RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
31 May 2021  
(21-4522) Page: 1/31 
Working Party on the Accession of Timor -Leste  Original: English  
 
 
ACCESSION OF TIMOR -LESTE  
QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  
The following submission, dated 21 May 2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the Democratic Republic of Timor -Leste.  
 
_______________  
 
  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  The following1 is designed to elicit information on import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures2 maintained or applied by the acceding government. If different procedures or methods of 
licensing or similar administrative pro cedures are applied to different categories of products, to 
different countries of  supply or to different modes of importation, they should be separately described 
in respect of each question as relevant.  
 
OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS  
1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each,  
reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to 
a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as appropriat e when 
elements which have already been described are also present in another system.  
Reply:  
Timor -Leste does not operate any general system requiring importation licenses in order to import 
goods. However, legal and natural persons importing or exporting goods on a commercial basis are 
required to obtain business authorization issued by the Registry and Business Verification Service 
(SERVE: Portuguese abbreviation), in accordance with Decree -Law No. 34/2017 of 
27 September  2017 on Licensing of Economic Act ivities.  
Annex I to Annex III of this Decree -Law have set out the types of business activities based on the 
lower, medium and higher risk criteria. Importation of goods classified under the lower risk will 
automatically be granted an authorization. Meanwhi le, for importation of goods classified under the 
medium or higher risks, importers are required to obtain sectoral licenses based on business 
activities, thus, they are subject to non -automatic commercial licenses. Article 10 of Decree -Law No. 
26/2017 of 17 May 2017 on Commercial Registry sets out the criteria and information requirements 
for obtaining a commercial license.  
SERVE acts as a single window by receiving applications from businesses. For medium and high -risk 
business activities, there are speci fic licensing procedures set out by various Ministries and Agencies. 
Once applications are received, SERVE will send the documents to the relevant Ministries to obtain 
an authorization  / a recommendation / a licence  subject to the sectoral requirements. After 
the authorization of the sectoral Ministries, applications are lodged with SERVE to approve Exercise 
Activity (AEA) to obtain business authorization. Once business licence s are approved, importation of 
goods cou ld be made immediately.  
The following Ministries or Agencies are responsible to provide sectoral licence s: (i) the Ministry of 
Agriculture and Fisheries (Quarantine Inspection for animal and plant products), (ii) Ministry of 
Health (pharmaceutical products ), (iii) Ministry of Defence (Explosive Products for Civil Construction, 
Oil and Mineral Activities), (iv) State Secretary for Environment (refrigerators), and (v) Ministry of 
Transport and Telecommunications (Procedures for importing motor vehicles). Thus , while automatic 
import licensing system is controlled by a single entity, the non -automatic import licensing system 
is controlled by sectorial Ministries or Agencies.  
All goods imported into Timor -Leste must comply with the rules established in the Custo ms Code  
(Decree -Law No. 14/2017 of 5 April 2017. This Code establishes all the rules from the arrival of the 
goods to the customs territory until their customs clearance, establishing all the necessary 
requirements regarding obtaining licence s 
At the time  of importation, the Directorate of the Customs Authority requires all commercial importers 
to demonstrate that they have a Timor -Leste Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Companies must 
prove they are incorporated. Importers are required to lodge their request to the Directorate of the 
Customs Authority to clear goods . 
 
1 Circulated as G/LIC/3.  Originally circulated as L/ 3515 of 23  March  1971 and reproduced in L/5640/Rev.10.  
2 Similar procedures are understood to include technical visas, surveillance systems, minimum price 
arrangements, and other administrative reviews effected as a prior condition for entry of imports.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING  
2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately  
 grouped, are covered.  
 
Reply:  
Products classified under automatic licence : 
• Decree -Law No. 34/2017  states that all importers performing activities that fall under Annex 
I of this Decree -law may automatically import products once they have obtained a Certificate 
of Commercial Registry and a Licence  to exercise Economic Activities from SERVE.  
Pharmaceutical products imported with non -profit purposes are subject to automatic lice nsing. They 
can only be imported by the Autonomous Service of Medicines and Health Equipment for 
the purpose of circulation to the National Hospital and to the referral hospitals across 
the Municipalities.  
Products classified under non -automatic licence s: 
I. Importation of Pharmaceutical Products:  
Pharmaceutical products subject to commercial purposes – could be imported by private companies 
with more detailed processes, without discrimination to any companies with commercial licence s for 
importing p harmaceutical products.  
All products are mentioned in the Ministry of Health Ministerial Diploma No. 12/2004 of 6 October 
2004, on the Classification of Medicines are subject to non -automatic licence s. The National Drugs and 
Medicines Policy requires all p arties involved in the procurement, import and distribution of medicines 
to follow the  WHO Certification scheme and the WHO -based guidelines on good distribution and storage 
practices and good pharmacy practice procedures.  
II. Importation of SPS Products:  
Timor-Leste's sanitary and phytosanitary measures are applied according to Decree -Law No. 21/2003 
of 31 December 2003 on Quarantine and Sanitary Control on Goods Imported and Exported and 
the implementing Government Decree No. 1/2006 of 20 September 2006 on th e General Quarantine 
Regulations.  
According to Article 14 of Decree -Law No. 21/2003, the following items shall be subject to the previous 
import permit to be issued by the Directorate of Quarantine Services, under the Ministry of Agriculture 
and Fisheries:  
a) Live animals;  
b) Live plants;  
c) Animal or vegetal products as specified by law;  
d) Any other good, or merchandise, animal or vegetal organism as specified by law.  
Import Prohibitions : 
Timor -Leste prohibits the following products from being imported:  
i. any proteins for animal feeding containing any meat powder, bone powder, blood powder, 
or fat from mammal tissues;  
ii. poultry powder for ruminant feeding;  
iii. any products from cows, sheep, or goats showing clinical signs of Spongiform 
Encephalopathy;  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  iv. any animals or any products of any animals showing clinical symptoms of certain diseases 
including, for example, foot -and-mouth disease and bird flu; and  
v. non-transformed fat.  
Import permits also cannot be issued in respect of:  
i. any items listed in CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Fauna and Flora (Article 72);  
ii. any item from or originating from a country or areas where there i s an ongoing occurrence 
of quarantine -related plagues or diseases (Article 72);  
iii. exotic seeds included in a list to be approved by Ministerial Diploma (Article 82).  
Importation of Refrigerators : 
According to Government Decree -Law No. 36/2012 of 18 July 2012 on Control of Imports and Exports 
of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer , import licence s are applied to the following products: 
Gas, AC Equipment and Refrigerators.  
Importation of Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Oil and Mineral Activit ies: 
Explosives for military use and construction (earth works) require an import permit from the Ministry 
of Defence and National Security.  
Importation of Motor Vehicles:  
Decree -Law No. 30/2011 of 27 July 2011 sets out the requirements and procedures for importing 
motor vehicles . The Decree -Law distinguishes between light motor vehicles for personal and mixed 
use with a  cargo capacity of less than four tons, from heavy passenger vehicles (seating more than 20 
persons), and heavy goods vehicles. Light motor  vehicles are required to be either new or less than 
five years old. There is no age restriction on the importation of heavy passenger or heavy goods 
vehicles.  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?  
Reply:  
The system ap plies equally to all goods, regardless of the countries they originate from without 
discrimination.  
4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what 
are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been 
considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?  
Reply:  
Sectoral import licence s are not intended to restrict the quantity and value of imports. However, any 
import prohibitions or restrictions are "dictated by reasons of morality and public safety, protection of 
health and life of humans and animals, preservation of plants and environment, protection of artistic, 
historical or archaeological heritage protection of industrial and commercial property" (as per Articles 
138.3 and 175.2  of Decree -Law No. 14/2017 of 5 April 2017 on the Customs Code). For instance, the 
prohibition under pharmaceutical products is intended to ensure the quality of products based on the 
WHO and FAO standards.  
Thus, no alternative methods of accomplishing the  purposes been considered.  
5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained. Is the licensing statutorily required? Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion? Is it 
possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without 
legislative approval?  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Reply:  
General requirements by SERVE : 
Decree -Law No. 34/2017 of 27 September 2017 on Licensing of Economic Activities  sets out 
the provisions to obtain business authorization.  
Decree -Law No. 16/2017 of 17 May 2017 on Commercial Registry sets out the criteria and 
information requirements for obtaining a business authorization.  
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures :  
Import licensing is maintained and statutorily required under Decree -Law No. 21/2003 of 
31 December  2003 on the General Quarantine Regulations.  
Decree -Law No. 1/2006 of 20 September 2006 establishes rules and procedures to implement Decree -
Law No. 21/2003 of 31 D ecember 2003 on the exportation and importation of goods that subjects to 
quarantine control (inspection, isolation, observation, treatment, detention, prohibit to enter the 
country, destroy and release). The decree -law also define the role and responsibil ity of the Quarantine 
Services and its staff as well as the procedure for the issuance of zoo and phytosanitary certification.  
Procedures for importing motor vehicles : 
Import licensing is maintained and statutorily required under Decree -Law No. 30/2011 of 27 July 2011 
on the Requirements and Procedures for Importing Motor Vehicles.  
Pharmaceutical activities : 
Import licensing is maintained and statutorily required under the Decree -Law No. 12/2004 dated 
26 May 2004 on Pharmaceutical Activities, which sets ou t the requirements for licensing the import of 
and export of medicines for human use.  
This Decree -Law is supported by the Ministry of Health's Ministerial Diplomas and Circulars, as follows:  
Ministerial Diploma No. 12/2004 of 6 October 2004 on Classificati on of Medicines;  
Ministerial Diploma No. 4/2004 of 14 July 2004 on Percentage of Insurance of Imported Goods;  
Ministerial Diploma No. 10/2004 of 22 September 2004 on Licensing fees for pharmaceutical 
activities;  
Ministerial Circular No. 3/2017 of 5 October  2017 on Import of Narcotics or Psychotropic Substances;  
• Ministerial Circular No. 11/2017 of 18 December 2017 on Natural Medicines.  
Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Oil and Mineral Activities : 
Import Licensing is maintained and statutorily requir ed under Decree -Law No. 7/2020 of 19 February 
2020 on Import, Transport, Storage, and Use of Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Petroleum 
and Mineral Activities . 
Imports of refrigerators : 
Import licensing is maintained and statutorily required under the Decree -Law No. 36/2012 of 18 July 
2012 on Control of Imports and Exports of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer . 
Thus, all the legislations above do not leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  All the legislative abolishment and/or amendment of the existing import licensing systems can be done 
only through the legislative approval at the level of the Government or at the promulgation of the 
President of the Republic through the National Parliament.  
PROCEDURES  
6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether 
applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established 
bilaterally or unilaterally):  
Reply:  
In Timor -Leste, the restriction as to the quantity or value of imports is applied only to the importation 
of refrigerators according to the State Secretary for Environment's regulation in response to the 
decision taken at th e Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer, and the Montreal Protocol 
for the  reduction of substances that deplete the ozone layer.  
I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities 
of filing applications for licence s? If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible 
importers? Of  governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and 
their trade representatives? Is the overall amount published? The amount allocated 
to goods from each coun try? The maximum amount allocated to each importer?  
Reply:  
Timor -Leste is aware of the negative impacts on health and the environment caused by the 
modification of the ozone layer, Timor -Leste ratified the Vienna Convention for the protection of 
ozone laye r and the  Montreal Protocol for the reduction of substances that deplete ozone layer.  
In this context, it is necessary not only to implement the guidelines contained in the aforementioned 
international instruments in the domestic legal order, but to promot e and encourage the adoption 
of measures to protect the ozone layer.  
Therefore, Decree -Law No. 36/2012 of 18 July 2012 on Control of Imports and Exports of Substances 
that Deplete the Ozone Layer sets out information regarding the limit of importation for refrigerator 
substance.  
In particular, according to Article 8 of this Decree -Law: 
III. The Government department responsible for the area of environment issues an annual quota 
that sets the limit maximum allowable price for the import of hydrochlorofluorocarbons.  
2. The annual quota limit is determined for each importer taking into account the history of the 
importer and the Article 11.  
As Timor -Leste is committed to gradually eliminate the use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons by 2040 
according  to the decision set by Montreal Protocol statute. Thus, Article 11 on the Schedule for 
Phasing out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons  of the same Decree -Law elaborates the following 
requirement:  
The registration and the licence  granted for the import and export of hydrochlorofluorocarbons is 
issued by the competent authorities, with respect to the following schedule of commitment:  
a) From 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014, annual consumption cannot exceed the average 
level of 2009 and consumption in 2010;  
b) From 1 Janua ry 2015 to 31 December 2019, annual consumption cannot exceed 90% of the 
average level in 2009 and consumption in 2010;  
c) From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2024, annual consumption cannot exceed 65% of the 
average level in 2009 and consumption in 2010;  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  d) From 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029, annual consumption cannot exceed 32.5% of 
the average level in 2009 and consumption in 2010;  
e) From 1 January 2030 to 31 December 2039, total consumption for this period cannot exceed 
2.5% of the average level for 2009 an d consumption for 2010.  
f) On 1 January 2040, complete elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbon.  
All the information regarding this legislation is officially published in a Government's gazette through 
the following link: http://www.mj.gov.tl/jornal/?q=node/13 . In addition, importers will also be notified 
by the State Secretary for Environment prior to the process of importation on the status of the quota.  
II. How is the size of the quotas determined: on a y early, six -monthly or quarterly basis? 
Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licence s 
are issued for imports on a six -monthly or quarterly basis? In the latter case, is it 
necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six -monthly or quarterly basis?  
Reply:  
Accordingly, import licence s are issued for imports on a yearly basis as elaborated in Article 8.1 of 
the Decree -Law (above).  
III. Are licence s allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like 
goods? What steps are taken to ensure that licence s allocated are actually used for 
imports?  Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period? Are the 
names of importer s to whom licence s have been allocated made known to 
governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request? If 
not, for what reason? (Indicate products to which replies relate.)  
Reply:  
Not applicable.  
IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is 
the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licence s? 
Reply:  
Licence s may be applied for throughout the year.  
V.  What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?  
Reply:  
The maximum time for processing applications is three (3) working days with no applied fee. 
The system is also quite transparent.  
VI.  How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licence s and the date 
of opening of the period of importation?  
Reply:  
The date of opening of the period of importation is from 1 January until 31 December, thus, the process 
of importation can be  made immediately once an import licence  has been obtained by importers.  
VII.  Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or 
must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, 
whic h? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Reply:  
In this situation, the licence  application is effected by a single administrative organ, subject to 
the submission of the complete required documents to the competent authority under the State 
Secretary for Environment.  
VIII.  If the demand for licence s cannot be fully satisfied, on wha t basis is the allocation to 
applicants made? First come, first served? Past performance? Is there a maximum 
amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined? What 
provision is made for new importers? Are applications examine d simultaneously or on 
receipt?  
Reply:  
As mentioned in Article 11 of Decree -Law No. 36/2012 , the limitation of the licence  provided is 
according to the period set. Thus, should the demand reach its limits of importation, the responsible 
authority under the  State Secretary for Environment will automatically reject any applicants trying to 
import the products classified under this quota. Thus, the system applies first come first served rule 
to all the applicants.  
The system does not allocate a maximum amount per applicant neither it sets a specific provision for 
new importers.  
IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits 
are issued by exporting countries, are import licence s also required? If so, are licence s 
issue d automatically?  
Reply:  
Not applicable.  
X.  In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is 
the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to 
the understanding between the two countries?  
Reply:  
Not applicable.  
XI.  Are there products for which licence s are issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market?  
Reply:  
Not applicable.  
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports f rom a   
 particular country:  
 (a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can 
licence s be obtained within a shorter time -limit or for goods arriving at the port 
without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?  
Reply:  
Automatic Licence s: 
Importation of goods classified under the lower risk can be made immediately once the importers 
have obtained business authorization from SERVE.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Non-automatic licence s: 
Pharmaceutical Products : 
Importation can be made immediately upon granting of sectoral import licence . The decision to grant 
a licence  shall take place within a maximum period of 90 days counting from the date of submission 
of the  application duly completed, and the licence  shall be valid for three years.  
Import of products by private companies are subject to non -automatic licence s. Authorization to 
commercialize medicines shall have prior authorization by the Ministry of Health. The Autonomous 
Service of Medicines and Health Equip ment, a public company, shall be the sole public entity with 
competence to apply for authorisations to commercialize and import medicines. In addition, every 
decision to grant, refuse renew, not renew, suspend, or revoke licence s shall be communicated to t he 
SERVE for registration in their respective file according to Article 7 of the same Decree -Law.  
However, through the Regulating Commission of Pharmaceutical Activities, exception  may apply  for 
the import by private clinics or physicians of medicines tha t have not yet been the object of commercial 
authorization whenever:  
a) For reasons of urgency and through a clinic justification, the medicines are considered to be 
indispensable for the treatment or the diagnosis of certain pathologies;  
b) The medicines are exclusively designed for research and clinical experiments.  
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures : 
Importation can be made immediately upon granting of sectoral import permit. The Quarantine Import 
Permit must be signed by the National Director ate of Quarantine. The decision to grant an import 
permit shall take place within 3 working days in accordance with the Decree -Law regulating the 
procedure to obtain an import permit.  
Procedures for importing motor vehicles : 
Importation can be made immedia tely upon granting of sectoral import licence . 
Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Oil and Mineral Activities : 
Importation can be made immediately upon granting of sectoral import licence . The procedure for 
obtaining a licence  should take no more th an 30 days as elaborated in Article 6 of the same Decree -
Law with a maximum validity of one year, counting from the date of their granting, which can be 
extended, only once, for justified reason, at the request of the interested party for an equal period o f 
time. 
Imports of refrigerators : 
Importation can be made immediately upon granting of sectoral import licence . The decision to grant 
a licence  shall be issued within 3 working days in accordance with Decree -Law. 
 (b) Can a licence be granted immediately o n request?  
Reply:  
Both automatic and non -automatic licence s shall undergo a business registration process at SERVE, 
where companies shall identify the types of commercial activities under their company statutes. In 
addition, importation of products that fall under medium and high -risk activities shall obtain sect oral 
licence s with each of their procedures.  
 (c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Reply:  
There are no limitations as to the period of the year duri ng application for licence  and/or importation 
may be made.  
 (d) Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? 
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, 
which? Does  the impo rter have to approach more than one administrative organ?  
Reply:  
Automatic licence : 
In terms of a commercial licence  application, SERVE will automatically grant a licence  if a company's 
business activity classifies under low -risk as elaborated in Annex I o f Decree -Law No. 34/2017 of 27 
September 2017 on Licensing of Economic Activity.  
At the time of importation, the Directorate General for Customs Authority has the full authority to 
inspect goods that are entering or leaving the country based on their licences. 
Non-automatic licence : 
In terms of a commercial licence  application, besides SERVE, sectoral licence s or authorizations need 
to go through relevant Ministries or Agencies for approval. However, SERVE still acts as a single 
window by receiving applicat ions from businesses.  
At the time of importation, the Directorate General for Customs Authority has the full competency to 
inspect goods that are entering or leaving the country based on their licence s. 
8. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria? Are the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant? Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence 
and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures?  
Reply:  
Pharmaceutical Products : 
According the Article 22 of Decree -Law No. 12/2004 of 26 May 2004, the application for a licence may 
be refused for the following reasons:  
1. The application shall be dismissed whenever:  
a. The process is not duly completed and no correcting steps are taken within the period of 
time indicated by the Regulating Commission;  
b. The medicine is considered to be harmful;  
c. The therapeutic effect has been insufficiently proved;  
d. The medicine is susceptible to pose risks to publ ic heath;  
e. The medicine does not contain the declared qualitative and quantitative composition.  
2. Applicants shall be notified of the dismissal and the respective justification for purposes of 
appealing to the Minister of Health, to be filed within a period o f 20 days.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Importation of Refrigerators : 
As mentioned in Article 11 of the same Decree -Law, the limitation of the licence  provided is according 
to the period set. Thus, should the demand reach its limits of importation, the responsible authority 
under the State Secretary for Environment will automatically reject any applicants trying to import the 
products classified under this quota. Thus, the system applies first come first served rule to all the 
applicants.  
General Process to obtain another licence : 
Customs Authority has the right to detain any products should they without a certificate for the specific 
products. Once detained, the companies will be requested to obtain another certificate from SERVE to 
issue based on the list of activities under the statu te of the referred company. This process is based 
on Decree -Law No. 34/2017 of 27 September 2017.  
If the additional goods fall under low -risk activity, SERVE will automatically issue a licence  by adding 
another item on the licence  activity. However, if the  additional activity falls under medium and high 
risks, SERVE will need to refer their application for sectoral licence s prior to obtain a new import licence . 
The total fee for additional amendment is US$ 5 per additional item in accordance with Decree -Law 
No. 16/2017 of 17 May 2017 on Commercial Registration, and SERVE's Ministerial Diploma No. 
34/2018 of 31 October 2018 on Tables of Fees for SERVE.  
ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTERS TO APPLY FOR LICENCE  
9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licence s: 
 (a) under restrictive licensing systems?  
 (b) under non -restrictive systems?  
 If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation? What persons or firms are eligible? Is there a registration fee? Is there 
a published list of authorized importers?  
Reply:  
Importation of Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Oil and Mineral Activities : 
Article 10 of the same Decree -Law sets out certain condition on refusal to grant a licence  to companies 
that fall under one of the following classifications:  
The import licence  for commercial explosive products cannot be assigned to a company that is in one 
of the following situations:  
a) Insolvency or bankruptcy has been declared;  
b) In the process of ceasing activity, bankruptcy or liquidation;  
c) Have your business activity suspended by judicial decision;  
d) Has tax or other debts to a public legal person;  
e) Its directors or administrators have been convicted by a final court decision, by a crime related to 
their professional conduct or by a crime against peace and freedom or by a crime using weapons 
or any type of explosive.  
Pharmaceutical products : 
All persons may be eligibl e to apply for licence s so long as they have obtained their licence  for 
commercial activities from SERVE.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Other products : 
All persons may be eligible to apply for licence s through SERVE prior to obtain sectoral licence s under 
non-automatic licence s. 
DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR LICENCE  
10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents 
is the importer required to supply with the application?  
Reply:  
Importation of Pharmaceutical Products : 
According to Article 17 of the same Decree -Law sets the information required for an application 
process:  
2. Authorisation to commercialise medicines may be applied for by duly licence d importers through 
an application to be submitted to the Regulating Commission of Pharmaceutical Activities with the 
following details:  
a) Civil, fiscal and commercial identification, as well as respective residence or head office;  
b) Number of the licence  of the activity;  
c) Name of the medicine;  
d) Pharmaceutical form and  composition insofar as active substances, excipients, dosage, 
presentation, and administration way are concerned;  
e) Therapeutic indication;  
f) Summary of the characteristics of the medicine;  
g) Project for labelling and informative leaflet in one of the official languages of Timor -Leste 
or, provisionally, in English or Indonesian;  
h) Sample of the medicine;  
i) Official document, accompanied by a translation into one of the official languages of  
Timor -Leste, certifying the existence of authorisation to commercialise the  medicine in 
the country of its production and in the country from where it is exported.  
3. In addition, the Autonomous Service of Medicines and Health Equipment, a public company, shall 
be the sole public entity with competence to apply for authorisations to commercialise and import 
medicines.  
4. Other requirements may be demanded following a statute of the Minister of Health . 
In this regard, there are no specific format for importation to be completed by importers, rather 
importers are required  to complete the application procedures accordingly.  
Importation of SPS Products : 
To obtain an import permit, importers are required to submit complete application form and attach 
a certificate of origin. The application form requires the address and conta ct details of the exporter 
and importer, and the country of origin. For each item, the applicant is required to list the country of 
origin, the common product name, the scientific names, a description of the items, and the quantity 
or volume to be imported . 
In all cases an importer must provide details on the routing, transport mode, and expected date of 
arrival. Such importer is required to specify if they have access to a registered Quarantine Approved 
Premise (QAP). When an importer (or the clearing agen t) has submitted the completed applications 
form, the  Department of Quarantine will contact their counterpart in the exporting country to request 
for verification. Each import requires a separate permit and must complete the full verification process.  
The sample importation forms are annexed to this document.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Importation of Refrigerators : 
The Department of Ozone under the State Secretary for Environment is responsible to issue import 
licence  to the importers, where the companies need to submit prior docume ntations shall be submitted 
for approval prior to importation.  
The documentations include:  
a) Certificate of Commercial Registry;  
b) Licence  to exercise Economic Activities;  
c) Tax identification number;  
d) Identity (passport or National Electoral ID).  
Once approved, the companies shall obtain a permit for importing these products. The procedure for 
obtaining an import permit takes a maximum of 3 days without any fee.  
In this regard, there are no specific format for importation to be completed by importers, r ather 
importers are required to complete the application procedures accordingly.  
Importation of Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Oil and Mineral Activities : 
Article 5 of Decree -Law No. 7/2020 of 19 February 2020 sets the licensing requirement and  the 
procedures to obtain an import licence  along with the required documents to obtain a licence . 
The requirement is as follows:  
1. Import, transport, storage and use of commercial explosive products are reserved for legal 
persons.  
2. Commercial companies inter ested in carrying out activities of import, transport, storage and use 
of commercial explosive products, must comply with the rules and regulations in force in Timor -
Leste.  
3. Commercial companies interested in carrying out activities of import, transport, st orage and use 
of commercial explosive products, for the purpose of obtaining a licence , must submit an 
application to the entity responsible for the area of internal security.  
4. To the application referred to in the preceding paragraph, the applicant company must attach 
the following documents:  
a) Certificate of Commercial Registry;  
b) Copy of the company's articles of association and proof of deposit of the share capital;  
c) Licence  to exercise economic activities;  
d) Tax identification number;  
e) Proof of  delivery of the previous year's tax return, if applicable;  
f) Certificates that confirm the absence of tax or social security debts;  
g) Proof of insurance covering the activity or activities that the company proposes to pursue, 
including coverage for civil liab ility against damage caused to natural persons and their 
property, accidents at work, occupational diseases and  
h) environmental damage;  
i) Documents that prove the organizational and financial capacity of the company to develop 
activities subject to licensing;  
j) Curriculum vitae of the people who are part of the technical team and proof that they 
have the training, experience and knowledge necessary to carry out the activities subject 
to licensing;  
k) Photocopy of the identity card or electoral card or pas sport of the people who make up 
the technical team;  
l) Certificates of commercial, criminal, police, residence and physical fitness of the people 
who make up the technical team;  
m) Activity plan related to the use of explosive products;  
n) Declaration by the public  entity responsible for implementing the public interest project 
that confirms the need to use explosive products;  
o) Proof of the granting of an environmental licence , under the terms of the law.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  In this regard, there are no specific format for importation t o be completed by importers, rather 
importers are required to complete the application procedures accordingly.  
Importation of Motor Vehicles : 
Article 4 of Decree -Law sets the requirement to import motor vehicles for commercial purpose, as 
follows:  
1.  Importers of vehicles for commercial purposes, namely for sale, leasing, rental or exchange 
must obtain written approval from the Foreign Trade Directorate and the Land Transport 
Directorate, before the vehicle is dispatched.  
2.  The imported vehicle must corr espond to the vehicle for which approval has been given.  
3.  The lack of approval mentioned in number 1 or the cases of the previous number originate  
the re -export of the vehicle, within 30 days, with the costs of the entire process being borne by 
the imp orter.  
4.  In case the sanction mentioned in the previous number is not complied with, the vehicle will be 
considered State property, following the customs procedure.  
In this regard, there are no specific format for importation to be completed by importers , rather 
importers are required to complete the application procedures accordingly.  
11. What documents are required upon actual importation?  
Reply:  
Upon actual importation, the following documents should be attached to the application:  
Copy of bill of lading, air -bill, or truck way -bill; 
Invoice; and  
Packing list.  
In addition, supplementary documents should be attached according to the classification of products:  
Copy of the receipt of payment for the vehicle purchase;  
Copy of certificates in relation t o health certificates (lab result);  
Certification of pre -shipment inspection;  
Certificate of Commercial Registration;  
Copy of Contract of Buyers and Sellers;  
Certificate of Manufacture Authorization;  
Certificate of Types of Activities; and  
Copy of Tax Iden tification Number (TIN).  
At the actual importation, licence shall be presented to customs authorities for clearance procedures 
according to the ASYCUDA World System that has been adopted by Timor -Leste. 
12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative char ge? If so, what is the amount of the 
fee or charge?  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Reply:  
Business Registration Fee : 
There are no fees applied to obtain a commercial licence  for low -risk activities and the licence  is  
non-renewal. However, there is a US$ 45.00 fee applies for medium and high -risk activities that is 
charged by SERVE, in addition to sectoral licensing fee based on the duration of licence s. 
Sectoral licence  fees: 
Additional fees to obtain sectoral licence s for non -automatic licence s are regulated according to 
legislations pertaining to each Ministries or Agencies providing sectoral licence s. 
Administrative Charge by the Customs Authority : 
Administration charge on import or export processing is applied upon the release of products according 
to the Ministerial Diploma (General Directorate of Customs Authority) is $1 per each form sheet.  
13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licence s? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement.  
Reply:  
No deposit or advance payment is required under the import licensing systems.  
CONDITIONS OF LICENSING  
14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can th e validity of a licence be extended? 
How?  
Reply:  
Importation of Pharmaceutical Products : 
Article 4 of the same Decree -Law provides the information regarding the validity and time limits of 
a licence , as follow:  
1. The decision to grant a licence  shall take place within a maximum period of 90 days counting from 
the date of submission of the application duly completed, and the licence  shall be valid for three 
years.  
2. Licence s shall be renewable for equal periods whenever the initial conditions are maintained, 
and the requests for renewals shall be submitted within a minimum period of 30 days before their 
expiration dates.  
Importation of SPS Products : 
According to Article 56 of the Government Decree , the certificate is valid until the period that the 
imported goods arrive.  
Importation of Refrigerators : 
Not specified.  
Importation of Explosive Products for Civil Construction, Oil and Mineral Activities : 
According to Article 6.3 of Decree -Law: WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  Licence s for the exercise of import, transport, storage and use of commercial explosive products have 
a maximum validity of one year, counting from the date of granting, which can be extended,  only 
once, for justified reason, at the request of the interested party, for an equal period of time.  
Importation of Motor Vehicles : 
Not specified.  
15. Is there any penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?  
Reply:  
There is no  penalty for the non -utilization of a licence  or a portion of a licence . 
16. Are licence s transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions 
attached to such transfer?  
Reply:  
All products : 
Licence s are not transferable between importers.  
However, there are some exceptions applied to the sectorial licence  under Downstream Activity, in 
which clearly stated under Article 12 of Decree -Law No. 1/2012 of 1 February 2012 on Downstream 
Sector, as follows:  
Article 12  
Licence  Transfer  
1. The transfer of a Licence  to another company is only valid with prior written authorization from the 
ANP [now ANPM – National Authority for Petroleum and Minerals] and subject to the requirements 
established in paragraph 4 of Article 11.  
2. In the event of  a merger or total acquisition of Licence e's shares by a third party, or even the partial 
acquisition of Licence e's shares by a third party, but whose acquisition implies transferring the effective 
control of Licence e to a third party, the ANPM must reasse ss the situation to assess whether Licence e 
maintains the necessary requirements to develop the Activities for which it is licence d. If deemed 
necessary, ANPM may require Licence e to implement corrective measures aimed at maintaining or  
re-establishing th e referred requirements.  
17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence:  
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction?  
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?  
Reply:  
Not applicable.  
OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS  
18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation?  
Reply:  
No other administrative procedures are required for import licensing systems.  WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported? Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange? Is 
foreign exchange always available to cover licence s issued? What formalities must be 
fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?  
Reply:  
Not applicable.  
_______________  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  ANNEX 11
1(a): Import Permit Application – Application to Import Plant Materials  
 
 
1 In English only.  
WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  1(b): Import Permit Application – Application to Import Live Animals, Reproductive 
Materials, Meat or Meat Products  
 
WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  1(c): Import Permit Application – Application to Import Biological Materials  
 
WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  1(d): Import Permit Application – Application to Import Other Materials  
 
WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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WT/ACC/TLS/10  
 
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  ANNEX 2 – Import Permit1 
 
__________  
 
1 In English only.