G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
18 September  2020 
(20-6264) Page: 1/43 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  (2020)  
SEYCHELLES  
The following notification dated 31 August  2020, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of Seychelles . 
 
_______________  
 
 
1   NATIONAL BIOSECURITY AGENCY ................................ ................................ ..............  3 
1.1   Edible vegetables, edible fruits, and spices  ................................ ................................ ... 3 
1.2   Fertilizers (growing media and compost)  ................................ ................................ ...... 4 
1.3   Fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled  ....... 6 
1.4   Fur skins, hides and skins of animals  ................................ ................................ ...........  8 
1.5   Meat and meat products  ................................ ................................ ............................  9 
1.6   Plants and plant products, wood treated and untreated, and brooms  ..............................  11 
2   MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE  ................................  12 
2.1   Endangered species  ................................ ................................ ................................  12 
2.2   HFC refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment, and hydrofluoric carbon (HFC) gas  ........  14 
2.3   Products harmful to health  ................................ ................................ .......................  15 
2.4   Radioactive chemicals  ................................ ................................ .............................  17 
2.5   Utensils and polystyrene boxes, non -plastic straws, and plastic bags  ..............................  18 
3   MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND N ATIONAL 
BIOSECURITY AGENCY  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 20 
3.1   Animals and animal by -products not treated  ................................ ...............................  20 
4   MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND MINISTRY  
OF HEALTH  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  21 
4.1   Dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals  ................................ ............................  21 
5   MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEYCHELLES 
ENERGY COMMISSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 23 
5.1   PVC insulated wires, cables and flexible cords  ................................ .............................  23 
6   MINISTRY OF FINANCE, TRADE, INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC PLANNING  ..............  25 
6.1   Alcohol and tobacco products  ................................ ................................ ...................  25 
6.2   Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillations, bituminous substances,   
and mineral waxes  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  26 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  7   MINISTRY OF HEALTH  ................................ ................................ ..............................  28 
7.1   Pharmaceutical and v eterinary products  ................................ ................................ ..... 28 
8   MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND COMMISSIONER OF POLICE  ...............................  30 
8.1   Explosives, pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, tanks, warships, military  
uniforms and camouflage material  ................................ ................................ ....................  30 
9   DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY  .........................  32 
9.1   Radio communication equipment including VSAT  ................................ .........................  32 
10   SEYCHELLES BUREAU OF STANDARDS  ................................ ................................ .... 34 
10.1   Glass and glazed glass products for architectural use in buildings  ................................ . 34 
11   MINISTRY OF HABITAT, LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAND TRANSPORT  ............  36 
11.1   Prefabricated buildings  ................................ ................................ ..........................  36 
12   MINISTRY OF HABITAT, LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAND TRANSPORT  ............  37 
12.1   Vehicles, and vehicle and chassis bodies  ................................ ................................ .. 37 
13   SEYCHELLES CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY  ................................ ............................  39 
13.1   Aircraft  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  39 
14   SEYCHELLES MA RITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY  ................................ .........................  41 
14.1   Ships and vessels  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 41 
ANNEX  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  43 
 
 
  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  1  NATIONAL BIOSECURITY AGENCY  
1.1  Edible vegetables, edible fruits, and spices  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import edible 
vegetables, edible fruits, and spices is required to apply for an impo rt licence from the  National 
Biosecurity Agency   through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the Ministry of 
Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing 
these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can 
only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Edible vegetables, edible fruits, and spices.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
0701.1000 to 0709.9090  Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  
0710.4000  Sweetcorn (Uncooked or cooked by steam or boiling water), frozen  
0710.9000  Mixtures of vegetables (uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water), 
frozen  
0714.1000 to 0714.9090  Manioc, arrow root, salep, Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes and similar roots 
and tubers with high starch or inulin content.  
08.01 to 08.06  Coconut, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, whether or not shelled or peeled, bananas, 
including plantains, dates, figs, pineapples, a vocadoes, guavas, mangoes and 
mangosteens, citrus fruits and grapes (excluding dried)  
08.07 to 08.10  Fresh melons and papayas, apples, pears and quinces, apricots, cherries, peaches 
(including nectarines), plums and sloes, other fresh fruit  
0910.1100 to 0910.1200  Fresh Ginger  
0910.9110  Fresh mixtures of spices  
0910.9910  Other fresh spices  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  This measure is in line with the protection of animal 
and plant life as stipulated in Article XX of the GATT 1994  and to protect human health.  
 
The import licence requirement is to verify the  source of imports and the phytosanitary certificate 
provided from the exporting country.  Imported fruits and vegetables need to be thoroughly 
examined at the point of entry to ensure that they are not carrying any foreign organisms which 
could pose a thr eat to the local endemic plants in Seychelles.  These endemic species of plants need 
to be protected because they are not naturally present anywhere in the world apart from Seychelles, 
therefore they do not have the resistance to these foreign pests.   
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative disc retion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of edible vegetables, edible fruits, and spices  is made to the  
National Biosecurity Agency  through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of 
the Ministry of Finance, Trade,  Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export 
Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more 
than one admin istrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision  to the Minister of the Ministry which has refused to 
issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for 
judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import edible vegetables, edible fruits, and spices  needs to apply for an 
import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the 
case of commercial distribution, a person must have a bus iness activity licence issued by the 
Seychelles Licensing Authority. There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex ) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A vali d import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for edible ve getables, edible fruits, and spices  on the restricted list are granted 
for an open period of 1 year .  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a  specific person and goods.  
 
17.b)  Health Certificates raised by an official authority in the exporter's country are required for 
vegetables and fruit. The certificate is required even if only samples are being shipped.   
 
18. No, there are no other admin istrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
1.2  Fertilizers (growing media and compost)  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import fertilizers  is 
required to apply for an import licence from the National Biosecurity Agency,  through the Import 
and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, In vestment and Economic 
Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the 
whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the 
application.  
 
2. Fertilizers (gr owing media and compost).  
 
 
 
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
Chapter 31  Animal or vegetable fertilizers, whether or not mixed together or chemically treated; 
fertilizers produced by the mixing or chemical or treatment of chemical or vegetable 
products  
 Mineral or chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous  
 Mineral or chemical fertilizers, phosphatic  
 Mineral or chemical fertilizers, potassic  
 Mineral or chemical fertilizers containing two or three of the fertilizing elements 
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium; other fertilizers; goods of this chapter in 
tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quanti tative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  This measure is in line with Article XX of the 
GATT  1994 to protect human life  and to protect the environment.  
 
Imports of fertilizers which include both organic and chemical require an import licence from the 
Department of Agriculture.   In the case of organic fertilizers, they need to be verified so that they 
do not contain foreign  organisms which could potentially have a negative impact on the plant and 
human life, for example bacteria spores like anthrax.  Whereas, chemical fertilizers need to be 
verified so that the level of phosphates and nitrate compounds are not excessive whic h could 
potentially damage the environment, as these compounds have been proven to encourage the 
growth of algae and other evasive plants such as water lettuces, as a result of leeching.  The imports 
of chemical fertilizers also become a national security issue, especially when they contain excessive 
levels of ammonium nitrates which are used to produce improvised detonating devices (IDDs).  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restr icted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislati ve approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for the import of fertilizer s is made to the National Biosecurity Agency  
through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the  Ministry of Finance , Trade, 
Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for 
all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to 
the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more than o ne administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision  to the Minister of the Ministry which has refused to 
issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for 
judicial review of the de cision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import fertilizers  need to apply for an import licence whether the goods 
are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a 
person must have a business activity licence iss ued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is 
no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer i s required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  -  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for fertilizers  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other adm inistrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
1.3  Fish and crusta ceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import fish and 
crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled  is required to apply for 
an import licence f rom the National Biosecurity Agency , through  the Import and Export  Unit from 
the Trade  Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts 
as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of 
obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled . 
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
0301.1000 to 0304.9900  Fish live, fresh or chilled and fish products.  
0306.1100 to 0308.9000  Crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, 
salted in brine, smoked crustaceans, whether in shell or not, whether or not 
cooked bef ore or during the smoking process; crustaceans in shell, cooked 
by steaming or by boiling in water., whether or not chilled, frozen, dried, 
salted or in brine; flour, meals and pellets of crustaceans, fit for human 
consumption  
 
3. The system applies to go ods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  This measure is in line with Article XX of the 
GATT  1994,  which allows for the protection of animal life  and health and to protect human health.  
 
Import licenses for raw and live fish are issued by the  National Biosecurity Agency,  the restriction 
on fish has been placed to protect against diseases associated with raw fish from entering into 
Seychelles.  Issuance of an import licence for live fish is also done through the same Ministry, with 
the aim of ensuring that the species of fish imported would not pose a threat to the local species in 
swamps a nd rivers if they were ever released.  Such species would include piranhas (pristobrycon, 
pygocentrus, pygopristis and serrasalmus).  These species of fish could have a potentially harmful 
effect on the existing fish species and bird life.  
 
5. The licensin g system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of fish and crustaceans, mollusc and ot her aquatic 
invertebrates, fresh, frozen or chilled  is made to the Ministry of Natural Resources through 
the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, 
Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for 
all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to 
the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decisio n to the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import fish an d crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invertebrates, 
fresh, frozen or chilled  need to apply for an import licence whether the goods are for personal 
consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a person must have 
a bus iness activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence 
fee. No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for fish and crustaceans, mollusc and other aquatic invert ebrates, fresh, frozen 
or chilled  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a spe cific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaining forei gn exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  1.4  Fur skins, hides and skins of animals  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import fur skins, 
hides and skins of animals  is required to apply for an import licence from the Nati onal Biosecurity 
Agency , through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the Ministry of Finance, 
Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these 
applications and is a facilitator in the whole proces s of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be 
imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. This restriction applie s only to fresh/untreated hide skins and fur skins . 
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
4101.2000 to  4106.9200  Raw hides and skins of other animals (other than fur skins).  
4301.1000 to  4304.0000  Fur skins and artificial fur: manufactures thereof.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of  restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   The restriction is  to prevent the introduction and 
spread of food and mouth disease, khapra beetle and ticks and for other foreign organisms, which 
could potentially damage the environment or pose a threat to human and animal health  and for 
conservation purposes.  
 
5. The li censing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of fur skins, hides and skins of animals  is made to the 
Ministry of Natural Resources through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of 
the Ministry of Finance, Trade , Investment  and Economic Planning.  The Import and Export 
Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions 
taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more 
than one administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a ri ght to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person in tending to import fur skins, hides and skins of animals  need to apply for an import 
licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of 
commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence is sued by the Seychelles 
Licensing Authority. There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of authorized 
importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer i s required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  -  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary o r Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for fur skins, hides and skins of animals  on the restricted list are granted for an 
open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rat e by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
1.5  Meat and meat products  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import meat and 
meat products  is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources , 
through t he Import and Export Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade and The Blue Economy 
which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole 
process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject  to approval of the 
application.  
 
2. Meat and meat products.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
0201.1000 to 0209.0000  Meat and meat products of bovine animals, fresh or chilled, meat of swine fresh 
or chilled, meat of sheep and goats fresh or chilled, meat of horses, asses, mules 
or hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen  
 Edible offal of bovine animals, swine, sheep, goats, horses, asses, mules or 
hinnies, fresh, chilled or frozen, other meat and edible meat of the poultry of 
heading: 01.05 fresh, chilled or frozen and pig fat free of lean meat and poultry 
fat not rendered or otherwise extracted, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted in brine, dried 
or smoked  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantita tive value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  This measure is designed to protect human and 
animal health and life as provided for under Article XX of the GATT 1994.  
 
Import licenses for meat and poultry are issued by the Animal Health Department. The  source of 
meat and poultry needs to be verified, in order to ascertain whether the products originate from 
disease -free areas.  This is a preventive measure to reduce the instances of diseases related to meat 
and poultry spreading to existing farms given the size of the islands in Seychelles' archipelago.  The 
cost of containing and eliminating these diseases associated to the Government would be too high 
especially given t he limited human and financial resources available to it.   
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
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  5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7 a).  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/o r 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of meat and meat products  is made to the National 
Biosecurity Agency through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade Division  of the Ministry 
of Finance, Trade , Investment  and Economic Pl anning.  The Import and Export Unit acts as a 
one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant 
Authorities to the applicant. The importer does not have to approach more than one 
administrative organ.  
 
8. An appl icant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import meat and meat products  need to apply for an import licence 
whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of 
commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence iss ued by the Seychelles 
Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of authorized 
importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill ; 
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required); and  
-  Veterinary Certificate.  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Meat and meat products  have a validity of six months provided that they a re being sourced from 
a single supplier and origin.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no ot her conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the bankin g authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 11 - 
 
  foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking proce dures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
1.6  Plants and plant products, wood treated and untreated, and brooms  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import plant and 
plant products, wood treated and untreated, and brooms is required to apply for an impor t licence 
from the National Biosecurity Agency , through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division 
of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop 
for processing these applications and is a facilita tor in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  
The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Plants and plant products, wood treated and untreated, and brooms consisting of twigs or other 
vegetable materials bound together , with or without handles.   
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
0601.1000 to 0604.9900  Live trees and other plants; bulbs roots and the like; cut flowers and 
ornamental foliage  
 All Palm plants covered under the Plant  Protection ( Aleurotrochelus Atratus)  
Regulations, 2007.  (S.I. 17 of 2007)  
4401.1000  Fuel wood  
4401.2100 to 4401.2200  Wood chips or particles  
44.03  Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly 
squared.  
4407.1000  
4407.2100 to 4407.9900  Wood sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled,  
Whether or not planed, sanded or end – jointed, of thickness exceeding 6mm  
9603.1020  Brooms and brushes of other vegetables material (Except Coconut Fibres)  
  
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items. They are also not limited to 
any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  These measure s are designed to protect animal and 
plant life as provided for under Article XX  of the GATT  1994 and to protect the environment and 
conservation purposes.  
 
Plants have to be quarantined and their source needs to be verified by the  National Biosecurity 
Agency.  This is to ensure that the plants are imported from pest -free areas of the world. This 
restriction is also to ensure that the plants being introduced into the environment of Seychelles are 
not invasive and compete  with endemic and other plants for nutrients in the soil and sunlight. Import 
licenses for wood are issued by the National Biosecurity Agency. The purpose of the restriction is to 
determine whether the consignment originates from a disease or pest free area. The Ministry is also 
concerned with the method used to treat the wood; some me thods may not be as effective as others 
to kill foreign organisms present in the wood.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/ or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of plant and plant products, wood treated and untreated, 
and brooms  is made to the Ministry  of Natural Resources through the Import and Export Unit G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 12 - 
 
  from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade , Investment  and Economic Planning . 
The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry 
communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not 
have to approach m ore than one administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import plant and plant products, wood treated and untreated, and brooms  
need to apply for an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial 
distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence 
issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published 
list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is att ached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or compan y); 
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Plant and plant  products have a validity of six months provided that they are being sourced from 
a single supplier and origin.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) The Seychelles has implemented the International Plant Protection Convention Guidelines for 
regulating wood packaging in international trade (ISPM#15).  Imports of wood packaging 
must be either accompanied by a certificate to show that they have been correctly heat treated 
or fumigated or bear the international mark stating the above.  Consignments of wood 
packaging may be still subject to inspections and delays at import.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be import ed.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial b anks.  
 
2  MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT , ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE  
2.1  Endangered species  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only on e import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items.  An importer intending to import endangered 
species  is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of Environment and Energy , 
through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, 
Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 13 - 
 
  and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported 
subje ct to approval of the application.  
 
2. Endangered species require approval from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate 
Change.  Shipments of endangered species are subject to the Convention on International Trade in 
Endangered Species of Wild Faun a and Flora (CITES) which require an import permit.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
0507.1000  to 0507.9000  Ivory, tortoise -shell, whalebone and whalebone hair, horns, antlers, 
hooves, nails, claws and beaks, unworked or simply prepared but not cut 
to shape; powder and waste of these products  
9601.1000 to 9601.9000  Worked ivory, bone, tortoise -shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother -of-pearl 
and other animal carving material and articles of these materials (including 
articles obtained by moulding)  
 Any Species listed under the Convention on International  Trade in 
Endangered Species (CITES)  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   The system aims at protecting endangered species 
through trade in accordance with CITES and for conservation.   
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 20 19 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive br anch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of endangered species  is made to the Ministry of 
Environment, Energy and Climate Change  through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  
Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning. The Import and 
Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates 
decisions taken by rele vant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to 
approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licenc e. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import endangered species  need to apply for an import licence whether 
the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial 
distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing 
Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either i ndividual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 14 - 
 
  12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for endangered species  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 
year. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exc hange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaini ng foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
2.2  HFC refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment, and hydrofluoric carbon (HFC) gas  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Custom s Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import HFC 
refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment , and hydrofluoric carbon (HFC) gas  is required to apply 
for an import licence from the Ministry of Environment and Energy , through the Import and Export 
Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a 
one-stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining 
the licence. The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. HFC refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment, and hydrofluoric carbon (HFC ) gas.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
3824.7800  
 Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or 
propane: containing perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons 
(HFCs), but not containing chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) or hydro 
chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)  
8415.1000  
8415.2000  
8415.8100  
8415.8200  
8418.1000  
8418.2100 to  8418.6900  HFC refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   The purpose is to protect the environment.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 201 9 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive bra nch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 15 - 
 
  c)  There are no l imitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of HFC refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment, and 
hydrofluoric carbon (HFC) gas  is made to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate 
Change  through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, 
Trade, Investment and Economic Planning. The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop 
shop for all such applications. The Mini stry communicates decisions taken by relevant 
Authorities to the applicant. The importer does not have to approach more than one 
administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Departme nt which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import restricted goods need to apply for an import licence whether t he 
goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial 
distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing 
Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no publishe d list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and ac curate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for HFC refrigerated and HFC dependent equipment  and hydrofluoric carbon 
(HFC) gas  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no ot her administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a lice nce is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
2.3  Products  harmful to health  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import products 
harmful to health  is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of Environment, Energy 
and Climate Change  through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the Ministry o f 
Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing 
these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can 
only be imported subject to approval of the application.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 16 - 
 
  2. Products harmful to health.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
6811.8100 to 6811.8900  Other sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles not containing 
asbestos  
 Electronic cigarettes including its e -liquid and cartridges  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   The purpose is to protect human health.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/o r 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of products harmful to health  is made to the Ministry of 
Environment, Energy and Climate Change,  through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  
Division  of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and 
Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates 
decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to 
approach more  than one administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may app ly for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import products harmful to health  need to apply for an import licence 
whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of 
commercial distribution, a p erson must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles 
Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of authorized 
importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that i s required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for products harmful to health on the restricted list are granted for an open 
period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 17 - 
 
  16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are n o other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the ba nking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking pro cedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
2.4  Radioactive chemicals  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law.  There is only one import l icensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items.  An importer intending to import radioactive 
chemicals  is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and 
Climate Change through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the Ministry of 
Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing 
these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can 
only be import ed subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Radioactive chemicals.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
28.44  Radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes (including the fissile or 
fertile chemical elements and isotopes) and their compounds; mixtures and 
residues containing these products  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries eithe r bilaterally or unilaterally.   The purpose is to protect the environment.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/o r 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of radioactive chemicals  is made to the Ministry of 
Environment, Energy and Climate Change  through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade 
Division  of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Inve stment and Economic Planning . The Import and 
Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates 
decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to 
approach more than one administra tive organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import radioactive chemicals  need to apply for an import licence whether 
the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 18 - 
 
  distribution, a person must h ave a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing 
Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Ladin g or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for radioactive chemicals  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 
1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) These goods shall be handled, transported, packed, protected, stored or disposed of in 
accordance with any specified conditions or restrictions imposed by the Commissioner of 
Customs after consultation with the Public Health Commissioner and the Commission er of 
Police.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities  for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
2.5  Utensils and polystyrene boxes, non -plastic straws, and plastic bags  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles'  law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import utensils and 
polystyrene boxes, non -plastic s traws, and plastic bags  is required to apply for an import licence 
from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change , through the Import and Export Unit 
from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which 
acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a faci litator in the whole process of 
obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Utensils and polystyrene boxes, non -plastic s traws, and plastic bags.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
 Polystyrene Boxes  
 Non-Plastic Straws  
 Plastic Bags  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items. They are also not limited to 
any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  The purpose is for environmental protection.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 19 - 
 
  5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does n ot leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of utensils and polystyrene boxes, non -plastic s traws, and 
plastic bags  is made to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change,  through the 
Import and Export Unit fr om the Trade Division  of the Ministry of Finance, Trade , Investment  
and Economic Planning.  The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such 
applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the 
applicant.  Th e importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. An applicant has a right to query the decision.  To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or 
Department which has refused to issue the licence. If the response is unsatisfactory t o the applicant, 
then that person may apply for judicial review of the decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import utensils and polystyrene boxes, non -plastic s traws, and plastic 
bags need to apply for an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or 
commercial distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business 
activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence fee.  No, 
there is no published list of authorized impor ters. 
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from export er (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for utensils and polystyrene boxes, non -plastic straws, and plastic bags  on the 
restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow ban king procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 20 - 
 
  3  MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT , ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND  NATIONAL 
BIOSECURITY AGENCY  
3.1  Animals and animal by -products not treated  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import animals and 
animal by -products not tre ated is required to apply for an import licence from the  Ministry of 
Environment, Energy and Climate Change and N ational B iosecurity Agenc y, through the Import and 
Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Econom ic 
Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the 
whole process of obtaining the licence. The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the 
application.  
 
2. Animals and animal b y-products  not tr eated.   
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
0101.1000 to 0106.9000  Live animals; animal products  
0501.0000  Human hair, unworked, whether or not washed or scoured; waste of human hair  
0502.1000 to 0502.9000  Pigs, hogs or boars ' bristles and hair, badger hair and other brush making hair, 
waste of such bristles or hair  
0504.0000  Gut bladders and stomach of animals (other than fish) whole and pieces thereof, 
fresh, chilled, frozen, salted in brine, dried or smoked  
0505.1000 To 0505.9000  Skins and other parts of birds, with their feathers or down, feathers and parts of 
feathers (whether or not with trimmed edges) and down, not further worked than 
cleaned, disinfected or treated for preservation, powder and waste of f eathers or 
parts of feathers  
0506.1000 to 0506.9000  Bones and horn -cores unworked, defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to 
shape), treated with acid or deg elatinised; powder and waste of these products  
0508.000  Coral and similar materials, unworked or simply prepared but not otherwise 
worked; shells of molluscs, crustaceans or echinoderms and cuttle -bone, 
unworked or simply prepared but not cut in shape, powder and waste thereof  
0510.0000  Ambergris, castoreum, c ivet and musk; cantharides, bile, whether or not dried; 
glands and other animals products used in the preparation of pharmaceutical 
products, fresh, chilled, frozen or otherwise provisionally preserved  
0511.1000 to 0511.9900  Animal products not elsewhere specified or included; dead animals of chapter 1 
or 3, unfit for human consumption  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They are also not li mited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  Animals and animal b y-products  not treated are 
issued from the National Biosecurity Agency. All imported animals need to be quarantined for a 
minimum of 14 days.  The source of importation needs to  be verified so that these animals are not 
carrying any foreign diseases such as rabies, swine fever and foot and mouth.  So far, Seychelles is 
free of these diseases. The species of animals will also have to be verified because in case they are 
released o n purpose or by accident into the environment they may pose a danger to the local species 
of animals and human life as provided for under Article XX of the GATT 1994.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch)  to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
  
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 21 - 
 
  c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or  
importation may be made.  
d) The licence application for import of animals and animal by -products not treated  is made to 
the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and N ational B iosecurity Agency 
through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trad e Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, 
Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export  Unit  acts as a one stop shop for 
all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to 
the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart f rom the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence.  If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import animals and animal by -products not treated  need to apply for an 
import licence whether the goods are for  personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the 
case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the 
Seychelles Licensing Authority.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information th at is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill;  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required); and  
-  Veterinary Certificate.  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for animals and animal by -products  on the restricted list are granted for an open 
period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it i s issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign e xchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtai ning foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
4  MINISTRY  OF ENVIRONMENT , ENERGY  AND CLIMATE CHANGE A ND MINISTRY  OF 
HEALTH  
4.1  Dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. A n importer intending to import dangerous 
chemicals and precursor chemicals is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Environment, Energy and Climate Change and the Ministry of Health, through the Import and Export 
Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning  
which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole 
process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to appr oval of the 
application.  
 
2. Dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals requires approval from the Chairman of the 
Pesticide Board of the Ministry of Health.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
Chapter 29  Organic Chemicals.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  The restriction on imports of chemicals refers only 
to those listed in this document.  The Ministry responsible for health approves import licenses for 
the imports of chemicals.  The most pressing concern for the Ministry with regards to these imports 
of these chemicals is their storage location s.  Given the high population density of Mahe, Praslin and 
La Digue, chemical spillages and leaks have the potential hazard to human life and to the 
environment. This measure is designed to protect human, animal and plant life as referred to in 
Article XX of the GATT 1994 and to protect the environment.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals is made to 
the Ministry of Environment , Energy  and Climate Change,  and the permit is issued by Pesticide 
Board  of the Ministry of Health through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division  of 
the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and E conomic Planning . The Import and Export  
Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions 
taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more 
than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Depart ment which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals  need to apply fo r 
an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the 
case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the 
Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence f ee. No, there is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 23 - 
 
  -  Bill of Entry (3 copie s); 
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for dangerous chemicals and precursor chemicals  on the restricted list are 
granted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required  as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
5  MINISTRY  OF ENVIRONMENT , ENERGY  AND CLIMATE CHANGE  AND SEYCHELLES  
ENERGY  COMMISSION  
5.1  PVC insulated wires, cables and flexible cords  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seyche lles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import PVC 
insulated wires, cables and flexible cords is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry 
of Environmen t, Energy and Climate Change and the Seychelles Energy Commission, through the 
Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and 
Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these application s and is a facilitator 
in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to approval 
of the application.  
 
2. PVC insulated wires and cables for fixed wiring, and PVC insulated flexible cords for use with 
appliances and equipment intended for domestic office and similar environments.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8544.1100 to  8544.2000  Winding wire of copper and of other materials  
8544.1100 to  8544.2000  
 PVC insulated cables should be in accordance to British Standard BS 6004 
or IEC Standard 60227  
8544.4200 to  
8544.6000  PVC insulated flexible cables (cords) should be in accordance to British 
Standard BS 6500 or IEC Standard 60227.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   The purpose is for fire safety.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 24 - 
 
   
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An ap plication for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of PVC insulated wires, cables and flexible cords  is made to 
the Ministry  Responsible For Environment, Energy  and Climate Change  & Seychelles Energy 
Commission through the Import and E xport  Unit from the Trade  Division of the  Ministry of 
Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export  Unit acts as a one 
stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant 
Authorities to the a pplicant. The importer does not have to approach more than one 
administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant h as a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any pe rson intending to import PVC insulated wires, cables and flexible cords  need to apply for 
an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the 
case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business act ivity licence issued by the 
Seychelles Licensing Authority.   There is no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importat ion an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and 
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for PVC insulated wires, cables and flexible cords  on the restricted list are gra nted 
for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking pr ocedures as set out by the commercial banks.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 25 - 
 
  6  MINISTRY  OF FINANCE,  TRADE , INVESTMENT  AND ECONOMIC PLANNING  
6.1  Alcohol and tobacco products  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items.  An importer intending to import alcohol and 
tobacco products is required to apply for an import licence from the Import a nd Export Unit from the 
Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a 
one-stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining 
the licence. The goods can onl y be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Alcohol and tobacco products.   
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
2203.0010 to 2208.9029  Alcohol Beverages and spirits.  
Chapter 24  Tobacco and manufactures tobacco substitutes.  
2105.0010  Popsicles having alcoholic strength of 0.5% but not exceeding 15% 
volume  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   This measure is designed to protect human life as 
per Article XX of the GATT 1994 and for socio -economic reasons.  
 
The Ministry responsible for Finance issues import licenses for alcohol and cigarettes.  The restriction 
was instituted following the imports of poor quality or counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes into 
Seychelles, which was considered to be having a negative impact on human life. The import licence 
requirement also exists for alcohol and tobacco used as raw materials, so as to ensure that the local 
products do not have negative effects on human health. This import restriction has been a 
recommendation from the Ministry responsible for Health and non -governmental organizations.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislati on does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value  quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or  
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of alcohol and tobacco products  is made through the Import 
and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division  of the Ministry of Finance, Trade , Investment and 
Economic Planning . The  Import and Export  Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such 
applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the 
applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.   
 
8. There are no other circumstances ap art from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the lic ence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import alcohol and tobacco products  need to apply for an import licence 
whether the goods are for personal  consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 26 - 
 
  commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles 
Licensing Authority. There is no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of authorized 
impor ters. 
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from export er (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such req uirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for alcohol and tobacco products on the restricted list are granted for an open 
period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to import ation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licen ses issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
6.2  Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillations, bituminous substances,  
and mineral waxes  
1. Seychelles' trade polic y allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to im port mineral 
fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillations, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes is 
required to apply for an import licence from the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of 
the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for 
processing these applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The 
goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Mineral fuels, mineral oil s and products of their distillations, bituminous substances, and mineral 
waxes require approval from the Ministry of Finance.  
 
HS Code 
(HS2007)  Product description  
2710.1210  Aviation Gasoline (Avgas)  
2710.1220  Motor Gasoline  
2710.1290  Other  
2710.1911  Kerosene, type Jet Fuel  
2710.1919  Other  
2710.1921  Gasoline (Diesel)  
2710.1922  Fuel Oils  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 27 - 
 
  HS Code 
(HS2007)  Product description  
2710.2000  Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, (other than crude); and 
preparations not elsewhere specified or included, containing by weight 70% or more of 
petroleum oils or of oils obtained from bituminous minerals, these oils being the basic 
constituents of the preparations, containing biodiesel, other than waste oils   
2710.9100  Containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or 
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)  
2710.9900  Other  
27.11  Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  For environmental protection purposes, the storage 
facilities of the petroleum and petroleum prod ucts need to be verified.  These facilities need to be 
compliant with environmental standards so that they do not endanger human and plant life.  
Seychelles has limited resources, financial and human, to deal with oil leaks and other environmental 
hazards.   This measure is designed to protect animal and plant life as stipulated in Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 and for socio -economic reasons.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restri cted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislativ e approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in  Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their 
distillations, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes  is made through the Import and 
Export Unit from the Trade Division  of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment  and 
Economic Planning . The  Import and Export  Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such 
applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the 
applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative o rgan.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their dist illations, 
bituminous substances, and mineral waxes  need to apply for an import licence whether the goods 
are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a 
person must have a business activity licence issued  by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is 
no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is r equired to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 28 - 
 
  -  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or P hytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillations, bituminous 
substances, and miner al waxes  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevail ing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers  need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
7  MINISTRY  OF HEALTH  
7.1  Pharmaceutical and veterinary products  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are n ot prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import 
pharmaceutical and veterinary products is required to apply for an import licence from the Mini stry 
of Health, through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, 
Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these 
applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obta ining the licence.  The goods can only be 
imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Pharmaceutical and veterinary products  require approval from the  Medical Information Unit, 
Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of Health.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
3001.2000 to 3004.5000  Pharmaceutical products (example gland and organs, human blood; 
animal blood), and parts of medicaments  
Chapter 28  Products of the Chemical allied Industries  
3006.1000 to 3006.7000  Pharmaceutical products Specified in Note 4 of Chapter 30 of the 
Customs Management (Tariff and Classification of Goods) Regulations, 
2018 
3808.5200 to 3808.6900  Goods specified in Subheading Note 1 to chapter 38: alachlor (ISO); 
aldicarb (ISO); aldrin (ISO); azinphos -methyl (ISO); binapacryl (ISO); 
camphechlor (ISO) (toxaphene); captafol (ISO); chlordane (ISO); 
chlordimeform (ISO); chlorobenzilate (ISO); DDT (ISO)  (clofenotane 
(INN), 1,1,1 -trichloro -2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane); dieldrin (ISO, 
INN); 4,6 -dinitro -o-cresol (DNOC (ISO)) or its salts; dinoseb (ISO), its 
salts or its esters; endosulfan (ISO); ethylene dibromide (ISO) (1,2 -
dibromoethane) ; ethylene dichl oride (ISO) (1,2 -dichloroethane); 
fluoroacetamide (ISO); heptachlor (ISO); hexachlorobenzene (ISO); 
1,2,3,4,5,6 -hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane 
(ISO, INN); mercury compounds; methamidophos (ISO); 
monocrotophos (ISO); oxirane (ethylene oxide); parathion (ISO); 
parathion -methyl (ISO) (methyl -parathion); penta - and 
octabromodiphenyl ethers; pentachlorophenol (ISO), its salts or its 
esters; perfluorooctanesulphonic acid and its salts; 
perfluorooctanesulphonamides; perfluorooctanesulphonyl f luoride; 
phosphamidon (ISO); 2,4,5 -T (ISO) (2,4,5 -trichlorophenoxyacetic G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 29 - 
 
  HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
acid), its salts or its esters; tributyltin compounds, dustable powder 
formulations containing a mixture of benomyl (ISO), carbofuran (ISO) 
and thiram (ISO)  
3808.9110 to  3808.9390  Insecticides ; Fungicides ; Herbicides  
3808.9911  to 3808.9929  Rodenticides ; Other  
6304.2000  Bed nets specified in subheading Note 1 of Chapter 63; made from warp 
knit fabrics, impregnated or coated with alphacypermethrin (ISO), 
chlorfenapyr (ISO), deltamethr in (INN, ISO), lambda -cyhalothrin (ISO), 
permethrin (ISO) or pirimiphos -methyl (ISO)  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.    
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports.  They are also n ot limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   Imports of pharmaceuticals require the approval 
of the Ministry responsible for Health.  This is to ensure that the products imported are safe for 
human consumption and that the sources of these products are reliable.  The import licence 
requirement serves as a deterrent against the imports of counterfeit medicine.  This measure is in 
line with Article XX of the GATT 1994 to protect human life and health.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which applicati on for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of pharmaceutical and veterinary products  is made to the 
Ministry Responsible For Health through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division 
of the  Ministry of Fi nance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export  
Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions 
taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more 
than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of th e concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import pharmaceutical and veterinary products  need to apply for an 
import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the 
case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the 
Seychelles Licensing Authority.  Th ere is no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 30 - 
 
  -  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for pharmaceutical and veterinary products  on the restricted list are granted for 
an open period of 1 year. However, medicinal products require licenses per each shipment.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transfe rrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cov er licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
8  MINISTRY  OF HOME  AFFAIRS AND COMMISSIONER  OF POLICE   
8.1  Explosives, pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, tanks, warships , military 
uniforms and camouflage material  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seyc helles, which applies to restricted items.  An importer intending to import explosives, 
pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, tanks, warships, military uniforms and camouflage 
material is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of Ho me Affairs and 
Commissioner of Police, through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry 
of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing 
these applications and is a facilitator in th e whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can 
only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Explosives, pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, tanks, warships, military uniforms and 
camouflage material.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Produ ct description  
36.01 to 36.04  
 Explosives; pyrotechnic products; pyrophoric alloys; certain 
combustible preparations (excluding matches), fireworks and signal 
flares  
8710.0000  
 Tanks and other armoured  fighting vehicles, motorized, whether or not 
fitted with weapons, and parts for such vehicles  
8906.1000  War ships  
Chapter 93  Arms and ammunition  
 No person except a member of the Seychelles Peoples Defence  Forces 
and the police may import –  
(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Seychelles 
Peoples Defence Forces and the police; or  
 (2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the 
uniform of the Seychelles Peo ples Defence Forces and the police  
 (3) material printed with military camouflage print in the colours of the 
Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces and the Police.  
 Anything which has the physical appearance of being an exact replica 
of a firearm or ammuniti on, or a replica gun or toy ammunition which 
is so realistically designed so as to make it indistinguishable from a 
firearm or ammunition  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 31 - 
 
  4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.   The purpose is for national security.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discr etion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bil aterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during whi ch application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of explosives, pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, 
tanks, warships, military uniforms and camouflage material  is made to the Ministry 
Responsible For Home Affairs & Commissioner Of Police through the Import and Export  Unit 
from the Trade  Division of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . 
The Import and Export  Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry  
communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the applicant. The importer does not 
have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that pe rson may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import explosives, pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, tanks, 
warships, military uniforms and camouflage material  need to apply for an import licence whether 
the goods a re for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial 
distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing 
Authority.  There is no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate inv oice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for explosives, pyrotechnic products, arms and ammunition, tanks, warships, 
military uniforms and camouflage material on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 
year. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of  a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 32 - 
 
  18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administra tive procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
9  DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION S TECHNOLOGY  
9.1  Radio communication equipment includ ing VSAT  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted  items. An importer intending to import radio 
communication equipment including VSAT is required to apply for an import licence from the Import 
and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic 
Planning whic h acts as a one -stop shop for processing  these applications and is a facilitator in the 
whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the 
application by the Ministry responsible for broadcasting and telecomm unicatio n, specifically the 
Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT). DICT does not issue any import 
licences or import permits, but grants or refuses permission , via a letter,  to the person wishing to 
import radio communication equipment . The letter of  authorisation to import is used by that person 
as supporting document to obtain an import permit /import licence  from the Import and Export Unit  
of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning.  
 
2. Radio communication equipment including VSAT require approval from DICT.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8525.5010 to  8525.6000  
 Broadcasting or Telecommunication Jamming equipment  
 
Land Mobile radio equipment (Private Mobile Radios (PMR)/ Walkie Talkies 
(hand -held and fixed) and base stations)  
 
Citizen Band (CB) radio equipment  
 
Aeronautical radio equipment (hand -held and fixed)  
 
Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) access network equipment (GSM (2G), 
UMTS (3G), LTE (4G), etc.)  
 
Broadcasting Transmitters (all frequency bands) (e.g. AM, FM, TV, etc.)  
 Fixed communication link equipment  
 
Satellite Mobile equipment (e.g. Iridium, Globalstar, Thuraya, Inmarsat, 
etc.) 
 
Amateur Radio equipment  
 
Meteorological Aid equipment, including satellite meteorological aid 
equipment  
 
Private Radio Paging equipment  
 
Fixed Broadband Wireless Access (FBWA) equipment  
 
Excluding:  
FBWA equipment operating in accordance with the following European 
standards from the European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI):  
 
• 2.4 GHz *  EN 300 -328 Maximum EIRP 100mW or 20dBm  
• 5.7 GHz *  EN 300 -440 Maximum EIRP 25mW or 14dBm  
*No external antennas permitted  
8526.1000  Radars ; Police radar detecto r 
8526.9100  Radio Navigational Aid equipment  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 33 - 
 
  HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8529.1010  to 8529.1040  Satellite dishes (residential (personal) & commercial use) - receive only  
8529.1010  to 8529.1040  Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) equipment - transmit and receive  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  DICT grants or refuses permission to import 
telecommunication or broadcasting equipment that emit or transmit and receive radio frequencies, 
termed as radio communication (radio) equipment.  The list of restricted radio equipment does not 
include any non -radio frequency emitting or non -radio frequen cy receiving telecommunication 
devices or equipment, such as telephones, modems, routers, switches, PABXs.  Note that mobile 
phones, personal digital assistants (PDA) and similar type of equipment are also not restricted goods 
and, as a result, are not inc luded in the list of restricted radio equipment.  It is important to note 
that there is no radio equipment that is manufactured in Seychelles and as a result all such 
equipment has to be imported from overseas.  There are also no local regulatory requireme nts and 
standards that guide the manufacturing of radio equipment like in jurisdictions such as the European 
Union and the United States of America.  In line with the same, importation is done from different 
countries, mostly from Europe, Africa and Asia.  As per the International Telecommunication Union's 
(ITU) frequency allocation plans, the same frequencies can be used for slightly different services in 
different regions of the world.  Since, Seychelles does not impose any restrictions as to where an 
importer can purchase his/her radio equipment; there is a need for users to seek permission before 
any radio equipment is imported.  This measure is to ensure that harmful interference is avoided to 
authorized users of radio equipment especially in respect of  essential and emergency services.  This 
measure is designed to protect human life as referred to Article XX of the GATT 1994 and for national 
security.  
 
5. The import licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs 
Management  (Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . The legislation does not leave 
designation of products to be subjected to import licensing to administrative discretion , and it is not 
possible for the Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the  system without legislative 
approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The application for impor t of radio communication equipment including VSAT  is made to  DICT 
through the Import and Export Unit of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and 
Economic Planning . The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such 
applications. DICT communicates decisions taken by DICT to the applicant  and the  Import and 
Export Unit .  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusa l. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision  
to the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, t hen that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import radio communication equipment including VSAT  need to apply for 
an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or for business purposes . In the 
case of commercial distribution there is currently no legal framework in place to control and regulate 
the importation and retailing of radio  communication  equipment categorized  as “restricted goods ”; 
basically  to act as a dealer of radio communication equipment. As such, DICT does not grant 
permission to import radio communication equipment for retail on the local market.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 34 - 
 
  10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an impo rter is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for radio communication equipment including VSAT indicated in  the restricted 
list are gr anted for an open period of 1 year . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions th at apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for  goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
10  SEYCHELLES  BUREAU OF STANDARDS  
10.1  Glass and glazed glass products for architectural use in buildings  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items.  An importer intending to import glass and 
glazed glass products for architectural use in buildings is required to apply for an im port licence from 
the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of 
the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for 
processing these applications and is a fa cilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The 
goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Glass and glazed glass products for architectural use in buildings require approval from the 
Seychelles Bureau of Standards . 
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
7005.1000 to  7005.3000  Float glass and surface ground or  polished glass, in sheets, whether 
or not  having an absorbent, reflecting or nonreflecting layer, but not 
otherwise worked  
7016.9000  Other articles of pressed/moulded glass whether or not wired, of a 
kind used for building or construction purposes  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They a re also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  This measure is designed to protect human life as 
referred to Article XX of the GATT 1994 and for public safety.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 35 - 
 
  5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discr etion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bil aterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during whi ch application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of glass and glazed glass products for architectural use in 
building is made to the Seychelles Bureau Of Standards through the Import and Export  Unit 
from the Trade  Division of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . 
The Import and Export Unit  acts as a one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry 
communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the applic ant.  The importer does not 
have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a  right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person  intending to import glass and glazed glass products for architectural use in buildings  
need to apply for an import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial 
distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a person must hav e a business activity licence 
issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence fee. No, there is no published 
list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for glass and glazed glass products for architectural use in buildings on the 
restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not trans ferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 36 - 
 
  19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cov er licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
11  MINISTRY  OF HABITAT , LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAND TRANSPORT  
11.1  Prefabricated buildings  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for  goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import prefabr icated 
buildings is required to apply for an import licence from the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat, through 
the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment 
and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop s hop for processing these applications and is a 
facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported subject to 
approval of the application.  
 
2. Prefabricated building s.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
9406.0000  Prefabricated buildings.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or uni laterally.  This measure is designed to protect human life as 
referred to Article XX of the GATT 1994 and for public safety.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) R egulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of prefabricated buildings is made to the Ministry 
Responsible For Land Use And Habitat through the Import and Export Division (IED) of the  
Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . The IED acts as a one stop 
shop for all such applications. The Ministry  communicates decisions taken by relevant 
Authorities to the applicant.   The importer does not have to approach more than one 
administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, th e reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import prefabricated buildings  need to apply for an import licence whether 
the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial 
distribution a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing 
Authority.  There is no  import licence fee. No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 37 - 
 
  10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificate (if required).  
 
12. There i s no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for prefabricated buildings  on the restricted list are granted for an open period 
of 1 year.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licenc e or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
12  MINISTRY OF HABITAT, LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAND TRANS PORT  
12.1  Vehicles, and vehicle and chassis bodies  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Se ychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import vehicles, 
and vehicle and chassis bodies is required to apply for an import licence from the Department of 
Transport, through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of  the Ministry of Finance, 
Trade, Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these 
applications and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be 
imported subject to approval of the  application.  
 
2. Vehicles, and vehicle and chassis bodies require approval from the Department of Transport under 
the Ministry of Tourism and Transport.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
Chapter 87  All vehicles of chapter 87 with the steering wheel located on the left -
hand side; excluding golf carts and any other off -road vehicles or 
vehicles for which permission has been granted to be used off road  
 All vehicles of chapter 87, previously used; excluding golf carts and 
any other off -road vehic les or vehicles for which permission has been 
granted to be used off road  
8426.1100 to  8427.9000  
 Ship’s derricks; cranes, including cable cranes; mobiles lifting frames; 
straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with crane. Fork -lift trucks; 
other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment  
8707.1010  Bodies (including Cabs) of trucks of heading 87.03  
8707.9010 to 8707.9090  
 Bodies (including Cabs) for the motor vehicle of heading 87.01, 87.02, 
87.04 and 87.05  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 38 - 
 
  HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8429.1100 t o 8430.6900  
 Self-propelled bulldozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical 
shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and road 
rollers  
 Other moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating, tamping, 
compacting, extracting or boring machinery, for ea rth, minerals or 
ores; pile -drivers and pile -extractors; snow -ploughs and snow 
blowers  
8701.1000 to  8705.9000  Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock  
8706.0000  
 Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicle of heading nos. 
87.01 to 87. 05 
8708.9910  Nose cuts, front cuts, rear cuts and quarter panels of vehicles of 
heading Nos. 87.02 to 87.04  
8708.9910  Floorboard, roof panel, roof pillars, roof panel, rear light panel, centre 
door pillar, apron, front light and radiator panel, lower sid e panel, 
firewall panel, rear carrier, front quarter cut and rear quarter cut  
8708.9930  Chassis with no engine  
87.11  Motorcycle (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with auxiliary motor, 
with or without side -cars; side cars  
8716.1000 to  8716.8000  
 Trailers and semi -trailers and other vehicles not mechanically 
propelled, excluding wheel -barrows and trollies  
8407.3100 to  8407.9000  Reciprocating piston engines of a kind used for the propulsion of 
vehicles of chapter 87  
8408.2000  Engines of  a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87  
8708.9000  Other engines  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  Import licenses for automotive equipment are 
assessed by Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA) and recommendations are made to the 
Ministry of Finance.  The import licence requirement has been put in place to control the imports of 
left-hand drive vehicles because of the implementation of the British traffic system (i.e. drive on the 
left side of th e road) for the purpose of public safety and second -hand vehicles which are restricted 
by law in Seychelles for the purpose of environmental protection.  The requirement is also a means 
of administering a ban on imports of half and quarter cuts.  
 
Vehicles which are considered to be oversized (e.g. Heavy trucks, cranes), again the SLTA assesses 
the specifications of the vehicles inclusive of the weight of the vehicle when the import licence  is 
lodged and if the licence  is recommended, conditions are  attached to the use of the particular 
oversize vehicle on the roads, e.g. operating hours, where the vehicle ca n or cannot be operated.  
These  measures are designed to protect human life as referred to in Article XX of the  GATT  1994. 
5. The licensing syst em is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unila terally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application fo r licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of vehicles, and vehicle and chassis bodies  is made to the 
Department Of Transport  of the Ministry of Tourism and Transport,  through the Import and 
Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and 
Economic Planning . The Import and Export Unit acts as a one stop shop for all such 
applications.  The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to the 
applicant. The importer do es not have to approach more than one administrative organ.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 39 - 
 
  8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the de cision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import vehicles, and vehicle and chassis bodies  need to apply for an 
import licence whether the goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the 
case of commercial distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the 
Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of 
authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to s ubmit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Vehicle Dealer’s Licence.  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for vehicles, and vehicle and chassis bodies  on the restricted list are granted for 
an open period of 1 year.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rat e by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follo w banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
13  SEYCHELLES  CIVIL AVIATION  AUTHORITY  
13.1  Aircraft  
1. Seychelles' trade policy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychel les' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import aircraft is 
required to apply for an import licence from the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, through the 
Import and E xport Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and 
Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications and is a facilitator 
in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only b e imported subject to approval 
of the application.  
 
2. Aircraft.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8801.1000 to  8802.6000  Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non -powered 
aircraft  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 40 - 
 
  HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8801.1000 to  8802.6000  Other aircraft (for example, helicopters, aeroplanes); spacecraft 
(including satellite); and spacecraft launch vehicles  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not intended to restrict any quantity or value of imports. They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  Imports of aircraft are subject to import licenses 
issued by Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority ( SCAA).  The Authority needs to certify whether the 
aircraft is flight worthy and does not pose a danger to human life.  This measure is to protect human 
life as referred to in Article XX of the GATT 1994 and for public safety.  
 
5. The licensing system is c urrently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not poss ible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 
c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licenc e and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of aircraft is made to the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority 
through the Import and Export  Unit from the Trade  Division of the  Ministry of Finance, Trade, 
Investment and Economic P lanning . The Import and Export  Unit acts as a one stop shop for 
all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant Authorities to 
the applicant.  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative organ.  
 
8. There  are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To the Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department whic h has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import aircraft  need to apply for an import licence whether the goods are 
for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial distribution, a person 
must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority.  There is no 
import licence fee. No, there is no published list of autho rized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Vehicle Dealer’s Licence.  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for aircraft  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 year.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a p ortion of a licence.  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 41 - 
 
  16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported.  No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  Yes,  
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued.  For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
14  SEYCHELLES  MARITIME  SAFETY  AUTHORITY  
14.1  Ships and vessels  
1. Seychelles' trade pol icy allows for goods to be imported from any Customs Territory around the 
world, as long as they are not prohibited under Seychelles' law. There is only one import licensing 
system in Seychelles, which applies to restricted items. An importer intending to import ships and 
vessels is required to apply for an import licence from the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, 
through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Trade, 
Investment and Economic Planning which acts as a one -stop shop for processing these applications 
and is a facilitator in the whole process of obtaining the licence.  The goods can only be imported 
subject to approval of the application.  
 
2. Ships and vessels.  
 
HS Code (HS2007)  Product description  
8901.1000  Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels principally 
designed for the transport of persons; ferry boats of all kinds  
8901.2000  Tankers  
8901.3000  Refrigerated vessels, other than those of subheading 8901.20  
8901.9000  Other vessels for the transportation of goods and other vessels for 
the transportation of both persons and goods  
8902.0000  Fishing Vessels  
8903.1000 to 8903.9200  Yachts and other vessels or pleasure or sports; (These include 
Inflatables, sailboats with or with out auxiliary motor, motorboats, 
other than outboard motor -boats but exclude Kayak and Canoes)  
8903.9990  Other boats and vessels not elsewhere specified  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from any Customs Territory.  
 
4. The licensing is not inte nded to restrict any quantity or value of imports.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  Imports of sea -going vessels require an import 
licence issued by Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority.  The Authority certifi es that the vessel is 
seaworthy and does not constitute a danger to human life and the marine environment.  This 
measure is to protect human, animal and plant life as referred to in Article XX of the GATT and for 
public safety.  
 
5. The licensing system is currently mandated under the S.I. No.41 of 2019 - Customs Management 
(Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019 . No, the legislation does not leave designation 
of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion.  No, it is not possible for the 
Government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
6. There are no quantitative value quotas for import of restricted items.  They are also not limited 
to any countries either bilaterally or unilaterally.  
 
7.a)  An application for an import licence must be made prior to the shipment landing in Seychelles.  
 
b)  Yes, subject to submission of all relevant documents.  
 G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 42 - 
 
  c)  There are no limitations as to the period of  the year during which application for licence and/or 
importation may be made.  
 
d)  The licence application for import of ships and vessels is made to the Seychelles Maritime 
Safety Authority through the Import and Export Unit from the Trade Division  of the Ministry 
of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning . The Import and Export Unit acts as a 
one stop shop for all such applications. The Ministry communicates decisions taken by relevant 
Authorities to the applicant.   The importer does not have to  approach more than one 
administrative organ.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances apart from the ordinary criteria that would warrant a refusal. 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant. An applicant has a right to query the decision. 
To th e Minister of the concerned Ministry or Department which has refused to issue the licence. If 
the response is unsatisfactory to the applicant, then that person may apply for judicial review of the 
decision.  
 
9. Any person intending to import ships and vess els need to apply for an import licence whether the 
goods are for personal consumption or commercial distribution. In the case of commercial 
distribution, a person must have a business activity licence issued by the Seychelles Licensing 
Authority.  There i s no import licence fee. No, there is no published list of authorized importers.  
 
10. A sample form is attached (Annex) which shows all the information that is required.  
 
11. Upon importation an importer is required to submit the following documents:  
 
-  Bill of Entry (3 copies);  
-  Certified true and accurate invoice from exporter (either individual or company);  
-  A valid import licence;  
-  Packing List;  
-  Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and  
-  Vehicle Dealer’s Licence.  
 
12. There is no fee or charge for the import licence.   
 
13. There are no such requirements.  
 
14. Import licenses for ships and vessels  on the restricted list are granted for an open period of 1 
year. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licen ce or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. An import licence is not transferrable as it is issued to a specific person and goods.  
 
17.b) There are no other conditions that apply.  
 
18. No, there are no other administrative procedures apart from import licensing and  similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing market rate by the banking authorities for goods 
to be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licenses issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers need to follow banking procedures as set out by the commercial banks.  
 
 
  
  G/LIC/N/3/SYC/3  
 
- 43 - ANNEX1 
 
__________  
 
1 In English only.