G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
12 October 2018  
(18-6326) Page: 1/19 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PRO CEDURES  
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT  
 ON IMPORT LICENSING  PROCEDURES (2018)  
MAURITIUS  
The following notification, dated 10 October 2018, is being circulated at the request of the delegation 
of Mauritius.  
 
_______________  
 
Table of contents  
1   MINISTRY OF SOCI AL SECURITY, NATIONA L SOLIDARITY AND ENV IRONMENT AN D 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPM ENT (ENVIRONMENT AND  SUSTAINABLE DEVELOP MENT 
DIVISION)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
1.1   Refrigerants containing Hydro chlorofluoroca rbons (HCFC) ................................ ...............  2 
1.2   Permit system under the Environment Protection (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottle 
Permit) Regulations 2001 to bottle beverage in a PET bottle  ................................ ....................  4 
2   MINISTRY OF INDU STRY, COMMERCE AND C ONSUMER PROTECTION ( COMMERCE 
DIVISION)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  5 
3   MINISTRY OF AGRO -INDUSTRY AND FOOD SEC URITY  ................................ ...............  7 
3.1   National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office  ................................ .............................  7 
3.2   National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS)  ................................ ............................  8 
3.3   Veterinary Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 11 
3.4   National Plants and Protection Office (NPPO)  ................................ ................................  13 
4   MINISTRY OF HEAL TH AND QUALITY OF LI FE ................................ ..........................  15 
4.1   Dangerous Chemicals Control Board  ................................ ................................ ...........  15 
4.2   Pharmacy Board  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 16 
 
 
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  1  MINISTRY OF SOCIAL S ECURITY, NATIONAL SO LIDARITY AND ENVIRON MENT AND 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPM ENT (ENVIRONMENT AND  SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPM ENT 
DIVISION)  
1.1  Refrigerants containing Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)  
Outline of system  
1.  Mauritius has successfully implemented its Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) Phase out Management 
Plan since 2005 and importation of CFCs have been com pletely banned.  Presently, a 
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) has been 
developed/approved in 2011 and importation of HCFC refrigerants is being controlled.  
 
A quota system based on a baseline figure (the average amount o f HCFC refrigerants imported 
in 2009 and 2010), has been set up/implemented, since 2013.  In 2015, as required under the 
Montreal Protocol and as provided in the HPMP, a 10% reduction was applied to the baseline import 
and a quota system worked out according ly. 
 
Following request from importers of refrigerants, the National Ozone Unit of the Ministry o f Social 
Security, National Solidarity and Environment and Sustainable Development (Environment and 
Sustainable Development Division) issue a clearance to the i mporters.  The Customs Department of 
the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Dangerous Chemical Control Board (DCCB) of the Ministry 
of Health and Quality of Life are informed of our no -objection and DCCB issues the import permit for 
importation under the Dangerous Chemical Control Act, 2004.  The Customs Department enforce 
the latter legislation.  
Additionally, importation of equipment containing HCFC as refrigerant is banned, under the 
Consumer Protection (Supplies and Control) Regulations, 2013.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2.  Importation of all HCFC refrigerants requires import permit.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating from anywhere in the world.  
 
4.  The Licensing system is to restrict the quantity of the HCFC refrigerants being importe d based 
on the quota as defined in the HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP).  
 
5.  The importation is controlled as per quota defined in the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) Phase 
out Management Plan (HPMP).  It is to be noted that a Regulation under the Da ngerous Chemical 
Control Act, has been prepared and is expected to be promulgated/in force shortly.  
 
Procedures  
6.I All the importers of refrigerants have been informed of the quota system.  
 
II. Accordingly, the Quota is allocated.  However, importers have  to make the request for 
clearance for lic ence every time they intend  to import.  They need to indicate the amount as 
well as country of origin.  
 
III. Refrigerants are not produced locally. Unused allocations are not added to quotas for 
succeeding period.  No, names of importers have not been made known to export promotion 
bodies of exporting countries, as no such request has been made. However, there would be 
no problem to communicate these details if ever there is such a request.  
 
IV. There are no specifi c conditions but preferably the importers should submit their request two 
working days before hand.  
 
V. There are no specific conditions but generally the requests are processed within two days.  
 
VI.  No restriction, subject to importation is done within t he same calendar year.  
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  VII. No. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and 
Environment and Sustainable Development (Environment and Sustainable Development 
Division) process only the no -objection and certifie s that the refrigerant in question can be 
imported. It is the Dangerous Chemical Control Board of the Ministry of Health and Quality of 
Life which grants the Licence.  
 
VIII. It happens that some importers have exceeded their quotas and they made additional  request.  
Then reallocation can be done if only the other importers have not fully used their quotas.  A 
quota system has been established as from 2013 based on t he average import during 
2009-2010 for those importers who were registered during the said tw o years. A  quota has 
also been assigned for new importers while being within the allowable baseline figure of 
import.  Applications are examined on receipt.  
 
IX. For any importation of HCFC an import licence is obligatory.  
 
X No such mechanism.  
 
XI. No. Th e imported Refrigerant can be re -exported, but the exporters need to again get the 
clearance from the  NOU and licence from the DCCB.  
 
7.(a) Same as the above procedure.  
 
(b) It is possible, but still two days advance request is preferred.  
 
(c)  No.  
 
(d) Same as above procedure.  
 
8.  Application for a Licence may be refused if the quota has been met. The importer is informed 
accordingly. The importer may contact the NOU and confirm whether unused allocation for other 
importers can be reallocated.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a permit  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences. The NOU does charge any 
registration fee. There is no published list of importers at the level of NOU.  
 
Documentation and other requi rements for applications for permits  
10.  The importer must send a letter to the NOU and copied to the DCCB and specify the following:  
• Type of refrigerants.  
• Type of container.  
• Weight per unit.  
 
Country from where it is imported.  
 
A MSDS of the product can also be submitted by the importer, though not binding.  
 
11.  Production of clearance from DCCB is required prior to granting Customs release.  
 
12.  The NOU does charge any registration fee.  
 
13.  No fees and deposit is applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  The licence is valid as from the date of issue to the date the Refrigerants are cleared from the 
Customs.  
 
15.  There is no penalty by the NOU in case of non -utilisation of the Licence.  
 
16.  Licences are not transferable between importers.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  17.  While issuing the clearance by the NOU, the importers are requested to also seek clearance 
from the DCCB.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No. 
 
19.  No. 
 
1.2  Permit system under the Environment Protection (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 
bottle Permit) Reg ulations 2001 to bottle beverage in a PET bottle  
Outline of System  
1.  PET bottles have over the past years become the container of choice in the beverage industry 
replacing substantial quantities of glass bottles.  About 100 million PET bottles are genera ted 
annually from the Beverage industry.  The rise in the one -way no deposit mechanism for PET bottles 
has greatly contributed to the problem of littering in the country.  Waste PET bottles also pose 
serious constraint in landfilling with regard to the lar ge volume they occupy and the extremely slow 
decomposition rate (about 500 years).  
 
Local companies wishing to bottle a beverage in a PET bottle should apply for a permit with the 
Department of Environment.  A processing fee of Rs. 10,000 is charged for ea ch permit.  
 
Subject to meeting the conditions attached to the permit such as engaging the services of a PET 
recycler for the collect of used PET bottles from the waste stream and submitting annual returns on 
PET produced and waste PET collected for recycl ing; a permit is issued to the company with a validity 
of three years.  The Permit is renewable subject to the satisfaction of the Director of Environment 
on compliance to conditions imposed under the Permit.  
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Permit t o bottle soft drinks and water in PET bottles.  
 
3.  The system  applies to the local bottling of beverage in a PET bottle. ( Regulations will be amended 
in near future to include importation of beverage and foodstuffs in PET bottles ). 
 
4.  The permit system is not intended to restrict the quantity of production.  
 
5.  The permit system falls under the Environment Protection (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 
bottle Permit) Regulations 2001.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. N/A. 
 
II. N/A. 
 
III. Regulations will be reviewed with  the State Law Office to extend the scope of the PET bottling 
permits to local production and importation of foodstuffs in a PET bottle/container.  
 
IV. N/A. 
 
V. Approximately one month to process permit.  
 
VI. N/A. 
 
VII. Processing of permit by the Ministry  of Social Security, National Solidarity and Environment 
and Sustainable Development (Environment and Sustainable Development Division) only.  
 
VIII. Permit is issued if company takes engagement to meet conditions attached to the permit.  
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  IX. N/A. 
 
X. N/A. 
 
XI. N/A. 
 
7.(a-d) N/A. 
 
8.  Permit may be revoked if company is not complying with conditions attached to it. Company will 
be requested to write to the Director of Environment as to why the permit should not be revoked.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to apply for Licence  
9.  The beverage industries that have a PET permit are: Phoenix Beverages Ltd, Quality Beverages 
Ltd, Vital Water Bottling  Company Ltd, Eau Val Ltée, Global Direct Foods Ltd and Vivalo Ltée.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application  for licence  
10.  Returns on expected annual PET production and contract with a PET recycler for the collection 
of waste PET for recycling.  
 
11.  As per the current legislation, importation does not mandate a permit . 
 
12.  Rs. 10,000 as processing fee.  
 
13.  A levy of Rs 2 + VAT per PET bottle. The levy is not refundable . 
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Three years and renewable thereafter.  
 
15. No penalty fo r non-utilisation of the permit.  
 
16.  Permit not transferable.  
 
17.  No restriction o n the quantity under the permit.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  As per the current legislation, import permit is not required .  
19. N/A .  
2  MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY , COMMERCE AND CONSU MER PROTECTION (COMM ERCE 
DIVISION)  
Outline of System  
1. Import permit system is regulate d by the Consumer Protection ( Control of Imports) 
Regulations  2017 establishing the list of go ods subject to import control . The system is administered 
by the Trade Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection . 
 
Purposes and Coverage of  Import Permits  
2.  Imports of restricted goods are subject to automatic licensing through an import permit being 
granted and issued.  List of restricted goods is at Annex I.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating from all countries.  
 
4.  Import permits are enforced for reasons of security, sensitivity, health and environment.  
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  5. Import control is regulated under the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations  2017 
and approval from the Minister responsible for Commerce has to be sought for any change in the 
list of restricted goods.  
 
Procedures  
6.  For products under restriction, it is related to second hand motor vehicles, whereby an individual 
or firm (other than an authorised dealer or a taxi owner/driver) is entitled to import one mo tor car 
every five years; an authorized dealer is not subject to any restriction; a taxi owner/driver is entitled 
to import one motor car every four years; an individual or firm (other than an authorised dealer) is 
entitled to import one lorry/truck every five years; and an individual or firm (other than an 
authorised dealer) is entitled to import one van every five years.  This  information is available in the 
Consumer Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017.  
 
An individual or firm employing not le ss than 8 persons (other than an authorised dealer or a public 
transport operator) is entitled to import one second - hand bus every 5 years for each appropriate 
licence. Any imported second -hand bus imported by an authorised dealer shall be sold only to a 
person holding the appropriate licence.  
 
For second - hand motorcycles – total restriction on importation for resale.  
 
7.  An application for an import permit has to be made prior to the importation of restricted goods 
and the import permit may be granted o n the same day.  For some controlled goods, appropriate 
recommendations are sought by the Ministry prior to approval of the permit.  
 
8.  The refusal to issue an import permit may occur where the importer fails to comply with any 
provision of the Consumer P rotection (Control of Imports) Regulations 2017 . 
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Permit  
9.  All applications are made through the TradeLink System via a customs broker.  A firm is presently 
registered in the system, free of charge, prior to sending its application.  With regards to authorised 
dealer, the company must be a holder of a valid licence of authorised dealer in importation and sale 
of second -hand motor vehicles as per the Consumer Protection (Importation and Sale of 
Second -hand Motor Vehicl es) Regulations 2004.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Permit  
10.  The documents required upon applications are based on what are being imported, for some 
goods, only the application is required while for other goods, the pro -forma invoice and additional 
documents may be requested.  
 
11.  Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the bill of lading and invoice as well 
as additional documents depending on what is being imported and coming from which countries.  
 
12.  There is no import permit fee or administrative charge.  
 
13.  There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of permits.  
 
Conditions of Import Permits  
14.  An import permit is valid for a maximum period of 12 months.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilization of a permit or a portion of it.  
 
16.  The import permit is not transferable.  
 
17.  An import permit is subject to any conditions that the Permanent Secretary may impose.  
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  Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  There are  no other administrative procedures, apart from import permits required prior to 
importation of restricted goods specified in the Consumer Protection (Control of Imports), 
Regulations 2017.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking au thorities for goods to be imported.  
 
3  MINISTRY OF AGRO -INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECUR ITY 
3.1  National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office  
Outline of System  
1. The National  Agricultural Products Regulatory Office ( NAPRO) began its  operations in 
November  2013.  NAPR O controls and regulates the import, export, production, and sale of regulated 
products in Mauritius. Regulated products presently include tea and tea products and tobacco and 
tobacco products.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Import of:  
(i) Tea and  tea products; and  
(ii) Tobacco and tobacco products are subject to import clearance (similar to automatic licensing), 
and the system has no trade restricting effects.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating from all countries.  
 
4.  The clearance system is for statistical purposes and to ensure that the products are in conformity 
with local regulations.  
 
5.  The system is under the National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office Act 2013, and the 
National Agricultural Products Regulations 2013.  R egulated products are listed under the First 
Schedule of the Act.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. Information concerning filing of applications for clearances are provided at the Office, by phone 
and by mail upon request.  
 
II.   There is no quota.  
 
III. Clearances are issued to importers regardless of whether they are producers of like products 
or not.  
 
IV. N/A. 
 
V. Applications for clearance are usually processed on the same day or on the next working day.  
 
VI. N/A. 
 
VII. Application for clearance is considered by one  administrative body. However, import of tea 
products should be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the appropriate 
authority of the country of origin.  The prospective importer should therefore call at the 
National Plant Protection Office  for a Plant Import Permit.  
 
VIII.  Applications are considered on receipt.  
 
IX.  There is no bilateral quotas or export arrangements.  Export permits from exporting countries 
are not required.  
 
X.     N/A. G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  XI. Import clearances are for products for sale in the domestic market.  
 
7.  Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) Applications may be made prior to import of goods.  
 
(b) The application may be approved immediately on request but a uthorization to remove the 
goods from the port or bonded Warehouse is conveyed after inspection.  
 
(c) There are no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for clearance may 
be made.  
 
(d) Consideration of applications for tea and to bacco products are e ffected by one administrative 
organ, NAPRO.  
 
8.  None.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Clearance  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Clearance  
10.  The application form is available at the office of NAPRO and a model is available on the web site 
of the Ministry.  
 
11. Upon importation the importer is required to submit the approved application together with the 
invoice and bill of lading  and a phytosanitary certificate for tea products.  
 
12. There is an application and a clearance fee.  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required.  
 
Conditions of Clearance  
14.  A clearance for the import of tea products is valid for a period of one month; that for tobacco 
products is valid for six months as from date of issue.  Request for extension may be considered.  
 
15.  There is no penalty for non -utilization of a clearance or part thereof, but the fee paid is not 
refundable.  
 
16. Clearances are for the products specified on the application form.  
 
17. Conditions for clearance are listed on the application form.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18.  There is no other administrative procedure at NAPRO prior to importation but prospective 
first-time importers must submit appropriate documents for identification /registration.  
 
19.  Foreign exchange is provided by banking authorities without impediments.  
 
3.2  National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS)  
Outline of System  
1. Mauritius  together with Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands has been designated by IUCN as 
biodiversity hotspot. The majority of endemic  Mauritian flora and fauna are considered threatened 
and with some 60 species of native plants believed to be already extinct.  
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  Invasive Alien S pecies (IAS) which are introduced plants, animals and microorganisms represent the 
main threat to the biodiversity of Mauritius and its ecosystem.  As a consequence, Legislation and 
regulations have been enacted to control and monitor the entry of exotic w ildlife.  
 
Mauritius being party and compliant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 
of flora and Fauna (CITES) also regulates trade with respect to CITES listed species.  
 
The National Parks and Conservation Service is responsible f or regulating both importation of exotic 
wildlife and CITES listed (prescribed) species through provisions of the Native Terrestrial Biodiversity 
and National Parks Act 2015 . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. (a)  Import of CITES listed specimens  
 
In accordance to the provision of the Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks 
Act 2015 (NTBNPA ), an import permit is needed for the importation of prescribed wildlife 
under CITES.  In that respect CITES import permits are issued by NPCS as the C ITES 
Management Authority of Mauritius against payment of a prescribed fee. In addition, 
export and Re -export CITES permits are issued by NPCS against payment of a 
prescribed fee.  
 
(b) Import of exotic wildlife other than domestic, livestock  and fish  
 
 “Exotic wildlife” is defined as any wildlife introduced in Mauritius as per NTBNPA 2015. 
In accordance to Section 35 of NTBNPA,  a permit is needed for the importation of  living 
animal other than domestic, livestock and fish.  In that respect an Import Permit for 
Exotic Wildlife (IPEW) Is delivered by the NPCS against payment of a prescribed fee . 
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating from all countries . 
 
4.  Apply in CITES cases.  
 
5.  The Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act 2015 . 
 
Procedures  
6.I. Information concerning filing of applications for clearances are provided at the Office , on the 
Ministry’s website , by phone and by mail upon request.  
 
II. There is no quota.  
 
III. N/A. 
 
IV. N/A. 
 
V. Minimum time for processing applications:  
(a) CITES permit - three working days . 
(b) IPEW permit   - ten working days . 
 
Maximum time for processing applications:  
(a) CITES permit -ten working days . 
(b) IPEW permit - 90 working days in case applications should receive clearance of National 
Invasive  Alien Species Committee . 
 
VI. N/A. 
 
VII N/A. 
 
VIII. N/A. 
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  IX. There is no bilateral quotas or export arrangements.  Export permits from exporting countries 
are not required.  
 
X. N/A. 
 
XI. N/A. 
 
7. Written applications are submitted to Director (NPCS) for both categories of permits. Application 
forms for IPEW permit are also available at NPCS office . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
8. Permits are refused in case of non -compliance of the NTBNPA 2015 and applicant is informed 
accordingly. In case of refusal of permits, the applicant can make an appeal to the Senior Chief 
Executive of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.   
 
9.  Al l persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Documentation and other requirement s for application for licence  
10. General information requirements for CITES and IPEW are as follows:  Details on importer, 
scientific name of importe d wildlife, age, country of origin.  
 
11. Import permit from NPCS and Veterinary certificate.  
 
12. A fee of Rs 300 is claimed for each CITES permit issued.  A fee of Rs 50 is claimed for each IPEW 
permit issued.  
 
13. Payment made upon application of import permit.  
 
Conditions of licence  
14. 
i. CITES Import permits are valid for 1 year.  
ii. CITES Export and Re -export permits are valid for six months.  
iii. Import Permit for Exotic Wildlife (IPEW) are valid for six months . 
 
All permits are non -renewable. Applicants need to make fresh application against prescribed 
payment . 
 
15. No. 
 
16. Non- transferrable . 
 
17. Non -restrictive . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Yes. 
 
In case, application needs clearance from CITES Scientific Authority and/ or Invasive Alien Species 
Committee and approval of M inistry of Agriculture and Food Security,  the time for processing of 
permits is extended and applicant is informed accordingly.  
 
19.  N/A. 
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  3.3  Veterinary Services  
Outline of System  
1. All live animals , products  of animal origins  and meat and meat products i mported in Maurit ius 
should be accompanied by an  Import Permit delivered by the Veterinary Services as  stipulated in 
the Animal Disease Act 1925 . 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Import Permit  
2.  Import of:  
(a) Live animals;  
(b) Products of animal origins; and  
(c)  Meat and meat products.   
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating from all countries.  
 
4.  Import Permit design to protect the country against sanitary threat in line with the WTO SPS 
Agreement.  
 
5.  Animal Disease Act 1925 and subsequent regulations.  
 
Procedures  
6. I. All relevant information for import of live animals, products of animal origins and meat and 
meat products are available online and for information leaflets at the Veterinary Services.  
 
II. Import Permit is valid for the following categories as follows:  
 
• Live cattle three months ( live cattle, sheep and goat)  
• Dog six months.  
• All other products as mentioned above three months.  
 
III. Import Permits are allowed for domestic consumption.  
 
IV.  N/A. 
 
V. Minimum time for processing application:  7 days, maximum time 15 days.  
 
VI. Imports are allowed immediately upon granting of permits.  
 
VII. For most products mentioned under Number 2 above permit is delivered by division of 
Veterinary Services.  In the ca se of animal feed (containing plant materials) and fodder the 
clearance of the NPPO is also required. [ in case of birds and invasive species clearance from 
NPCS is required] . 
 
VIII. N/A. 
 
IX. N/A. 
 
X. N/A. 
 
XI. Import permits are for delivered for domestic consumptions but in some cases there may be 
for transit purposes.  
 
7.  Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) In case of emergency permit may be granted in one day. Normal time for permit delivery is 
two weeks. Goods arriving at the port without an import permit and health certificate  is not 
allowed.  
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  (b) Yes, provided all sanitary conditions are satisfied.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) For most products m entioned under Number 2 above permit is delivered by division of 
Veterinary Services. In the case of animal feed (containing plant materials) and fodder the 
clearance of the NPPO is also required.  
 
8.  Imports permits are only refused in case of sanitary t hreats to the country.  Applicants have the 
right of appeal and justifications are provided for any refusal.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Clearance  
9.  All persons are eligible to apply for import permits.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for Clearance  
10. Live animals   
 
(a) Copy of all test certificates and sanitary conditions of exporting country.  
(b) Quarantine facilities if any.  
 
Animal Products  
 
(a) Copy of all test certificates and sanitary conditions of exporting coun try. 
(b) Facility of storage.  
 
11.  Original of documents mentioned at (10) above.  
 
12.  Import Fees:  
 
• Horses – Rs 1,000 per animal.  
• Cats and dogs – Rs 500 per animal.  
• Caged birds – Rs 100 for every 10 birds or less.  
• Cattle, goats and sheep – Rs 10 per animal.  
• Other live animals – Rs 200 per animal.  
• Meat intended for human consumption Rs 100/permit together with an additional sum of Rs 
50 for each ton of meat or less.  
• Other items – Rs 100 permit.  
• Veterinary clearance fee (live animals and pets): Rs 500.  
 
13.  No.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Import Permit is valid for the following categories as follows:  
 
• Live cattle 3 months.  
• Dog 6 months.  
• All other products as mentioned above three months.  
 
15.  No.  
 
16.  No.  
 
17.  See (10) above.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18.  No.   
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  19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by banking authorities for goods to be imported (no 
license is required  as a pre -requisite).  Foreign Exchange is always available for importers through 
direct application through the bank.  
 
3.4  National Plants and Protection Office (NPPO)  
Outline of System  
1. The National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) of the Ministry of Agro Industry is a regulatory 
government plant protection body, mandated to protect the agricultural economy and biodiversity 
of Mauritius, from introduction of destructive exotic pests and dis eases, through the Plant Protection 
Act (2006) Plants Import Permits (PIP) are issued under section 19 of the Plant Protection Act 2006 
(PPA). As per Paragraph 19 (1)(a) of PPA, any person who imports or causes the importation of a 
plant, plant product or other regulated article shall apply for a plant import permit from the NPPO. 
PIPs are issued for importation of plants, plant parts and plants products. These include fresh, dried, 
frozen fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs, timber, wooden, rattan, bambo o articles, pulses, 
selected cereals, animal feeds, cotton, furniture, planting materials (seeds, cuttings, and young  
plants), fresh cut flowers, and selected plant based fertilisers and biofertilisers.  Currently, each 
importation requires importers to be in possession of a valid PIP. A PIP is valid for 4 months.  
 
Moreover, in line with Paragraph 19(4) of the PPA, a Plant Import Permit is also required for the 
Transiting and Landing/Shipping through the airport and seaport, of all items regulated under the 
Plant Protection Act (2006), including fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, seeds, planting material . 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  A PIP is required for  importation of plants, plant parts and plants products. These include fresh, 
dried, frozen fruit s, vegetables and aromatic herbs, timber, wooden, rattan, bamboo articles, pulses, 
selected cereals, animal feeds, cotton, furniture, planting materials (seeds, cuttings, young plants), 
fresh cut flowers, and selected plant based fertilisers, biofertiliser s including  second hand agricultural 
machinery.  
 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.  
 
4.  PIP is delivered for phytosanitary reasons.  
 
5.  Plants Protection Act 2006.  
 
Procedures  
6.  For regulated products:  
 
I. All relevant information for import of agricultural produce of plant origin including resources 
from the soil (e.g. rocks) are available online and for information leaflets at the NPPO.  
 
II. The PIP is valid for a 4 months period.  
 
III. PIPs are delivered for domestic market. There may be cases of goods in transit where special 
arrangements are made between importers and the NPPO.  
 
IV.  N/A. 
 
V. Minimum time for processing application: 5 working days . 
 
VI. Imports are allowed immediately upo n granting of permits.  
 
VII. For most products mentioned under Number 2 above permit is delivered by NPPO. In the case 
of animal feed (containing plant materials) and fodder the clearance of the Veterinary Services 
is also required.  
 
VIII. N/A. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  IX. N/A. 
 
X. N/A. 
 
XI. All PIP s are delivered for goods intended for domestic market unless for transit consignments.  
 
7.  Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a) Application for PIP is made suf ficient time in advance to allow the importer to transmit the 
Plant Import Permit to the exporter to ensure compliance with the import phytosanitary 
requirements of the NPPO of Mauritius. In case of inadvertency, permit may be delivered 
within shorter time  limits. No Goods are allowed without a PIP.  
 
(b) Yes, provided all relevant documents are submitted and phytosanitary conditions are satisfied.  
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) For most products mentioned under Number 2 above permit is delivered by NPPO.  In the case 
of animal feed (containing plant materials) and fodder the clearance of the Veterinary Services 
is also required.  
 
8.  Imports permits are only refused in case commodity to be imported represent phytosanitary 
threats to the country. Applicants have the right of appeal and justifications are provided for any 
refusal.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Clearance  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for PIP.  
 
Documentation and Other Requirements for Application for Clearance  
10.  Name  of importer, contact details, name of exporter, product name (scientific name), country 
of origin, and quantity.  
 
11.  Original of documents mentioned at (10) above.  
 
12.  There is no Application Fee  applicable. It is to be noted that with the enactment o f the Trade 
Facilitation Act of 2017, the application fee of Rs 50 previously being charged, is no longer being 
charged.  
 
13.  No deposit or advance payment required with the issue of PIP.  
 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  PIP is valid for a period of four mon ths.   
 
15.  No.  
 
16.  No.  
 
17.  Conditions of PIP base d on phytosanitary reasons.  
 
Other procedural Requirements  
18.  No.   
 
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by banking authorities for goods to be imported (no 
license is require d as a pre -requisite). Foreign Exchange is always available for importers through 
direct application through the bank.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  4  MINISTRY OF HEALTH A ND QUALITY OF LIFE  
4.1  Dangerous Chemicals Control Board  
Outline of System  
1. Import licensing system is regulated by Sec tion 11 of the Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004.  
The licensing system is administrated by the Dangerous Chemicals Control Board under the Ministry 
of Health and Quality of Life . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Dangerous Chemicals . 
 
3. The syste m applies to goods originating from all countries . 
 
4. To exercise control over import of dangerous chemicals . 
 
5.  Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004.  
 
Licensing is statutorily required and is does not allow designation of products to be licensed to be 
subject to administration discretion.  It is not possible to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.I.  N/A. 
 
II.  N/A. 
 
III.  N/A. 
 
IV.  N/A. 
 
V.  Minimum time for processing application: 1  week. 
Maximum time for processing application : 3 weeks . 
 
VI.  Valid for 3 months.  
 
VII.  Yes. 
 
VIII.  N/A. 
 
IX.  N/A. 
 
X.  N/A. 
 
XI. N/A. 
 
7.  Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country:  
 
(a)  Yes, a ll application should be done  prior to import . 
 
(b)  Yes. 
 
(c)  Yes, there is no time limit for submitting an application . 
 
(d)  The Dangerous Chemicals Control Board is the sole authority for the issue of license  under the 
Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  8.  Yes. Issue of a licence may be refused if it is suspected that the import of the dangerous chemicals 
is not for legitimate use. There is no right of appeal in the event of a refusal of a licence.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Only registered persons o r companies.  
 
Documentation and other requirements for application of licence  
10.  Yes.  Sample form is at Annex II . 
 
11.  Yes. A copy of the importing licence . 
 
12.  The fee for issue of import licence is Rs 200 (Mauritian rupees).  
 
13.  No deposit or adva nce payment is requested.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14.  Valid for 3 months.  
 
15.  No penalty.  
 
16.  Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17.  The issue of a licence is subject to any additional information which may be requested by the 
Board and any condition subsequently imposed by it.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18.  No.  
 
19.  No . 
 
4.2  Pharmacy Board  
Outline of the system  
1.  All medicines and pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy Board prior to 
import and marketing in  the country.  
 
In addition, certain specific category of medicines and pharmaceutical products as well as chemicals 
requires a licence for their import and export.  These include:  
 
• Antibiotics, vaccines and any therapeutic substance, listed in the Sixth Schedule of the 
Pharmacy Act, 1983.  
• Dangerous drugs as defined under Section 3 of the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
2.  For each consignment of an antibiotic, vaccine and a therapeutic substance, imported, the 
importer (Pharm aceutical Wholesaler) is required to submit an application for a permit as specified 
under Section 25 of the Pharmacy Act indicating the name of the product(s) and quantity in respect 
of each product being imported.  An import permit is then delivered to t he importer accordingly.  
 
As regards to dangerous drugs, it is mandatory under the International Conventions that a permit 
be issued by the regulatory authority for the import/export of substances listed in Schedule I, II, III 
& IV of the Dangerous Drugs A ct 2000.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  Substances listed in Schedules  I, II and III may be authorized to be imported for the purposes of 
medical or scientific research or teaching or the use of the forensic science services, in quantities 
not exceeding those strictly required for the purpose in question.  
 
The substances listed in Schedule IV of the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000 are used in the manufacture 
of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as classified by the 1988 Convention against Illicit 
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotr opic Substances, or otherwise, are included as precursors in 
Schedule IV.  
 
They are also subject to regulatory control under the International Convention to prevent illicit 
trafficking and diversion to ensure that importation is for bona fide purposes.  The application forms 
and permits are as given in the annexed documents.  
 
3.  The licensing system applies to goods coming from any country.  
 
4.  The licensing process is intended to exercise control over import as per international requirements 
to ensure that the goods are destined for legitimate use (medicinal, scientific, and educational).  
 
5.  As mentioned above, they are governed by the provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1983 and 
Dangerous Drugs Act 2000 as well as the respective regulations under the Act s.  Being mandatory 
requirements, any amendments to the control measures will require amendments to the respective 
Acts. 
 
Procedures  
6.(a) Import of Antibiotics  
Importation of Antibiotics, vaccines and therapeutic substances is not subject to any quota. 
The permit is issued at time of arrival of the product(s) in the country, on consignment basis.  
 
(b) Import of Dangerous Drugs  
 
Import of Schedule II and Schedule III dangerous drugs  
 
Import of Schedule II and Schedule III dangerous drugs are, subject to a y early quota which 
is established as follows:  
(i) At the end of every year, pharmaceutical wholesalers are required to submit a return of 
their transactions indicating opening stock, quantity purchased and sold during the 
current year and balance in hand.  
(ii) They are also required to submit their request in respect of their requirements for the 
subsequent year.  Quota is worked out on the basis of the data submitted. Adjustments, 
if any, to the quota are effected in the course of the year, however, full ju stifications 
must be provided.  
(iii) The requirement at national level is worked out and submitted to the International 
Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna for the establishment of national quota 
especially for dangerous drugs Schedule II (narcotics) which, are recorded and 
published.  
(iv) Once quota is established, the issue of the import permit/certificate is effected  within a 
couple of days of submission of request.  The importer will have to forward a copy of 
the import permit/ certificate to the e xporter who will forward a copy of same to the 
authority in the exporting country in view of obtaining an export licence to enable 
shipment of the consignment of the dangerous drugs.  
 
Import of Schedule I dangerous drugs  
 
(i) The substances listed in Schedule I of the Dangerous Drugs Act are only meant for 
scientific (Forensic) purposes.  
(ii) They are not subject to any quota.  
(iii) Import licence/permit is issued within a couple of days of submission of request.  
(iv) The im porter will have to forward a copy of the import permit/ certificate to the exporter 
who will forward a copy of same to the authority in the exporting country in view of 
obtaining an export licence to enable shipment of the consignment of the dangerous 
drugs. G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  Import of Schedule IV dangerous drugs (Precursor Chemicals)  
 
I.-II. Import of the products listed in the above -mentioned  schedule is not subject to quota. 
The procedure for the issue of permit/certificate follows the same pathway as for 
schedule II and III dangerous drugs except that the authority in the exporting country 
will issue a Pre- Export  Notification (PEN) certific ate requesting for confirmation from 
the authority of the importing country on the authenticity of the import prior to 
shipment.  
 
III. Issue of licence is applicable to both importers and producers of goods.   Unused quotas 
cannot be carried forward for a succeeding year.  
 
Pharmaceutical wholesalers are registered entities with the Pharmacy Board. They also 
hold a trading licence from the local authorities. Similarly,  the importers or dealers 
involved in the trade of chemicals need to be licenced by the loc al authorities.  
 
IV, V, VI Already covered in the previous paragraphs.  
 
VII.  The Pharmacy Board is the regulatory body under the Pharmacy Act solely responsible 
for the issue of licence/permit/certificate.  
 
VIII. N/A. 
 
IX.-X.  Already covered in the prev ious paragraphs.  
 
XI. There is no such conditions that licences are issued exclusively for export only.  
7.   
(a)(b)   Licence/permit may be issued immediately upon request and at time when goods have arrived 
at the port only in the case of therapeutic substances including antibiotics and vaccines. 
However, it is advisable to apply for the permit/licence/certificate prior  to import.  
 
(c) There is no time limit for submitting an application for permit /licence/certificate in the case 
of therapeutic substances including antibiotics and vaccines, as well as for chemicals and 
substances listed in Schedule I and IV of the Dange rous Drugs Act.  An application can be 
submitted any time an import is to be effected during the year.  
 
As regards Items listed in Schedule II and III of the Dangerous Drugs Act, the application 
must be submitted at the beginning of the year when the year ly quota has been allocated. 
However, import may be effected in a staggered manner during the year.  
 
(d)  Already covered in Para 6(VII).  
 
8.  An application for licence/permit may be refused in the case of importation of pharmaceutical 
products including dangerous drugs (Schedule I, II & III), if the applicant is not a registered 
pharmaceutical wholesaler, laboratory or an educational institution.  
 
Similarly, in the case of Schedule IV dangerous drugs (Precursor Chemicals), issue of a licence may 
be refuse d if it is suspected that the import of the chemicals is not for legitimate use. There is no 
right of appeal in the event of a refusal of a licence.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.(a)  Pharmaceutical products can only be imported by regis tered wholesale pharmacies under the 
supervision of pharmacists. A list of registered pharmaceutical wholesalers is available at the 
Ministry.  
 
(b)  As regards chemicals, any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for licences. There is 
no regist ration fee for any of the above at present.  
 G/LIC/N/3/MUS/8  
 
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  Documentation and other requirements for application for lic ence  
10. The applicant is required to submit the required information as mentioned in the sample 
documents annexed.  
 
11. A copy of the import licence m ust be submitted along with the invoice.  
 
12. There is no licensing fee charged.  
 
13. N/A.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. (i) The validity of the licence for import of dangerous drugs and chemicals is 3 months from 
the date of issue.  It may be extended upon request if there is a delay in supply for 
instance.  
(ii) As regards import permit for vaccines, antibiotics, etc. the permit is issued on 
consignment basis at time of arrival of the goods.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilisation of licence.  
 
16. The licence is not transferable between importers.  
 
17. The issue of a licence is subject to any additional information or clarification that maybe required 
in respect of same.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. All pharmaceutical products are require d to be registered by the Pharmacy Board prior to import 
and marketing in Mauritius.  
 
19. N/A.  
__________