G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
23 November 2020  
(20-8410) Page: 1/13 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  (2020) 
ALBANIA  
The following communication, dated 13 Novem ber 2020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Albania.  
 
_______________  
 
1   PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS (PPP)  ................................ ................................ ....... 1 
2   LIVE ANIMALS, LEATHER, FEED, BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL ON ANIMAL 
INSEMINATIONS, VETERINARY DRUGS AND VACCI NES ................................ ..................  3 
3   CHEMICALS (MERCURY)  ................................ ................................ .............................  6 
4   OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
 
1  PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS (PPP)  
Outline of System  
1. The procedure of licensing in Albania is made in accordance with Law No. 10081, dated 
23.02.2009 “On Licensing, Authorizations and Permits in the Republic of Albania”, as amended. 
Import of products for plant protection in Albania is conducted through permissions issued by the 
NBC, based on some preliminary criteria to be fulfilled by the interested parties.  
 
The en tities are inspected from the National Food Authority. The decision of the NFA is based on the 
evaluation of submitted documents and on -site inspection to assess fulfilment  of requirements and 
mandatory standards defined in the legislation. Approval or ref usal is published in the register within 
the deadline, otherwise it is considered as approved. This license is issued through the NBC.  
 
According to Law No. 105/2016 dated 14.10.2016 "On the plant protection services” in Albania, only 
registered products f or plant protection can be imported. The procedures for the registration of PPP 
are performed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system covers plant protection products such as insecti cides, fungicides, herbicides, 
disinfectants and similar products. These products fall under code 3808 of the Combined 
Nomenclature.   
 
3. All PPPs marketed or used in the territory of the Republic of Albania should undergo the 
registration procedure. There  are registered in the Republic of Albania only PPPs, which are 
registered in one from the European Union countries.  
 
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  4. This licensing system does not intend to restrict the quantity or value of imports coming into 
Albania. The purpose of issuing the impor t license of PPP is to strictly control the products. Since 
these are poisonous products, their careless utilization can affect plants, animals, human beings and 
the environment. It is the only known method for plant protection in international legislation . 
 
5. The Albanian legislation that regulates this licensing system includes:  
 
• Law No. 10081 dated 23.02.2009 “On Licensing, Authorizations and Permits in the Republic 
of Albania”;  
• Law No. 105/2016 dated 14.10.2016 "On the plant protection services “;  
• Decision of the Council of the Ministers No.532 dated 11.09.2018, “On the approval of the 
rules on trade, transport, preservation and storage of plant protection products”.  
 
Procedures  
6.I.-XI Not applicable.   
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
a) The importer can import the product at the time when he judges is appropriate. There is not 
any restriction when to make  the application. Based on Law No. 10081 dated 23.02.2009 “On 
Licensing, Authorizations and Permissions in the Republic of Albania” the maximum time for 
processing the applications and to obtain a license is 15 days and the license cannot be 
obtained for goods arriving at the port without a license.  
 
b) The license is gr anted after the examination of the required documentation, within the time 
limits set forth in the legislation. Up to now, no emergency applications for licenses are 
deposited in the National Business Centre.  
 
c) No limitations related to the period of the  year during which applications for license can be 
made.  
 
d) The entities that import Plant Protection Products have to approach one administrative organ 
which is the National Business Center. After submission of the a pplication for trading licenses 
the Na tional Business Centre  forwards the application to National Food Authority . The entities 
are inspected from the National Food Authority. The decision of the NFA is based on the 
evaluation of submitted documents and on -site inspection to assess fulfilment of requirements 
and mandatory standards defined in the legislation. Approval or refusal is published in the 
register within the deadline, otherwise it is considered as approved. This license is issued 
through the NBC.  
 
8. The license can be refu sed when the importer fails to meet the appropriate conditions on storage 
and preservation of the plant protection products as required by the legislation (including the 
necessary documentation). The applicant is informed officially by the NBC, for the rea sons of the 
license’s refusal. This information is published automatically on the NBC’s website. According to the 
legislation on plant protection in the case of the refusal of the license, the applicant has the right to 
appeal at higher administrative bodi es and at the court of first instance.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. There are no restrictive systems. All persons, firms and institutions that satisfy the criteria set 
forth in the current legislation have the right to apply for a lice nse. 
 
No, there is not such a system. All persons who have wholesale trading licenses are eligible to import 
plant protection products that are registered in Albania. The list of approved licenses by subjects is 
published on the website of the NBC. The lis t is available to the National Food Authority for control 
effects.  
 
A list of fees exists which is based on the common guidance of the Ministry of Finances and Economy 
and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, No. 8 dated 08.05.2007 “On the fees and 
secondary revenues applicable by institutions of the agriculture and food system”, as amended.  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The applicant presents the required documents to the Directory of the NBC. The whol e set of 
documents is available at the NBC office.  
 
11. Wholesale trading license of plant protection products is presented at the quarantine inspectorate 
office at the cross -border points. After the control by quarantine inspectorate is carried out, the 
customs authorities accomplish customs procedures.  
 
12. Licensing fee is 2000 ALL.  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment requirement.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The licence is permanent.  
 
15. No penalty.  
 
16. Licenses are not transferable.  
 
17. No conditions  are attached to the issuing of the license.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Yes, there is the procedure of the PPP registration in the Republic of Albania. This procedure is 
performed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided automatically by banking authorities, every day.  
 
2  LIVE ANIMALS, LEATHER, FEED, BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL ON ANIMAL INSEMINATIONS, 
VETERINARY DRUGS AND VACCI NES 
Outline of System  
1. The procedure of licensing is performed according to Law “On licensing”, No. 10081, dated 
23.02.2009 , as well as according to sublegal acts for law implementation. The legislation on licensing 
defines the activities according to fields (categories and sub -categories) and special criteria for 
licensing; evincive documentation and any other accompanying documents for each activity.  
 
Requests for licensing of activities included in such categories or sub -categories are checked over 
by the National Business Centre (NBC) at the Ministry of Finances an d Economy.  
 
Assessment on fulfilment  of criteria for licensing (approval) is done by the institution that covers the 
respective field of activity.  
 
The decision of the competent Directory in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is 
based on the  evaluation of submitted documents and on -site inspection to assess fulfilment  of 
requirements and mandatory standards defined in the legislation. Approval or refusal is published in 
the register within the deadline, otherwise it is considered as approved.  
 
The final decision of the NBC is published in the register and the title is delivered to the applicant in 
the wickets of the NBC.  
 
The competent Directory in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development can suspend or revoke 
the license in cases whe re, during controls and verifications results that the technical -technological 
and sanitary -veterinary requirements are not fulfilled according to the respective law.  
 
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Import licensing system is covering these groups of products:  
 
(a) live animals;  
(b) biological material on animal insemination;  
(c)  veterinary medicinal products.  
3. Import is carried out based on bilateral trade agreements that Albania has signed with various 
countries where the products are imported from (or even from other countries that meet the 
requirements of the legislation in force).  
 
4. The licensing system does not intend to restrict the quantity and the value of imports. There is 
not any alternative method. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rur al Development does not determine 
quotas for import licenses.  
 
5. Licensing is a legal request, and the licensing system is based on the following legal framework:  
 
• Law No. 10 08 1, dated 23.2.2009 “On licenses, authorization and permission in Republic of 
Albania”;  
• Law No. 10465 dated 29.09.2011 "On veterinary service in the Republic of Albania";  
• Law, No. 10 137, dated 11.5.2009 “On some amendments in current legislation on licenses, 
authorization and permission in Republic of Albania”;  
• Law No. 9426 dated 06.10.2005 “Animal Breeding” – as amended ; 
• Decision, No. 538, dated 26.5.2009 “On licenses and permits treated by or through the 
National Licensing Centre (NLC) and some other common sub -legal regulations”;  
• Decision, No. 1295, dated 29.12.2009, “On some amendments in Decision, No. 538, dated 
26.5.2009 “On licenses and authorization that are checked over through NBC and some 
other common sub -legal regulations” . 
 
Licensing is authorized by the Law No. 10 081, dated 23.02.2009 “On licenses, authoriz ation and 
permission in the Republic of Albania” and the system cannot be abolished without legislative 
approval. The legislation does not leave designation of products to administrative discretion.  
 
Procedures  
6. I-XI. Not applicable . 
 
7.a) The applicatio n for licence can be submitted at any time.  Imports can be carried out only after 
issuance of the import license. Goods cannot arrive at the port without the license. The import 
is being made only after the NBC issues the license to the importer.  
 
For good s and import entities which meet the criteria and conditions defined in the relevant 
legislation, licenses are without limitations.  
 
In order to ensure that licenses are used for import issues, the steps are as follows:  
 
- The approved list of importers is sent to the Regional Agencies of the Service of 
Veterinary and Plant Protections in regions, National Food Authority and border 
inspection points or  
- List of approved licenses is published on the NBC’s website.  
 
The import of goods is made on ly based on:  
 
- Law No. 10081, dated 23.02.2009 “On licenses, authorization and permission in the 
Republic of Albania”;  
- Law No. 10465 dated 29.09.2011 "On veterinary service in the Republic of Albania";  
- Decision, No. 538, dated 26.05.2009 “On licenses and authorization that are checked 
over through NCL and some other common sub -legal regulations”;  
- Annex I: Permission and licensing categories which are followed by/or through NBC;  
- Annex I, Section II: Food and Health. Category II.2, Code II.2, B; Cate gory II.3:  
Breeding or animal trading with Code II.3, C; Category II.7, Code II 7B.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  b) No, because the licensing authority must examine the documentation required. The timing to 
issue a license is 10 -15 days.  
 
The maximum time to process the application for a license to import is:  
 
(a) live animals       10 days;  
(b) biological material on animal insemination   15 days;  
(c) veterinary medicinal products     15 days.  
 
These terms for processing the applications are based on the decision, No. 12 95, dated 
29.12.2009, “On some amendments in Decision No. 538, dated 26.05.2009 “On licenses and 
authorization that are checked over through the NCL and some other common sub -legal 
regulations”.  
 
c) No limitations for the time of application.  
 
d) The NBC is the only entity where the applicant needs to apply (each importer) and present all 
the documentation. Documents are being sent online (from the NBC office), for approval to 
the Ministry of Agriculture, and Rural Development. After this process, the NBC issues the 
import license to the applicant  
 
8.  The license can be refused in cases when the importer does not meet the requirements set forth 
in the law and regulations.  
 
The applicant is informed officially by the NBC, for the reasons of a license’s refusal. This information 
is published automatically on the NBC’s website.  
 
Any interested party has the right to appeal on an administrative procedure to the NBC or Ministry 
of Agriculture and Rural Development for cases of licenses with preliminary inspe ctions. 
Administrative complaints are analyzed by representatives of the NBC, except cases of licenses with 
preliminary inspection which are analyzed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
 
In the cases of preliminary inspection, the Ministr y of Agriculture and Rural Development is informed 
by the NBC when a complaint is presented to their office.  
 
In both cases, complaints addressed to the NBC or Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 
are published in the National Registry of Permits  and Licenses.  
 
For administrative issues, a decision given after reviewing the administrative complaint may be 
directly appealed to the competent court.  
 
The above -mentioned issues are followed by the terms specified in section 6 of the Code of 
Administra tive Procedures on administrative complaints within one month.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. There are no restrictive systems. All persons, firms and institutions that satisfy the criteria set 
forth in the current legislation have the right to apply for a license. No, there is no such system.  
 
A list of fees exists which is based on the common guidance of the Ministry of Finances and Economy 
and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, No. 8 dated 08.05.2007 “On the fees and 
secondary revenues applicable by institutions of the agriculture and food system”, as amended.  
 
The list of approved licenses is published on the NBC’s website and is sent to the Regional Agencies 
of the Service of Veterinary and Plant Protections in regions, National Food Authority and border 
inspection points or responsible bodies for control of license.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  The necessary information and the documentation to be filled b y the applicant are provided by 
the NBC.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  11. The required documents are those issued by the National Business Centre (NBC).  
 
12.  Depends on the type of license, there is a different fee for different licenses. The fee for a license 
is: 
 
(a) for live anim als - 10.000 ALL;  
(b) for trading of racial material – 10.00 ALL; and  
(c) for veterinary medicinal products - 100.000 ALL.  
 
13. No, advance payment or deposit is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  All licenses are indefinite based on Article 11, Law No. 10 081, dated 23.02.2009 “On licenses, 
authorization and permission in the Republic of Albania”. In order to check if the conditions are 
fulfilled by the applicant, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development performs frequent 
on-site controls. I f some conditions are not fulfilled,  then the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural 
Development presents the proposal to the NBC for the refusal of this license.  
 
15. No. 
 
16. No, licenses are not transferable.  
 
17.(a) Not applicable. We do not have quantity restrictions for products.  
 
(b)  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No, there are not any other administrative procedures.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided automatically by banking authorities, every day.  
 
3  CHEMICALS (MERCURY)  
Outline of System  
1. Republic of Albania has ratified the Minamata Convention, by Law no. 7/2020 “On ratification of 
the Minamata Convention “On mercu ry”. From 26.05.2020, Albania is listed among Parties which 
have ratified the Minamata Convention.  
 
http://www.mercuryconvention.org/Countries/Parties/tabid/3428/language/en -US/Default.aspx  . 
 
In the field of chemicals management, on 17.03.2016, in Republic of Albania has bee n approved the 
new Law no. 27/2016 "On chemicals management ".  
 
In article 28, point 1, of this law, is specified that the production, placing on the market, deposit and 
storage of hazardous chemicals are performed by licensed legal entities.  The license f or the 
production, placing on the market, deposit and storage of hazardous chemicals shall be issued by 
the Minister responsible for industry. Documentation and procedures for issuing licenses for the 
production, placing on the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals shall be approved 
by the Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible for industry.  
 
 Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The license foreseen in the law of chemicals 27/2016, cover the production, placing on the market, 
deposit and storage of hazardous chemicals.  
 
Based on point 3, Section II.2,  of the DCM no. 442, dated 26.6.2019 "On approval of the Rules for 
the Prohibiti on of Export of Metal Mercury, Mercury Compounds and  Mercury Mixtures, Safe storage 
of metallic mercury and Specific Criteria  for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered waste", is G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  specified that: In any case, placing on the market, deposit  and storage of wastes  (mercury wastes)  
shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements laid down in the applicable legislation on 
the management of chemicals by natural or legal persons, provided with a relevant license for the 
production, placin g on the market, and the storage of hazardous chemicals.  This DCM has enter ed 
into force after 1 January 2020.  
 
DCM 442/2019, also foreseen that import of mercury and the import of mercury mixtures listed in 
Annex I to that Decision for a particular use in  accordance with the legislation on chemicals 
management is allowed only when the ministry responsible for the environment/Chemicals Office, 
in frame of the obligations of Mercury Convention, has given written consent for that import. Consent 
in writing is  given when:  
 
(a)  the exporting State is a Party to the Convention and the mercury to be exported shall 
not be considered as the primary extract of the mineral wool, prohibited under the 
Convention, or  
(b)  the exporting State not party to the Convention provides the document that the mercury 
is not considered to be the primary extract of the mercury mineral.  
 
3. The system applies to hazardous chemicals, coming from all countries, and which intend to be 
produced, placed on the market (including  import), deposit and storage hazardous chemicals in 
Republic of Albania.  
 
4. The license foreseen in the law of chemicals 27/2016, does not aim to restrict quantity or values 
imported, but to regulate the interior procedures for hazardous chemicals with p urpose protection 
of human health and the environment.  
 
5. The licensing system for the production, placing on the market, deposit and storage of hazardous 
chemicals, including mercury , is based on:  
 
- Law no. 27/2016 "On chemicals management "; 
- DCM no. 442, dated 26.6.2019 "On approval of the Rules for the Prohibition of Export 
of Metal Mercury, Mercury Compounds and Mercury Mixtures, Safe storage of metallic 
mercury and Specific Criteria  for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered waste",  
- Documentation and procedures for issuing licenses for the production, placing on the 
market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals shall be approved by the Council 
of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible for industry.  
 
 Procedures  
6.I-XI:  Not applicable . 
 
7. Based on the Albanian Law no. 27/2016 "On chemicals management", documentation and 
procedures for issuing licenses for the production, placing on the market, storage and storage of 
hazardous chemicals shall be approved by the Cou ncil of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister 
responsible for industry. In this regard, the above questions will be properly addressed after 
preparation, approval of that DCM.  
 
8. Please refer to point VIII, above.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. Based on the Law no. 27/2016 "On chemicals management ", the license for the production, 
placing on the market, deposit and storage of hazardous chemicals, shall be issued to legal entities 
if they meet the essential requirements for the storage of hazardous chemicals:  
 
a)  have a system for maintenance and storage of special hazardous chemicals;  
b)  prevent the access / entry of unauthorized persons who may use chemicals for inappropriate 
purposes;  
c)  take preventive measures to avoid the risk of dangerous chemicals.  
 
With this license can also be provide d natural persons who use hazardous chemicals for such 
activities as: artistic activities, scientific research activities and other specific activities.  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  The detailed documentation and procedures for issuing this license for the production, placing on 
the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, with be specified in the Decision of Council 
of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible fo r industry.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. Based on point 3, Section II.2,  of the DCM no. 442, dated 26.6.2019 "On approval of the Rules 
for the Prohibition of Export of Metal Mercury, Mercury Compounds and Mercury  Mixtures, Safe 
storage of metallic mercury and Specific Criteria for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered 
waste", is specified that: In any case, placing on the market, deposit and storage of wastes (mercury 
wastes) shall be carried out in accordan ce with the requirements laid down in the applicable 
legislation on the management of chemicals by natural or legal persons, provided with a relevant 
license for the production, placing on the market, and the storage of hazardous chemicals.  
 
The detailed documentation and procedures for issuing this license for the production, placing on 
the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, with be specified in the Decision of Council 
of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible for  industry.  
 
DCM 442/2019, in point 2, of Section II.2, also foreseen that import of mercury and the import of 
mercury mixtures listed in Annex I to that Decision for a particular use in accordance with the 
legislation on chemicals management is allowed onl y when the ministry responsible for the 
environment/Chemicals Office, in frame of the obligations of Mercury Convention, has given written 
consent for that import. Consent in writing is given when:  
 
(a)  the exporting State is a Party to the Convention and the mercury to be exported shall 
not be considered as the primary extract of the mineral wool, prohibited under the 
Convention, or  
(b)  the exporting State not party to the Convention provides the document that the mercury 
is not considered to be the primary extract of the mercury mineral.  
 
The formats for the implementation of point 2 , will be approved by the Minister of Environment in 
charge.  
 
11. DCM no. 442, dated 26.6.2019 "On approval of the Rules for the Prohibition of Export of Metal 
Mercury, Mercury Compounds and Mercury Mixtures, Safe storage of metallic mercury and Specific 
criteria  for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered waste", entered into force on 1 
January  2020. In this conte xt for import of the actual mercury, the entity must have the license for 
the production, placing on the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, based on the 
law 27/2016, also the MSDS in Albanian  and English  language. Import of mercury as a pe sticide, is 
not permitted in the country.  
 
12.-13. The detailed documentation and procedures,  including if there would be any fee for issuing 
this license for the production, placing on the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, 
including impo rt of mercury, will be specified in the Decision of Council of Ministers, on the proposal 
of the Minister responsible for industry.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Please refer to point 12, above.  
 
15. Please refer to point 12, above.  
 
16. Please refer to p oint 12, above.  
 
17. Please refer to point 12, above.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Yes, DCM 442/2019, in point 2, of Section II.2, also foreseen that import of mercury and the 
import of mercury mixtures listed in Annex I to that Decision for a particular use in accordance with 
the legislation on chemicals management is allowed only when the m inistry responsible for the G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  environment/Chemicals Office, in frame of the obligations of Mercury Convention, has given written 
consent for that import. Consent in writing is given when:  
 
(a)  the exporting State is a Party to the Convention and the mercury  to be exported shall 
not be considered as the primary extract of the mineral wool, prohibited under the 
Convention, or  
(b)  the exporting State not party to the Convention provides the document that the mercury 
is not considered to be the primary extract of the mercury mineral.  
 
The formats for the implementation of point 2 , will be approved by the Minister of Environment in 
charge.  
 
19. We do not have information on that.  
 
4  OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of Systems  
On January 2019, Council of Minister has approved a new DCM no.10/2019 "On Rules for the 
Production, Import, Export, Placing On the Market and Use of Ozone -Depleting Substances, as well 
as the Products and Equipment that Contain these Substances ”, which has pa rtially transposed in 
place 3 (three) EU regulations no.1005/2009; 291/2011 and 744/2010.  
 
Based on this DCM : 
 
a) Import and /or export of Controlled Substances is carried out only by the Entities equipped 
with the relevant license with Code III.3, in accordance with the criteria, terms, deadlines and 
procedures set out in Law no. 10081/2009 and other applicable acts on licenses, 
authorizations and permits in the Republic of Albania. (point 1, chapter VII). Procedures and 
documentation for equipment with the import license code III.3, are determined, approved by 
Minister of Tourism and Environment Order  no. 166, dated 24.05.2019, amended.  
 
b) The import of Controlled Substances included in Annex C, Group 1 of Annex I of this Decision 
is allowed only on the basis of annual quotas, determined in Annex IV of this Decision. T he 
way for allocating the annual import quotas o f the controlled substances , is determained 
through the by Minister of Tourism and Environment Guideline no. 1, dated 06.05.2019, 
amended.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The licensing system, cover the controlled substances that deplete the ozone layer, included in 
Annex C, Group 1 of Annex I.  
 
3.  From all countries which are Party to the Montreal Protocol.  
 
4.  DCM no.10/2019, intend to regulate among others also import and placing in the market of 
controlled substances that deplete the ozone layer, and products, equipment’s that contain such 
substances. Through the licensing system and  issuing the License “Impor t of Ozone Depleting 
Substances” Code III.3, is regulated the field of activity for entities operating in this area.  
 
The import of Controlled Substances and its quantities is restricted/controlled through the 
Authorization of Minister of Tourism and Envi ronment, in which is/are specified, issued annual import 
quotas on ozone deplete substances, for each entity. Authorization of the Minister  can be issued only 
to entities licensed with License Code III.3.  
 
5.  The licensing system for the controlled substa nces that deplete the ozone layer, is based on:  
 
- DCM no.10/2019 "On Rules for the Production, Import, Export, Placing on the Market and Use 
of Ozone -Depleting Substances, as well as the Products and Equipment that Contain these 
Substances”;  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  - Minister of Tourism and Environment Order no. 166, dated 24.05.2019 "On procedures and 
documentation for equipment with the import li cense code III.3, and for its suspension / 
revocation”, amended ; 
- Minister of Tourism and Environment Guideline no. 1, dated 06.05.2019, "On the way of 
determining the way to allocate the importation of controlled substances annual quotas", 
amended . 
 
Procedures  
6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports  (whether applicable globally 
or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):   
 
I. The controlled substances that deplete the ozone laye r, and the products relying on them, are 
specified in DCM 10/2019, mentioned above in point 5. DCM in itself together with the two 
sub law s which regulate procedures that need to be followed, are available for the public and 
interested stakeholders and pub lished in the Official Journal webpage. The annual quotas 
Diagram for Republic of Albania  are determined in Annex 4, of the DCM no.10/2019. These 
quotas are not separated by countries or importers but  are given as a quantity in total for a 
specific year. B ased in this Diagram , the annual quantity of such substances/products relying 
in them, allowed to be imported for the year 2020, was 70.8 t. For 2021, the total annual 
quantity will be reduced to 60 t. This annual import quota  must be distributed among the  
licensed entities with code III.3, which apply to the Ministry responsible for environment, 
keeping in mind the observance of the rules for avoiding monopoly. In no case shall the full 
import quota be issued to a single entity.  
 
DCM 10/2019, foreseen also  some exceptional cases for import of controlled substances. In 
exceptional cases, for controlled substances other than hydro chlorofluorocarbons, exemptions 
may be made from the import prohibitions when protecting human life, biological diversity, 
nationa l security, scientific research or to deal with natural disasters. This exemption is 
allowed when it is argued that there are no other solutions from the environmental point of 
view or other solutions are economically unaffordable. Any exemption  shall be m ade by order 
of the Minister responsible for the environment, on the basis of the reasoned request of the 
relevant national authority, specifying the type and quantity of controlled substance to be 
imported, the country from which it will be imported. and the time of delivery, after written 
approval from the Ozone Secretariat has been obtained in advance.  
 
II. Quotas are determined on a yearly basis. Based on the new approved legislation in this area, 
the License “Import of Ozone Depleting Substances” with Code III.3, has not a specific 
duration time but, the license issued is not valuable if it’s not accompanied by the Minister 
authorization, where are specified the relevant import quotas given to the entity, on a yearly 
basis. Application for the Minister Authorization for annual importing quotas, can be done only 
once a year by an entity.  
 
III. The licensing system is referred  to the DCM 10/2019, import and/or export of the controlled 
substances can be done only by the licensed entities with code III.3. The import of controlled 
substances shall be permitted only at customs branches having trained personnel and 
equipment for the  identification of ozone depleting substances. If the entity, has not been 
equipped with the relevant license III.3, following the Minister Authorization, the General 
Customs Directorate do not allow import. All the interested stakeholders, upon a request,  can 
have all the necessary information. The Minister Guideline 1/2019, amended, has foreseen as 
above:  
 
- The Responsible Directorate of Ozone Depleting Policies establishes and maintains a 
register of applicant entities, import quota authorizations issued or refused and any 
other data related to this process.  
 
- The list of importing entities and the relevant approvals for the import of Controlled 
Substances shall be published on the website of the Ministry responsible for the 
environm ent. 
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  IV. There is no specific time mentioned. With the beginning of the new coming year, subjects 
which are equipped with the License III.3, based on their needs for import, can apply to the 
Ministry responsible for environment, for annual import quotas.  
 
V. Both the licence application for License III.3, also the application for Ministers Authorization, 
has a time limit 20 days. In the case of Authorization, when to the entity is required to fulfil 
the missing documents, the period of reviewing the appli cation is postpone maximum to 25 
days.   
 
VI. No time specified. The import procedures can be following after issuing of the Ministers 
Authorization.  
 
VII. Application for Licence III.3, is done through the National Business Center (NBC). The next 
steps ar e determined and approved by the Minister order 166/2019, amended. The NBC  
electronically transmits to the National Environment Agency (NEA) the applications of entities 
for equipment with a license "Import of ozone depleting substances" code III.3. NEA 
downloads applications of entities for equipment under this License and sends them 
immediately to the Environmental Permitting and Licensing Monitoring Sector in the Ministry 
which review the application and prepares relevant act approval or/refuse of it.  
No, the importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ for the 
licence.  
 
VIII. Procedures of issuing the Licence III.3, are separate from given the Ministers authorization of 
annual import quotas. In the Ministers Guideline, 1/2019, a mended, is specified that :  
 
- Where more than one entity applies to the Ministry at the same time, the available 
annual import quota shall, where possible, be distributed equally or roughly between 
interested entities. In any case, the allocation of the q uota is distributed and based on 
a simple mathematical calculation that includes the number of entities that applied, 
what amount they applied for and how much is the total amount that can be imported 
to Albania for the year in question.  
 
- The annual impo rt quota, set out in Annex 4 of the DCM no. 10/2019, is distributed 
among the Licensed entities with code III.3, applying to the Ministry, keeping in mind 
the observance of the rules for avoiding monopoly. In no case shall the full import quota 
be issued t o a single entity.  
 
IX. Referred  to the DCM 10/2019, import of the controlled substances can be done only by the 
licensed entities with code III.3, accompanied by the Minister authorization, where are 
specified the relevant import quotas given to the entit y, on a yearly basis. For having the 
license in such cases, entities must follow the procedure mentioned in point VII, above.  
 
X. The import of controlled substances in Republic of Albania, is permitted only at customs 
branches having trained personnel and equipment for the identification of ozone depleting 
substances. The importing procedures of controlled substances  can only happen  if the 
importing entity has the relevant license III.3, and the annual Ministers Authorization with 
detailed importing quotas given.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. The controlled substances that deplete ozone layer, are based on quantitative limit, in this regard 
questions  above are not relevant in this case.  
 
8.  Yes, each time that an application for issuing license III.3, is refused, the relevant reasons are 
given, mentioned in the refusal act. Any interested party subject to DCM no. 10, dated 9.1.2019, 
has the right to  complain to the NBC on administrative acts, acts or omissions of the Ministry.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. No there is not such a system. The Responsible Directorate of Ozone Depleting Policies has the 
duty to establish and maintains  a register of applicant entities, import quota authorizations issued 
or refused and any other data related to this process.  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10.  Any natural or legal person who carries out import activity o f controlled substances . In order to 
obtain the license of "import of ozone depleting substances" with code III.3, applies to the windows 
of the National Business Center (NBC), by submitting the following documentation:  
 
a)  Request to the Ministry respons ible for environment for equipment with import license for 
Ozone Depleting Substances. The application must contain in a precise and complete manner 
the points specified in the licensing device approval act set out in Schedule 1/a to Minister 
Order no. 166 /2019.  
b)  High school diploma or university diploma for technical director;  
c)  Employment contract proving the required employment relationship with the technical 
manager;  
d)  Certificate of ownership or lease of premises;  
e)  Self-declaration on suitability of premises and equipment.  
 
11. Please refer to point IX, above.  
 
Referring  to point 6, of the Ministers Guideline no. 1/2019, amended, entities licensed with 
code III.3, to carry out the import activity of controlled subst ances under, for each quantity they 
import within the annual quota, must submit to the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment the 
following documents:  
 
a)  The requirement to obtain an authorization for an import quota for ozone depleting 
substances. The application must contain accurately and fully the information specified in the 
authorization for ozone -depleting equipment for the ozone -depleting substances  set out in 
Annex 1/a of the Ministers Guideline.  
b)  Copy of the License “On the Import of Ozone Depleting Substances”, code III.3 . 
c)  Completed import notification form for controlled substances, as set out in Annex 8 of 
DCM 10/2019 . 
d)  Self-declarati on regarding the fulfilment of reporting obligations according to the DCM 
no. 10/2019.  
e)  Copies of the reporting submitted to the ministry and the National Ozone Unit, in accordance 
with point 3, Chapter XI, of DCM no.10 / 2019.  
 
12. Application near NBC , for obtaining the Licence with code III.3, has as fee of 100 lek  / 
1 Dollar/around 1 Euro. Meanwhile, application in the Ministry responsible for environment for 
obtaining Ministers Authorization with the annual importing quotas, has no fee.  
 
13. Application in the Ministry responsible for environment for obtaining Ministers Authorization with 
the annual importing quotas, has no fee . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Based on the Guideline of the Minister no.1/2019, the period of validity of the Minister  
Authorization for import quota of ozone depleting substances, was 3 months from the date of 
approval/issuing of the Authorization. Taking into consideration that the most part of the interested  
companies, applied at the beginning of the year 2020, and th e lockdown situation that most countries 
faced at the first months of 2020 from COVID -19, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, 
evaluated to extent the Authorisations issued for the year 2020, from 3 months until to the end of 
the year 2020. This extens ion has been made though the Minister Guideline no. 2, date 08.07.2020 
“On some changes on the Guideline no.1, date 06.05.2019 "On the way of determining the way to 
allocate the importation of controlled substances annual quotas"”.  
 
15. No, but based on th e Ministers Guideline 1/2019, amended, any importing entity within 10 (ten) 
calendar days after the end of the Ministers Authorization shall formally notify the Ministry of Tourism 
and the Environment as well as the National Ozone Unit, on the application or not by their side of 
the authorization received and if the import has occurred or not.  
 
Non fulfilment of the reporting obligation, can be a reason for refusal of subsequent applications for 
Ministers Authorization and import quota of Controlled Substa nces. 
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/10  
 
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  16.  No the legislation in force, does not foreseen such thing.  
 
17.(a) Please refer to point 10, above.  
 
(b) Such products are not subject of licensing or Ministers Authorization procedures.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Please refer to point X, above.  
 
19. No, the legislation in force for import of controlled substances that deplete the ozone layer, does 
not foreseen such thing.  
 
 
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