G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
6 July 2021 
(21-5338) Page: 1/15 
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 (2021)  
BOTSWANA  
The following notification, of which the first draft was received on 14 May 2021 , is being circulated 
at the request of the delegation Botswana . 
 
 
_______________  
 
 
1   MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY  
(DEPARTMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS PROMOTION)  ................................ ............................  1 
2   MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEV ELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY  
(DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION - AQUACULTURE DIVISION)  ...........................  3 
3   MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY  (DEPARTMENT OF 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE)  ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
4   MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY  
(DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PROTECTION)  ................................ ................................ .........  6 
5   BOTSWANA MEDICINES REGULATORY AUTH ORITY  ................................ ....................  7 
6   DIAMOND HUB  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  10 
7   MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF  
INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS)  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 12 
8   MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE)  ................................ ................................ ..............................  13 
9   MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE)  ................................ ................................ ..............................  14 
 
 
1  MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY (DEPARTMENT OF 
AGRIBUSINESS PROMOTION)  
Outline of system  
1. The I mport Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act. Statutory 
Instrument No.66 of 2005, (Cap 43:08) . The information is published in a number of publications 
including the Botswana Trade Portal website, Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security 
(MoA) and Government portals and various flyers. The information published is in terms of 
requirements for obtaining permits . 
 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  (i) Cereal for the purpose of these regulations shall includ e maize, sorghum, wheat and 
millet as well as by -products derived from processing these cereals.  
 
(ii) Pulses for the purpose of these regulations shall refer to leguminous crops, such as 
lentils and beans . 
 
(iii) Horticulture for the purpose of these reg ulations shall refer to fruits and vegetables . 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries . 
 
4. The licensing is intended to monitor the quantity of imports. The maximum amount to be allocated 
depends on whether the permit is obtained for consumption or business purposes. Companies do 
not have a maximum quantity while individuals obtaining the permit for individual consumption are 
limited to a certain quantity.  
 
5. The Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices a nd other Charges Act. Statutory 
Instrument No.66 of 2005, (Cap 43:08) which is an Act of Parliament that can only be amended by 
Parliament processes. The Act specifies the products covered and is not subject to any discretion.   
 
Procedures  
6.  These are not import quotas.  
 
7.a)  The permit operates continuously and therefore no need to call for applications.  
 
b)  Yes, they are issued automatically.  The permit is issued immediately on request and takes 
 less than five (5) minutes to issue.  
 
c)  Import per mits are issued immediately on request and does not depend on any period of the 
 year. 
 
d)  Import permits are issued by the Department of Agribusiness Promotion in the Ministry of 
Agricultural Development and Food Security and does not need to be passed on to other 
organs for approval.  
 
8. An application cannot be refused if the applicant meets  the ordinary criteria. Applicants have the 
right to appeal using the available structures if they are not satisfied with any process of their 
application.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. All persons/firms and institutions are eligible t o apply for an import permit unless they meet the 
requirements . 
  
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. Personal/ company details, name of exporting country, quantities and products, name of export 
destination, port of entry . 
 
11. A valid import permit together with a valid Sanitary and Phytosanitary Certificate where 
necessary . 
 
12. Permits are charged a fee of 150 BWP (P 150.00) . 
 
13. There are no payments required to get a permit . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Import permit is valid for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days; however , if the importer has 
exhausted their given quantity the permit is considered expired and can be renewed.  G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  15. There are no penalties for not utilizing a  permit . 
 
16. Import permits are not transferable, however , with prior arrangements the importer is allowed 
to engage an agent/transporter.  
 
17. The a pplication for an import permit in respect of goods , the importation of which is restricted 
under any othe r law of Botswana , must be accompanied by a valid permit issued under the law 
concerned.  The re are no  other conditions . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements   
18. There are no other administrative procedures . 
 
19. Foreign exchange is always made available by relevant authorities . 
 
2  MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY (DEPARTMENT OF 
ANIMAL PRODUCTION  - AQUACULTURE DIVISION)  
Outline of Systems  
1. The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security through Department of Vete rinary 
Services is coordinating the issuance of Import permits. There are procedures outlined by the 
ministry with regard for issuance of animal and animal product Import permits and this include fish 
and fish products. The purpose of the procedure is to g uide import control officer in issuance of 
permits in order to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of exotic and/or 
trans-boundary diseases which can jeopardize the country 's access to international markets.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensi ng 
2. The system is maintained to cover products for both the aquatic and terrestrial organisms.  
 
3. The system applies to goods (fish) originating from a myriad number of countries in Europe, Asia, 
Africa, North and South America.  
 
4. The license system procedure is intended to regulate the quantity of the fish and fish products 
that enter into the country.  
 
5. The import permit procedure is regulated in accordance with the Diseases of Animals Act 
CAP 37:01 Section 6. The system c annot be abolished without the approval of the legislative.  
 
Procedures  
6. There are no specific quotas in relation to the import of the fish and fish products into the country.  
 
7.(a) The processing of an import permit is done on receipt of an application by i mporter  and the 
process is prompt. This includes verification of fish product health status of the exporting 
country using WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) and issuing a permit upon 
verification.  
 
(b)  The permit can be granted instantly on  request.  The processing is done instantly on the receipt 
of the application.  
 
(c)  The permit is issued throughout the year . 
 
(d)  For the importation of fish and fish products the application is done through the Department 
of Animal Production, which is then passed to the Department of Veterinary Services for the 
approval and alternatively for the issuance of the import permit.  
 
8. If the applicant obliged to all the terms and conditions stipulated with regard to the issuance of 
import permit, no application would be refused.  
 G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply f or the permit regardless of the system . 
Any applicant both new and old importers have the opportunity to apply for the permit. Each 
applicant is issued with a single permit upon verification and receipt of payment.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence.  
10. The information required is: Applicant name, Postal Address, Contact number, Quantity of the 
products, Name and address of consignor. And the documents required during the application is 
valid National Identity Card (Omang) or Passport for non -citizens.  
 
11. Upon actual importation the importer is required to have Valid Passport and Valid Import Permit.  
 
12. The permit fee is P150 per applicant.  
 
13. To be issued with the import permit the applicant should pay the permit fee immediately on 
receipt of an application.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. The period of validity of the permit is 30 days, and it cannot be extended unless an applicant 
applies for a new permit.  
 
15. If an impor ter decide s not to use the permit, no penalty is incurred . 
 
16. The permit is not transferable.  
 
17. The permit issued by Department of Animal Production in relation to import of fish products is 
only valid when the importer also has a veterinary permit, a nd this applies to both products subject 
to quantitative restriction and vice versa.   
 
Other Procedural Requirements   
18. The are no other administrative procedures . 
 
19. N/A. 
 
3  MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE  AND INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL 
TRADE)  
Outline of Systems  
1. Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act, Statutory 
Instrument No.52 of 2003, (Cap 43:08).  The information is published in a number of publications 
including the Botswana Trade Portal website, and Government portals a nd various flyers. The 
information published is in terms of requirements for obtaining the permits not on quotas as these 
are not import quotas.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. (a) Loaves of bread (exceeding 6 loaves per week) . 
 
(b)  Pie pastries (exceeding 5kg of pasties per week) . 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries . 
 
4. The licensing is intended to monitor the quantity of imports.  These are import permits and can 
therefore be used solely for importation. Moni toring is done through the customs declaration 
processes. Information on trade data is available upon request from Statistics Botswana.  
 G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  5. The Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act. Statutory 
Instrument No.52 of 2 003, (Cap 43:08) which is an Act of Parliament that can only be amended by 
Parliament processes. The Act specifies the products covered and is not subject to any discretion.  
  
Procedures  
6. No quotas . 
  
7. a)  N/A. 
 
b)  Import permits are issued immediately on request (within one day) , by the Department of 
International Trade solely, on request provided that the importer satisfies the requirements .  
Applications for a permit should be submitted before importation, there i s no specific days 
required for the application, however an importer is expected to hold a valid import permit at 
the time of importation.  
 
c)  Import permits do not depend on any period of the year.  
 
d)  Import permits applications are approved by the Dep artment of International Trade, under 
the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry only.  
 
8. An application cannot be refused unless reasons for the application are not valid or if applicant 
has made false claims in order to be granted the permit. Applica nts have the right to appeal to the 
Minister of Investment Trade and Industry with 30 days of receiving the Director of International 
Trade 's decision.    
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. All persons/firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import permit unless they do not 
meet the requirements . 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. Company details, name of exporting country, quantities and products, name, port of entry, 
destination of goods, Company certificate of incorporation, Trading License, request letter, National 
Identity card/passport . 
 
11. A valid import permit . 
 
12. Yes – BWP100 . 
 
13. No. 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Import permit is valid for six (6) months and renewed up on expiry . 
 
15. There are no penalties for not utilizing a permit . 
 
16. Import permits are not transferable.  
 
17. The are no other conditions . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements   
18. There are no other administrative procedures . 
 
19. N/A. G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  4  MINISTRY OF AGRICULT URAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY (DEPARTMENT OF 
PLANT PROTECTION)  
Outline of Systems  
1. The Import Permit is regulated under the Plant Protection Act, Statutory Instrument No.58 
of 2009, (Cap  35:02) . 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. (i)  The I mport Permit  authorizes the importation of plants and plant products and other 
regulated articles into the country.  
 
(ii)  Phytosanitary certificates  are issued to indicate that consignments of plants, plant 
products or other regulated articles meet specif ied phytosanitary  import requirements 
and are in conformity with the certifying statement of the appropriate model certificate.  
 
3. (i)  Permits - The system applies to plants and plant products and other regulated articles 
imported into Botswana . 
 
(ii)  Phytosanitary certificates  - The system applies to plants and plant products and other 
regulated articles exported from Botswana . 
 
4. (i) The permit is intended to prevent introduction, spread and establishment of plant pests, 
to facilitate trade in plants , to enable Botswana to comply with its International 
obligations.  
 
(ii) Phytosanitary certificates  - issued to indicate that consignments of plants, plant 
products or other regulated articles meet specified phytosanitary  import requirements 
and are in con formity with the certifying statement of the appropriate model certificate . 
 
5. Both are regulated under Plant Protection Act of 2007. They can only be amended by Parliament 
processes.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable , there is no restrict ion on  quantities . 
 
7. (a)  Permits should be applied in advance because there are conditions attached which have to be 
certified by the exporting country.  
 
(b) In certain circumstance s yes. According to the Act , 2 weeks for Plant import permits and 
Phytosanitary certificates.  
 
(c) Permits and Phytosanitary certificates can be applied for throughout the year.  
 
(d) Issuance for both permits and Phytosanitary certificates is centralized and issued by one 
organ . 
 
8. A permit can be refused for prohibited plants and plant products and other regulated articles as 
scheduled in the Act . 
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9.(b) Issuance of plant import is given to anyone who applies and Phytosanitary certificat e to 
anyone who complies with the importing country conditions.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10.(a) Information required for plant import permit : 
  
 (i) Name and address of the importer ; G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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   (ii) Name and address of the exporter ; 
 
 (iii) Mode of transport ; 
 
 (iv) Port of entry into Botswana; and  
 
 (v) Name and quantity of consignment to be imported . 
 
b.  Information required for Phytosanitary certificate : 
 
 (i) Plant import permit from the importing country . 
 
11. Original import permit and Phytosanitary certificate . 
 
12. (i) Import permit is P150 ; and  
 
(ii) Phytosanitary certificate is P300 . 
 
13. No deposit required . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Validity period is 6 months for the permit and 2 weeks for the Phytosanitary certificate. Validity 
cannot be extended.  
 
15. No penalty . 
 
16. Licenses are not transferable ; users  can only transfer with authority from the National Plant 
Protection Organization.  
 
17. N/A. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. N/A. 
 
19. N/A. 
 
5  BOTSWANA MEDICINES REGULATORY AUTHORITY  
Outline of systems  
1. The Medicine Regulatory Authority (BoMRA ) was established through an Act of parliament; the 
Medicines and Related Substances Act of 2013. The act provides for the regulation of medicines, 
medical devices, and cosmetics in Botswana in order to promote human and animal health by 
providing guarante es for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines and medicinal products throughout 
the supply chain. The department of inspection and licensing through the Import/Export control unit 
(IMPEX) is responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective and efficient import/export 
control system for BoMRA to ensure compliance with all Botswana import/export control laws and 
regulations governing medicines and related substances. A manual permitting system was developed 
and successfully rolled -out between 2019  and 2020  for the control of imports and exports of human 
and veterinary pharmaceuticals.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing   
2. Import/export control Function : 
 
The function provides for issuance of import license/permits for pharmaceutical products. 
Licenses/permits are issued per "Product Category " i.e. General human medicines, Narcotics and 
Psychotropics, veterinary medicines, Medicated feed, complementary medicines, cosmetics and 
medical devices. Licenses/permits are issued according to registration status i.e. registered or 
exempted products.  G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  Import/export control provides management of the following processes:  
 
(i) Import Permit ; 
 
(ii) Export Permit ; and  
 
(iii) Transit Permit . 
 
3. The import permit requirement is applicable to all countries around the world. Over the past two 
years of BoMRA establishment, import permits were issued for import, export or transit for the 
following countries Argentina ; Austria ; Bangladesh ; Belgium ; Canada ; Denmark ; France ; Germany ; 
India; Ireland ; Italy; Kenya ; Malaysia ; Mauritius ; Namibia ; Netherlands ; United Kingdom ; USA; 
Slovakia ; South Africa ; Spain ; Switzerland ; Zambia ; Zimbabwe.  
 
4. BOMRA issuance of licenses/permits is to ensure that only pro ducts that are registered or 
exempted are imported. This also allows for visibility of the supply chain as records are retained for 
all permits issued further minimi zing the importation of substandard and falsified products. 
Moreover, restriction for Narco tics and Psychotropics through the use of import permits and Quota 
allocation as set up by the United Nations ' International Narcotics Control Board allows for better 
control of the flow of products that could end up on the illicit market.  
 
5. These controls are established in accordance with the laws and regulations governing Medicines 
practices and services. The  laws and regulations applied are listed below:  
 
• Medicines and Related Substances Act (MRSA) 2013 ; 
• Medicines and Related Substances Regulations (MRSR)  2019; 
• The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 ; 
• The Convention on Psychotropic Substances 197 1; 
• The 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances ; 
• WHO Good distribution practices for Medicines TRS 957, 2010, Annex 5 ; and  
• WHO guidelines on import procedures for Medicines No .917, 2003, Annex 3 . 
 
The impo rt per mit is regulated under the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 2013. The Act 
provides for the registration, regulation of the sale, distribution, importation, exportation, 
manufacture and dispensing of medicines and related substances, and this i s not subject to 
administrative discretion.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. Only authori zed pharmaceutical distributors are allowed to  import narcotics and psychotropics 
in Botswana. This is stipulated in the national legislation; Botswana Medicines and Related 
Substances Act of 2013 and supporting regulations of 2019. All registered importers are 
required to submit annual estimates for products to be imported. Moreover, a permitting 
system is in place to ensure that only approved quantities are imported. Licenses ensure that 
all distributors account for the amount authorized and brought into the country. These 
provides a means for adhere nce to the allocated quota by the country as no importation is 
allowed without licenses.  
 
Botswana is required to comply with the Treaty Obligations as enshrined in United Nations 
International Narcotics Control Board's (INCB) 1961 Single Convention on Na rcotic Drugs, 
the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit 
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. In accordance with these conventions , 
countries are issued with annual quotas for the different cont rolled substances listed under 
each of these conventions. The annual quotas are published on the INCB website as 
Assessments of annual medical and scientific requirements for substances listed in 
Schedule  II, III and IV of the 1971 Convention on Psychotrop ic Substances  and Totals of 
estimates of annual medical and scientific requirements for narcotic drugs listed in Schedules  I 
and II of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol 
Amending the Single Convention.  
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  All these  requirements are communicated with importers through various means of 
communications such as press releases, emails, letters and phone calls. There are no 
exceptions or derogations to this requirement.  
 
II. All INCB country quotas are issued on an annual basis, however, import licenses are issued 
on demand as long as there is a quota balance for the products required. A license is a single 
consignment issue hence should be requested with each import.  
 
III. All authorized imported are given an Acknowledgement Form, BOMRA/IL/IE/P01/F06, to 
complete and return to BoMRA after importation of all narcotics and Psychotropics within thirty 
(30) days of receiving consignment together with an export license. This ackn owledgement is 
completed and signed by the authorized person. The acknowledgement is also used to update 
monthly returns on imports. All unused quota allocations are relinquished at the end of the 
year. A copy of the licenses is normally sent to the releva nt regulatory authority in the 
exporting country. Upon receipt of import licenses, the exporting country will issue an export 
license and send a copy to BoMRA, a copy is made and filed while the original is returned with 
an acknowledgement letter to the ex porting country.   
 
IV. All quota request is submitted to INCB on 30 June annually for the subsequent year. This 
allows for the authority to request the submission of quotas by the end of April annually. Once 
the quota is allocated for the country then imp orters can immediately apply for importation of 
the products.  
 
V. All licenses are processed within a minimum period of 24 hours and a maximum of 48  hours.  
 
VI. As soon the country quota is issued by the INCB a license can be issued to an importer to 
bring products into the country.  
 
VII. BOMRA is the competent authority in issues related to importation of pharmaceuticals except 
 for complementary and over the counter medicines sold in general traders who need a trade 
 license. Furthermore, there importers  must fulfil tax requirements set by the customs agency.  
 
VIII. Only authori zed pharmaceutical distributors are allowed to import narcotics and psychotropics 
in Botswana. If an applicant is unauthori zed, they will not be issued a license. Also, the 
applicant must have a valid trade license and have submitted a quota estimate.  
 
 All new applicants must possess a suitable warehouse and be issued with a license following 
inspection in order to qualify to import.  
 
IX. N/A. 
 
X. No import based on export l icense only.  
 
XI. The licenses are issued for products to be imported from external not domestic market. Only 
products issued with a transit permit cannot be sold in domestic market.  
 
7.(a)-(d) N/A. 
 
8. An applicant may be rejected in terms of restricted products such as vaccines for notifiable 
diseases that needs prior authorization from competent authorities such as Veterinary services. 
An applicant can be rejected for an unregistered product. An appli cant can appeal a refusal for issue 
of a license to the Chief Executive officer or the Minister of health and wellness.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for a License  
9 (a)  Only registered traders are allowed restricted licenses for over the counter an d complementary 
medicines.  
 
(b)  All authorized importers are allowed non -restrictive importing.  
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  The licensing unit of the Authority is responsible for licensing of all authori zed importers and 
a database is kept for such. Registration is done at a Fee of P1 ,250.00 per annum. 
All authori zed importers are published in the BoMRA website.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for license  
10. Information required for application include the qualified persons information, premises detail 
and a ttachments required are copy of a valid registration card (BHPC/BVSC card), copy of 
pharmacist 's/veterinarian registration certificate, copy of Expiring BOMRA Approval License, at least 
two references and a brief C.V. of the pharmacist (Pre -licensing), declaration letter for continuous 
personal supervision by a pharmacist/veterinarian, Private Practice license (For community 
pharmacy), proof of payment, purchase order, name of exporting country and port of entry.  
 
11. The following documents are required up on importation : An import license, an approved 
purchase order, an invoice and packing list.  
 
(i) In the case of HFDs: - authorized purchase order, valid import permit and corresponding 
export permit.  
 
(ii) For importation of veterinary medicinal products: - valid import permit and 
corresponding purchase order.  
 
(iii) Other (human) medicines: - only import permit.  
 
12. An import license for general medicines is P50 and for Narcotics and Psychotropics is P100 while 
for transit license is P100 each l icense.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
13. No. 
 
14. General medicines licenses validity is two (2) months from the date of issue.   Psychotropic and/or 
Narcotics license validity is Six (6) months from the date of issue.  No extension is allowed.   
 
15. No penalty . 
 
16. Not transferable . 
 
17.(a) Yes . For the control on the use of such products . 
 
(b)  Yes. This is for the packaging and notifying the authority upon importation.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18. 
(i) Registration of products ; 
 
(ii) Licensing of authori zed importers ; 
 
(iii) Issuance of trade license; 
 
(iv) Registration of professional . 
 
19. Foreign exchange is always made available by relevant authorities . 
 
6  DIAMOND HUB  
Outline of Systems  
1. In terms of importing diamonds into Botswana there is no Import license required. However, in 
order to trade in rough/uncut Diamonds a company has to have a Precious Stones Dealers License. 
This License allows the holder to buy, sell, import and export rough Diamonds and it is valid for a G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  period not exceeding five years. All these are guided by the Precious and Semi -Precious Stones 
(Protection) Act , Chapter 66:03.  
 
Botswana is a participating member of the Kimberley Proces s Certification Scheme (KPCS), the 
association of governments of diamond -producing and importing countries, commercial diamond 
firms, pan -industry associations and non -governmental organisations (NGOs).  
 
The information is published in a number of publicat ions including the Botswana Trade Portal 
website, and Government portals and various flyers. The information published is in terms of 
regulations for trading in rough or uncut diamonds.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Rough or uncut diamonds.  
 
3. All imports of rough or uncut diamonds from participants of the Kimberley Process Scheme 
(KPCS).  
 
4. The KPCS has implemented a certification system for the international trade in rough diamonds, 
designed to prevent "blood " or "conflict " diamonds from being shipped through legitimate trading 
channels.  
 
5. Kimberley Process Scheme (KPCS).  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. a) An import notification is sent prior to the arrival of the shipment. This is mandatory practice 
and a shipment ca n be kept on hold if no notification is received.  
 
b)  N/A. 
 
c)  N/A. 
 
d)  The goods are cleared by BURS at the airport and brought to the Diamond Hub by the client 
for inspection .  
 
8. Compliant goods are released to the client and non-compliant goods are confiscated.  A person 
aggrieved by any decision of the Minister under these regulations may appeal to the President 
against that decision.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. All firms and institutions are eligible to import Rough Diamonds unless they do not meet the 
requirements . No person shall import any rough diamonds unless such rough diamonds are 
accompanied by a Kimberly process certificate issued in the State of export.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. N/A. 
 
11. All rough diamond shipments have to be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate which 
is issued by the exporting cou ntry's KP authority.  
 
12. N/A. 
 
13. N/A . 
 G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  Conditions of Licensing  
14. A Kimberley process certificate issued in terms of regulation 4 (2) shall be valid for one month 
and shall not be renewable or transferable.  
 
15. N/A. 
 
16. N/A. 
 
17. N/A . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements   
18. N/A. 
 
19. N/A . 
 
7  MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY  (DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL 
AFFAIRS)  
Outline of Systems  
1. The restriction on importation of salt in quantities less than 100kg is regulated under Control of 
Goods, Prices and other Charges Act. Statutory Instrument No.10 of 2015, Cap 43:08) . The 
information is published in a number of publications including th e Government Gazette and Ministry 
website. Information is also published at all points of entry (borders) across the country. Information 
published is on what the restriction operates and indicating allowable quantities for importation.  
 
Purposes and Cove rage of Licensing  
2. As per the statutory instrument, the restriction covers pre -packed salt whether table salt or 
denatured salt and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solutions (sea water) . 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from a ll countries.  
 
4. The restriction is intended to monitor and regulate the volumes of salt imports . 
  
5. Control of Goods, Prices and other Charges Act. Statutory Instrument No.10 of 2015, Cap 43:08) 
which is an Act of Parliament that can only be amended b y parliament processes. The Act specifies 
the products covered and is not subject to any discretion unless only in extremely extenuating 
circumstances when there is a shutdown or shortage of the salt where the Minister can exercise his 
powers and deviate f rom the regulations. The system cannot be abolished without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. No quotas.  
 
7.(a)  Import permits are issued on request provided the relevant documentation is provided . 
 
(b)  Yes. 
 
(c)  They are issued all year round . 
 
(d)  It is effected by a single administrative organization.  
 
8. If the applicant meet s the set criteria, an application will not be denied. Applicants who feel 
aggrieved have the right to appeal using the available structures.  
 G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  Eligibility of Im porters to apply for License  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Documentational and other Requirement for Application for License  
10. For the restriction on salt importers are not required to apply for any licenc e. 
 
11. N/A . 
 
12. N/A . 
 
13. N/A . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. N/A . 
 
15. N/A . 
 
16. N/A . 
 
17. N/A . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. None . 
 
19. Foreign exchange always made available . 
 
8  MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY  (DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL 
TRADE)  
Outline of Systems  
1. Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act, Statutory 
Instrument No.86 of 2008, (Cap 43:08) . The information is published in a number of  publications 
including the Botswana Trade Portal website, and Government portals and various flyers. The 
information published is in terms of requirements for obtaining the permits not on quotas as these 
are not import quotas.  
   
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Pre-Packed Refined Sugar (exceeding 50 kg) . 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries . 
 
4. The licensing is intended to monitor the quantity of imports.  These are import permits and can 
therefore be used solely for importa tion. Monitoring is done through the customs declaration 
processes. Information on trade data is available upon request from Statistics Botswana.  
 
5. The Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act. Statutory 
Instrument No.86 of 2008, (Cap 43:08) which is an Act of Parliament that can only be amended by 
Parliament processes. The Act specifies the products covered and is not subject to any discretion.   
 
Procedures  
6. No quotas . 
 
7. a)  N/A. 
 G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
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  b)  The permit is issued immediately on request (within a one day).   
 
c)  Import permits do not depend on any period of the year.  
 
d)  Import permits are issued immediately by the Department of international Trade solely, on 
request provided that the importer satisfies the requirements . 
 
8. An application cannot be refused unless reasons for the application are not valid or if applicant 
has made false claims in order to be granted the permit. Applicants have the right to appeal to the 
Minister of Investment Trade and Industry with 30 days of receiving the Director of International 
Trade 's decision.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for L icense  
9. All firms and institutions are eligible to apply for an import permit unless they do not meet the 
requirements . 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. Company details, name of exporting country, quantities and p roducts, name, destination of 
goods, company certificate of incorporation, Manufacturing License, National Identity card/passport . 
 
11. A valid import permit . 
  
12. Yes – BWP50 . 
  
13. No . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Import permit is valid for six (6) months and renewed upon expiry . 
   
15. There are no penalties for not utilizing a permit . 
 
16. Import permits are not transferable.  
 
17. N/A . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements   
18. There are no other administrative procedures . 
 
19. N/A . 
 
9  MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY  (DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL 
TRADE)  
Outline of Systems  
1. Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act, Statutory 
Instrument No.85 of 2002, (Cap 43:08) . The information is published in a number of publications 
including the Botswana Trade Portal website, and Government portals a nd various flyers. The 
information published is in terms of requirements for obtaining the permits not on quotas as these 
are not import quotas.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Wheat flour (exceeding 12 .5 kg) . 
 
3. The system applies to goods origin ating from all countries . 
 G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1  
 
- 15 - 
 
  4. The licensing is intended to monitor the quantity of imports.  These are import permits and can 
therefore be used solely for importation. Monitoring is done through the customs declaration 
processes. Information on trade data is available upon request from Statistics Botswana.  
 
5. The Import Permit is regulated under Control of goods, Prices and other Charges Act. Statutory 
Instrument No.85 of 2002, (Cap 43:08) which is an Act of Parliament that can only be amended by 
Parliamen t processes. The Act specifies the products covered and is not subject to any discretion.  
   
Procedures  
6. No quotas.  
 
7. a)  N/A. 
 
b)  The permit is issued immediately on request (within a one day).  
 
c)  Import permits do not depend on any period of the year.  
 
d)  Import permits are issued immediately by the Department of International Trade under the 
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry solely, on request provided that the importer 
satisfies the requirements.  
 
8. An application cannot be refused unless reasons for the application are not valid or if applicant 
has made false claims in o rder to be granted the permit. Applicants have the right to appeal to the 
Minister of Investment Trade and Industry with 30 days of receiving the Director of International 
Trade 's decision.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
9. All firms and i nstitutions are eligible to apply for an import permit unless they do not meet the 
requirement s. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
10. Company details, name of exporting country, quantities and products, name, port of ent ry, 
destination of goods, Company certificate of incorporation, Trading License, approval letter from 
Department of Industrial Affairs, National Identity card/passport . 
 
11. A valid import permit . 
 
12. Yes – BWP50 . 
 
13. No . 
  
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Import permit is valid for six (6) months and renewed upon expiry . 
 
15. There are no penalties for not utilizing a permit . 
 
16. Import permits are not transferable.  
  
17. The importer shall pay 9% (reviewed from 15% to 9%) levy  on all types of wheat flour that he 
imports . 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures . 
 
19. N/A.  
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