RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1  
 
28 June 2013  
(13-3366)  Page: 1/59  
Working Party on the Accession of 
the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  Original: English  
  
  ACCESSION OF AFGHANISTAN 
QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
Revision 
 The following submission, dated 27 June 2013, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 
  
__________WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 2 - 
 
 A. Import Licence for Armoured Vehicles 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
According to Procedure of Import and Use of Armoured Vehicles for Military and Security Purposes 
issued by the Ministry of Interior under the au thority provided by the Decree of the President 
No. 1971 "On Security Implementation Measures in Order to Prevent Terrorist Attacks" issued on 
10 March 2010, all imports of armoured vehicles require import licence to be obtained from Ministry 
of Interior.   
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
Licensing requirements apply to goods under HS 8703 - only with respect to armoured vehicles.  
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? Answer: 
The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
There is no overall quota established for imports of armoured vehicles into Afghanistan.  However, 
each company is eligible to own only one armoured vehicle.  It is possible to obtain permit for 
additional vehicles with the approval of  the Minister of In terior Affairs.  
Purpose of the licence is to conduct background check of importing persons for security purposes.  
The Commission on Armoured Vehicles and Arms under the Ministry of Interior Affairs (MOI) reviews the need for the applicant to have armoured vehicle based on the nature of its activities and risks 
involved.   
Currently there are no alternative methods since only the MOI can conduct background checks 
related to criminal and terrorist activities.  Moreover, these checks require confidentiality of 
information. 
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 3 - 
 
 Answer: 
Decree of the President No. 2110 of 9 November 2006 established the Commission on Armoured 
Vehicles and Arms. 
Licensing is maintained under a Procedure of Import and Use of Armoured Vehicles for Military and 
Security Purposes issued by the Ministry of Interior of 15 March 2011.  Designation of products to be 
subjected to licensing is not left for administrative discretion. 
Presidential decision is required to abolish the system and no legislative approval from the Afghan 
Parliament is needed. 
III. PROCEDURES 2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorte r time-limit or for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
(c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?   
Answer: 
(a) Licenses are issued for particular vehicles indicating their vehicle identification numbers.  
Therefore, applications for licence can be submitted in advance after goods are shipped from 
departure point in exporting country.  Applications can also be submitted after goods arrive 
at the port (customs clearance facility).  There are no shorter time limits established for obtaining licenses for goods arriving at the port without a licence. 
(b) No statutory time limits are established for processing applications for licenses.  In practice, 
the Security Committee under the MOI reviews all applications within 20 days on average.   
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
(d) Applications for licence shall be submitted:  
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) - for foreign embassies and international organizations; 
and 
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) - for commercial entities.  
MOFA and MOCI issue a letter supporting the application by explaining the nature of the applicant's 
activities and forward it to the MOI.    
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 4 - 
 
 Answer: 
Application for licence can be refused if the Commission decides that based on the nature of activities 
of the applicant and potential risks involved, it is not essential for the applicant to maintain an armoured vehicle.  Applicants may own no more than one armoured vehicle, unless special permit is 
obtained from MOI.  The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant in writing.  Refusal for 
issuance of a licence can be appealed to commercial courts under Civil Procedure Code. 
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: 
 If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation?  What persons or firms are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a published list of  authorized importers? 
Answer: 
Only legal entities holding business licence from Ministry of Commerce and Industry are eligible to 
apply for licenses.  
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Applications should be submitted through MFA, MOCI or AISA.  There are no special application 
forms established.  Applications are submitted in free form and shall contain information regarding:  
- Name of the applicant and its business registration information (passport data for 
natural persons); 
 - Information on the activities of the applicant; and  - Model and type of the vehicle, chassis and engine number and body colour. 
The following documents shall be attached to the application: 
 - Copy of bill of lading, or air-bill; and 
- Copy of the receipt of payment for the vehicle purchase.  
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
Upon actual importation, licence shall be presented to customs authorities for clearance procedures.  
Upon completion of import clearance procedures, vehicles are released from customs facilities after 
presenting a licence for operating the armoured vehicle.  
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
No fee charged for issuance of import licence for armoured vehicles.  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 5 - 
 
 Answer: 
There are no deposit or advance payment requirements associated with the issue of licenses. 
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
Answer: 
There are no time limits established for validity of licenses.  Licenses contain references to each 
vehicle identification number and, therefore, valid until these particular vehicles are imported.  
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Licenses are not transferable between importers.  
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
There are no conditions attached to the issue of a licence.  Importers may not, however, sell 
imported vehicles to persons who are not authorised to use of armoured vehicles.  
VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
Armoured vehicle operating licence from the MOI is required for release of the vehicle from customs 
clearance facility after customs clearance procedures have been completed.  MOI issues this licence 
after insurance has been obtained for the vehicle.   
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.   WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 6 - 
 
 B. Import Permit for Endangered Species  
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
Afghanistan acceded to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora (CITES) on 30 October 1985.  Imports of endangered species described below require 
obtaining permit from National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA).  Completion of the customs 
clearance procedures is conditioned upon presenting permit of the NEPA.  Permits are issued after 
reviewing the received applications with a required documents attached.  Permits are granted in a form of approval visa put on application.  
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
Imports of endangered species listed under the Appendices II and III of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wi ld Fauna and Flora (CITES), whether they are 
traded as life specimens, furs coats or dried herbs, require permit to be obtained from National 
Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA).  Imports of endangered species listed in Appendix I of 
CITES, which includes all species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by trade, is prohibited.  
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Permit system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  Its purpose is to protect wild 
flora and fauna from the danger of extinction .  
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
This permit is statutorily required under the Environmental Law of Afghanistan and CITES.  
Therefore, the executive branch of the government  without legislative approval cannot abolish it.  
Designation of products to be subjected to permit  is not subject to administrative discretion - 
Environmental Law specifically refers to the list of endangered species under the Appendices II and WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 7 - 
 
 III of the Convention on International Trade in  Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES).  
III. PROCEDURES 2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorte r time-limit or for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? (c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
(a) Applications for permit shall be submitted before importation.  There is no requirement as to 
how far in advance applications shall be submitted.  
(b) There is no special expedited procedure for issuance of permits.  In practice, permits are 
issued within one day.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for permit or 
importation may be made.  
(d) NEPA is the sole administrative organ for issuing permits.  Quarantine or Veterinary 
Departments of Ministry of Agriculture, Irriga tion and Livestock are involved in quarantine 
control approval upon importation.   
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Applications for permits can be rejected in following cases:  
 - Absence of export permit or re-export certificate for goods under Appendix II; and 
- Absence of a certificate of origin and, where the import is from a State, which has 
included that species in Appendix III, an export permit. 
The reasons for refusal are explained to the applicant in writing. 
Any person may within 30 days of the granting or  refusal of a permit, appeal the decision to the 
Director-General of the National Environmental Pr otection Agency.  The Agency shall review the 
appeal application and thereafter make an appropriate decision. Should the appellant wish to 
appeal the Director-General's final decision, the matter shall be referred to the relevant court.  
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 8 - 
 
 Answer: 
All persons holding business licence obtained from Ministry of Commerce and Industry are eligible to 
apply for permit. 
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Applications are submitted in free format and shall contain the following information:  - Name of the applicant;  
 - Full address and contact information;   - Country of origin and country export of goods; and 
 - Description and quantity of products being imported  
The following documents shall be attached to the application:  
- Copy of Business licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry;  
- For import of any specimen of a species included in Appendix II - either an export 
permit or a re-export certificate; 
- For import of any specimen of a species included in Appendix III, except in 
circumstances referred to below, the prior presentation of a certificate of origin 
and, where the import is from a State which has included that species in Appendix III, - an export permit. 
- In the case of re-export, a certificate granted by the Management Authority of the 
State of re-export that the specimen was processed in that State or is being 
re-exported shall be accepted by the State of import as evidence that the provisions of the CITES Convention have been complied with in respect of the 
specimen concerned. 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? Answer: 
Permit shall be submitted to customs authorities upon actual importation.  3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
No fees are charged for issuance of permits.   
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of permits.   
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 9 - 
 
 Answer: 
Period of validity for permits is 6 months.  If a period of validity is expired before actual importation, 
importers can submit a letter to a Management Committee for CITES under NEPA requesting for an extension of the term of validity of a permit.  A permit can be extended up to one year.  
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of a permit or a portion of a permit. 
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Permits are not transferable between importers. 
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
No other conditions are attached to the issuance of a permit.   
VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
Upon importation goods are subject to veterinary and plant quarantine controls.  Physical inspection 
procedures are conducted if necessary. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 10 - 
 
 C. Import Approval for Movies 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
Only movies recorded in 35 mm positive films are allowed for projection in cinema theatres of 
Afghanistan.  Imports of movies for projection in cinemas are subject to import licence.  Applicants who are granted import licence shall sign contract with Afghan Film Department indicating:  
 - Total number of movies allocated to be imported; 
 - Number of movies by each country of production; and  - Obligation to observe Afghan moral and cultural norms, and quality requirements. 
Upon actual importation, completion of the customs clearance procedures is conditioned upon 
presenting approval letter from the Ministry of Information and Culture (MOIC).  Approvals are issued after reviewing the received applications and contents of the movies.  
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
Imports of movies in 35 mm positive film for motions picture projection are subject to import 
approval.  
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Approval system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries, except Israeli made 
movies, which are prohibited for imports.  
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
Cinema owners shall apply for annual licence indica ting number of movies they wish to import.  
Applicants shall indicate also a number of movies divided by each country of production.  Technical Evaluation Board at the Afghan Film Department reviews the application and will decide on the total 
quantity of movies as well as number of movies divided by each country of production.   WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 11 - 
 
 4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
Licensing system is maintained under the "Regulation on Import and Show of Films and Monitoring 
of Cinema" with amendments made through Presidential Decree dated 8 November 1988.  It is 
possible for the executive branch of the government to abolish the system without approval of the Parliament.  
III. PROCEDURES 
2. For products under restriction as to th e quantity or value of imports (whether 
applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally): 
(a) Is information published, and where,  c o n c e r n i n g  a l l o c a t i o n  o f  q u o t a s  a n d 
formalities of filing applications for licenses?  If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible importers?  Of governments and export promotion 
bodies of exporting countries and th eir trade representatives?  Is the 
overall amount published?  The amount allocated to goods from each country?  The maximum amount allocated to each importer? 
(b) How is the size of the quotas determined:  on a yearly, six-monthly or 
quarterly basis?  Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a 
yearly basis but licenses are issued  for imports on a six-monthly or 
quarterly basis?  In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for 
fresh licence on a six-mont hly or quarterly basis? 
(c) Are licenses allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers 
of like goods?  What steps are taken to ensure that licenses allocated are 
actually used for imports?  Are unus ed allocations added to quotas for a 
succeeding period?  Are the names of importers to whom licenses have been allocated made known to govern ments and export promotion bodies 
of exporting countries upon request?  If not, for what reason?  (Indicate 
products to which replies relate.) 
(d) From the time of announcing the openin g of quotas, as indicated in I above, 
w h a t  i s  t h e  p e r i o d  o f  t i m e  a l l o w e d  f o r the submission of applications for 
licenses? 
(e) What are the minimum and maximu m lengths of time for processing 
applications? 
(f) How much time remains, at a mini mum, between the granting of licenses 
and the date of opening of the period of importation? 
(g) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ? 
(h) If the demand for licenses cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the 
allocation to applicants made?  First co me, first served?  Past performance?  
Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined?  What provision is made for new importers?  
Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 12 - 
 
 (i) In the case of bilateral quotas or  export restraint arrangements where 
export permits are issued by exportin g countries, are impo rt licenses also 
required?  If so, are licens es issued automatically? 
(j) In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, 
how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting 
countries to the understanding between the two countries? 
(k) Are there products for which licenses  are issued on condition that goods 
should be exported and not sold in the domestic market? 
Answer: 
(a) Information concerning allocation of quotas is not published.  "Regulation on Import and 
Show of Films and Monitoring of Cinema" with Amendments through Presidential Decree 
dated 8 November 1988, containing information on formalities of filing applications for 
licenses was published.  
 There is no overall amount of quota established for imports to Afghanistan.  Quotas are 
based on the request of the applicant and determined on the basis of need per each cinema 
theatre.  Applicant indicates its wishes with respect to the amount of movies from each country. Technical Board of Afghan Film Department makes a decision with respect to 
amount of movies from each country.  Technical Board may decrease or increase amount of 
movies from each country. The maximum amount allocated to each importer determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the request of the applicant and number of cinemas theatres it owns. 
(b) Quotas are allocated on an annual basis per each applicant.  Quotas shall be used during the 
calendar year.  Applications can be made anytime during the year for importation to be made during the current year.  In such cases amounts of quotas will be determined taking 
into account remaining time till the end of the current year.  Amount of movies from each 
country is based on the request of the applicant.  However, Technical Board may change the requested numbers based on its perception of Afghan viewer's interest.  Licence granted 
indicates only the number of movies that are allowed for imports from each country of 
production without specifying the names of movies.  
(c) Licenses are not allotted only for domestic producers of movies.  Unused allocations are not 
added to quotas for a succeeding period.  Afghan Film Department can provide the names of 
importers to whom licenses have been allocated to governments and export promotion 
bodies of exporting countries upon request.   
(d) Applications are made any time before the beginning of the calendar year.  Applications can 
also be made anytime during the year for importation to be made during the current year.   
(e) Processing of applications usually take between one and two weeks.   (f) Applications for licence can be made anytime during the year for the next year.  For licence 
issued for the next calendar year opening period would be first day of the calendar year.  For 
the licenses issued during the year for importations during the current year period of importation can start immediately upon obtaining the licence. 
(g) Applications first shall be submitted to Ministry of Culture and Information, which places a 
visa/signature on the application approving it for processing.  Then applicant shall approach 
Afghan Film Department for processing and obtaining a licence.   
(h) There is no overall quota for importation of movies into Afghanistan.  In other words, there is 
no total amount of imports that shall be distributed among the interested applicants.  
Maximum amount to be allocated per applicant is made based on number of cinema theatres it owns.  New importers are treated the same way as previous applicants.  Each application 
is examined upon receipt. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 13 - 
 
 (i) Afghanistan does not have bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export 
permits are issued by exporting countries. 
(j) Imports of movies are not allowed on the basis of export permits only. (k) Licenses are not issued on a condition that movies should be exported and not sold in the 
domestic market. 
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Applications for licence are not usually rejected.  However, number of movies, including allocation by 
countries of production can be revised. 
Upon actual importation, movies can be rejected for approval on the grounds of lack of compliance 
with Afghan moral and cultural values.  Afghan Film Department may also cut certain scenes from 
the movies. 
The reasons for refusal are explained to the applicant in writing.  Applicants can appeal refusal to 
issue licenses to an Appeals Review Board of the MOIC.  Decisions of the Appeals Board can be 
appealed to commercial courts of Afghanistan.  
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: Answer: 
All persons holding business licence obtained from Ministry of Commerce and Industry or investment 
licence from Afghan Investment Support Agency are eligible to apply for permit.   
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Applications are submitted in free format and shall contain the following information:  - Name of the applicant;  
 - Full address and contact information; and  - Number of movies requested for importation broken down by country of production. 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
Upon actual importation customs authorities issue a letter to the MOIC requesting confirmation of the 
compliance of the actual movies being imported to the conditions of the licence.  Licence holder shall 
present the letter together with invoice to Afghan Film Department.  Evaluation Board reviews each movie for its compliance with the Afghan moral and cultural norms.  Review time depends on 
number of movies subject to review.  No more than two or three movies are reviewed per day.  
If approved, Afghan Film Department issues an approval letter and applicant submits it to relevant customs office for completion of the clearance procedures.  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 14 - 
 
 3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
Review of the application for allocation of quotas is conducted free of charge.  For the review process 
upon actual importation of Pakistani, Indian and USA movies AF 2,500 (US$50) and for movies from 
other countries the fee is AF 1,500 (US$30), is charged per each movies to be paid to Afghan Film Department.  Additional AF 500 (US$10) per movie is  charged for services of the Evaluation Board.  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of licence or confirmation 
letter. 
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
Answer: 
Licence is valid for calendar year only.  New licence shall be obtained for the following year. 2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence. 
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Licenses are not transferable between importers. 4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
No other conditions are attached to the issue of a licence.   VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 15 - 
 
 2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 16 - 
 
 D. Import Authorization for Narcotics 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
Import control system for narcotics is based on the Counter Narcotics Law of 17 December 2005, 
which reflects provisions of relevant United Nations conventions on drugs:   
- Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961;  
- Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; and  
- United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances of 1988. 
Imports are allowed for medical, industrial production and scientific research purposes only.  
Ministries and agencies can compile information based on applications from interested importers and determine the need for importation, necessary quantities and submit it for approval to Afghan Drug 
Regulatory Committee (DRC).  In practice, the following three ministries usually issue requests for 
quotas: 
- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) determines list of medicines and required quantities for 
import based on previous year import and consumption data, and submits it to 
Drug Regulatory Co mmittee (DRC);   
- Technical assessment of needs for imports for scientific and research purposes based on 
applications from interested importers is conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education 
(MoHE) and submitted to DRC; and 
- Technical assessment of import needs for chemical substances used for industrial production 
purposes based on applications is conducted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
(MoCI) and submitted to DRC.   
DRC reviews requests from the ministries and if approved, submits final list to the International 
Narcotics Control Board (INCB). 
If no objection/comments received from INCB, DRC jointly with line ministries, determine the 
quarterly breakdown of the allocated annual quotas.  Quarterly Quota Form issued by DRC serves as 
a licence to import. 
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
The following items listed in Table 1 below are prohibited for imports into Afghanistan: WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 17 - 
 
 Table 1:  Prohibited Drug of Abuse with No Medical Use 
No. Drugs  No. Drugs 
1 (+)-LYSERGIDE  56 Hydroxypethidine 
2 2C-B 57 Ketobemidone 
3 3-methylfentanyl  58 Levomoramide 
4 3-methylthiofentanyl  59 Levophenacylmorphane 
5 4-MTA 60 MDE, N-ethyl MDA 
6 Acetorphine  61 MDMA 
7 Acetyl-alpha-methylfentanyl  62 Mecloqualone 
8 Acetyldihydrocodeine  63 Mescaline 
9 Acetylmethadol  64 Methaqualone 
10 Allylprodine  65 Methcathinone 
11 Alphameprodine  66 Methyl-4 aminorex 
12 Alphamethadol  67 Methyldesorphine 
13 Alpha-methylfentanyl  68 Methyldihydromorphine 
14 Alpha-methylthiofentanyl  69 MMDA 
15 Aminorex  70 Morpheridine 
16 Benzethidine  71 Morphine methobromide  
17 Benzylmorphine  72 MPPP 
18 Betacetylmethadol  73 Myrophine 
19 Bêta-hydroxyfentanyl  74 N-hydroxy MDA 
20 Bêta-hydroxy-methylfentanyl  75 Nicocodine 
21 Betameprodine  76 Nicomorphine 
22 Betamethadol  77 Noracymethadol 
23 Betaprodine  78 Norlevorphanol 
24 Brolamfetamine  79 Normethadone 
25 Butyrate de dioxaphetyl  80 Normorphine 
26 Cannabis  81 Norpipanone 
27 Cathinone  82 Para-fluorofentanyl 
28 Clonitazene  83 Parahexyl 
29 Concentrate of poppy straw  84 PEPAP 
30 Desomorphine  85 Phenadoxone 
31 DET 86 Phenampromide 
32 Dextromoramide  87 Phenomorphane 
33 Diampromide  88 Phenoperidine 
34 Diethylthiambutene  89 Pholcodine 
35 Difenoxine  90 Piritramide 
36 Dimenoxadol  91 PMA 
37 Dimepheptanol  92 Poppy seeds 
38 Dimethylthiambutene  93 Poppy straw 
39 Dipipanone  94 Proheptazine 
40 DMA 95 Properidine 
41 DMHP 96 Propiram 
42 DMT 97 Psilocine, psilotsin 
43 DOET 98 Psilocybine 
44 Drotebanol  99 Racemoramide 
45 Ethylmethylthiambutene  100 Rolicyclidine 
46 Eticyclidine  101 STP, DOM 
47 Etilamfetamine  102 Tenamfetamine 
48 Etonitazene  103 Tenocyclidine 
49 Etorphine  104 Tetrahydrocannabinol 
50 Etoxeridine  105 Thebacone 
51 Etryptamine  106 Thiofentanyl 
52 Fenetylline  107 Tilidine 
53 Furethidine  108 TMA 
54 Heroin 109 Trimeperidine 
55 Hydromorphinol      
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 18 - 
 
 Import authorizations are required for the list of products indicated in Tables 2 to 4 below:   
Table 2:  Strictly Controlled Plants  and Substances with a Medical Use 
No. Plants and Substances  No. Plants and Substances 
1 Alfentanil  30 Metamfetamine 
2 Alphaprodine  31 Metazocine 
3 Amfetamine  32 Methadone 
4 Amobarbital  33 Methadone intermediate 
5 Aniledirine  34 Methylphenidate 
6 Bezitramide  35 Metopon 
7 Coca, (leaf)  36 Moramide, intermediaire du 
8 Cocaïne  37 Morphine 
9 Codeine  38 Nicodicodine 
10 Codoxime  39 Norcodeine 
11 Delta-9-tetrahydro cannabinol  40 N-oxymorphine 
12 Dexamfetamine  41 Opium 
13 Dextropropoxyphene  42 Oxycodone 
14 Dihydrocodeine  43 Oxymorphone 
15 Dihydromorphine  44 Pethidine 
16 Diphenoxylate  45 Pethidine, intermediate A 
17 Dronabinol  46 Pethidine, intermediate B 
18 Ecgonine  47 Pethidine, intermediate C 
19 Ethylmorphine  48 Phenazocine 
20 Fentanyl  49 Phencyclidine 
21 Glutethimide  50 Phenmetrazine 
22 Hydrocodone  51 Piminodine 
23 Hydromorphone  52 Racemate de metamfetamine 
24 Isomethadone  53 Racemethorphane 
25 Levamfetamine  54 Racemorphane 
26 Levomethamphetamine  55 Remifentanil 
27 Levomethorphane1  56 Secobarbital 
28 Levorphanol  57 Sufentanil 
29 Thebaïne  58 Zipeprol 
 
Table 3:  Controlled Plants and Substances with a Medical Use 
No. Plants and Substances  No. Plants and Substances 
1 Acetyldihydrocodeine  39 Loflazepate Ethyl 
2 Allobarbital  40 Loprazolam 
3 Alprazolam  41 Lorazepam 
4 Amfepramone  42 Lormetazepam 
5 Barbital  43 Mazindol 
6 Benzfetamine  44 Medazepam 
7 Bromazepam  45 Mefenorex 
8 Brotizolam  46 Meprobamate 
9 Buprenorphine  47 Mesocarbe 
10 Butalbital  48 Methylpheno-barbital 
11 Butobarbital  49 Methyprylone 
12 Camazepam  50 Midazolam 
13 Cathine  51 Nicocodine 
14 Chlordiazepoxide  52 Nicodicodine 
15 Clobazam  53 Nimetazepam 
16 Clonazepam  54 Nitrazepam 
17 Clorazepate  55 Norcodeine 
18 Clotiazepam  56 Nordazepam 
19 Cloxazolam  57 Oxazepam 
20 Codeine  58 Oxazolam 
21 Cyclobarbital  59 Pemoline 
22 Delorazepam  60 Pentazocine 
23 Diazepam  61 Pentobarbital 
24 Dihydrocodeine  62 Phendimetrazine 
25 Estazolam  63 Phenobarbital 
26 Ethchlorvynol  64 Phentermine 
27 Ethinamate  65 Pholcodine 
28 Ethylmorphine  66 Pinazepam WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 19 - 
 
 No. Plants and Substances  No. Plants and Substances 
29 Fencamfamine  67 Pipradrol 
30 Fenproporex  68 Prazepam 
31 Fludiazepam  69 Pyrovalerone 
32 Flunitrazepam  70 Secbutabarbital 
33 Flurazepam  71 Temazepam 
34 GHB 72 Tetrazepam 
35 Halazepam  73 Triazolam 
36 Haloxazolam  74 Vinylbital 
37 Ketazolam  75 Zolpidem 
38 Lefetamine      
Table 4 :  Substances Frequently Used in  the Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs and 
Psychotropic Substances (Chemical Precursors) 
No. Drugs No. Drugs 
1 Acid N-acetylanthranilic  13 Pseudoephedrine 
2 Acid lysergic  14 Safrole 
3 Anhydride acetic  15 Acetone 
4 Ephedrine  16 Acid anthranilic 
5 Ergometrine  17 Acid chlorhydric 
6 Ergotamine  18 Acid phenylacetic 
7 Isosafrole  19 Acid sulfuric 
8 Methylenedioxy  20 Methylethylcetone 
9 Norephedrine  21 Piperidine 
10 Potassium Permanganate  22 Toluene 
11 Phenyl-1 propanone-2  23 Ethyl ether 
12 Piperonal      
 2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Permit system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of licit imports.  The system is 
intended to prevent illicit use of narcotics and chemicals used in illicit production of drugs.  International system of control is based on estimates of narcotic drugs and a voluntary assessment 
system for psychotropic substances and monitoring of licit activities involving drugs through a 
statistical returns system, and achieving, inter alia , a balance between supply and demand. 
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
The legal basis for import controls is the Law "On Counter-Narcotics" dated 17 December 2005 and 
published in Official Gazette  No. 875.  Four attachments to the Law specify the list of substances 
to be controlled.  The classifications of the regulated substances can be amended, in particular by 
new inclusions, deletions, or transfers from one Table to another, by the DRC, taking into account any amendments or additions made by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. 
It is not possible for the executive branch of the government to abolish the system without approval 
of the Parliament.  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 20 - 
 
 The following legal documents issued by DRC relate to import procedures: 
- Procedure for Issuing of Import Permits for Drugs, Preparations and Precursors and their 
Combinations for Legal Users, 2008; 
- Procedure for Regulating and Control of Precursors, 24 June 2009; 
- Guidelines for Stocking and Maintenance of Drugs, Preparations and Precursors, 
5 June 2005. 
III. PROCEDURES 
2. For products under restriction as to th e quantity or value of imports (whether 
applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally): 
(a) Is information published, and where,  c o n c e r n i n g  a l l o c a t i o n  o f  q u o t a s  a n d 
formalities of filing applications for licenses?  If not, how is it brought to 
the attention of possible importers?  Of governments and export promotion 
bodies of exporting countries and th eir trade representatives?  Is the 
overall amount published?  The amount allocated to goods from each 
country?  The maximum amount allocated to each importer? 
(b) How is the size of the quotas determined:  on a yearly, six-monthly or 
quarterly basis?  Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a 
yearly basis but licenses are issued  for imports on a six-monthly or 
quarterly basis?  In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six-mont hly or quarterly basis? 
(c) Are licenses allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers 
of like goods?  What steps are taken to ensure that licenses allocated are 
actually used for imports?  Are unus ed allocations added to quotas for a 
succeeding period?  Are the names of importers to whom licenses have 
been allocated made known to govern ments and export promotion bodies 
of exporting countries upon request?  If not, for what reason?  (Indicate 
products to which replies relate.) 
(d) From the time of announcing the openin g of quotas, as indicated in I above, 
w h a t  i s  t h e  p e r i o d  o f  t i m e  a l l o w e d  f o r the submission of applications for 
licenses? 
(e) What are the minimum and maximu m lengths of time for processing 
applications? 
(f) How much time remains, at a mini mum, between the granting of licenses 
and the date of opening of the period of importation?  
(g) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ?  
(h) If the demand for licenses cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the 
allocation to applicants made?  First co me, first served?  Past performance?  
Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on 
what basis is it determined?  What provision is made for new importers?  Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt? 
(i) In the case of bilateral quotas or  export restraint arrangements where 
export permits are issued by exportin g countries, are impo rt licenses also 
required?  If so, are licens es issued automatically? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 21 - 
 
 (j) In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, 
how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting 
countries to the understanding between the two countries? 
(k) Are there products for which licenses  are issued on condition that goods 
should be exported and not sold in the domestic market? 
Answer: 
(a) Information concerning allocation of quotas is restricted and not published.  Interested 
persons can obtain information concerning formalities for obtaining quotas from DRC.  
Governments of exporting countries can request information concerning overall amount of quotas and maximum amount allocated to each importer through INCB.   
(b) Quotas are determined on a yearly basis.  MoPH determines amount of quotas based on 
statistical data for previous year imports and consumption.  Other line ministries determine 
quotas based on applications from interested importers.  Upon allocation of quota importer shall indicate a quarter within which he plans to import.   Importers can apply for extension 
of licence for the following quarter.  However, permits cannot be extended beyond the 
current year for which the quota was allocated.  
(c) Licenses are allotted for certain goods partly.  If quotas were not used for actual imports 
without a reasonable justification, DRC may refuse allocation of quotas for the next period.   
Unused allocations of quotas are not added to quotas for succeeding period.   Names of 
importers to whom quotas have been allocate d are made known to INCB, upon request.   
(d) Applications for licenses can be submitted immediately after completion of procedures of 
notification to INCB by DRC.   
(e) MoPH reviews requests for allocation of quotas within 30 days. Other line ministries, process 
applications for allocation of quotas within 30 to 45 days and then submit requested amount 
of quotas to DRC.  DRC reviews and submits overall amount of quotas to INCB before the 
end of the month of July each year. 
(f) Procedures of INCB review of Afghanistan's quotas are completed by the end of July, and 
opening date for imports is 1 January.  Therefore, importers can apply for licenses starting 
from the month of August.  
(g) Allocations of import quotas are submitted to MoPH, MoHE, MoCI and other line ministries 
and subject to final approval by DRC.  
(h) DRC reviews requested quotas on the basis of past performance, projected demand, and 
reputation of the applicant.  Applicants have a right to attend the review meeting of DRC and to provide explanations and justifications for its application.  There is no maximum amount 
to be allocated per applicant.  However, DRC usually practices a rule that difference of 
allocated quotas between applicants shall not be more than 10 per cent of the overall amount of quota.  
(i) According to INCB procedures, exporting countries issue export permits based on allocated 
import quotas.  
(j) INCB maintains international control system, including information about allocated quotas.  
Exports from foreign country are allowed only on the basis of import permits issued by DRC.  
Once the consignment has entered the national territory or when the period stipulated in 
the import authorization has expired, the DRC sends the export authorization to the Government of the exporting country, with an endorsement specifying the quantity of each 
regulated drug actually imported. 
(k) There are no products for which licenses are issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 22 - 
 
 3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
The DRC may authorize an importation of a substance listed in Tables 2, 3, and 4 only if they are 
intended for use to meet legitimate medical, scien tific, and industrial needs.  If the requested 
amounts are not justified on the basis of past performance or actual needs, line ministries or DRC 
may decrease requested amounts.    
The reasons for refusal are explained to the applicant.   Applicants have a right of appeal to 
commercial courts in the event of refusal to issue a quota or permit.   
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: Answer: 
All persons holding business licence obtained from Ministry of Commerce and Industry are eligible to 
apply for import quotas for narcotics and precursors for scientific research and industrial production purposes.    
To be eligible to apply for quotas to import for medical purposes, applicants must also hold a licence 
to engage in importing of medicines.  This activity licence is valid for 1 year and renewable.   
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
An application for import quota allocation of substances listed on Tables 2, 3, or 4 can be provided 
in free format letter and shall indicate the following: 
- The name and address of the importer or exporter; 
- The names and addresses of any consignee, if known; 
- The international non-proprietary name of each substance or, failing this, the name of the 
substance in the tables of the international conventions; 
- The pharmaceutical form and characteristics of each substance and, in the case of a 
preparation, its trade name; 
- The quantity of each substance and preparation involved in the operation; 
- The period during which the operation is to take place; and - Explanation of the need and purpose of importation.  
The following documents shall be attached to application: 
- Business License issued by MoCI; 
- Licence for the right to engage in importing of medicines (with respect to imports for 
medical purposes). WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 23 - 
 
 2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
Upon actual importation of drugs and preparat ions under the quotas allocated by the MoPH, 
importers shall obtain pro-forma from the latter and submit it to customs authorities along with 
the Quarterly Quota Form.   
For other drugs, preparations and precursors that require import permit, importers shall present to 
Customs authorities the Quarterly Quota Form.   
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
For review of request for quota allocation no f ees are charged by line ministries or by DRC. 
MoPH charges 0.075% of value of import consignment for issuance of copy of pro-forma upon 
importation.  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of licence or permit.   VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
Answer: 
The import permit shall specify whether the import is to be effected in a single consignment or 
may be effected in more than one consignment, and shall establish the time in which the import of 
all consignments must be effected.  Such times are established based on the request of the 
applicant, but shall not be longer than the period of  validity of an activity licence giving a right for 
engaging in importing.   
According to INCB control system, export permits issued by exporting countries are valid for three 
months.  Therefore, in order to provide sufficient time for importers, import permits issued by DRC are valid for six months from the date of issue.  Period of importation is a calendar year with quarterly breakdowns. 
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
If quotas were not used for actual imports without a reasonable justification, DRC 
(MoPH/MoHE/MoCI) may refuse allocation of quotas for the next period. 
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 24 - 
 
 Answer: 
Quotas can be transferred between importers with the approval from the line ministry and DRC.  
Quotas allocated through MoPH can only be transferred to other importers who hold licence for engaging in importing of medicines.  
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
Import of the regulated drugs listed in Tables 2, 3, and 4 shall be conducted through those 
customs offices determined by the DRC.  
Traders are obliged to keep records of sales and stocks and report them regularly to the Ministry of 
Counter Narcotics.  Any person, private enterprise , or state enterprise holding, for professional 
purposes, any plants, substances and preparations listed in Tables 2, 3, and 4 is required to keep them under regulations established by the Committee so as to prevent theft or any other form of 
diversion.  
VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation.  
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 25 - 
 
 E. Import Permit for Ozone Depleting Substances 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
In 2004 Afghanistan has acceded to:  
- Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (22 September 1988);  
- The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1 January 1989);  
- London Amendment (10 August 1992);  
- Copenhagen Amendment (14 June 1994);  - Montreal Amendment (10 November 1999); and  
- Beijing Amendment (25 February 2002). 
Under the Montreal Protocol each Party shall establish and implement a system for licensing the 
import and export of new, used, recycled and reclaimed controlled substances listed in the 
relevant annexes to the Protocol.  In order to implement its international obligations Afghanistan 
has introduced registration and import permit procedure for ozone depleting substances.  For the production, import and export of the ozone layer de pleting substances, import permit of Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and registration in National Environment Protection Agency 
(NEPA) is required.  Importers shall first register with the NEPA and then apply for permit for each 
import shipment.  Registration is valid for one year and shall be renewed annually. 
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
The following substances, containing ozone-depleting substances, are not allowed for production, 
import and export: 
 1. (Hallons-1211-1301-2402); 
 2. CFC of Air conditions; 
 3. CFC gas in the compressors of the old fridges and air conditions; and 
 4. Compressors having CFCs gases. 
This prohibition excludes any controlled substance or mixture, which is in a manufactured product 
other than a container used for the transportation or storage of that substance. 
Imports of Halogenated Derivatives of hydrocarbons listed below following goods are subject to 
import permit from the (NEPA) of Afghanistan unt il 2013.  After that date these substances will 
also be prohibited for imports into Afghanistan. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 26 - 
 
  
No. Formula Trade Name Chemical Name Group 
Conditional 
1 HCFC 122  - R 122 - Trichlorodifluoroethane 6 
2 HCFC-123 R 123- Dichlorotrifluoroethane 6 
3 HCFC 123  - R-a 123 Dichlorotrifluoroethane 6 
4 HCFC 124  - R1 1  - chlorotrifluoroethane 6 
5 HCFC-a 124 R-11 chlorotrifluoroethane 6 
6 HCFC 131  - R 131 - Trichlorofluoroethane 6 
7 HCFC 132  - R-132 Dichlorodifluoroethane 6 
8 HCFC 13  3- R-133 chlorotrifluoroethane 6 
9 HCFC 141  - R 141 - Dichlorofluoroethane 6 
10 HCFC-b 141 R-11 Dichlorofluoroethane 6 
11 HCFC 142  - R-124 chlorodifluroethane 6 
12 HCFC-b 142 R1 1 - chlorodifluroethane 6 
13 HCFC-151 R-151 chlorofluoroethane 6 
14 HCF-C221 R-122 Hexachlorofluoropropane 6 
15 HCFC 222  - R 222 - Pentachlorodifluropropane 6 
16 HCFC 223  - R-223 Tetrachlorotrifluropropane 6 
17 HCFC 224  - R 224 - Trichlorotetrafluropropane 6 
18 HCFC 225  - R-225 Dichloropentafluropropane 6 
19 HCFC-ca 225 R-225 Dichloropentafluropropane 6 
20 HCFC-cb 225 R-cb 225 Dichloropentafluropropane 6 
21 HCFC 226  - R 226 - Chlorohexafluropropane 6 
22 HCFC-231 R 231- Pentachlorofluropropane 6 
23 HCFC 232  - R-232 Tetrachlorodifluropropane 6 
24 HCFC-233 R-233 Trichlorotrifluropropane 6 
25 HCFC 234  - R 234 - propaneDichlorotetrafluro 6 
26 HCFC-235 R-235 propaneChloropentafluro 6 
27 HCFC 241  - R 241 - Tetrachlorofluropropane 6 
28 HCFC-242 R 242- Trichlorodifluropropane 6 
29 HCFC-243 R-243 Dichlorotrifluropropane 6 
30 HCFC-244 R 244- Chlorotetrafluropropane 6 
31 HCF-C251 R 251- Trichlorofluropropane 6 
32 HCF-C252 R-252 Dichlorodifluropropane 6 
33 HCFC-253 R-253 Chlorotrifluropropane 6 
34 HCFC-261 R 261- Dichlorofluropropane 6 
35 HCFC-262 R 262- Chlorodifluropropane 6 
36 HCFC 271  - R-271 Chlorofluropropane 6 
37 BFC-  b2 21  Dibromofluromethane 7 
38 HBFC-b1 22  Bromodifluromethane 7 
39   Bromofluromethane 7 
40   Tetrabromofluromethane 7 
41   Tribromodifluroethane 7 
42 HBFC-b2 123  Dibromotrifluroethane 7 
43 HBFC-b1 123  Bromotetrafluroethane 7 
44   Tribromofluroethane 7 
45   Dibromodifluroethane 7 
46   bromotrifluroethane 7 
47   Dibromofluroethane 7 
48 HBFC-b1 124  Bromodifluroethane 7 
49 HBFC-b1 124  Bromofluroethane 7 
50   Hexabromofluropropane 7 
51   Pentabromodifluropropane 7 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 27 - 
 
 No. Formula Trade Name Chemical Name Group 
52   Tetrabromofluropropane 7 
53   Tribromotetrafluropropane 7 
54   Dibromopentafluropropane 7 
55   Bromohexfluropropane 7 
56   Pentabromofluropropane 7 
57   Tetrabromodifluropropane 7 
58   Tribromotrifluropropane 7 
59   Dibromotetrafluropropane 7 
60   Bromopentafluropropane 7 
61   Tetrabromofluropropane 7 
62   Tribromodifluropropane 7 
63   Dibromotrifluropropane 7 
64   Bromotetrafluropropane 7 
65   Tribromofluropropane 7 
66   Dibromodifluropropane 7 
67   Bromotrifluropropane 7 
68   Dibromofluropropane 7 
69   Bromodifluropropane 7 
70   Bromofluropropane 7 
71 Methyl Bromide Me Br CH3Br 7 
 
No. Formula Trade Name Chemical Name Group 
Allowed Items 
1 HFC-a 134 R-a 134 ethaneTetrafluro-1,1,1,2 - 
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Imports of controlled substances is only permitte d between Parties to the Montreal Protocol, which 
have reported data and demonstrated their compliance  with all relevant provisions of the Protocol.   
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The system is intended to protect the ozone layer by taking precautionary measures to control 
equitably total emissions of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate objective of their elimination on the basis of developments in scientific knowledge, taking into account technical and economic considerations and bearing in mind the developmental needs of Afghanistan.  
Currently NEPA is monitoring the quantities of production, import and export of ozone depleting 
substances.  There is no quantitative restrictions are applied until 2013, when reductions shall commence.  To implement reduction commitments, spec ific quotas will be introduced with an aim 
to decrease imports by 10% each year.     
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 28 - 
 
 Answer: 
In addition to Vienna Convention, Montreal Protocol and amendments thereof, Cabinet of Ministers 
has adopted a Regulation "On Controlling Materials Destructive to the Ozone Layer" dated on 6 August 2006 published in Official Gazette No. 894.  
The licensing system is maintained under international obligations ratified by Afghanistan, and, 
therefore, executive branch of the Government  cannot abolish the system without legislative 
approval.   
III. PROCEDURES 
2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorte r time-limit or for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
(c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
(a) Registration form shall be submitted prior to importation.  
 Applications for permit shall be submitted upon arrival of goods at the customs clearance 
ports.  
(b) There is no special expedited procedure for issuance of permits.  Usually permits are issued 
within 3 to 5 working days.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for permit or 
importation may be made.  
(d) MoCI will issue the permit of the production, import and export of the ozone layer depleting 
substances after the approval of the Department of Ozone of NEPA. 
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
The issuing agency (NEPA) can refuse to issue the new permit for three years for registered 
applicants if they did not follow their obligations. 
The reasons for refusal are explained to the applicant in writing. 
Any person may, within thirty (30) days of the granting or refusal of a permit, appeal the decision 
to the Director-General of the National Environmen tal Protection Agency.  The Director-General of 
the National Environmental Protection Agency sha ll review the appeal application and thereafter 
make an appropriate decision.  Should the appellant wish to appeal the Director-General's final 
decision, the matter shall be referred to the relevant court.  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 29 - 
 
 IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: Answer: 
All persons holding business licence obtained from Ministry of Commerce and Industry or investment 
licence obtained from AISA are eligible to apply for registration and permit.   
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Application for the registration for the production , import and export of the ozone layer depleting 
substances will be provided according to the form provided in Annex 1 to this document.   
For import of goods applicant shall fill the form (sample form is provided in Annex 2 to this 
document) attached and submit to the office of Ozone.  The following information is required in applications: 
1. Name of the importer; 
2. Address of the company; 3. Telephone, fax, and e-mail address; 
4. Registration number of the importer; 
5. Name and quantity of the ozone layer depleting substances being imported into 
the country; 
6. Exporting country; 
7. Proposed date of import of products; and 8. Proposed ports of import of products. 
The following documents shall be attached to the application:  
 - Investment licence issued by Afghan Investment Support Agency, 
 - Business licence issued by Ministry of Commerce and Industries, and  - Invoices (with specification of the import substances -packing list). 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
Permit shall be submitted to customs authorities upon importation. 
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
No fees are charged for annual registration and for issuance of import permits for ozone depleting 
substances.  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of permits.   WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 30 - 
 
 VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
Answer: 
Import registration is valid for one year and can be  extended on a yearly basis.  Import permit is 
valid for particular shipment. 
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of a permit or a portion of a permit.   
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Permits are not transferable between importers. 
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
In order to monitor the projected quantities of  the ozone depleting substances, NEPA requires 
information about planned investments and increase of the yearly budgets for the production, import and export of the ozone depleting substances.   
The permit holders of the production, import and export of the ozone depleting substances have 
the obligation to submit the detailed report of its sales to the Ozone Department of NEPA and 
MoCI. 
VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 31 - 
 
 F. Import Permit for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment, Cosmetics, and 
Pharmacy Tools 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
Imports of medicines and medical equipment are allowed only if they are registered in the Legal 
Medicines List.  Companies wishing to export medicines to Afghanistan shall apply to the Ministry of 
Public Health (MoPH) to be included in the List of Legal Medicines.  
A person wishing to import medicines and medical equipment shall request a licence for engaging 
in such activities.  This licence is valid for one year and costs approximately US$800 for Afghans 
and US$5,000 for foreign applicants.  The licence can be renewed annually at no cost.  If the 
licence was not utilized during the year, applicant shall re-apply for new licence.  
If the medicine in question is registered in th e Licensed Drugs List, and provided that applicant 
holds a licence for engaging in trading of medicines and medical equipment, it can apply for import 
permit.  After reviewing the application for permit, Afghan Pharmacy Department issues a letter- permit for import. 
Import of medicines and medical equipment, whic h are not in the legal medicine list, can be 
allowed in special cases by proposal of Pharmacy  Affairs Department and approval of National 
Medicine and Food Board.  
Currently, import permit procedures for cosmetics is under development.  Therefore, so far the 
requirement for import permits for cosmetics is not being applied.  
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
The following goods are covered by the permit system:  
HS Codes Product Description 
30.02 Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; antisera and 
other blood fractions and modified immunological products, whether or not obtained by means of biotechnological processes; vaccines, toxins, cult ures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and 
similar products. 
3002.1000 - Antisera and other blood fractions and mo dified immunological products, whether or not 
obtained by means of biotechnological processes 
3002.2000 - Vaccines for human medicine 
 - Other 
3002.9010 --- Saxitoxin 
3002.9020 --- Ricin 
3002.9090 --- Other  
30.03 Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05 or 30.06) consisting of two or more 
constituents which have been mixed together for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, not put up in 
measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. 
3003.1000 - Containing penicillins or derivatives thereof, with a penicillanic acid structure, or streptomycins 
or their derivatives 
3003.2000 - Containing other antibiotics 
 - Containing hormones or other products of heading 29.37 but not containing antibiotics : WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 32 - 
 
 HS Codes Product Description 
3003.3100  -- Containing insulin 
3003.3900  -- Other 
3003.4000 - Containing alkaloids or derivatives thereof but not containing hormones or other products of 
heading 29.37 or antibiotics 
3003.9000 - Other 
30.04 Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05 or 30.06) consisting of mixed or 
unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic  uses, put up in measured doses (including 
those in the form of transdermal administration sy stems) or in forms or pa ckings for retail sale. 
3004.1000 - Containing penicillins or derivatives thereof, with a penicillanic acid structure, or streptomycins 
or their derivatives 
3004.2000 - Containing other antibiotics 
 - Containing hormones or other products of heading 29.37 but not containing antibiotics : 
3004.3100 -- Containing insulin 
3004.3200 -- Containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues 
3004.3900 -- Other 
3004.4000 - Containing alkaloids or derivatives thereof but not containing hormones, other products of 
heading 29.37 or antibiotics 
3004.5000 - Other medicaments containing vitamins or other products of heading 29.36 
3004.9000 - Other 
30.05 Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, 
poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or packings for retail sale for medical, surgic al, dental or veterinary purposes. 
3005.1000 - Adhesive dressings and other articles having an adhesive layer 
3005.9000 - Other 
30.06 Pharmaceutical goods specified in Note 4 to this Chapter. 
3006.1000 - Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials (including sterile absorbable surgical or 
dental yarns) and sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure; sterile laminaria and 
sterile laminaria tents; sterile absorbable surgic al or dental haemostatics; sterile surgical or 
dental adhesion barriers, wherther or not absorbable 
3006.2000 - Blood-grouping reagents 
3006.3000 - Opacifying preparations for X-ray examinations; diagnostic reagents designed to be 
administered to the patient 
3006.4000 - Dental cements and other dental fillings; bone reconstruction cements 
3006.5000 - First-aid boxes and kits 
3006.6000 - Chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones, on other products of heading 29.37 or 
on spermicides 
3006.7000 - Gel preparations designed to be used in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for parts 
of the body for surgical operations or physical examinations or as a coupling agent between the body and medical instruments 
33.01 Essential oils (terpeneless or not), includ ing concretes and absolutes; resinoids; extracted 
oleoresins; concentrates of essential oils in fats, in fixed oils, in waxes or the like, obtained by enfleurage or maceration; terpenic by-products of the deterpenation of essential oils; aqueous 
distillates and aqueous solu tions of essential oils. 
 - Essential oils of citrus fruit : 
3301.1200 -- Of orange 
3301.1300 -- Of lemon  
3301.1900 -- Other  
 - Essential oils other than those of citrus fruit :  
3301.2400 -- Of peppermint ( Mentha piperita ) 
3301.2500 -- Of other mints 
3301.2900 -- Other 
3301.3000 - Resinoids 
3301.9000 - Other 
33.04 Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin (other than 
medicaments), including sunscreen or sun tan preparations; manicure or pedicure preparations. 
3304.1000 - Lip make-up preparations 
3304.2000 - Eye make-up preparations 
3304.3000 - Manicure or pedicure preparations 
 - Other : 
3304.9100 -- Powders, whether or not compressed 
3304.9900 -- Other 
33.05 Preparations for use on the hair. 
3305.1000 - Shampoos 
3305.2000 - Preparations for permanent waving or straightening 
3305.3000 - Hair lacquers WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 33 - 
 
 HS Codes Product Description 
3305.9000 - Other 
 Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, includin g denture fixative pastes and powders; yarn used 
to clean between the teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packages. 
3306.1000 - Dentifrices 
3306.2000 - Yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss) 
3306.9000 - Other 
33.07 Pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparat ions, personal deodorants, bath preparations, 
depilatories and other perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, not elsewhere specified or 
included; prepared room deodorisers, whether or not perfumed or having disinfectant properties. 
3307.1000 - Pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparations 
3307.2000 - Personal deodorants and antiperspirants 
3307.3000 - Perfumed bath salts and other bath preparations 
 - Preparations for perfuming or deodorizing rooms, including odoriferous preparations used 
during religious rites : 
3307.4100 -- "Agarbatti" and other odoriferous preparations which operate by burning 
3307.4900 -- Other 
3307.9000 - Other 
90.22 Apparatus based on the use of X-rays or of al pha, beta or gamma radiations, whether or not for 
medical, surgical, dental or vete rinary uses, including radiograph y or radiotherapy apparatus, X-
ray tubes and other X-ray generators, high tension generators, control panels and desks, screens, 
examination or treatment tables, chairs and the like. 
 - Apparatus based on the use of X-rays, whether or not for medical,  surgical, dental or veterinary 
uses, including radiography or  radiotherapy apparatus : 
9022.1200 -- Computed tomography apparatus 
9022.1300 -- Other, for dental uses 
9022.1400 -- Other, for medical, surgical or veterinary uses 
9022.1900 -- For other uses 
 - Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta or  gamma radiations, whether or not for medical, 
surgical, dental or veterinary uses, includ ing radiography or radiotherapy apparatus : 
9022.2100 -- For medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses 
9022.2900 -- For other uses 
9022.3000 - X-ray tubes 
9022.9000 - Other, including parts and accessories 
 
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Permit system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  Its purpose is to protect 
human life and health.    
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
Permit system is maintained under the Law "On Medicine", dated 04 November 2008, published in 
the Official Gazette No. 960, and the Law "On Public Health" dated 17 January 2007, published in the Official Gazette No. 916.  Therefore, it is not possible for the executive branch of the 
government to abolish system without legislative approval.  Ministry of Public Health is responsible 
for establishing a specific list of products subject to import permits.  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 34 - 
 
 To implement the Law "On Medicine" provisions regarding to production and import of legal 
medicine and medical equipment, Regulation No. 39 "On Production and Import of Medicines and 
Pharmaceuticals" was approved by Council of Ministers on 19 February 2007.  
III. PROCEDURES 
2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorter time-limit for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? (c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
(a) Application for import permits is submitted any time before the importation, including upon 
arriving at the port without a licence.  Same processing times are applied in all cases.  
(b) There is no procedure for granting permits immediately on request.  Process of obtaining 
permit for import of medicines registered in the Legal Medicines list takes up to 3 days.  
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for permits or 
importation may be made.  
(d) The following is the description of the process of obtaining the import permit: 
- The trader who plans to import the medicines submits an application letter 
addressed to the Minister of Health stating the need for licence to import specific medicines into the country, along with its Business Licence. 
- Minister of Public Health reviews the letter and issues a letter approving the 
application for processing. 
- Applicant delivers the Minister's letter to the Pharmacy Affairs Directorate.  
Directorate checks if the applicant is in the register of the licensed pharmaceutical 
trading and producing companies.  If the company is registered with the Pharmacy 
Affairs Directorate, the copy of  the pro forma is processed.   
- The pro forma is then referred to the Ex perts Board of the General Directorate of 
Pharmacy Affairs review and approval. 
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Applications for permits can be rejected in following cases:  
 - Medicines and medical equipment are not in the legal medicines list; and 
 - Applicant is not licensed to trade in medicines and medical equipment. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 35 - 
 
 The reasons for refusal are given to the applicant in wr iting.  Applicants do have a right of appeal to 
commercial courts in the event of refusal to issue a permit under Civil Procedure Code. 
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses?  If not, is there 
a system of registration of persons or fi rms permitted to engage in importation?  
What persons or firms are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a 
published list of authorized importers? 
Answer: 
All persons who hold (i) business licence from Ministry of Commerce and Industry or investment 
licence from Afghan Investment Support Agency; and, (ii) a licence for engaging in import of medicines, are eligible for obtaining import permits.  
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Applications are submitted in free format and shall contain the following information: 
 - Name of the applicant; and 
 - Full address and contact information. 
A copy of pro forma containing the following information shall be submitted along with the 
application: 
 - Name of selling company, generic and home country address; 
 - Name of buyer; 
 - Description of medicines;  - Quantity and prices; 
 - Expiry date for medicines and medical equipment: 
 - Types of payment;  - Types of packing; and 
 - Duration validity of the pro forma. 
Trader's Business licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, or investment licence from 
Afghan Investment Support Agency, shall be submitted along with the application. 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
After the medicines and medical equipment have been delivered to customs clearance facilities:  
- Customs authorities inform the Pharmacy Affairs Directorate via letter about the 
arrival of the medicines at customs; 
- An expert panel or a professional representative of this Directorate already 
assigned to the Customs House takes samples of medicines.   
- The representative takes the samples to the Pharmacy Affairs Directorate 
Laboratory Department for testing; and 
- When the quality of the medicines is confirmed, the Directorate issues the trader 
with an import permit letter for the medicines as well as places stamp and visa on 
the import invoice, allowing them to be taken from the Customs House. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 36 - 
 
 3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
Upon obtaining a permit for import, a commission fee for issuing of Pro Forma Statement of 
0.075 times the total cost of imported medicines is charged. 
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of permits.   
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
Answer: 
There is no term of validity indicated at the pro-forma (permit).  Permits are valid for conducting a 
particular shipment.   
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of a permit or a portion of a permit. 
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Import permits are not transf erable between importers. 
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
Although it is not a condition specifically attached to the issue of permits, sales prices of medicines 
are subject to approval from Pharmacy Affaires Directorate.   
Importers and the Pharmacy Enterprise is obliged to provide medicines which is restricted to 
special and rare cases and has vital value, according to specific quota prepared by Pharmacy 
Affairs Department.  Importers of medicine are required, according to this provision, to import the 
amount of medicine specified by Pharmacy Affair s Department during one year after the date of 
specification.  In case they fail, their right to import shall be suspended for one year.  
VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 37 - 
 
 Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Import permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 38 - 
 
 G. Import and Sales Licence for Telecommunication Equipment  
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
The following persons have a right to import telecom equipment to Afghanistan: 
- Holders of licence for mobile phone services (only types of equipment needed for providing 
mobile phone services according to their licence); 
- Holder of licence for internet service provider (only types of equipment needed for 
providing internet service according to their licence): 
- Holder of Licence for Telecom Technology Solution Provider; and 
- Importer and Seller Licence holder.  
These licenses are issued by Afghan Telecom Regulatory Agency (ATRA).  Upon arrival of goods at customs ports, customs au thorities inform ATRA of the arrival of goods.  
ATRA representative visits the port for physical inspection and confirms the right to import through 
applying his stamp and signature on customs documents.  
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
Imports of all telecom equipment require import licence from ATRA. 
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Licencing system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.   
3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  Its purpose is to control 
telecom equipment that could be used in providing unauthorised telecom services.  Given the economic, social, security conditions in the country, as well as level of development of ATRA, this 
method of control currently represents more efficient way of controlling provision of unauthorised 
services.    
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 39 - 
 
 Answer: 
The import licence is established based on the Law "For Regulating Telecommunication Services" 
(published in the Official Gazette No. 878).  Therefore, the executive branch of the government cannot abolish it without legislative approval.  Designation of products for imports of which holding a 
licence obtained from ATRA is established by ATRA.  
In addition, ATRA has adopted Import Procedures  of Telecommunications Equipment's for Telecom 
and Internet Companies dated 8 June 2007. 
III. PROCEDURES 
2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorte r time-limit or for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
(c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
(a) Applications for Solution Provider Licenses can be submitted any time before importation of 
goods. There are no shorter time-limits established for obtaining licenses for goods arriving at the port without a licence.  
(b) ATRA approval or disapproval of their formal response is sent to the applicant within five 
official days.  There is no special expedited procedure for issuance of licenses or permits. 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and 
permit or importation may be made.  
(d) Applications for importer and seller licence shall be submitted to Ministry of Communication 
and Information Technology (MoCIT).  After applications are stamped and signed by MOCIT, they are reviewed by the ATRA. 
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Initial applications for an importer and seller licence are not refused other than in case of failure to 
meet the ordinary criteria.  However, requests for renewal of licenses can be rejected on the grounds 
of repeated violation of previous licence terms.  
Reasons for partial or total rejection of the prop osed equipment are provided to the applicant in 
writing.  Under the Law "On Regulation of Telecommunication Services", any person aggrieved by 
a decision of the ATRA may appeal to the Commission for Settling Financial Disputes established 
under the Da Afghanistan Bank Law and request for proceedings.  An appeal must be registered WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 40 - 
 
 with the Commission for Settling Financial Disputes and a copy must be sent to the ATRA within 
thirty days from the date that the decision is made. 
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: 
Answer: 
All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for importer and seller licenses.  
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Applications are submitted in free format and shall contain the following information: 
 - Name of the applicant;  
 - Full address and contact information; and  - Description of the equipment and quantities.  
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
Upon arrival of goods Customs authorities issue a letter to notify ATRA.  ATRA sends its 
representative to Customs.  To issue a conformation letter ATRA representative conducts physical 
inspection of the telecom equipment being imported.  The following document shall be provided to ATRA representative: 
 - Full list of import equipment's (Delivery Notes); 
 - Documents of Freight forwarders (Way Bill); and 
 - Invoice of the selling company and import equipment's takes place into the country. 
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
Importer and Seller licence issuance fee is US$2,000.  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of licenses.   
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 41 - 
 
 Answer: 
Solution provider licence is valid for one year and renewable.  Confirmation visa is applied for 
particular shipment.  
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of a licence. 
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Licenses are not transferable between importers. 4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
No other conditions are attached to the issue of a permit.  VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 42 - 
 
 H. Import Permit for Veteri nary Equipment and Medicines 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
Answer: 
Imports of animal medicines and veterinary equipment are subject to approval by Veterinary 
authorities upon importation.  Completion of the customs clearance procedures is conditioned upon presenting permit of the Afghan Veterinary Department.  Permits are issued after reviewing the 
received applications with a required documents attached.  Physical inspection, sampling and testing 
procedures are conducted if necessary.  Permit for imports of veterinary equipment are issued automatically.    
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
Answer: 
The following goods are covered by the permit system:  
No. Product description  HS Codes  
1 Veterinary equipment  902221  
2 Animal medicines  300230, 300510, 300590, 300670  
3 Vaccines  300210, 300220  
4 Sperms  300660 
 
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
Answer: 
Permit system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
Answer: 
The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  Its purpose is to protect 
animal life and health.    
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
Answer: 
Permit system is maintained under the Veterinary  Services Law of 17 November 17 1999.  Please 
note that Veterinary Department is in the proce ss of developing a draft Law "On Animal Health and 
Veterinary Services" and draft Regulation "On Imports of Medicines and Animal Vaccines".  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 43 - 
 
 III. PROCEDURES 
2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licenses be obtained within a shorte r time-limit or for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
(c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ? 
Answer: 
(a) Application for vaccines with a sample is required to be submitted in advance before shipping 
goods.  It is possible to apply for licence after goods arrive to the customs clearance facilities.  Same processing times are applied in both cases.  
 Applications for animal medicines can be submitted in advance or after goods arrive at the 
customs clearance facilities. Same processing times are applied in both cases.  
 Applications for Veterinary equipment can be submitted after arrival of goods to customs 
clearance facilities.   
(b) There is no procedure for granting permits immediately on request.  Applications for vaccines 
are reviewed and depending on the type of vacci ne testing procedures it can take on average 
15 days.  Applications for animal medicines and veterinary equipment take one week on 
average.  No time limits are established formally. 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for permits or 
importation may be made.  
(d) Veterinary Department is solely responsible for issuance of import permits.  No other 
administrative organ is involved in the process. 
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
Answer: 
Applications for permits can be rejected in following cases:  - Non-compliance with the expiry date requirement;   
- Damaged packaging that can cause danger to health;   
- Absence of veterinary certificate for certain vaccines; 
- Violation of special transportation requirement such as use of refrigerators (if applicable); 
and 
- Only OIE approved companies are permitted for vaccines.   
The reasons for refusal are explained to the applicant.  Applicants have a right of appeal to 
commercial courts in the event of refusal to issue a permit.  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 44 - 
 
 IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licenses: Answer: 
All persons who have business licence from Ministry of Commerce and Industry are eligible to apply 
for permit.  Company should employ at least one specialist in the field of veterinary.  Applicants shall 
sign a standard Statemen t of Conditions containing commitments that:  
- Medicines and other necessary materials related to veterinary being imported shall be 
produced by reputable and well-known companies; 
- Packaging should be done by production company; - Expiry date should not be less than 2 years from production; - In case of imported medicines and other veterinary materials are found to be dangerous 
for health, or packaged in other country then the country of production, applicant company 
may lose the right for importation of such goods in the future; 
- Applicant cannot re-export imported items; 
- Importer shall indicate areas of storag e and distribution within Afghanistan; 
- If management of veterinary service so decides, it can send up to three of its 
representatives to visit a production company for inspections purposes.  Costs in case shall 
be covered by the importer; and 
- Process of storage and distribution of vaccines and other medicines shall be monitored by 
a representative of veterinary service.  
Statements of Conditions are valid for one year and renewable.  Statements are provided free of 
charge. 
VI. DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
Answer: 
Applications are submitted in free format and shall contain the following information: 
 - Name of the applicant;  
 - Full address and contact information;   - Country of origin and country export of goods; and  - Description and quantity of products being imported   
The following documents shall be attached to the application:  
 - Signed Statement of Conditions; 
 - Medical analysis certificate for medicines; 
 - OIE certificate for vaccines; and 
 - Copy of Business licence.  
Samples of medicines and vaccines shall also be submitted along with the application.  
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
Answer: 
- When the veterinary medicines are imported, the importer requests permission from the 
General Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health to take the medicines from 
the Customs House; 
- General Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health gives the importer an order to 
deliver to the Department of Prophylaxis and Treatment to obtain samples of the imported 
medicines in order to check their quality; and WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 45 - 
 
 - If the tests performed by the Department of  Prophylaxis and Treatment confirm that the 
imported medicines are of good quality, then the General Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Directorate issues an official letter for the applicant/importer to take to the MoF and the Customs House to instruct them to let the importer remove the medicine from the 
Customs House. 
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
Answer: 
Currently no fees are charged for issuance of import permits for veterinary equipment and 
medicines.  
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licenses?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
Answer: 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of licenses.   
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
Answer: 
The permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually, but only the stamp of the Animal 
Husbandry and Animal Health Directorate is needed for renewal, which takes one to two hours.   
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
Answer: 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of a permit or a portion of a permit. 
3. Are licenses transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
Answer: 
Veterinary permits are not transferable between importers. 4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence: 
 (a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? 
 (b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction? 
Answer: 
No conditions are attached to the issue of a permit.   
VIII. OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 46 - 
 
 Answer: 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative 
procedures, required prior to importation. 
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licenses issued?  What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
Answer: 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported.  
Veterinary Permit is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 47 - 
 
 I. Activity Licence to Import Medicines and Medical Equipment 
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
 
A legal entity wishing to import medicines and medical equipment shall request a licence for engaging in such activity (activity or operating licence).   
The activity licence for import of medicines and medical equipment is granted only to 
companies having at least one pharmacist on their staff. 
The activity licence has unlimited validity and costs approximately US$800.00 for Afghan 
and US$5000.00 for foreign applicants.  
Imports of medicines and medical equipment are allowed only if they are registered in the 
Legal Medicines List.  Companies wishing to export medicines to Afghanistan shall apply to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to be included in the List of Legal Medicines.  
 
Import of medicines and medical equipment, which are not in the legal medicine list, can be allowed in special cases by proposal of General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs and approval of National Medicine and Food Board.  
 
 II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
 
The following goods are covered by  activity licence for import:  
 
Tariff Line 
Items Product Description 
30.02    Human blood; animal blood prepared for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic uses; 
antisera and other blood fractions and modifi ed immunological products, whether or not 
obtained by means of biotechnological proce sses; vaccines, toxins, cultures of micro-
organisms (excludin g yeasts) and similar products.  
3002.1000 - Antisera and other blood fractions and mo dified immunological products, whether or not 
obtained b y means of biotechnolo gical processes  
3002.2000 - Vaccines for human medicine  
 - Other 
3002.9010 --- Saxitoxin 
3002.9020 --- Ricin 
3002.9090 --- Other  
30.03   Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05 or 30.06) consisting of two or 
more constituents which have been mixed toge ther for therapeutic or  prophylactic uses, 
not put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. 
3003.1000 - Containing penicillins or derivatives thereof, with a penicillanic acid structure, or 
streptomycins or their derivatives  
3003.2000 - Containin g other antibiotics  
 - Containin g hormones or other products of headin g 29.37 but not containin g antibiotics :  
3003.3100  -- Containin g insulin 
3003.3900  -- Other 
3003.4000 - Containing alkaloids or derivatives thereof but not containing hormones or other products 
of headin g 29.37 or antibiotics  
3003.9000 - Other  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 48 - 
 
 Tariff Line 
Items Product Description 
30.04 Medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05 or 30.06) consisting of mixed or 
unmixed products for therapeutic or prophy lactic uses, put up in measured doses 
(including those in the form of transderma l administration systems) or in forms or 
packings for retail sale. 
3004.1000 - Containing penicillins or derivatives thereof, with a penicillanic acid structure, or 
streptomycins or their derivatives  
3004.2000 - Containin g other antibiotics  
 - Containin g hormones or other products of headin g 29.37 but not containin g antibiotics :  
3004.3100 -- Containin g insulin 
3004.3200 -- Containin g corticosteroid hormones , their derivatives or  structural analo gues 
3004.3900 -- Other 
3004.4000 - Containing alkaloids or derivatives thereof but not containing hormones, other products of 
headin g 29.37 or antibiotics  
3004.5000 - Other medicaments containin g vitamins or other products of headin g 29.36 
3004.9000 - Other  
30.05 Wadding, gauze, bandages and similar articles (for example, dressings, adhesive plasters, 
poultices), impregnated or coated with pharmaceutical substances or put up in forms or 
packings for retail sale for medical , surgical, dental or veterinar y purposes. 
3005.1000 - Adhesive dressin gs and other articles havin g an adhesive la yer 
3005.9000 - Other  
30.06 Pharmaceutical goods specified in Note 4 to this Chapter. 
3006.1000 - Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials (including sterile absorbable 
surgical or dental yarns) and sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure; sterile 
laminaria and sterile laminaria tents; sterile absorbable surgical or dental haemostatics; 
sterile sur gical or dental adhesion barriers , wherther or not absorbable 
3006.2000 - Blood- grouping reagents 
3006.3000 - Opacifying preparations for X-ray examinations; diagnostic reagents designed to be 
administered to the patient  
3006.4000 - Dental cements and other dental fillin gs; bone reconstruction cements 
3006.5000 - First-aid boxes and kits  
3006.6000 - Chemical contraceptive preparations based on hormones, on other products of heading 
29.37 or on s permicides  
3006.7000 - Gel preparations designed to be used in human or veterinary medicine as a lubricant for 
parts of the body for surgical operations or physical examinations or as a coupling agent 
between the bod y and medical instruments  
33.01 Essential oils (terpeneless or not), includ ing concretes and absolutes; resinoids; extracted 
oleoresins; concentrates of essential oils in fats, in fixed oils, in waxes or the like, 
obtained by enfleurage or maceration; terp enic by-products of the deterpenation of 
essential oils ; aqueous distillates and a queous solutions of essential oils. 
 - Essential oils of citrus fruit :  
3301.1200 -- Of oran ge 
3301.1300 -- Of lemon  
3301.1900 -- Other  
 - Essential oils other than those of citrus fruit :  
3301.2400 -- Of peppermint (Mentha piperita) 
3301.2500 -- Of other mints 
3301.2900 -- Other 
3301.3000 - Resinoids 
3301.9000 - Other 
33.04 Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin (other than 
medicaments), including sunscreen or sun tan preparations; manicure or pedicure 
preparations. 
3304.1000 - Li p make-u p preparations  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 49 - 
 
 Tariff Line 
Items Product Description 
3304.2000 - E ye make-u p preparations  
3304.3000 - Manicure or pedicure preparations  
 - Other : 
3304.9100 -- Powders , whether or not com pressed  
3304.9900 -- Other 
33.05 Pre parations for use on the hair.  
3305.1000 - Sham poos 
3305.2000 - Pre parations for permanent wavin g or strai ghtenin g 
3305.3000 - Hair lac quers 
3305.9000 - Other 
 Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, in cluding denture fixative pastes and powders; 
yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss ), in individual retail packages. 
3306.1000 - Dentifrices 
3306.2000 - Yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss ) 
3306.9000 - Other  
33.07 Pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparat ions, personal deodorants, bath preparations, 
depilatories and other perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, not elsewhere specified or 
included; prepared room deodorisers, whethe r or not perfumed or having disinfectant 
properties. 
3307.1000 - Pre-shave , shavin g or after-shave preparations  
3307.2000 - Personal deodorants and anti perspirants  
3307.3000 - Perfumed bath salts and other bath preparations  
 - Preparations for perfuming or deodorizing rooms, including odoriferous preparations used 
during religious rites : 
3307.4100 --  "Agarbatti" and other odoriferous preparations which o perate b y burnin g 
3307.4900 --  Other  
3307.9000 - Other  
90.22 Apparatus based on the use of X-rays or of alpha, beta or gamma radiations, whether or not 
for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, including radiography or radiotherapy 
apparatus, X-ray tubes and other X-ray generato rs, high tension generators, control panels 
and desks , screens , examination or treatment tables , chairs and the like. 
 - Apparatus based on the use of X-rays, whet her or not for medical,  surgical, dental or 
veterinar y uses, includin g radio graphy or radiothera py apparatus :  
9022.1200 --  Computed tomo graphy apparatus  
9022.1300 --  Other , for dental uses  
9022.1400 --  Other , for medical , surgical or veterinar y uses 
9022.1900 --  For other uses 
 - Apparatus based on the use of alpha, be ta or gamma radiations, whether or not for 
medical, surgical, dental or  veterinary uses, including radiography or radiotherapy 
apparatus : 
9022.2100 --  For medical , surgical, dental or veterinar y uses 
9022.2900 --  For other uses 
9022.3000 - X-ra y tubes 
9022.9000 - Other , includin g parts and accessories  
 
 2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries? 
 
Activity licence is needed for import of medicine and medical equipment originating in and coming from all countries.  
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 50 - 
 
 3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
 
The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  Its purpose is to 
protect human life and health.    
 
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
 
The activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment is maintained under the 
Law on Medicine, dated 04/11/2008, published in OG# 960, and the Law on Public Health 
dated 17/01/2007, published in OG# 916.  Therefore, it is not possible for the executive branch of the government to abolish system without legislative approval.   
 
Ministry of Public Health is responsible for establishing a specific procedure for getting the activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment.   
To implement the Law On Medicine provisions regarding to production and import of legal 
medicine and medical equipment, Regulation on Production and Import of Medicines and Medical Equipment #39 was approved by Counc il of Ministers on February 19, 2007.  
 
III. PROCEDURES 
2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
 
Application for activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment may be 
submitted at any time prior to the actual importation.  
 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
 
There is no procedure for granting activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment immediately on request.   
Process of obtaining the activity licence for import of medicines and medical 
equipment takes up to 2 weeks.  
 
(c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
 
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
activity licence may be made.  
 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ? 
 
The following is the description of the process of obtaining the activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment: WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 51 - 
 
  The trader who plans to import medicines and/or medical equipment 
submits an application letter addressed to the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan stating the need for activity licence to import medicines and/or medical equipment into the country, along with its Business Licence; 
 Ministry of Public Health reviews the letter and issues a letter approving 
the application for processing; 
 Applicant delivers the Ministry's letter to the General Directorate of 
Pharmacy Affairs under the Ministry of Public Health;  
 The General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs checks the name of the 
Applicant and the Business Licence issued by Ministry of Commerce and Industry; 
 The Applicant is sent to the Medicines Establishments department under 
General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs. The Medicines Establishments department registers the licence after checking the Business Licence of the 
Applicant.  
 The Director of the applying company and the Deputy Director are required 
to prove their identification and to present the technical staff to ensure 
that the applying company has educated specialist (pharmacist) in their 
staff; 
 The Applicant shall sign the Oath Letter, describing the import conditions 
and obligations of the applying company, including the commitment to 
import the medicine and medical equipment in accordance with the 
regulations, norms and standards set by the Ministry of Public Health, to inform the general Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs after medications have 
been imported to the country and to provide with medicine samples for 
analysis, to notify of any structural changes in the company, etc.;  
 The Applicant also obligates prior carrying out the sale to submit the bills 
and related documents of imported medicine and medical equipment to the 
General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs for price determination and to sale them in accordance with determined prices and principles set by General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs; 
 The General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs appoints representative who 
will visit and inspect the premises of the Applicant;  
 The General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs writes a letter to a Criminal 
Department of relevant city requesting information if the Applicant has a 
criminal record. The Applicant delivers the letter;  
 The General Directorate of the Pharmacy Affairs writes a letter to a District 
of a city, where the Applicant is loca ted requesting verification that the 
Applicant is registered there. The Applicant delivers the letter;  
 The General Directorate of the Afghan Pharmacy Department collects 
40000 Afs (approximately US$800.00) as a fee for the Import License for 
Afghani and 250000 Afs (approximately US$5000.00) for foreign Applicant.  
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
 
If the Applicant meets all abovementioned criteria and passes all checks (no criminal record, 
uses legal land space for premises, has sustainable storage premises, which meet the standards of maintaining medicines, etc.), there is no reason for refusal to obtain the  activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment. 
 
            Otherwise, he application for an activity licence will be rejected. The reasons for refusal are 
given to the applicant in writing.  
 
             Applicants have the right of appeal to commercial courts in the event of refusal to issue an 
activity licence under Civil Procedure Code. 
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 52 - 
 
 IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences?  If not, is there 
a system of registration of persons or fi rms permitted to engage in importation?  
What persons or firms are eligible?  Is there a registration fee?  Is there a 
published list of authorized importers? 
 
Only legal entities (companies) are eligible for obtaining activity licence for engaging in 
importation of medicines and medical equipment.  
 In order to get activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment companies have to hold business licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan. 
 
Only companies that have at least one pharmacist in their staff may apply for the activity licence for importation of medicines and medical equipment.  
 
There is no published list of authorized importers.  
VI DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
 
Applications are submitted in free format and shall contain the following information: 
 Name of the applicant;  
 Full address and contact information;  
 Trader's Business licence from the Ministry  of Commerce and Industries shall be 
submitted along with the application. 
 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
 
After the medicines and medical equipment have been delivered to customs clearance facilities:  
 Customs authorities inform the General Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs via letter 
about the arrival of the medicines and/or medical equipment at customs; 
 An expert panel or a professional representative of this Directorate already 
assigned to the Customs House takes samples of medicines;  
 The representative takes the samples to the Laboratory under the General 
Directorate of Pharmacy Affairs for testing; and 
 When the quality of the medicines is conf irmed, the Directorate issues the trader 
with an import permit letter for the medicines as well as places stamp and visa on the import invoice, allowing them to be taken from the Customs House.  
3.  Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
 
The fee for issuance the activity licence is approximately US$800.00 for Afghani and 
US$5000.00 for foreign applicants.   
   
4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licences?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
  No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of activity licence.   
 
VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 53 - 
 
  The activity licence for importation of medicine and medical equipment has unlimited 
validity.  
2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of an activity licence. 
 3. Are licences transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
 
Activity licence for importation of medicine and medical equipment is not transferable  between importers. 
 
4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence? 
 
There are no conditions specifically attached to the issue of activity licence, 
VIII OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
 
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation. 
   
2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?  What formalities 
must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  Activity licence for import of medicine and medical equipment is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. 
  WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 54 - 
 
 J. Import Approval for Printed Books, Broc hures, Leaflets and Other Printed Matters   
I. OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS 1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropriate when elements which have alre ady been described are also present in 
another system. 
 
The importation of printed books, brochures, leaflets and other printed matters  is subject to 
approval by the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan.   
The purpose of maintaining the approval system is to prevent the publishing and distribution 
of books, brochures and other printing matters contrary to the Constitution of Afghanistan 
and to the principles of Islam and offensive to other religions and sects, promoting other 
religions than Islam as well as leading to dishonouring and defamation of individuals.   
 By Presidential Order the special Assessment Committee of Books under the Ministry of 
Information and Culture was established to evaluate the content of books and other 
publications to be imported in order to protect the country's moral and cultural values.  The Assessment Committee of Books is composed of 12 members, representing the different 
ministries, including the Ministry of Information and Culture, Ministry of Higher Education, 
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Justice, Office of Attorney General, as well as representatives from Science Academy, Kabul University and Social Society.  The Chairman 
of the Assessment Committee is Deputy Minister of Information and Culture responsible for 
publishing matters.  
The Committee meets two times per week in order to fulfil the assessment task.  Depending 
on the number of books and other printing materials and the content to be evaluated it may take up to 7 days to make decision and issuing the approval letter for importation of books and other publications in question.   
 
II. PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING 
1. Identify each licensing system maintain ed and state what pr oducts, appropriately 
grouped, are covered. 
 
The approval system covers goods under HS 4901, including printed books, brochures, 
leaflets and other printed matters.  
 
2. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?  
The approval system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 3. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, 
what are its purposes?  Have alternativ e methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which?  Why have they not been adopted? 
 
The approval system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
 Its purpose is to protect the country's moral and cultural values. 
 
4. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained.  Is the licensi ng statutorily required?  Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to  licensing to administrative discretion?  
Is it possible for the government (or th e executive branch) to  abolish the system 
without legislative approval? 
 
The approval system is maintained und er the Law "On Mass Media", enacted on 
15 April 2009.   WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 55 - 
 
  
It is not possible for the executive branch of the government to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
III. PROCEDURES 
2. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from 
a particular country: 
 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?  
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)? 
 
The approval is granted  upon arrival at the port of printed books, brochures, leaflets 
and other printed matters .  
 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request? 
 
There is no procedure for granting an approval immediately on request.  The 
process of obtaining an approval takes up to 7 days.  
 
(c) Are there any limitations as to th e period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importat ion may be made?  If so, explain. 
 
There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which the approval may be 
made.  
 The approval is granted  upon arrival at the port of printed books, brochures, leaflets 
and other printed matters .  
 
(d) Is consideration of licence applicatio ns effected by a single administrative 
organ?  Or must the application be pa ssed on to other organs for visa, note 
or approval?  If so, which?  Does the importer have to approach more than 
one administrative organ? 
 
The importer is not required to apply to the Ministry of Information and Culture of 
Afghanistan in order to get the import approval.   
 The importer has to approach only to the Afghan Customs Department. 
 
The customs authorities present themselves the information, including the name of the importer, exporting country, list of the books (brochures and other printed 
materials) being imported, describing the titles and quantities by each title, as well 
as a sample of each title to the General Publishing Directorate under the Ministry 
of Information and Culture of Afghanistan 
   
 General Publishing Directorate of the Ministry of Information and Culture of 
Afghanistan issues the approval letter on the basis of the evaluation, made by the 
Assessment Committee of Books and delivers it to the Customs Department. 
 
3. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria?  Ar e the reasons for any refusal given to the 
applicant?  Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a 
licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures? 
 
Books (brochures and other printed materials) can be rejected for import approval on the grounds 
of lack of compliance with the Law "On Mass Media".  
 
The Ministry of Information and Culture sends to Afghan Customs Department the official letter, 
indicating the reasons of refusal in approving the importation .  
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 56 - 
 
 According to the Law "On Mass Media", if the importer does not agree with the decision of 
Assessment Committee of Books, s/he can appeal to the special Committee, established under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Information and Cu lture  -  Commission on Mass Media Complains.  
 
IV. ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORT S TO APPLY FOR LICENCE 
1. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences: 
  
All importers are eligible for getting approval for importation of books, brochures, leaflets 
and other printed materials.  
 VI DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICAT ION FOR LICENCE 
 
1. What information is required in applications?  Submit a sample form.  What 
documents is the importer required to supply with the application? 
                
The importer is not required to apply to the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan in order to get the import approval.  
           
The Afghan Customs Department deals itself with the Ministry of Information and Culture to find out if books (brochures and other printed materials) being imported could be approved for starting the customs clearance procedures.     
 
2. What documents are required upon actual importation? 
              
Upon actual importation: 
 
 The customs authorities present the informat ion, including the name of the importer, 
exporting country, list of the books (brochures and other printed materials) being 
imported, describing the titles and quantities by  each title, as well as a sample of each 
title to the General Publishing Directorate of the Ministry of Information and Culture of 
Afghanistan; 
 The Assessment Committee of Books under th e Ministry of Information and Culture 
analyzes the list of publications and evaluates the content of the samples; 
 If the Assessment Committee decides that b ooks, brochures and other printed matters 
being imported are not violate the Afghan Law "On Mass Media" the General Publishing Directorate grants the approval for importation; 
 The Ministry of Information and Culture de livers the approval letter to the Afghan 
Customs Department; and then  
 The customs authorities start the customs clearance procedures.  
 
3. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?  If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or charge? 
 
           There is no fee or administrative charge for assessment of books, brochures, leaflets and 
other printed materials and for the issuance the approval letter. 
 4. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licences?  If so, state the am ount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement. 
 
No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of approval letter.   
 VII. CONDITIONS OF LICENSING 
1. What is the period of validity of a licence?  Can the validity of a licence be 
extended?  How? 
 
The approval shall be provided for each shipment of books, brochures, leaflets and other 
printed materials upon arrival.  
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 57 - 
 
 2. Is there any penalty for the non-utilizatio n of a licence or a portion of a licence? 
 
There is no penalty established for the non-utilization of approval. 
 
3. Are licences transferable between impo rters?  If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached to such transfer? 
 
 Approval letter is not transferable between importers . 
 4. Are any other conditions attach ed to the issue of a licence? 
 
 No other conditions are attached to the issue of approval letter.   
 VIII OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS 
1. Are there any other administrative proc edures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation? 
 
 There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import approval and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior or upon importation. 
 2. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?  
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?  What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange? 
 
Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported. The approval letter is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. 
 
 
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 58 - 
 
 ANNEX 1 
Registration Form 
Form (1): 
 
Registration form for the import of Ozone layer depleting substances 
 
1. Name of the Importer: 
2. Address of the Company: 
3. Telephone, Fax and Email: 
4. Main Practice: Production, Import and Export: 
5. Limits of Production, Import and Export of the above items during the last three years: 
6. Shortage; 
7. Not accused for usage of civil and commercial rights by the Authorized Court; 
8. To have business licence; 
9. Name and quantity of the Ozone layer depletin g substances which are imported during the 
last three years  
 
S.No Name of the Ozone layer 
depleting substances  First Year (Kg)  Second Year (Kg)  Third Year (Kg)  
1     
2     
3     
 
 
Registration of the storage houses for the Ozone layer depleting substances: 
  
 
Stamp and Signature: 
 
 
 WT/ACC/AFG/10/Rev.1 
 
- 59 - 
 
 ANNEX 2 
Import Permit Application form 
Form (2) 
 
Application form for the import of ozone layer depleting substances 
 
1. Name of the importer: 
2. Address of the company: 
3. Telephone, fax, and e-mail address: 
4. Registration number of the importer: 
5. Name and quantity of the ozone layer depl eting substances being imported into the 
country: 
 
 
6. Exporting country; 
7. Proposed date of import of products; and 
8. Proposed ports of import of products. 
 
 
 
 
 Please, attach the documents related to the goods with this application. 
 
 Stamp and Signature:  
 
 
 
__________  
 S.No Name of the Ozone layer 
depleting substances  Quantity (Ton) 
or Kg Kind or production of the 
country  Type Coding System 
(HS) 
1      
2