G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
8 March  2023 
(23-1676) Page: 1/18 
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 (2022)  
ALBANIA  
The following communication, dated 6 February 2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Albania.  
 
Table of Contents  
1   PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS (PPP)  ................................ ................................ ........  1 
2   LIVE ANIMALS, LEATHER, FEED, BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL ON ANIMAL 
INSEMINATION,  VETERINARY DRUGS AND VACCINES  ................................ .....................  3 
3   CHEMICALS (MERCURY)  ................................ ................................ ..............................  6 
4   OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
5   MILITARY GOODS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 13 
 
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 February 2009 "On Licensing, Authorizations and Permits in the Republic of Albania", as 
amended. Import of products for plant protection in Albania is conduc ted through permissions issued 
by the NBC, based on some preliminary criteria to be fulfilled by the interested parties.  
 
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 th e NBC.  
 
According to Law No. 105/2016 dated 14 October 2016 "On the plant protection services", as 
amended, in Albania, only registered products for plant protection can be imported. The procedures 
for the registration of PPP are performed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system covers plant protection products such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, 
disinfectants and similar products. These products fall under code 3808 of the C ombined 
Nomenclature.  
 
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  3. All PPPs marketed or used in the territory of the Republic of Albania should undergo the 
registration procedure. Only the PPPs, registered in one of the EU countries, can be registered in 
Albania.  
 
4. This licensing system does no t intend to restrict the quantity or value of imports coming into 
Albania. The purpose of issuing the import license of PPP is to strictly control the products. 
Since  these are poisonous products, their careless utilization can affect plants, animals, huma n 
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 February 2009 "On Licensing, Authorizations a nd Permits in the 
Republic of Albania";  
- Law No. 105/2016 dated 14 October 2016 "On the plant protection services", as amended; 
and 
- Decision of the Council of the Ministers No. 532 dated 11 September 2018, "On the approval 
of the rules on trade, transpo rt, 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. The time limit 
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 granted after the examination of the required documentation, within t he 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) Application for trading licenses are affected only by one administrative organ, which is the 
National Business Centre.  
 
8. The license can be refused when the importer fails to meet the appropriate conditions on storage 
and preservation of the plant protec tion products as required by the legislation (including the 
necessary documentation). The applicant is informed officially by the NBC, for the reasons 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 bodies and at the court of first instance.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. There are no restric tive 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 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 list is available to the National Food Authority for control 
effects.  
 
A list of fees exists which is based on t he common guidance of the Ministry of Finances and Economy 
and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, No. 8 dated 8 May 2007 "On the fees and 
secondary revenues applicable by institutions of the agriculture and food system", as amended.  
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  Documentat ional and other requirements for a permit application  
10. The applicant presents the required documents to the Directory of the NBC. The whole set of 
documents is available at the NBC office.  
 
11. Wholesale trading license of plant protection products is p resented 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 2.000 ALL.  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment requirement.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The license is permanent.  
 
15. No penalty.  
 
16. The license is not transferable.  
 
17. No conditions are attached to the issuing of the license.  
 
Other Procedural requirements  
18. Yes, there is the p rocedure 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 INSEMINATION, 
VETERINARY DRUGS AND VACCINES  
Outline of system  
1. The procedure of licensing is performed according to Law "On licensing", No. 10081, dated 
23 February 2009, as well as according to sublegal acts for law impleme ntation. The legislation on 
licensing defines the activities according to fields (categories and subcategories ) 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 subcategories  are checked over by 
the National Business Centre (NBC) at the Ministry of Finances and Econom y. 
 
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 evaluat ion 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 fi nal decision of the NBC is published in the register and the title is delivered to the applicant in 
the premises of the NBC.  
 
The competent Directory in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development can suspend or revoke 
the license in cases where, during controls and verifications results that the technical -technological 
and sanitary -veterinary requirements are not fulfilled according to the respective law.  
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  Purpose 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 Agricultur e and Rural Development does not determine 
quotas for import licenses.  
 
Licensing is a legal request, and the licensing system is based on the following legal framework:  
 
- Law No. 10081, dated 23 February 2009 "On licenses, authorization and permission in  
Republic of Albania";  
- Law No. 10465 dated 29 September 2011 "On veterinary service in the Republic of Albania";  
- Law, No. 10137, dated 11 May 2009 "On some amendments in current legislation on licenses, 
authorization and permission in Republic of Alban ia"; 
- Law No. 9426 dated 6 October 2005 "Animal Breeding" – as amended.  
- Decision, No. 538, dated 26 May 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 December 2009, "On some amendments in Decision, No. 538, 
dated 26 May 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. 10081, dated 2 3 February 2009 "On licenses, authorization 
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. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) Imports can be carried out only after issuance of the import license. Goods cannot arrive at 
the port wit hout the license. The import is being made only after the NBC issues the license 
to the importer.  
 
(b) No, because the licensing authority must examine the documentation required. The timing to 
issue a license is 10 -15 days.  
 
(c) No limitations for the tim e 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 Developmen t. 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.  
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  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 inspections. 
Administrative complaints are analysed  by representatives of the NBC, except cases of licenses with 
preliminary inspection which are analysed  by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  
 
In the cases of prel iminary inspection, the Ministry 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 t he 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 sect ion 6 of the Code of 
Administrative Procedures on administrative complaints within one month.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for a License  
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 guidance of the Ministry of Finances and Economy and 
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, No. 8 dated 8 May 2 007 "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 National Authority 
of Veterinary and Plant Protections a nd National Food Authority.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for a permit application  
10. The necessary information and the documentation to be filled by the applicant are provided by 
the NBC.  
 
11. The required documents are those issued by the Nati onal 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 animals - 10.000 ALL;  
(b) for trading of racial material – 10.00 ALL; and  
(c) for veterinary medicinal products - 100.000 ALL.  
If made online, the application is free of charge otherwise if made at the NBC's premises the 
administrative charge is 100 ALL.  
 
13. No advance payment or deposit is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. All li censes are indefinite based on Article 11, Law No. 10081, dated 23 February 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 Rur al Development performs frequent 
on-site controls. If 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.  
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  (b)  No. 
 
Other Procedural requirements  
18. No, there are not any other administrative procedures.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided automatically by banking authoriti es, every day.  
3  CHEMICALS (MERCURY)  
Outline of Systems  
1. Republic of Albania has ratified the Minamata Convention, by Law No. 7/2020 "On ratification of 
the Minamata Convention "On mercury "". From 26 May 2020, Albania is listed among Parties which 
have ratified  the Minamata  Convention.  http://www.mercuryconvention.org/Countries/Parties/tabi
d/3428/language/en -US/Default.aspx . 
 
In the field of chemicals management, on 17 March 2016, in Republic of Albania has been 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 for the 
production, placing on the market, deposit and storage of hazardous chemicals shall be issued by 
the Minister responsible for industry. Documentation and procedure s 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. Th e license foreseen in the law of chemicals No. 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 June 2019 "On approval of the Rules 
for the Prohib ition of Export of Metal Mercury, Mercury Compounds and  Mercury Mixtures, Safe 
storage of metallic mercury and Specific Criterias for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered 
waste", is specified that: In any case, placing on the market, deposit and st orage 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, placing on th e market, and the storage of hazardous chemicals. This DCM 
has entered into force after 1 January 2020.  
 
DCM No. 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 ac cordance 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 gi ven 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 No. 27/2016, does not aim to restrict quantity or 
values imported, but to regulate the interior procedures for hazardous chemicals wi th purpose 
protection of human health and the environment.  
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  5. The licensing system for the production, placing on the market, deposit and storage of hazardous 
chemicals, including mercury, is based on:  
 
1. Law No. 27/2016 "On chemicals management";  
 
2. DCM No. 442, dated 26 June 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 Criterias for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered waste" ; 
 
3. 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.  
 
Procedure s 
6.I.-XI. Non applicable.  
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a)-(c)The documentation and procedures requested for the licence for the production, placing on 
the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, are not approved yet by the Council 
of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible for industry.  
 
(d)  Based on the 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 Council of Ministers, on the propo sal 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 7(d), 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 provided to natural persons who use hazardous chemicals for such 
activities as: artistic activities, scientific research activities and other specific activities.  
 
The detailed documentation and procedures for issuing this lic ense 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.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. Based on point 3, Section II.2,of the DCM No. 442, dated 26 June 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 Criterias 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 accordance with th e 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.  
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  The detailed documentat ion and procedures for issuing this license for the production, placing on 
the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, will be specified in the Decision of Council 
of Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible for industry.  
 
DCM No.  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 mini stry 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 June 2019 "On approval of the Rules for the Prohibition of Export of 
Metal Mercury, Mercur y Compounds and Mercury Mixtures, Safe storage of metallic mercury and 
Specific Criterias for Safe storage of metallic mercury Considered waste", entered into force on 
1 January  2020. In this context for import of the actual mercury, the entity must have t he license 
for the production, placing on the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, based on 
the Law No. 27/2016, also the MSDS in Albanian and English languages. Import of mercury as a 
pesticide, 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 import of mercury, will be specified in the Decision of Cou ncil of Ministers, on the proposal 
of the Minister responsible for industry.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14–17. The documentation and procedures requested for the licence for the production, placing on 
the market, storage and storage of hazardous chemicals, a re not approved yet by the Council of 
Ministers, on the proposal of the Minister responsible for industry.  
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. Yes, DCM No. 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 ministry responsible for the 
environment/Chemicals Office, in frame of the obligations of Mercury C onvention, 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 und er 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 M inister of Environment in 
charge.  
 
19. We do not have information on that.  
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  4  OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of Systems  
1. In 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", whic h has partially transposed in 
place three EU regulation Nos. 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 May 2019, amended.  
 
(b) The import of Controlled Substances included in Annex C, Group 1 of Annex I of this Decision 
is allowed onl y on the basis of annual quotas, determined in Annex IV of this Decision. The  way 
for allocating the annual import quotas of the controlled substances, is determined  by Minister 
of Tourism and Environment Guideline No. 1, dated 6 May 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 "Import 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 Environment, in which is/a re 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 substances that deplete the o zone layer, is based on:  
 
(1)  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";  
 
(2)  Minister of Tourism and Environment Order No. 166, dated 24 May 2019 "On procedures and 
documentation for equipment with the import license code III.3, and for its 
suspension/revocation", amended;  
 
(3)  Minister of Tourism and Environment Guideline No. 1, dated 6 May 2019, "On th e way of 
determining the way to allocate the importation of controlled substances annual quotas", 
amended  
 
Procedures  
6.I. The controlled substances that deplete the ozone layer, and the products relying on them, are 
specified in DCM No. 10/2019, mentioned above in point 5. DCM in itself together with the 
two sub -laws which regulate procedures that need to be followed, are available for the public 
and interested stakeholders and published in the Official Journal webpage. The annual quotas 
Diagram f or 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 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  specific year. Based in this Diagram, the annual quantity of such substances/produ cts relying 
in them, which were allowed to be imported for the year 2021 was 60 T, and in 2022 the 
annual allowed quota has been reduced on 44 650 kg. This annual import quota  has been 
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 No. 10/2019, foreseen also some exceptional cases for import of controll ed 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, national security, scientific research or to deal wit h 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 made by order 
of the Minister responsible for t he 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 f rom 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 import ing quotas, can be done only 
once a year by a n 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 
substan ces 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 Gen eral 
Customs Directorate do not allow import. All the interested stakeholders, upon a request, can 
have all the necessary information. The Minister Guideline No. 1/2019, amended, has foreseen 
as above:  
 
- The Responsible Directorate of Ozone Depleting Poli cies 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 s hall be published on the website of the Ministry responsible for the 
environment.  
 
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 license application for License III.3, also the application for Ministers Authorization, 
has a time limit 20 days. In the case of Authorization, when the entity is r equired to fulfil the 
missing documents, the period of reviewing the application is postponed to maximum 25 days.   
VI. No time specified. The import procedures can be followed after issuing of the Ministers 
authorization.  
 
VII. Application for License III.3, is done through the National Business Center (NBC). The next 
steps are determined and approved by the Minister order 166/2019, amended. The NBC  
electronically transmits to the National Environment Agency (NEA) the application s 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 
license.  
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  VIII. Procedures of issuing the License III.3, are separate from the Ministers authorization of annual 
import quotas. In the Ministers Guideline, No. 1/2019, amended, is specified that:  
 
- Where more than one entity applies to the Ministry at the same time, the available 
annual import quota shall, where possible, b e distributed equally or roughly between 
interested entities. In any case, the allocation of the quota is distributed and based on 
a simple mathematical calculation that includes the number of entities that applied, 
what amount they applied for and how muc h is the total amount that can be imported 
to Albania for the year in question.  
- The annual import 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, and 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.  
 
IX. Referred to the DCM No. 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 entity, 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.(a)-(d) The controlled substances that deplete ozone layer, are based on quantitative limit, in this 
regard q uestions above are not relevant in this case.  
 
8. Any interested party subject to DCM No. 10, dated 9 January 2019, has the right to complain to 
the NBC on administrative acts, acts or omissions of the Ministry.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Lice nse  
9.(a) and (b) 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.  
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. Any natural or legal person who carries out import activity of controlled substances, in order to 
obtain the license of "import of ozone depleting substances" with code III.3, apply to the windows 
of the National Business Center (NBC), by submitting the following documentation:  
(a)  Request to the Ministry responsible for environment for equi pment 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 dip loma 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.  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  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 substances under, for each quantity they im port 
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 an d 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 
No. 10/2019;  
 
(d)  Self-declaration 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.  
12-13. Application near NBC, for obtaining the License with code III.3, has as fee of 100 lek/1 
Dollar/around 1 Euro. Meanwhile, application in the Min istry responsible for environment for 
obtaining Ministers Authorization with the annual importing quotas, has no fee.  
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Please refer to point II, above.  
 
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 three months from the date of approval/issuing 
of the Authorization. Taking into consideration that the most part of the interested companies, 
applied at the beginni ng of the year 2020, and the 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 Authorizations issued for the year 2020, from three months until to the en d of the year 
2020. This extension, has been made though the Minister Guideline No. 2, dated 8 July 2020 
"On some changes on the Guideline No. 1, dated 6 May 2019 "On the way of determining the way 
to allocate the importation of controlled substances annua l quotas"".  
 
15. No, but based on the Ministers Guideline No. 1/2019, amended, any importing entity within 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 Authorizatio n and import quota of Controlled Substances.  
 
16. No the legislation in force, does not foresee such thing.  
 
17.(a)Please refer to point 10, above.  
 
(b)  Such products are not subject to 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 foresee such thing.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  5  MILITARY GOODS  
Outline of Systems  
1. The import of the military goods and dual use goods and technology is managed by the Albanian 
State Export Control Authority (AKSHE) under the Minister of Defense. Trade with foreign parties is 
performed based on licenses and authorizations issued by th is authority after consultations if needed 
with the relevant institutions.  
 
This permission is issued based on Law No. 46/2018 "On state, international transfer control of 
military goods and dual -use items and technologies" .  
 
AKSHE's work is focused on t he state control of exports, imports, transits, transfers and intermediary 
activities for military goods and dual use goods and technology, to ensure the interests of the 
Republic of Albania, to supervise its commitment to international treaties of non -proliferation of 
weapons of mass destruction and their launching systems, the transfer of conventional weapons, as 
well as the implementation of measures aiming prevention of use of such goods for unlawful 
purposes.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The  licensing system for military goods and dual use goods and technology function as one, 
concentrated in the State Export Control Authority mentioned in the previous question.  
The products that are covered are listed in the national list according to the Co uncil of Ministers 
Decision No. 668 on 10 November 2021: "On the approval of the updated lists of military goods and 
related technologies with dual use, which undergo the import -export state control" . 
 
This list is based on European Union published list on military goods and dual -use goods and 
technology.  
 
3. The system does not discriminate any country.  
 
4. The licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or values of imports. In the Alba nian 
legislation for the import of military and dual use goods there is no restriction in value or quantity.  
The state export – import control policy is built on the following principles:  
 
- Priority of national interest – political, economic and military,  the protection of which is 
necessary for guaranteeing national security.  
- Protection of the political, economic and military interest of the country.  
- Obligation to observe the international commitments undertaken by the Republic of Albania 
about the no n-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and to 
ensure state control over international transfer of goods designed for military purposes, and 
dual-use items, as well as to prevent these goods from being used for terrorist ac ts and other 
illegal purposes.  
- Conduct of export control over the international transfers of these goods to the extent required 
to only achieve its purpose.  
- Harmonization of state control procedures and regulations, international transfers of these 
goods with international legal norms and practices.  
- Ensuring interaction with international organizations and foreign countries in the state export 
control area, so as to reinforce international security and stability, including non -proliferation 
of weapons  of mass destruction and the system for their proliferation.  
 
5. The Albanian legislation for the import -export military goods and technology of dual use is as 
follows:  
- The Law No. 46/2018, "On state, international transfer control of military goods and dual -use 
items and technologies";  
- The Law No. 74/2014 "On Arms";  
- Ministries Council Decision No. 31, dated 22 January 2020 "On organizing, function and status 
of State Export Control Authority"  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  - The Council of Ministers Decision No. 668 on 10 November 2021 : "On the approval of the 
updated lists of military goods and related technologies with dual use, which undergo the 
import -export state control";  
- The Council of  Ministers' Decision No. 604, on 28 August 2003 "On approval, in principle, of 
code of conduct of European Union on weapons exports";  
- The Council of Ministers' Decision No. 202, 10 April 2019 "On designating fees for issued legal 
documents"; and  
- The Council of Ministers' Decision No. 76, on 30 December 2008 "On designated format, 
schedules and presentation time of reports".   
Any import of military and dual use goods needs  to be licensed by the State Export Control Authority.  
 
An import license i s always required.  
 
An exception from this is made only in the cases that follow:  
 
(a) the transfer of controlled goods in connection with the activities of Armed Forces, or other 
state security structures of the Republic of Albania  outside of its territory, carried out as part 
of international agreements ensuring the mechanism of state cont rol over the movement of 
these goods;  
 
(b) the international transfer of controlled goods in connection with the activities of foreign 
military forces in the territory of the Republic of Albania , carried out in the framework of 
international agreements ens uring the mechanism of state control over the movement of these 
goods;  
 
(c) the international transfers of anaesthetics  (medical anaesthetic  gases), sports and hunting 
arms excluded from the military list, gas transport vessels, and exportation and importa tion 
of personal armament of military servicemen, and state law enforcement and internal security 
bodies, which carry arms in accordance with the law; and  
 
(d) the international transfer of controlled goods, which aim at ensuring provision of state military 
assistance in accordance with the terms contained in international agreements and treaties to 
which the Republic of Albania  is a party, and the movement of go ods outside of the country 
with a view to offering emergency assistance to foreign countries, when this is established by 
law. 
 
The licensing system in Albania  cannot be abolished without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. The licensing procedures and formalities are published on the official website of the State 
Export Control Authority www.akshe.gov.al . In the Albanian legislation there is no restriction 
in the value, quantity or license quotas.  
 
Also, according to the Albanian legislation there cannot be derogations from the licensing 
requirement.  
 
II. There are no such as size of quotas. A license can be issued with the validity from 1 -3 year 
with the extend option if there is a contract between the en tities involved.  
 
III. There is no restriction in the Albanian legislation related this matter.  
 
An import license is issued only when there is an application for it, which fulfils the 
requirements of the Albanian legislation. Also, the State Export Cont rol Authority has the 
authority to do controls before, during, and after issuing the import license. Also, to obtain an 
import license is needed an end -user statement or certificate which is filled by the importer 
or any other who is the end user.  
 
IV. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  V. If issuance of licences and authorisations does not call for coordination of work among the 
other institutions concerned, the time -limit for considering an application shall be determined 
in accordance with the categories of goods, but sha ll not exceed the following timescale as of 
the day of application:  
 
1. Fifteen days for importation or transhipment of goods, and temporary importation/ 
exportation of goods for exhibitions,  fairs, advertising, testing, and other similar 
purposes, if this do es not call for transfer of ownership.  
 
(a) 30 days for import of military goods and for registration to conduct transfers of 
military  goods.  
 
(b) 20 days for the import of dual use items and technologies  
 
(c) 15 days for transit/transshipment  and technical assistance of controlled goods, 
and temporary importation/exportation of controlled goods for exhibitions, 
fairs, advertising, testing, and other similar purposes, if these do not call for 
transfer of ownership.  
 
(d) 15 days for internationa l import certificates, end user certificates, delivery 
verification certificates.  
 
This time -limit does not include the time required for obtaining additional information from 
entities involved in international transfers of goods.  
 
VI. There are no such pr ovisions in the Albanian legislation. After that the import license is 
granted,  the importation can be done at any time during its validity period.  
 
VII. A license application is proceeded by the State Export Control Authority.  
 
Trade activities with foreigners take place on the basis of licences and authorisations issued 
by this Authority, following if required the consulting of opinion of the institutions concerned.  
The concerned institutions are the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Intelligence 
Agencies, and Ministry of Interior.  
 
VIII. If the demand for licenses cannot be fully satisfied, the license cannot be granted. There are 
no exceptions.  
 
The new importers that want to deal with international trade of military goods need to be 
registered by the State Export Control Authority. After they get the Registration Certificate, 
they can demand for an import license. This registration is not required for the trade of dual 
use goods and technologies.  
 
IX. In the Republic of Albania for  the import of military goods and dual use goods and technology, 
always is required an import license even when there is an export license issued by the 
exporting countries.  
 
Also, in this case the import license is not issued automatically but the applic ation is subject 
to controls.  
 
X. Not applicable . 
 
XI. Not applicable . 
 
7.(a) The application must be done 15 days before to import the goods. This time limit is the 
maximum to proceed an import license. If the importer submits all the necessary documents 
and satisfy all the requirements, the license can be obtained within a shorter time. But this is 
to be considered case by case.  
 
(b) No. It has to be revised step by step.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  (c) No. 
 
(d) A license application is proceeded by the State Export Control.  
 
Trade activities with foreigners take place on the basis of licences and authorisations issued 
by this  Authority, following if required the consulting of opinion of the institutions concerned.  
The concerned institutions are the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Intelligence 
Agencies, and Ministry of Interior.  
 
8. The circumstances under which the license can be refused are:  
 
- The application for obtaining licences, authorisatio ns or international import certificates will 
not be taken into consideration if:  
 
1. The application for obtaining licences, will be rejected by the State Export Control 
Authority if:  
 
 (a) During the assessment, the institutions or other governmental bodies which have 
powers over international transfer controls did not give their consent.  
 
 (b) there are conditions prescribed under Article 12 of this law.  
 
 (c) the information provided in the request is intentionally incomplete or incorrec t or 
they are formulated contrary to the requirements prescribed by this Law;  
 
 (d) There are other reasons running counter to Albanian legislation in force, or the 
ratified international agreements.  
 
  In the event that the application for obtaining licen ses, or certificate is rejected, 
the State Export Control Authority gives notice to the applicant and the state body 
responsible within three days from the taking of the relevant decision, laying 
down the explanations of and reasons behind failure to consi der it or its rejection.  
 
The decision made by the State Export Control Authority to revoke licence, authorisation and 
international import certificate, or to remove from the rolls the name of an entity involved in 
economic activities with foreign countrie s for international transfers of goods, may be appealed 
against to the court of appeal, in accordance with the general rules of appeal. Appeal against 
decision does not suspend its execution.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. A person or a firm or institution that wants to deal with the import of military goods has first to 
be registered by the State Export Control Authority. This provision is not required for the import of 
dual use goods.  
 
The registration certificate fee for military goods  is US$30.  
 
All the persons or firms that are registered by the State Export Control Authority are in a list 
published on the website: www.akshe.gov.al . 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10.(1) Certificate of registration (only for military goods).  
 
(2)  Licence  application form completed by type, according to the guidelines set forth in this form, 
signed by the legal representative of the entity (notarized photocopy of the passport).  
 
(3)  Brief summary of current commercial activity, which reflects the entity's ability to perform 
activities in the area of transfer of military goods (only private commercial entities)  
 
(4)  A natural person who seeks to obtain a licence  must submit the follow ing documents:  G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  - Document that certifies expertise in the field of international transfers of military goods  
- Identification document (identity card, passport,).  
- Proof that the judicial process is not (Section Civil and Criminal) issued by the judicial 
district in which the person resides.  
- Certificate of prosecution that is not a criminal proceeding.  
- Certificate of execution that no obligations to individuals or legal entities, private or 
state.  
- Document that proves he is not convicted of any offense that constitutes grounds for 
denial of licence , the illegal activities during the last ten years from the date of the 
application for licence . 
- Certificate of tax authorities and the bank where the money transfer will be performed.  
- Taxpayer Personal Identification Number (allowed for import -export).  
- Extract the simple and historical taken by the National Registration Centre.  
 
(5)  Legal person who seeks to obtain a license must submit the following documents:  
 
- Confirmation that the company is trial (Civil and Criminal Section) issued by the judicial 
district in which the company is headquartered.  
- Certificate of prosecution that is not a criminal proceeding  
- Certificate of execution that no obligations to individuals or legal entit ies, private or 
state.  
- Proof of payment of taxes by the tax department.  
- Certificate from the bank where the money transfer will be performed.  
- Statute of the company (notarized copy).  
- The act of establishment (notarized copy).  
- Decision of the cour t to establish the company.  
- Taxpayer Personal Identification Number.  
- Extract the simple and historical taken by the National Registration centre.  
 
(6) International import certificate or end -user. 
 
(7)  Documents that provide information on the description of goods, conditions of delivery, 
quantity of goods, the value of goods, state transit transship, destination country and the last 
user, and country of origin of goods.  
 
(8) Notarized copy of the contr act or order certified by the legal representative of the subject.  
 
(9) Bill of goods.  
 
(10) Documents that provide information on the description of goods, conditions of delivery, place 
of destination or origin of goods.  
 
(11) Documents that provide information on the partner firm address, financial credibility, the bank 
account.  
 
(12)  Other valid documents to be considered as such by the State Export Control Authority.  
 
(13)  Warrant payment of the appropriate fee.  
 
11. The documents require d upon importation are the documents mentioned in the previous 
question.  
 
12. The licensing fee for an import license with the validity of one year is US$30.  
 
13. There is no other deposit or advance payment except that paid for licensing fee.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The validity of the license is from one -three years, according to the type of the license required. 
The validity of the license can be extend ed, but not after the term of validity of the economic 
agreement, which refers to this license.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ALB/12  
 
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  15. There is not penalty for non -utilization of the licenses.  
 
16. Licenses are not transferable.  
 
17. There are no other conditions attached to the issue of t he license.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. No, there are no other procedures prior importations.  
 
19. All banks provide foreign exchange automatically.  
__________