural, livestock or veterinary use 
require an import authorization or permit. Pesticides, fertilizers, raw materials, chemicals  and 
biological material for agricultural use, which are marketed in the country, must also be registered.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of t he products.  
4. The purpose of these licences is not to restrict imports but to regulate the production, marketing, 
distribution, importation, exportation and use of: pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, improvers, 
defoliants and other chemical and chemica l-biological products for agricultural, livestock or 
veterinary use, and their raw materials.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Law on the Control of Pesticides, Fertilizers and Products 
for Agricultural Use. Annex VIII (a).  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 19 - 
  Procedures  
 
6. Not a pplicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement process to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no l imitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)   For this product, the import authorization is only processed by a single administrative organ.  
 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants  are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling d isputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disput es that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons.  
 
Documentational and ot her requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. (a)  Registered or Unregistered Products Import Application, as the case may be;  
(b)  Photocopy of the purchase invoice for the product;  
(c)  Product Data Sheet (for unregistered products);  
(d)  Letter explaining the purpose of the importation and the intended use of the product (for 
unregistered products).  
 
11. Authorizations and permits are subject to the payment of a fee of USD 6.78 for agricultural 
products. In addition, a levy equivalent to 0.6% of the c.i.f. value of the imported products will be 
charged.  
 
12. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. (Phytosanitary, animal health and food certificates) It varies depending 
on the type of product. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested again. 
Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been some 
delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import lice nces or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 20 - 
  17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b) There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
9  OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Imports of ozone depleting substance require an authorization to import hazardous substances 
controlled by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 
4. The purpose of these licences is to phase out ozone -depleting substances, introd uce control 
measures and add new controlled substances.  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Amendments to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone Layer. Annex IX (a).  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement pro cess to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptly, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  Apply for authorization to import hazardous substances controlled by the Ministry of 
Environment and Natural Resources. This process is administered by CIEX -BCR - office of the 
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN).  
 
8. Authorization is refu sed only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, the Law on Administrative  Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have ju risdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the right to apply for import a uthorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons.  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 21 - 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. (a)  Import request;  
(b) Environmental form, duly filled out and signed by the owner or legal representative of the 
company (see Anne x IX (b));  
(c)  Material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each chemical or hazardous substance;  
(d)  If it is the first import request, copies of the legal documents detailing the legal personality of 
the applicant, duly notarized;  
(e)  Submit in digital forma t (append CD), the MSDS for each chemical or hazardous substance 
and the table presented in the format of the environmental form, when the number of chemical 
or hazardous substances products is greater than 20 items;  
(f)  If the applicant or legal represen tative is not able to collect the approved Environmental Permit 
in person, he or she shall sign a legal document authorizing someone else to collect the 
documents;  
(g)  If the person submitting the form is not the signatory, the signature of the applicant must be 
notarized.  
 
11. The import authorization for ozone depleting substances is free of charge.  
 
12. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested 
again. Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and there has been 
some delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be imported.  
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative rest rictions.  
 
(b) There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
10  HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES  
The procedure for hazardous substances is the same as that for ozone depleting substances 
described in the previous section. Both are wit hin the purview of the Ministry of the Environment 
and Natural Resources (MARN).  
 
Annex X (a) contains the list of hazardous substances regulated by MARN.  
 
11  WILDLIFE SPECIES  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Imports of wildlife species require an import permit issued by the Ministry of the Environment and 
Natural Resources (MARN).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
 
2. It applies to the above -mentioned products.  
 
3. It applies to all countries, irrespective of the origin of the products.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 22 - 
  4. The purpose of thes e licences is to protect, recover, manage, exploit and conserve wildlife, 
including the regulation of activities such as hunting, gathering and marketing, as well as other 
forms of using and exploiting these resources  
 
5. This type of product is governed by the Law on Wildlife Conservation. Annex XI (a).  
 
Pursuant to this Law, "wildlife" is understood to mean: "Art. 2. -Wildlife is understood to mean 
biodiverse species that live and reproduce without human intervention, as well as those species 
introduced i nto the country that manage to establish a breeding population, whether terrestrial, 
aquatic or aerial species, resident or migratory, and parts and products thereof, except those 
domestic and agricultural, livestock or fishery animal or plant species that  rely on humans for their 
survival."  
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Prior to importation, so that when the product enters the country, it already has the import 
licence (permit).  
 
Import licences (permits) are generally issued in an expeditious and timely manner. Work is 
currently under way on a government improvement process to reduce response times, 
provided that the required documentation is completed prior to importation.  
 
(b) Generally speaking, import permits are granted promptl y, provided all documentation is 
complete.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations on the date of submission of an application.  
 
(d)  Apply for an authorization to import wildlife species issued by MARN.  
 
8. Authorization is refused only when the established legal requirements are not met. Applicants are 
informed in writing. Appeals for review may be filed before the same institution from which the 
import licence or permit was requested.  
 
In El Salvador, t he Law on Administrative Procedures regulates the administrative review procedure 
for settling disputes when authorization is refused.  
 
Once administrative remedies have been exhausted, there is also the option of filing a claim before 
the administrative tribunals, which have jurisdiction to verify the legality of and settle any 
administrative disputes that might arise between the public administration and individuals.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence  
 
9. All persons/importers have the rig ht to apply for import authorizations, whether natural and legal 
persons.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
 
10. (a)  Complete the form to import wildlife species (see Annex XI (b));  
(b)  Submit the completed form with an nexes to the MARN central offices;  
(c)  A photocopy of both sides of the DUI enlarged to 150% produced on one side of a sheet of 
paper, duly notarized;  
(d)  A photocopy of the registered articles of incorporation and identity documents of the legal 
represe ntative, duly notarized if it is the first time this application is being submitted (using 
2019 as a baseline);  
(e)  Original proof that samples were deposited with national reference collection points, excluding 
taxonomic genetic samples;  
(f)  The plant or animal health certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) 
for non -CITES species.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 23 - 
  11. The authorization to import wildlife species is free of charge.  
 
12. No, none.  
 
Licensing conditions  
 
14. It is generally 30 days. (Phytosanitary, animal health and food certificates), it varies depending 
on the type of product. The validity of licences cannot be extended, they must be requested again. 
Consideration will be given to special cases where the goods are in transit and the re has been some 
delay.  
 
15. No penalty is imposed for the non -utilization of import licences or permits.  
 
16. Import licences or permits are non -transferable, as they specify the particulars of the importer 
and the specific product/quantities to be import ed. 
 
17.(a)  No, these products are not subject to quantitative restrictions.  
 
(b) There are no other conditions.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18-19. No, none.  
 
_______________  
 
  G/LIC/N/3/SLV/5  
- 24 - 
  ANNEXES  
Annexes I to XI, which are referred to throughout the replies to the questionnaire, can be 
downloaded at the following link:  
 
- https://importlicensing.wto.org/members/el -salvador  
 
__________