G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/6  
 
20 December 2016  
(16-6957) Page: 1/3 
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  (2016)  
SOUTH AFRICA 
 
 
Outline of Systems  
1. South Africa has one licensing system. This system makes provision for the granting of permits 
to meet reasonable requirements of merchant and manufacturers. Licences are issued upon 
written application by proposed importers. The International Trade Administration Commission of 
South Africa, Directorate: Import and Export Control  is the issuing authority.  
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2. Goods subject to import control and for which licences are granted are listed in Government 
Notice No. R 91 published in Government Gazette No. 35007 dated 10 February 2012, which was 
amende d by Government Notice No. R. 292 published in Government Gazette No.  36372 of 
19 April 2013 and Government Notice No. R. 1290 published in Government Gazette No. 39567 of 
31 December 2015.  
 
3. Licences are valid for the importation of goods from any count ry, the choice of the country of 
supply being left entirely to the importing party.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of goods imported. The purpose is to 
comply with international agreements, health, environmental, safety req uirements and public 
interest.  
 
5. Import control is applied pursuant to powers conferred on the Minister Economic Development 
by Section 6 of the International Trade Administration Act, 2002 (Act 71 of 2002). The licensing is 
not statutorily required, i.e . the legislation is permissive, not mandatory. The legislation leaves the 
designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion. It is possible for 
the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6.I. The licensing regulations are published in the Government Gazette and in certain instances 
supplemented with policy documents. Information is available on the web site:  
 http://www.it ac.org.za/pages/services/import -control . 
 
II. Not applicable in South Africa.  
 
III. Import licences are available to all merchants and manufacturers.  No steps are taken to 
ensure the utilization of import permits.  Quotas do not apply in South Africa.  P articulars of 
import licences granted are not publicized as information of this nature can only be disclosed 
with the consent of the permit holder.  
                                                
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/6  
 
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  IV. Not applicable . 
 
V. The length and time for processing applications is dependent on the nature and exten t of the 
application.  In general applications are dealt with immediately upon receipt.  
 
VI. Licences are normally valid for clearance for a 12 -month period from the date of issue.  
 
VII. Applications for import licences are considered by the International Trade Administration 
Commission of SA:  Import and Export Control.  In the case of some goods, applications are 
also considered by the Departments of Health and Environment Affairs.  In certain instances, 
the obligation is on the prospective importer to ap proach these Departments.  
 
VIII. With the exception of licensing in respect of goods controlled in terms of the Montreal 
Protocol, the 1998 Convention against chemicals used in illegal drug manufacturing, the 
Basel Convention, for health, security or envir onmental reasons, licences are issued without 
applying quantitative restrictions.  
 
IX.  There are no bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements in place.  
 
X. Imports are not allowed on the basis of export performance only.  
 
XI. No. 
 
7. (a) Applicati ons must be made prior to the shipment of goods  
 
(b) Yes. 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) See reply 6.VII  
 
8. No application for import licensing meeting the criteria is refused.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions who comp ly with the requirements are eligible to apply for 
licences.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence  
10. Importers are required to complete application forms, which are, together with explanatory 
notes, available on the website .  The following general information is required:  
 
-  name and business address of applicant;  
- quantity and description of goods to be imported as well as the custom tariff heading and 
the value of goods to be imported;  
- customs code number of the import er; 
- indication whether the goods to be imported are new or used;  
- port of entry;  
- country of origin;  
- Units to be imported;  
- copy of tax clearance certificate.  
 
11. Normal customs documents and, where applicable, an import permit is required upon act ual 
importation  
 
12. There are no deposits or advance payments associated with the issue of licences.  
 
13. There are no licensing or administrative charges.  
 G/LIC/N/3/ZAF/6  
 
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  Conditions of Licensing  
14. A licence is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The validity of the licence is not 
extended.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -use of a licence or portion of a licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. Conditions may be attached to the issue of a licence for instance in cases where imported 
goods must comply with provisions of international agreements.  
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
18. There are no other administrative procedures required prior to the importation.  
 
19. Foreign exchange has never been refused by the banking authority provide d that an import 
licence is produced or evidence is furnished that an import licence is not necessary.   
 
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