G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
20 February 2020  
(20-1310) Page: 1/19 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PRO CEDURES  
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT  
 ON IMPORT LICENSING  PROCEDURES (201 9) 
MAURITIUS  
The following communication, dated 17 February 2020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Mauritius.  
 
_______________  
 
 
1   MINISTER OF ENVI RONMENT, SOLID WASTE  MANAGEMENT  AND  
CLIMATE CHANGE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  1 
2   MINISTRY OF INDU STRY, COMMERCE AND C ONSUMER PROTECTION  
(COMMERCE DIVISION)  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 3 
3   MINISTRY OF AGRO -INDUSTRY AND FOOD S ECURITY  ................................ ...............  6 
3.1   National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office (NAPRO)  ................................ ................  6 
3.2   National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS)  ................................ ............................  8 
3.3   Veterinary Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 10 
3.4   National Plants and Protection Office (NPPO)  ................................ ................................  11 
4   MINISTRY OF HEAL TH AND WELLNESS  ................................ ................................ .... 13 
4.1   Dangerous Chemicals Control Board  ................................ ................................ ...........  13 
4.2   Pharmacy Board  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 14 
1. Import of Dangerous Drugs (Schedules II, III & IV)  ................................ ................  14 
2. Antibiotics, vaccines and therapeutic substances &  Schedule I, Dangerous Drugs  ... 16 
 
1  MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT,  SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND  CLIMATE CHANGE  
Outline of system  
1. Mauritius has successfully implemented its Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) Phase out Management 
Plan since  2005 and importation of CFCs have been completely banned.  Presently, a 
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) has been 
developed/approved in 2011 and importation of HCFC refrigerants is being controlled.  
 
A quota system based o n a baseline figure (the average amount of HCFC refrigerants imported 
in 2009 and 2010), has been set up/implemented, since 2013. In 2015, as required under the 
Montreal Protocol and as provided in the HPMP, a 10% reduction was applied to the baseline impo rt 
and a quota system worked out accordingly.  
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 Following request from importers of refrigerants, the National Ozone Unit of the Minister of 
Environment,  Solid Waste Management and  Climate Change  issue a clearance to the importers. The 
Customs Department of  the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Dangerous Chemical Control Board 
(DCCB) of the Ministry  of Health and Wellness  are informed of our no -objection and DCCB issues the 
import permit for importation under the Dangerous Chemical Control Act, 2004.  The Customs 
Department enforce the latter legislation.  
Additionally, importation of equipment containing HCFC as refrigeran t is banned, under the 
Consumer Protection (Supplies and Control) Regulations, 2013.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. Importation of all HCFC refrigerants requires import permit.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from anywhere in the world.  
 
4. The Licensing system is to restrict the quantity of the HCFC refrigerants being imported based on 
the quota as defined in the HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP).  
 
5. The importation is controlled as per quota defined in the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase 
out Management Plan (HPMP).  It is to be noted that a Regulation under the Dangerous Chemical 
Control Act, has been prepared and is expected to be promulgate d/in force shortly.  
 
Procedures  
6.I All the importers of refrigerants have been informed of the quota system.  
 
II. Accordingly, the Quota is allocated. However, importers have to make the request for 
clearance for licence every time they intend to import. They need to indicate the amount as 
well as country of origin.  
 
III. Refrigerants are not produced locally. Unused allocations are not added to quotas for 
succeeding period.  No, names of importers have not been made known to export promotion 
bodies of exp orting countries, as no such request has been made. However, there would be 
no problem to communicate these details if ever there is such a request.  
 
IV. There are no specific conditions but preferably the importers should submit their request two 
working days before hand.  
 
V. There are no specific conditions but generally the requests are processed within two days.  
 
VI.  No restriction, subject to importation is done within the same calendar year.  
 
VII. No. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management 
and Climate Change  process only the no -objection and certifies that the refrigerant in question 
can be imported. It is the Dangerous Chemical Control Board of the  Ministry of Health and 
Wellness  which grants the Licence.  
 
VIII. It happens that some importers have exceeded their quotas and they made additional request.  
Then reallocation can be done if only the other importers have not fully used their quotas. A 
quota system has been established as from 2013 based on the a verage import during 
2009-2010 for those importers who were registered during the said two years. A  quota has 
also been assigned for new importers while being within the allowable baseline figure of 
import. Applications are examined on receipt.  
 
IX. For an y importation of HCFC an import licence is obligatory.  
 
X No such mechanism.  
 
XI. No. The imported Refrigerant can be re -exported, but the exporters need to again get the 
clearance from the  NOU and licence from the DCCB.  
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 7.(a)-(d) N/A.   
 
8. Application for a licence may be refused if the quota has been met. The importer is informed 
accordingly. The importer may contact the NOU and confirm whether unused allocation for other 
importers can be reallocated.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply f or a permit  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences. The NOU does charge any 
registration fee. There is no published list of importers at the level of NOU.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for applications for permits  
10. The importer must send a letter to the NOU and copied to the DCCB and specify the following:  
• Type of refrigerants.  
• Type of container.  
• Weight per unit.  
 
Country from where it is imported.  
 
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)  of the product can al so be submitted by the importer, though 
not binding.  
 
11. Production of clearance from DCCB is required prior to granting Customs release.  
 
12. The NOU does charge any registration fee.  
 
13. No fees and deposit are applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The licence is valid as from the date of issue to the date the Refrigerants are cleared from the 
Customs.  
 
15. There is no penalty by the NOU in case of non -utilisation of the Licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. While issuing the clearance by the NOU, the importers are requested to also seek clearance from 
the DCCB.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No  other administrative procedures.  
 
19. N /A. 
 
2  MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY , COMMERCE AND CONSU MER PROTECTION (COMM ERCE 
DIVISION)  
1. Motor vehicles and motorcycles  
Outline of System  
1. Import permit system is regulated by the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) 
Regulations  2017 establishing the list of goods subject to import control. The system is administered 
by the Tra de Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection.  
 
For products subject to import control, it is related to second hand motor vehicles, whereby an 
individual or firm (other than an authorised dealer or a taxi owner/driver) is entitled to  import one 
motor car every five years; an authorized dealer is not subject to any restriction; a taxi owner/driver G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 is entitled to import one motor car every four years; an individual or firm (other than an authorised 
dealer) is entitled t o import one lorry/truck every five years; and an individual or firm (other than 
an authorised dealer) is entitled to import one van every five years.  This  information is available in 
the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017.  
 
An individual or fir m employing not less than 8 persons (other than an authorised dealer or a public 
transport operator) is entitled to import one second -hand bus every 5 years for each appropriate 
licence. Any imported second -hand bus imported by an authorised dealer shall b e sold only to a 
person holding the appropriate licence.  
 
For second -hand motorcycles – total restriction on importation for resale.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Import Permits  
2. Imports of restricted goods are subject to non-automatic licensing through an i mport permit being 
granted and issued.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries.  
 
4. Import permits are enforced for reasons of security, sensitivity, health and environment.  
 
5. Import control is regulated under the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations  2017 
and approval from the Minister responsible for Commerce has to be sought for any change in the 
list of restricted goods.  With regards  to an authorised dealer, the company must be a holder of a 
valid licence of an authorised dealer in importation and sale of second -hand motor vehicles as per 
the Consumer Protection (Importation and Sale of Second -hand Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2004.  
 
Procedures  
6.  N/A. 
 
7. An application for an import permit has to be made prior to the importation of restricted goods 
and the import permit may be granted on the same day. For some controlled goods, appropriate 
recommendations are sought by the Ministry prior to approval of the permit.  
 
8. The refusal to issue an import permit may occur where the importer fails to comply with any 
provision of the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Permit  
9. All applications are made through the TradeLink System via a customs broker.  A firm is presently 
registered in the system, free of charge, prior to sending its application. With regards to an 
authorised dealer, the company must be a holder of a valid licence of an authorised dealer in 
importation and sale of second -hand motor vehicles as per the Consumer Protection (Impo rtation 
and Sale of Second -hand Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2004.  
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Permit  
10. The documents required upon applications are based on wha t are being imported, for some 
goods, only the application is required while for other goods, the pro -forma invoice and additional 
documents may be requested.  
 
11. Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the bill of lading and invoice as  well 
as additional documents depending on what is being imported and coming from which countries.  
 
12. There is no import permit fee or administrative charge.  
 
13. There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of permits.  
 
Conditions of Import Permits  
14. An import permit is valid for a maximum period of 12 months.  
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 15. There is no penalty for non -utilization of a permit or a portion of it.  
 
16. The import permit is not transferable.  
 
17. An import permit is subject to any conditions that the Permanent Secretary may impose.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import permits required prior to 
importation of restricted goods specified in the Consumer Protection (Contr ol of Imports), 
Regulations 2017.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
 
2. Restricted goods  
Outline of System  
1. Import permit system is regulated by the Consumer Protection (Control of Import s) 
Regulations  2017 establishing the list of goods subject to import control. The system is administered 
by the Trade Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Import Permits  
2. Imports of restricted goods are subject to non -automatic licensing through an import permit being 
granted and issued.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries.  
 
4. Import permits are enforced for reasons of security, sensitivity, health and environment.  
 
5. Import control is regulated under the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations  2017 
and approval from the Minister responsible for Commerce has to be sought for any change in the 
list of restricted goods.  
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7.  An application for an import permit has to be made prior to the importation of restricted goods 
and the import permit may be granted on the same day. For some controlled goods, appropriate 
recommendations are sought by the Ministry prior to a pproval of the permit.  
 
8. The refusal to issue an import permit may occur where the importer fails to comply with any 
provision of the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Permit  
9. All applications are made through the TradeLink System via a customs broker.  A firm is presently 
registered in the system, free of charge, prior to sending its application.   
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Permit  
10. The do cuments required upon applications are based on what are being imported, for some 
goods, only the application is required while for other goods, the pro -forma invoice and additional 
documents may be requested.  
 
11. Upon actual importation, an importer is r equired to submit the bill of lading and invoice as well 
as additional documents depending on what is being imported and coming from which countries.  
 
12. There is no import permit fee or administrative charge.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 13. There is no deposit or advance payment re quirement associated with the issuance of permits.  
 
Conditions of Import Permits  
14. An import permit is valid for a maximum period of 12 months.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -utilization of a permit or a portion of it.  
 
16. The import permit is not tra nsferable.  
 
17. An import permit is subject to any conditions that the Permanent Secretary may impose.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import permits required prior to 
importation of restricted go ods specified in the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports), 
Regulations 2017.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
 
3  MINISTRY OF AGRO -INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECUR ITY 
3.1  National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office  (NAPRO)  
Outline of System  
1. The Nationa l Agricultural  Products Regulatory Office (NAPRO) came into operation  in 
November  2013.  NAPRO controls and regulates the import, export, production, and sale of regulated 
products in Mauritius. The National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office Act 2013 defines 
regulated  products in the First Schedule as including  tea an d tea products and tobacco and tobacco 
products . NAPRO does not issue licence for importation of regulated products but issue Clearance 
Certificate for regulated products already imported into Mauritius . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Import of:  
(i) Tea and tea products; and  
(ii) Tobacco and tobacco products are subject to import clearance (similar to automatic licensing), 
and the system has no trade restricting effects.  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
4. The clearance system is for statistical purposes and to ensure that the products are in conformity 
with local regulations.  
5. The system is under the National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office Act 2013, and the 
National Agricultural Products Regulat ions 2013.   
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
(a) Applications may be made prior to import of goods . Applications are considered on receipt  and 
information conce rning filing of applications for clearances are provided at the Office, by phone 
and by mail upon request  and usually processed on the same day or on the next working day.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 (b) The application may be approved immediately on request but authorization to rem ove the 
goods from the port or bonded Warehouse is conveyed after inspection.  
 
(c) There are no limitation s as to the period of the year during which application for clearance 
may be made.  
 
(d) Consideration of applications for tea and tobacco products are effected by one administrative 
organ, NAPRO. However, for import of tea  and tea products, the prospective importer must 
apply for a Plant Import Permit (PIP) from the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO). A PIP 
is generally issued by NAPPO upon approval from NAPRO for importation of tea and tea 
products. The consignment of tea and tea products should be accompanied by a Phytosanitary  
Certificate issued by the appropriate authority of the coun try of origin.   
8. N/A. 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Clearance  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply.  Clearance  Certificate s are issued to 
importers regardless of whether they are producers of like products or not.  
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for Clearance  
10. The application form is available at the office of NAPRO and a model is available on the website  
of the Ministry . 
11. Upon importation the importer is required to submit the approved ap plication together with the 
invoice and bill of lading and a Phytosanitary  Certificate  for tea products.  
12. There is an application and a clearance fee.  Different fees are charged for different products and 
depend on the quantity of products imported (see  attachment) . 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required.  
Conditions of Clearance  
14. The Clearance Certificate  for the import of tea and tea products is valid for one month  and that 
for tobacco  and tobacco products is valid for six months as from date of issue.  Request for extension 
may be considered  on case to case basis . 
15. There is no penalty for non -utilization of a clearance or part thereof, but the fee paid is not 
refundable.  
16. Clearance Certificates  are for the products specified in the appli cation form.  
17. Conditions for clearance are listed  in the application form.  
Other procedural Requirements  
18. For tea and tea products,  prior to importation the prospective importer must be in 
possession of a Plant Import Permit issued by national  Plant Protection Office ( NPPO ) 
which is delivered upon approval from NAPRO.  
For tobacco and tobacco products, imported for sale in the local market, first time 
importers must have t he approval from the  Ministry of Health and Wellness  with respect 
to packaging and labelling requirements . 
19. Foreign exchange is provided by banking authorities without impediments.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 3.2  National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS)  
Outline of System  
1. Maur itius together with Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands has been designated by the 
International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN) as a biodiversity hotspot. The majority of 
endemic  Mauritian flora and fauna are considered threatened and with some 60  species of native 
plants believed to be already extinct.  
 
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) which are introduced plants, animals and microorganisms represent the 
main threat to the biodiversity of Mauritius and its ecosystem. As a consequence, legislation and 
regulations have been enacted to control and monitor the entry of exotic wildlife.  
 
Mauritius being party and compliant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 
of Flora and Fauna (CITES) also regulates trade with respect to CITES listed species.  
 
The National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) is responsible for regulating both importation 
of exotic wildlife and CITES listed (prescribed) species through provisions of the Native Terrestrial 
Biodiversity and National Parks A ct 2015.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. (a)  Import of CITES listed specimens  
 
In accordance to the provision of the Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks 
Act 2015 (NTBNPA), an import permit is needed for the importation of prescribed wildlife 
under CITES.  In that respect CITES import permits are issued by NPCS as the CITES 
Management Authority of Mauritius against payment of a prescribed fee. In addition, 
export and Re -export CITES permits are issued by NPCS against payment of a 
presc ribed fee.  
 
(b) Import of exotic wildlife other than domestic, livestock and fish  
 
 “Exotic wildlife” is defined as any wildlife introduced in Mauritius as per NTBNPA 2015. 
In accordance to Section 35 of NTBNPA, a permit is needed for the importation of li ving 
animal other than domestic, livestock and fish.  In that respect an Import Permit for 
Exotic Wildlife (IPEW) is delivered by the NPCS against payment of a prescribed fee.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries.  
 
4. Yes, for CITES cases only.  
 
5. The Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act 2015.  
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7.(a) Information concerning filing of applications for clearances are provided at the Office, on the 
Ministry’s website, by phone and by mail upon request.  
 
(b) Minimum time for processing applications:  
(a) CITES permit - three working days.  
(b) IPEW permit   - ten working days.  
 
Maximum time for processing applications:  
(a) CITES permit -ten working days.  
(b) IPEW permit - 90 working days in cas e applications should receive clearance of National 
Invasive Alien Species Committee.  
(c) N/A. 
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 (d) Written applications are  submitted to Director (NPCS) for both categories of permits.  
Application forms for IPEW permit are also available at NPCS office.  
 
8. Permits are refused in case of non -compliance of the NTBNPA 2015 and applicant is informed 
accordingly. In case of refusal of permits, the applicant can make an appeal to the Senior Chief 
Executive of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.   
 
Eligib ility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a)  N/A. 
 
(b)  All persons  or firms having the required facilities for the specific trade  are eligible .  
 
There is a system of registration permitted of persons or firms to engage in importation.  There is a 
registration fee as prescribed by the Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act  2015 
(NTBNPA).   
 
There is no published list of authorised importers . 
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10. General information req uirements for CITES and IPEW are as follows:  Details on importer, 
scientific name of imported wildlife, age, country of origin.  
 
11. Import permit from NPCS and Veterinary certificate.  
 
12. A fee of Rs 300 is claimed for each CITES permit issued.  A fee o f Rs 50 is claimed for each IPEW 
permit issued.  
 
13. Payment made upon application of import permit.  
 
Conditions of licence  
14. 
a) CITES Import permits are valid for 1 year.  
b) CITES Export and Re -export permits are valid for six months.  
c) Import Permit for Exot ic Wildlife (IPEW) are valid for six months.  
 
All permits are non -renewable. Applicants need to make fresh application against prescribed 
payment.  
 
15. No  penalty.  
 
16. Non -transferrable.  
 
17. Non -restrictive.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Yes.  
 
In case, application needs clearance from CITES Scientific Authority and/ or Invasive Alien Species 
Committee and approval of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the time for processing of 
permits is extended  and applicant is informed accordingly.  
 
19.  N/A.  
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 3.3  Veterinary Services  
Outline of System  
1. All live animals, products of animal origins and meat and meat products imported in Mauritius 
should be accompanied by an Import Permit delivered by the Veterinar y Services as stipulated in 
the Animal Disease Act 1925. Import permits are for delivered for domestic consumptions but in 
some cases there may be for transit purposes.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Import Permit  
2.  Import of:  
 
(a) Live animals;  
(b) Products of animal origins; and  
(c)  Meat and meat products.   
 
3. The system applies to the above -mentioned goods originating from all countries.  
 
4. Import Permit design to protect the country against sanitary threat in line with the WTO SPS 
Agreement.  
 
5. Animal Disease Act 1925 and subsequent regulations.  
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) In case of emergency, import permit may be granted in one day. Nor mal time for permit 
delivery is two weeks. Goods arriving at the port without an import permit and health 
certificate  is not allowed.  
 
(b) Yes, provided all sanitary conditions are satisfied.  Imports are allowed immediately upon the 
issue of permits.  Minimum time for processing application:  7 days, maximum time 15 days.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) For most products mentioned under Number 2 above , a permit is delivered by the division of 
the Veterinary Services. In the case of animal feed (containing plant materials ) and fodder 
the clearance of the NPPO is also required.  
 
8.  Imports permits are only refused in case of sanitary threats to the country.  Applicants have the 
right of appeal and justifications are provided for any refusal.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Ap ply for Clearance  
9. All persons are eligible to apply for import permits.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for Clearance  
10. Live animals  
 
(a) Copy of all test certificates, veterinary certificate duly signed by official veterinarian of the 
exporting country, compliance with import permit conditions of the importing country and 
sanitary conditions of the exporting country.  
 
(b) Quarantine facilit ies if any.  
 
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 Animal Products  
 
(a) Copy of all test certificates and sanitary conditions of exporting country.  
 
(b) Facility of storage.  
 
11. Original of documents mentioned at (10) above.  All relevant information for import of live 
animals, products of a nimal origins and meat and meat products are available on the website of the 
Ministry  of Agro Industry and Food Security  and for information leaflets at the Veterinary Services.  
 
12. Import Fees:  
 
• Horses – Rs 1,000 per animal.  
• Cats and dogs – Rs 500 per animal.  
• Caged birds – Rs 100 for every 10 birds or less.  
• Cattle, goats and sheep – Rs 10 per animal.  
• Other live animals – Rs 200 per animal.  
• Meat intended for human consumption Rs 100/permit together with an additional sum of 
Rs 50 for each ton of meat or less. 
• Other items – Rs 100 permit.  
• Veterinary clearance fee (live animals and pets): Rs 500.  
 
13. No  deposit or advance payment.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. Import Permit is valid for the following categories as follows:  
 
Live cattle and small ruminants: three months (live cattle, sheep and goat) ; 
 Pet animal: six  months  (dog and cat) ; 
 All other products (meat and meat products , products of animal origins ) – up to two months.  
 
15. No  penalty.  
 
16. No t transferable . 
 
17. No other conditions.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures prior to importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided by banking authorities for goods to be imported (no 
license is required as a pre -requisite).  Foreign Ex change is always available for importers through 
direct application through the bank.  
 
3.4  National Plants and Protection Office (NPPO)  
Outline of System  
The National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) of the Ministry of Agro  Industry is a regulatory 
government plant protection body, mandated to protect the agricultural economy and biodiversity 
of Mauritius, from introduction of destructive exotic pests and diseases, through the Plant Protection 
Act (PPA), 2006.  
 
Plants Import Permits (PIP) are issued under section 19 of the Plant Protection Act 2006 (PPA). As 
per Paragraph 19 (1)(a) of PPA, any person who imports or causes the importation of a plant, plant 
product or other regulated product  shall apply for a plant import permit  from the NPPO. PIP are 
issued for importation of plants, plant parts and plants products. These include fresh, dried, frozen 
fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs, timber, wooden, rattan, bamboo articles, pulses, selected 
cereals, animal feeds, cotton, fu rniture, planting materials (seeds, cuttings, and young plants), fresh G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 cut flowers, and selected plant-based  fertilizers and bio -fertilizers. Currently, each importation 
requires importers to be in possession of a valid PIP. A PIP is valid for 4 months.  
 
Moreover, in line with Paragraph 19(4) of the PPA, a Plant Import Permit is also required for the 
Transiting and Landing/Shipping through the airport and seaport, of all items regulated under the 
Plant Protection Act (2006), including fruits, vegetables, cu t flowers, seeds, planting material . 
 
All PIP s are delivered for goods intended for domestic market unless for transit consignments.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. A PIP is required for importation of plants, plant parts and plants products. These include fresh, 
dried, frozen fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs, timber, wooden, rattan, bamboo articles, pulses, 
selected cereals, animal feeds, cotton, furniture, planting materials (seeds, cuttings, young plants), 
fresh cut flowers, and selected plan t based fertili zers, bio -fertilizers and second -hand agricultural 
machinery.  
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4. PIP is delivered for phytosanitary reasons.  
 
5.  Plants Protection Act 2006.  
 
Procedures  
6.  N/A. 
 
7.  Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) Application for PIP is made sufficient time in advance to allow the importer to transmit the 
Plant Import Permit to the exporter to ens ure compliance with the import phytosanitary 
requirements of the NPPO of Mauritius. In case of inadvertency, permit may be delivered 
within shorter time limits. No Goods are allowed without a PIP.  
 
(b) Yes, a Fast Track System exist at NPPO and upon request by importer and with proper 
 justification an application is processed provided all relevant documents are submitted .
 Minimum time for processing application: 5 working days . For regular permit and may be 
 extended for new an d high -risk products.  Imports are allowed immediately upon granting of 
 permits.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) For most products mentioned under Number 2 above permit is delivered by NPPO.  In the case 
of animal feed (containing plant materials) and fodder the clearance of the Veterinary Services 
is also required . A biosecurity Technical Committee is set up to review issues where other 
agencies are involved . For other commodities recommendation from other Agencies may be 
required such as NAPRO for tea products, Division o f Veterinary Services for animal feed 
(containing  plant materials) and fodder.  
 
8. Imports permits are only refused in case commodity to be imported represent phytosanitary 
threats to the country. Applicants have the right of appeal and justifications are provided for any 
refusal.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Clearance  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for PIP.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for Clearance  
10. Name of importer, co ntact details, name of exporter, product name (scientific name), country 
of origin, and quantity.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 11. Original of documents mentioned at (10) above.  All relevant information for import of agricultural 
produce of plant origin including resources from the so il (e.g. rocks) are available online and for 
information leaflets at the NPPO.  
 
12. There is no Application Fee applicable. It is to be noted that with the enactment of the Trade 
Facilitation Act of 2017, the application fee of Rs 50 previously being charg ed, is no longer being 
charged.  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment required with the issue of PIP.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14. PIP is valid for a period of four months.   
 
15.  No  penalty.  
 
16. No t transferable.  
 
17. Conditions of PIP  is based on phytosanitary reasons.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18. For online permit system, the importers need to register with the Mauritius Revenue Authority 
and the NPPO . 
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided by banking authorities for goods to be imported (no 
license is require d as a pre -requisite). Foreign Exchange is always available for importers through 
direct application through the bank.  
 
4  MINISTRY OF HEALTH A ND WELLNESS  
4.1  Dangerous Chemicals Control Board  
Outline of System  
1. Import licensing system is regulated by Section 11 of the Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004.  
The licensing system is administrated by the Dangerous Chemicals Control Board under the  Ministry 
of Health and Wellness . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Dangerous Chemi cals. 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating from all countries . 
 
4. To exercise control over import of dangerous chemicals . 
 
5. Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004.  
 
Licensing is statutorily required and is does not allow designation of products to be licensed to be 
subject to administration discretion.  It is not possible to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a)  Yes, a ll application should be done prior to import . G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 (b)  Yes. However,  the m inimum time for processing an application  is 1 week and the maxim um 
time for processing an application  is 3 weeks.  
 
(c)  Yes, there is no time limit for submitting an application . 
 
(d)  The Dangerous Chemicals Control Board is the sole authority for the issue of license under the 
Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004 . 
 
8.  Yes. Issue of a licence may be refused if it is suspected that the import of the dang erous chemicals 
is not for legitimate use. There is no right of appeal in the event of a refusal of a licence.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Only registered persons or companies.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application of licence  
10. Yes. The application  is available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Wellness . 
 
11. Yes. A copy of the importing licence . 
 
12. The fee for issue of import licence is Rs 200 (Mauritian rupees).  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is requested.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Valid for 3 months.  
 
15. No penalty.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. The issue of a licence is subject to any additional information which may be requested by the 
Board and any condition subsequently imposed by it.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No  other administrative procedures.  
 
19. N /A. 
 
4.2  Pharmacy Board  
1. Import  of Dangerous Drugs (Schedules II, III  & IV) 
Outline of the system  
1 The Pharmacy Board is the regulatory body under the Pharmacy Act solely responsible for the 
issue of licence/permit .   
 
2. All medicines and pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy Board prior to 
import and marketing in the country.  
 
In addition, certain specific category of medicines and pharmaceutical products as well as chemicals 
requires a licence for their import. These include  Dangerous drugs as defined under Section 3 of the 
Dangerous Drugs Act 2000.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. As regards to dangerous drugs, it is mandatory under the International Conventions that a permit 
be issued by the regulatory authority for the import/export of substances listed in Schedules II 
and III of the Dangerous Drugs Act 20 00. 
 
The substances listed in Schedule IV of the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000 are used in the manufacture 
of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as classified by the 1988 Convention against Illicit 
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, or otherwise, are included as precursors in 
Schedule IV . 
 
They are also subject to regulatory control under the International Convention to prevent illicit 
trafficking and diversion to ensure that importation is for bona fide purposes.   
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods coming from all countr ies 
 
4. The licensing process is intended to exercise control over import as per international requirements 
to ensure that the goods are destined for legitimate use . 
  
5. As mentioned above, they are governed b y the provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1983 and 
Dangerous Drugs Act 2000 as well as the respective regulations under the Acts.  Being mandatory 
requirements, any amendments to the control measures will require amendments to the respective 
Acts. 
 
Procedures  
6. Import of Schedules  II, III and IV  dangerous drugs are, subject to a yearly quota which is 
established as follows:  
 
I. At the end of every year, pharmaceutical wholesalers are required to submit a return of their 
transactions indicating opening stock, q uantity purchased and sold during the current year 
and balance in hand.  
 
II. They are also required to submit their request in respect of their requirements for the 
subsequent year.  Quota is worked out on the basis of the data submitted. Adjustments, if 
any, to the quota are effected in the course of the year, however, full justifications must be 
provided.  
 
III.  The requirement at national level is worked out and submitted to the International Narcotics 
Control Board (INCB) in Vienna for the establishment  of national quota especially for 
dangerous drugs Schedule II (narcotics) which, are recorded and published. Unused quotas 
cannot be carried forward for a succeeding year.  
 
IV.  Once quota is established, the issue of the import permit/certificate is effected  within a couple 
of days of submission of request.  The importer will have to forward a copy of the import 
permit/ certificate to the exporter who will forward a copy of same to the authority in the 
exporting country in view o f obtaining an export licence to enable shipment of the consignment 
of the dangerous drugs.  
 
Similarly, in the case of Schedule IV dangerous drugs (Precursor Chemicals), issue of a licence 
may be refused if it is suspected that the import of the chemicals is not for legitimate use. 
There is no right of appeal in the event of a refusal of a licence.  
 
The application must be submitted at the beginning of the year when the yearly quota has 
been allocated. However, import may be effected in a staggered manner d uring the year.  
 
7.  
(a)     N/A. 
 
(b) N/A. 
 
(c) An application can be submitted any time an import is to be effected during the year.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 (d)  The Pharmacy Board is the regulatory body under the Pharmacy Act solely responsible for the 
issue of clearance cert ificate.  
 
8.  An application for clearance may be refused in the case of importation of pharmaceutical products 
including dangerous drugs (Schedules II, III  and IV),  if the applicant is not a registered importer . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for lic ence  
9.(a)  Pharmaceutical products can only be imported by registered wholesale pharmacies under the 
supervision of pharmacists. A list of registered pharmaceutical wholesalers is available at the 
Ministry of Health and Wellness.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The applicant is required to submit the required information as per international procedures as 
recommended by WHO . 
 
11. A copy of the import licence must be submitted along with the invo ice.  
 
12.  A processing fee of MUR 1 ,500 and a registration fee of MUR 5,000 per product  (non-refundable)  
  
13. No deposit.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity of a licence  for pharmaceutical products is subject  to renewable every year, upon 
payment of MUR 2,000 . 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of licence.  
 
16. The licence is not transferable between importers.  
 
17. For dangerous drugs (Precursor Chemicals) (Schedule IV), the procedure for the i ssue of 
permit/certificate follows the same pathway as for schedule II and III dangerous drugs except that 
the authority in the exporting country will issue a Pre - Export Notification (PEN) certificate requesting 
for confirmation from the authority of the importing country on the authenticity of the import prior 
to shipment.  There is no such conditions that licences are issued exclusively for export only.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No . 
 
19. N/A.  
 
2. Antibiotics, vacc ines and therapeutic substances &  Schedule I , Dangerous Drugs   
Outline of the system  
1. All medicines and pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy Board prior to 
import and marketing in the country.  
 
In addition, certain specific category of medicines and pharmaceutical products as well as chemicals 
requires a licence for their import.  These include:  
 
• Antibiotics, vaccines  and any therapeutic substance . 
• Schedule I ,  Dangerous Drugs . 
 
The substances lis ted in Schedule I of the Dangerous Drugs Act are only meant for the use of Forensic 
Science Services in quantities not exceeding those strictly requested for the purpose in question . 
They are not subject to any quota.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2. For each consignment of an antibiotic, vaccine and a therapeutic substance, imported, the 
importer (Pharmaceutical Wholesaler) is required to submit an application for a permit as specified 
under Section 25 of the Pharmacy Act indicating the n ame of the product(s) and quantity in respect 
of each product being imported.  An import permit is then delivered to the importer accordingly.  
 
As regards to dangerous drugs, it is mandatory under the International Conventions that a permit 
be issued by th e regu latory authority for the import  of substances listed in Schedule I of the 
Dangerous Drugs Act 2000.  
 
They are also subject to regulatory control under the International Convention to prevent illicit 
trafficking and diversion to ensure that importatio n is for bona fide purposes.   
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods coming from all countries.  
 
4. The licensing process is intended to exercise control over import as per international requirements 
to ensure that the goods are destined for legitimate  use (medicinal, scientific, and educational).  
 
5. As mentioned above, they are governed by the provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1983 and 
Dangerous Drugs Act 2000 as well as the respective regulations under the Acts.  Being mandatory 
requirements, any amend ments to the control measures will require amendments to the respective 
Acts. 
 
Procedures  
6. N/A. 
 
7.   
(a) It is advisable to apply for the permit/licence  prior to import.  
 
(b)  Licence/permit may be issued immediately upon request and at time when goods have arrived 
at the port only in the case of therapeutic substances including antibiotics and vaccines, on a 
consignment basis.  
 
 For Schedule I dangerous drugs , an import licenc e/permit is issued within a couple of days of 
submission of request.  
 
(c) There is no time limit for submitting an application for permit /licence  in the case of therapeutic 
substances including antibiotics and vaccines, as well as for chemicals and substa nces listed 
in Schedule I of the Dangerous Drugs Act.  An application can be submitted any time an import 
is to be effected during the year.  
 
 
8. An application for licence/permit may be refused in the case of importation of pharmaceutical 
products includ ing Schedule I , dangerous drugs if the applicant is not a registered pharmaceutical 
wholesaler, laboratory or an educational institution.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for licences .  Issue of licence is applicable to 
both importers and producers of goods.  Pharmaceutical wholesalers are registered entities with the 
Pharmacy Board. They also hold a trading licence from t he local authorities. Similarly, the importers 
or dealers involved in the trade of chemicals need to be licenced by the local authorities . 
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The applicant is required to submit the require d information as per international procedures as 
recommended by WHO . 
 
11. A copy of the import licence must be submitted along with the invoice.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 12. A processing fee  of MUR 1 ,500 and a registration fee of MUR 5,000 per product  (non-refundable) . 
  
13. No deposit.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. (i) The validity of the licence for import of schedule I, dangerous drugs and chemicals is 
3 months from the date of issue.  It may be extended upon request if there is a delay 
in supply for instance.  
(ii) As regard s import permit for vaccines, antibiotics, etc. the permit is issued on 
consignment basis at time of arrival of the goods.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of licence.  
 
16. The licence is not transferable between importers.  
 
17. The issue of a licence is subject to any additional information or clarification that maybe required 
in respect of same.  
 
For Schedule I, dangerous drugs,  the importer will have to forward a copy of the import permit/ 
certificate to the exporter who will forward a copy of same to the authority in the exporting country 
in view of obtaining an export licence to enable shipment of the cons ignment of the danger ous drugs.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. All pharmaceutical products are required to be registered by the Pharmacy Board prior to import 
and marketing in Mauritius.  
 
19. N/A.  
 
  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/9  
 
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 PART II – CLEARANCE FEES  
 
          FEE 
                                  (Rs) 
1. Application fee for any import intended for  
              commercial purposes other than for meat and  
              meat products        1,000  
 
2. Importation of –  
 (a) cigarettes –  
      (i) exceeding 2,000 sticks      20  pe r 1,000 or part thereof  
                  (ii)  not exceeding 2,000 sticks                        500  
 
     (b) cigarillos –  
  (i) exceeding 1,000 sticks      20  per 1,000 or part thereof  
                  (ii)   not exceeding 1,000 sticks    500 
        
(c )  leaf tobacco,  including cut -rag 
1 per kg or part thereof  
 
         (d)  smoking tobacco,  including cut -rag              50 per kg or part thereof  
          
(e)  cigars         50 per kg or part thereof  
          
(f)  other tobacco products                                 110 per kg or part thereof  
          
(g)  black tea products for                                        20 per kg or part thereof    
blending purposes  
          
(h)  green tea products in packets of 1 kg             40 per kg or part thereof  
                  or above  
              (i)  black tea products, green tea products and  
  other tea products not exceeding  
2 kgs and intended –  
                     (i) own consumption                  
                      (ii)   for gift  or                            Nil                                    
(iii)  to be used as sample       
 
                       
             (j)  other tea products       300 per kg or part thereof  
 
             (k)  meat and m eat products                          Nil 
 
3.  Export of tea products       5,000 per contractual tea year  
 
4.   Duplicate of any clearance      10 per copy  
 
 
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