G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
27 October 2017  
(17-5845) Page: 1/18 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 
 REPLIES TO QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3  
OF THE  AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  (2017)  
MACAO, CHINA 
The following communication, dated 20 October 2017, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Macao, China.  
 
_______________  
 
1   CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU  ................................ ................................ ... 2 
1.1   Live animals, meat, animal products, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, vegetables, 
live plants and mushroom spawn  ................................ ................................ ..........................  2 
2   HEALTH BUREAU  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  4 
2.1   Narcot ic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; Pharmaceutical Products and 
Medicines (including Western Medicines and Chinese Proprietary Medicines); Milk Modified 
for Infant Feeding; Diagnostic and Laboratory Reagents; Pesticides; Essential Oil; 
Therapeutic Prepar ations for Use on the Hair; and Chemicals, Chemical Fertilizers, 
Colouring Matter and Dyes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4 
3   MACAO ECONOMIC SERVI CES ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
3.1   Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Petroleum Products; Optical Disc Manufacturing 
Equipment and Raw Materials  ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
3.2   Ozone -Depleting Substances  ................................ ................................ .........................  8 
3.3   Endangered Species of Animals and Plants  ................................ ................................ ....10 
3.4   Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Controlled Chemicals of 19 88 UN 
Convention)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 12 
4   TRANSPORT BUREAU  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 12 
4.1   Vehicles  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 12 
5   MACAO POST  AND TELECOMMUNICATIO NS BUREAU  ................................ .................  14 
5.1   Telecommunication and Radio -Communication Apparatus  ................................ ................ 14 
6   MACAO SECURITY POLIC E ................................ ................................ .........................  15 
6.1   Arms and Ammunition, and Explosives  ................................ ................................ .......... 15 
ANNEXES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  18 
 
                                                
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionnaire  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  1  CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU  
1.1  Live animals, meat, animal products, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, vegetables, 
live plants and mushroom spawn  
Outline of system  
1.  An import license supported by International Animal Health Certificate/International certificate 
of vaccination or another specific requirement is required for the import of live animals (mammals, 
birds and reptiles). Furthermore, an international sanitary certificate is required for the import of 
meat, animal pro ducts, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and international phytosanitary certificate 
for live plants, mushroom spawn and edible plant . 
 
Import permits will be issued by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto para os 
Assuntos Cívicos e Munic ipais) for the import of live animals and the health requirements will be 
different according to their origins from different countries.  
 
Import licensing, health controls and control of importation of animals, plants and animal original 
products are o utlined in the Official Gazette  and governed by  Law no. 7/2003 , amend ed by  Law 
no. 3/2016 ; Administrative Regulation no.  28/2003 , amend ed by Administrative Regulation 
no. 19/2016 ; Administrative Regulation no. 40/2004 and Chief Executive Decision no. 487/2016.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  The import license for specific products is granted by the IACM (see Annex A -I), and is required 
for chapters 1, 2, and 3 as mentioned below and a few products in chapters 4, 16, 21 and 95.  All 
other commodities me ntioned below can be imported simply after an import declaration has been 
completed.  
 
2.1  List of commodity sections and chapters of the Nomenclature for the External Trade of 
Macao/Harmonized System:  
 
- Live animals, Chapter 1.  
- Meat and edible offal (f resh, chilled, frozen or prepared), Chapter 2.  
- Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 3.  
- Dairy products, edible products of animal origin, Chapter 4.  
- Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and  pieces thereof, fresh, 
 chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, animal products not elsewhere specified, 
 Chapter 5.  
- Live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage, 
 Chapter 6.  
- Edible vegetables,  fruits, nuts and certain roots and tubers, Chapters 7 and 8.  
- Seeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing, Chapter 12.  
- Prepared edible animal fat, Chapter 15.  
- Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebr ates, 
 Chapter 16.  
- Formula milk powder, Chapter 19.  
- Ice cream and other edible ice, Chapter 21.  
- Prepared animal fodder, Chapter 23.  
- Animal for circuses, Chapter 95.  
- Animal or vegetable fertilisers, whether or not mixed together or chemically treated; 
 fertilisers produced by the mixing or chemical treatment of animal or vegetable products 
 (The Nomenclature for the External Trade of Macao (NCEM) Code: 3101.00.00) . 
 
3.  Import license or import declaration applies to the animals and products mentioned in 2.1 
coming from all countries and territories outside the Macao SAR.  
 
4.  The import licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, bu t to 
protect public health, animal health, animal welfare and prevent the introduction into and spread 
within territory of destructive plant diseases and pests.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  5.  The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law no. 7/2003 , 
amended by Law no. 3/2016 ; Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 , amended by Administrative 
Regulation no . 19/2016 ; and Chief Executive Decision no. 487/2016. Import of species under 
CITES code is regulated by Decree -Law no. 45/86/M , which will  be revoked by  the enforcement of 
Law no. 2/2017 and Administrative Regulation no. 19/2017 since 1 September 2017.   Legislation 
does not leave designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion. Legislative 
approval is required when any changes ar e introduced to the existing system . 
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Application for import license should be submitted in advance of importation (at least three 
working days). However, in a small number of cases, some applications are exceptionally  
accepted on the working day prior to arrival. Import declarations are also accepted on the 
working day prior to arrival.  
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import license may exceptionally be granted on 
request2. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of t ime as to the period of the year during which application for 
importation should be made.  
 
(d) Import license is administered by the IACM .  However, the Macao Economic Services is the 
sole administrative organ to issue import licenses relating to the animals and plants listed in 
CITES (including their readily recognizable parts and derivatives) and medicines containing 
or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients.  
 
8.  Application of import license will not be refused if the ordinary criteria3 are met.  The reasons 
for refusal are always given to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Chairman of the 
Administration Committee of the IACM.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions, complying with Article 11 of Law no. 3/2003, amended by 
Law no. 3/2016 , are eligible to apply.   
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a  licence  
10.  The required information is outlined in a sample application form for the import license and 
attached in Annex A -II4. 
 
11.  The required information is summarized in Annex A -I4 with respect to live specimens. Controls 
of and requirements for import of live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles), animal products 
destined for human consumption (meat, meat products, eggs, egg products, milk, milk products, 
prepared edible animal fat s), edible ice, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, prepared animals fodder, 
vegetable, live plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots, seeds, fruit and spores.  
 
12.  No fee is charged for import license and import declaration.  
 
                                                
2 “Exceptional cases” are defined as those that are claimed beforehand either by the exporter or 
importer as of urgent character or in need by the importer, particularly when dispatched by air through Macao 
International Airport or via express service. The normal procedure is to produce (documentary) evidence 
supported by reasonable explanation to his/her claim, namely letter(s) by the importer declaring so.  Also, in 
case of events and exhibitions to be held locally, where imports into the Macao SAR, on a p articular date, of 
certain type of goods either for sale or consumption are proved to be urgent or necessary.  
3 “Ordinary criteria” are the requisites stipulated by the Foreign Trade Law in force, i.e. submitting 
correct and truthful data/information and s upporting documents/attachments for evidence.  
4 Annexes available in the Secretariat (Market Access Division)(English only).  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  13.  No deposit or advance payment is r equired; except for the import permit fee (whenever an 
import permit is needed), the inspection fee for live animal import, and the dog license fee (for the 
import of dogs) which are requested to be paid in advance . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The validi ty for import license is 30 days from the day of issuance, whereas the validity for 
import declaration is 10 working days following the confirmation of Macao Customs Service.  
  
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilisation of import license. If the import l icense is not used, 
importers can apply for a refund of dog license fee, but the live animal inspection fee and the 
import permit fee are non -refundable.  
 
16.  Neither import license nor import declaration is transferable.  
 
17(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) For w holesale importation, pre -defined conditions regarding origin requirements, facilities 
and equipment under official control should be met.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No.  
 
19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
2  HEALTH BUREAU  
2.1  Narcotic Drug s and Psychotropic Substances; Pharmaceutical Products and 
Medicines (including Western Medicines and Chinese Proprietary Medicines); Milk 
Modified for Infant Feeding; Diagnostic and Laboratory Reagents; Pesticides; Essential 
Oil; Therapeutic Preparations f or Use on the Hair; and Chemicals, Chemical Fertilizers, 
Colouring Matter and Dyes  
Outline of system  
1.  The import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is subject to licensing control under 
Decree -Law no. 34/99/M and Law no. 17/2009 , amended by Law no. 10/2016 .  Licensing in 
relation to substances listed in Tables 1  to 4 of Law no. 17/2009 is administered by the Health 
Bureau, whereas the controlled chemicals of 1988 UN Convention, as listed in Tables 5  to 6 
appended to the Law, are administered by the Macao Economic Services.  (Details of the licensing 
system of the controlled chemicals of 1988 UN Convention are specified in Section D of Part III.)  
In this regard, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances mentioned in this section refer to 
substances administered by the Health Bureau, as specified in Tables 1  to 4 of Law no. 17/2009.  
 
The import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and medicines is 
controlled through (i) licensing of importers and (ii) issuing of i mport license. An importer of 
narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and medicines has to be 
licensed with the Health Bureau before applying for an import license to import these products for 
each consignment. Import licenses are also required for import of the other items specified above. 
Importers of such products have to apply for the import licenses from the Health Bureau to import 
the mentioned products for each consignment.  
 
The licensing system is intended for public health reasons and to fulfil the Macao SAR’s 
international obligations.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Import license issued by the Health Bureau is required for  the import of all of the 
above -mentioned products, which are specified in the Group B of Tab le B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision no. 4 87/2016, and Tables 1  to 4 appended to Law no. 17/2009 , amended by 
Law no. 10/2016 . G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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3.  The licensing system applies to the above -mentioned products coming from all 
countries/territories outside the Mac ao SAR.  
 
4.  The purpose of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports, 
but for public health reasons and to prevent diversion of narcotic drugs and psychotropic 
substances into illicit markets.  
 
5.  The import licensin g system is statutorily provided under the Decree -Law no. 34/99/M ; 
Decree -Law no. 58/90/M;  Law no. 7/2003 , amended by Law no. 3/2016;  Administrative 
Regulation no. 28/2003 , amended by Administrative Regulation no.  19/2016; and Law 
no. 17/2009 , amended by L aw no. 10/2016 .  Legislation does not leave designation of products 
subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any 
changes are introduced to the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Applicat ion for import license should be submitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines; and other items, the import license will be issued  
within three working days.  
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, the import license may exceptionally be granted on 
request.  
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for license 
and/or importation is  to be made.  
 
(d) The Health Bureau is the sole administrative organ responsible for processing and 
authorisation of application for the import licenses of most of the mentioned medicines and 
products except those medicines covered under CITES. The Macao E conomic Services is the 
competent authority for issuing import licenses for those medicines containing ingredients 
subject to CITES protection, and the Health Bureau is meanwhile involved in offering 
recommendations on authorisation of application for the said import license.  
 
8.  Application for an import license will not be refused if the ordinary criteria are met. Reasons for 
refusal will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application, and the applicant has the 
right to appeal to the Director of the Health Bureau.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and medicines have to be 
registered with the Health Bureau, before they can be allowed to be imported for the  purpose of 
local sale or distribution. A company is required to hold an appropriate firm license issued by the 
Health Bureau before it can apply for an import license. Application for the firm license is open to 
all qualified traders which comply with Art icle 11 of Law no. 7/2003 , amended by Law no. 3/2016 . 
The fee charged for the firm license of pharmaceutical products and medicines is MOP  3,000; and 
the charge for the annual renewal is MOP400.  A licensed firm has to hold an additional permit 
issued by t he same department if it engages in import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic 
substances. The fee charged for the said permit is MOP  10,000; and MOP  1,500 is charged for the 
annual renewal.  A list of licensed importers is available on request.  The inform ation regarding the 
importers is published on the Official Gazette when the registration license is issued to them.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  When applying for a license to deal with narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines, the importer must provide detailed information namely 
personal identification, certificate of criminal registration and identification of the proposed 
licensed premises.   
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  The application of an impor t license of the products mentioned in the above paragraph must be 
supported by the following documents:  
 
- Authentic copies of registration certificate issued by the health authority of the 
manufacturing or exporting country and production license issued  by the manufacturing 
country;  
- Authorised import certificate issued by the Health Bureau (for narcotic drugs and 
psychotropic substances only); and  
- The Prior Authorisation Application Form.  
 
In addition to that, analytical reports or literatures provi ded by the manufacturer or exporter and 
the Prior Authorisation Application Form have to be submitted for application of an import license 
of the other items.  
 
The application of an import license for a drug product containing new chemical or biological en tity 
must be supported by the following documents:  
 
-  Official evidence of registration approval of the drug product (e.g. original or certified true 
copies of registration or free sale certificates) in two of the following countries: China, 
Germany, Aust ralia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, 
United States of America, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, 
Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech 
Republic, Slovak Republic, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland;  
- Expert evaluation reports on the safety, efficacy and quality of the drug product;  
- Electronic copy of clinical studies substantiating the use of the drug product in Asian 
populations, or evalu ation reports on its clinical experiences in Asian countries or regions;  
- European Union Risk Management Plan (EU -RMP) or US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for the drug product.  
  
The above documents must  be provided to the Health Bureau for evaluation before an import 
license of the drug product may be granted.  
 
11.  The valid import license is the only document required upon actual importation. Samples of 
the application forms and the import license are attached in Annex B4. 
 
12.  No fee is charged for the issue of the import license.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The import license covering all of the mentioned products is valid for 30 days from the day of  
issuance. The validity cannot be extended under normal circumstances.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of an import license.  
 
16.  Not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19.  No foreign exchange control.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  3  MACAO ECONOMIC SERVI CES 
3.1  Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Petroleum Products; Optical Disc Manufacturing 
Equipment and Raw Materials  
Outline of system  
1.  The import licensing  system for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and petroleum products is 
governed by Law no. 7/2003 , amended by Law no. 3/2016 ; and Administrative Regulation 
no. 28/2003 , amended by Administrative Regulation no. 19/2016. For optical disc manufacturing 
equipment and raw materials, the requirements set out under Decree -Law no. 51/99/M are also 
applicable.  
 
This licensing system is administered by the Macao Economic Services for the aforesaid goods that 
are specified in Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision no. 487/2016.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  This licensing system covers all goods listed in Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision no. 487/2016.  
 
3.  This licensing system applies, regardless of the sour ces of goods.  
 
4.  This licensing system is not to be construed as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports.  
 
Rather, its purposes are:  
 
  To administer the levying of consumption tax for alcoholic beverages and tobacco;  
  To enforce control over the flow of optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials 
so as to prevent such types of products from being unduly utilised for copyright infringing 
activities;  
  To better administer the data collection associated with t he import of petroleum products.  
 
5.  Licensing for the above -mentioned goods is a statutory requi rement maintained under Law 
no. 7/2003 , amended by Law no. 3/2016 ; and Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 , amended 
by Administrative Regulation no. 19/2016 . Legislation does not leave the designation of products 
to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion. Legislative approval is required before any 
changes could be made to the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Licenses must  be applied for at least three working days in advance of importation.  
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licenses might be processed immediately on 
request.  
 
(c)  There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licenses and/or 
importation may be submitted.  
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses for the 
aforesaid goods.  
 
8.  No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met. In circumstanc es where license 
application is not accepted, the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Macao Economic 
Services will be  informed of  the relevant reasons . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law no.7/2003 , amended by Law no. 3/2016 , are 
eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  For each license, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the  Macao 
Economic Services. A sample of th e form (import license) is attached in Annex C4. 
 
For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, complete information including the 
purpose of such an import, the use and final destination of the goods t o be imported and the 
personal details of the importer must be provided in the application. If the goods to be imported 
are for local manufacturing purposes, the user of such imported goods must also be the 
manufacturer.  
 
For petroleum products, complete i nformation including the storage location of the products must 
be provided in the application.  Invoices and purchasing orders are also required to be submitted 
as supporting documents for the application.  
 
11.  Only valid import licenses have to be presen ted upon actual importation.  
 
12.  No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licenses.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The validity of a license expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilisation of an import license.  
 
16.  Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.  
 
17.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no ot her procedural requirements.  
 
19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
3.2  Ozone -Depleting Substances  
Outline of system  
1.  An import license is required for the import of ozone -depleting substances. Import controls are 
governed by Decree -Law no. 62/95/M and are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services 
in accordance with Chief Executive Decision no. 425/2009.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  This licensing system covers all goods specified in the Annexes of the referred legislation.  
 
3.  This licensing system applies to the goods or products in the above -mentioned Annexes 
originating in or coming from contracting parties to the Montreal  Protocol. Importation of 
ozone -depleting substances from non -parties to the Montreal Protocol is strictly  prohibited.  
 
4.  As a contracting party, the Macao SAR authorities are required to abide by the obligations set 
out in the Montreal Protocol. For this reason, the quantitative limits agreed in the Protocol are 
imposed on the import of such substances.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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5.  Licensing for ozone -depleting substances is a statutory requ irement maintained under 
Decree -Law no. 62/95/M.  Legislation does not leave the designation of products to be subject to 
licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is requi red before any changes could be 
made to the existing system.  
 
 
Procedures  
6.  Import of ozone -depleting substances is subject to quantitative restrictions in the form of an 
overall limit monitored by the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA - Direcção do s Serviços de 
Protecção Ambiental).  With regards to quota allocation to individual importers, 60% is based on 
their past performance and the remaining 40% allocated equally among importers who have 
submitted explicit requisitions.  
 
I. Information concernin g the annual quotas and their allocation is gazetted as Chief Executive 
Decision no. 425/2009 in Macao SAR Official Bulletin dated 9 November 2009.   
 
II. The size of the quota is determined in accordance with the provisions in the Montreal 
Protocol.  
 
III. To ensure that licenses issued are actually used for imports, the Macao Economic Services is 
confirmed and apprised by the Customs Service of the actual quantities imported.    
 
IV. The submission of applications for licenses may be made at any time.  
 
V. All applications are processed within 6 working days from the day all necessary documents 
are received.  
 
VI. Not applicable.  
 
VII. Two authorities, namely the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Macao Economic 
Services, are involved in the processing o f license applications. Application for licenses 
should first be submitted to the Environmental Protection Bureau for opinions. Then the 
application, with the attached opinions if any, is forwarded to the Macao Economic Services 
for approval. Licenses are issued by the Macao Economic Services.  
 
VIII. Not applicable.  
 
IX. Not applicable.  
 
X. Not applicable.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7.  Not applicable.  
 
8.  No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met, subject to the availability of quota 
allocated to the  applicant.  In circumstances where license application is not accepted, the 
applicant who has the right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services  will be informed of  the 
releva nt reasons . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) Importers who c omply with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003, amended by Law no. 3/2016, are 
eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
(b) Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  Application forms for licenses should first be submitted  to the Environmental Protection 
Bureau for opinions.  Then the application, with the attached opinions, is forwarded to the Macao 
Economic Services for approval.  A sample of the import license application form is attached in 
Annex C4. 
 
11.  Only valid im port licenses have to be presented upon actual importation.  
 
12.  No administrative fee is charged for issuance of import licenses.  
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The validity of a license expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilisation of an import license.  
 
16.  Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.  
 
17.(a) No. 
 
(b) Not applicable . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other procedural requirements.  
 
19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
3.3  Endangered Species of Animals and Plants  
Outline of system  
1.  An import license is required for the import of specimens of  endangered species of animals and 
plants (whether alive or dead), their body parts and derivatives.  Import controls are governed by 
Decree -Law no. 45/86/M and are administered by the Macao Economic Services.  The new Law 
no. 2/2017 and Administrative Regu lation no. 19/2017  have already been passed.  Such legislation  
will enter into force on  1 September 2017 in lieu of the current Decree -Law no. 45/86/M.  
However, the import licensing purpose, coverage, procedures and other requirements remain 
unchanged.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  This licensing system covers all specimens listed in Annexes I, II and III of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  For imports of 
animals and plants specified in  the CITES Annexes I, II and III, CITES certificates or relevant 
export licenses issued by exporting countries or territories are required.  On the other hand, for 
specimens of  species listed in CITES Annex III imported directly from countries other than t he 
listing countries, certificates of origin issued by exporting countries or territories could be accepted 
in lieu.  
 
3.  This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of the specimens.  
 
4.  This licensing system is not construed to be a means to place restrictions on either the quantity 
or the value of imports, but to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and 
plants does not threaten their survival.  
 
5.  Licensing of the above -mentioned specimens is a statutory requiremen t maintained under 
Decree -Law no. 45/86/M , which will  be revoked by the en forcement of Law no. 2/2017 and 
Administrative Regulation no. 19/2017 since 1 September 2017. Legislation does not leave their G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  designation to be subject to licensing to administrativ e discretion.  Legislative approval is required 
before any changes could be made to the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Licenses must be applied for at least three working days in advance of importation.  
 
(b) Where there is proof of  a genuine need, import licenses might be processed immediately on 
request.  
(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licenses and/or 
importation may be submitted.  
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole admi nistrative organ to issue licenses for the 
aforesaid specimens.  
 
8.  No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  In circumstances where license 
application is not accepted, the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Macao Econom ic 
Services will be  informed of  the relevant reasons . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law no.  7/2003, amended by Law no. 3/2016 , are 
eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Document ational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  For each license, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the Macao 
Economic Services together with the presentation of the CITES certificate/certificate of origin 
issued by the exporting countries or territories.  A sample of th e form (import license) is attached 
in Annex C4. 
 
11.  CITES certificates and relevant import licenses issued by the Macao Economic Services have 
to be presented upon actual importation.  
 
12.  A handling fee of 0.5% on the c.i.f. value in Patacas is levied, regardless of the country of 
origin under Decree -Law no. 45/86/M. Starting from  1 September 2017, a fee of 70 P atacas will be  
levied on each CITES certificate issued under the Chief Executive Decision no. 212/2017.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  A license expires in 30 days from its day of issuance and cannot be extended.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilisation of an import license.  
 
16.  Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.  
 
17.(a)Not applicable.  
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  For the import of medicines comprising ingredi ents of specimens covered in CITES, opinions of 
the Health Bureau are required to be submitted with the license application form.  For the import 
of specimens listed in the CITES annexes, quarantine approval by IACM is required upon 
importation.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
3.4  Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Controlled Chemicals of 1988 UN 
Convention)  
Outline of system  
1.  The import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is subject to licensing control under 
Law no. 17/200 9, amended by Law no. 10/2016.  Licensing in relation to substances listed in 
Tables 5 and 6 appended to the Law is administered by Macao Economic Services.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  This licensing system covers all substances listed in Tab les 5 and 6 appended to Law 
no. 17/2009, amended by Law no. 10/2016.  
 
3.  This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods.  
 
4.  This licensing system is not to be construed as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the valu e of imports, but to implement measures to control the illicit traffic of narcotic 
drugs and psychotropic substances as stipulated under the United Nations Convention against 
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.  
 
5.  Licensing for  the above -mentioned substances is a statutory requirement maintained under 
Law no. 17/2009, amended by Law no. 10/2016.  A regulation detailing on the procedures of 
licensing is already under way.  However, it is clear that legislation does not leave the designation 
of substances to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is 
required before any changes could be made to the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
Not applicable.  
 
* As for questions no. 7  to19 concerning Procedures, Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License, 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License, Conditions of Licensing and 
Other Procedural Requirements, those pertaining to the import of alcoholic, beverages, tobacco, 
petroleum product s, optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw  materials mentioned in 
Section  A are applied before the enactment of the regulation as mentioned in No.5 above.  
 
4  TRANSPORT BUREAU  
4.1  Vehicles  
Outline of system  
1.  The import licensing system for vehicles is go verned by Law no. 7/2003 , amended by Law 
no. 3/2016 ; and Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 , amended by Administrative Regulation 
no. 19/2016.  
 
This licensing  system is administered by the Transport Bureau  for the aforesaid goods that are 
specified in Group F of Table B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision no. 487/2016.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  This licensing system covers all goods listed in Group F of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive  Decision no. 487/2016.  
 
3.  This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods.  
 
4.  This licensing system is not to be construed as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports, rather to administer  the levying of motor vehicle tax.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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5.  Licensing for the above -mentioned goods is a statutory requi rement maintained under Law 
no. 7/2003 , amended by Law no. 3/2016 ; and Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 , amended 
by Administrative Regulation no. 19/20 16. Legislation does not leave the designation of products 
to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion. Legislative approval is required before any 
changes could be made to the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Licenses must be applied for at least three working days in advance of importation.  
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licenses might be processed immediately on 
request.  
 
(c)  There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which applic ation for licenses and/or 
importation may be submitted.  
 
(d) The Transport Bureau is the sole a dministrative organ to issue licenses of, to register and 
approve the type and model of vehicles. Approval for the type or the model of vehicles to be 
imported m ust be obtained before issuing licenses.  
 
8.  No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met. In circumstances where license 
application is not accepted, the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Transport Bureau will 
be informed of  the relevant reasons.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a) Not applicable.  
 
(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law no.  7/2003, amended by Law no. 3/2016 , are 
eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Documentational  and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  For each license, a single application form needs to be filled and handed in to the Tr ansport 
Bureau.  A sample of the  form (import license) is attached in Annex C4. 
 
11.  Only valid import license s have to be presented upon actual importation.  
 
12.  No administrative  fee is charged for the issuance of import licenses.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The validity of a license expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilisation of an import license.  
 
16.  Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.  
 
17.(a)Not applicable.  
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  Prior registration with and approval by the Transport Bureau in regard to the type or the 
model of vehicles is required . 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
5  MACAO POST AND TELEC OMMUNICATIONS BUREAU  
5.1  Telecommunication and Radio -Communication A pparatus  
Outline of system  
1.  Import controls are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services. However, the Macao 
Post and Telecommunications Bureau  is also involved in the system of import controls on 
telecommunication and radiocommunication equip ment.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Import licenses are required for telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. These 
include:  
 
(a) Apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including those 
for communication in a wireless local or wide area network, except cellular telephones, lines 
telephone sets with/without cordless handsets, telephonic switching ap paratus and those 
with exemption of station license or type approval according to the applicable 
radiocommunication legislation.  
 
(b) Transmission apparatus for radio -broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating 
reception apparatus or sound rec ording or reproducing apparatus.  
 
(c)  Radar equipment, radionavigation equipment and remote control equipment.  
 
(d) The spare parts exclusively or partially for the equipment listed above.  
 
3.  The licensing system applies to goods originating in and comi ng from any countries or 
territories.  
 
4.  The import licensing system on telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Instead, its aim is to ensure the products 
imported meet certain stan dards.  
 
5.  The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law no. 7/2003 , 
amended by Law no. 3/2016 ; Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 , amended by Administrative 
Regulation no. 19/2016 ; and Chief Executive Decision no.  487/2016. Legislation does not leave 
designation of products, which are subject to licensing, to administrative discretion. Legislative 
approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not Applicable.  
 
7.(a) License application should be submitted before importing the equipment, taking account of 
the processing time required by the  Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau, which is 
normally within three working days.  
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, im port license may exceptionally be granted on 
request.  
 
(c)  There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for license 
and/or importation may be made.  
 
(d) The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau  is the sole administrative organ to issue 
licenses for the telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment.  
 
8.  Import license application may be refused in case the equipment does not comply with the 
Technical Standards applicable in the Macao SAR.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions complying with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003 , amended by 
Law no. 3/2016 , are eligible to apply for licenses except under special circumstances where 
licensing facilities ar e denied owing to the non -compliance of certain requirement.   
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  A sample form is attached in Annex C4. Catalogues/technical specifications for the products 
under application are to b e submitted with the application for technical classification purpose.  
 
11.  Only the import license is needed upon actual importation.  
 
12.  No licensing fee is charged.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  An imp ort license covering telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment is valid for 
30 days from the day of its issuance. The validity cannot be extended under normal circumstances.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of an import license.  
 
16.  Not transferable.  
 
17.  No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No other administrative procedures are required.  
 
19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
6  MACAO SECURITY POLIC E 
6.1  Arms and Ammunition, and Explosives  
Outline of system  
1.  Import controls on arms and ammunition, and explosives are primarily exercised by the Macao 
Security Police (CPSP – Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública ). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Import licenses are required for certain arms and ammuni tion, and explosives:  
 
(a) License for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32  
(b) License for competition gun:  
 
Arms  Calibre  
 
 
Pistol   .177 
 .22S  (Short)  
 .22LR (Long Rifle)  
 .32 
 .38 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  Arms  Calibre  
 .45 
 
Revolvers  
  .22LR (Long Rifle)  
 .32 
 .38 
 .45 
 
 
Guns Shotgun   .12 
Precision   .177 
Automatic or Semi -automatic   .22LR (Long Rifle)  
 
3.  The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any countries.  
 
4.  The import licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to monitor 
the inflow of the aforesaid goods.  
  
5.  The import licensing system is statutorily defined in the Decree -Law no. 77/99/M of 
8 November 1999 “Arms and Ammunition Rules”; Law no. 7/2003,  amended by Law no. 3/2016;  
and Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003,  amended by Administrative Regulation no. 19/2016.  
Any changes in existing system require legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Applications for import licenses should be submitted one month in advance. In the  case of 
inadvertence, license can be obtained within a shorter time limit.  
 
(b) A license cannot be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for import 
license may be made.  
 
(d) The Macao Security Police is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses for the aforesaid 
goods.  
 
8.  Import license applications may be refused if the ordinary criteria are not met. The applicants 
have the right of appeal to Macao Security Police  in the event of refusal within 30 days.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions  which comply with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 , amended by 
Law no. 3/2016, are eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Documentational  and other requirements for application for a licence  
10.  Application form and copy of the Identity Card are required.  The sample form is attached in 
Annex C4.  
 
11.  The import license.  
 
12.  There are no licensing fees or administrative charges for the  issue of licenses.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  13.  There are no requirements for deposit or advance payment associated with the issue of import 
licenses.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The period of validity of a license is 12 months. It cannot be extended.  
 
15.  There is no penalt y for the non -utilisation of a license or a portion of a license.  
 
16.  Licenses  are not transferable.  
 
17.  No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures.  
 
19.  There are no foreign exchange controls.  
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/20  
 
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  ANNEX ES 
ANNEX  A-I - Importation procedures for Group I  
ANNEX A -II - Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group I  
ANNEX B  - Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group II  
ANNEX  C - Specimen of Licensing Document for Group III, IV, V and VI  
 
Annexes a vailable in the Secretariat (Market Access Division)(English only).  
 
 
 
 
 
__________