G/LIC/Q/AGO/1  
 
30 March 2015  
(15-1766)  Page: 1/2  
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 QUESTIONS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION TO ANGOLA REGARDING THE IMPORT 
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY THE JOINT EXECUTIVE DECREE 22/15 OF 23/1/2015 
 
The following communication, dated 26 March 2015, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the European Union.  
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  Angolian Joint Executive Decree 2215 of 23/1/2015 regulates the importation and distribution and 
sale of food/non-food products where domestic supply covers 60% of national consumption.  
 This decree establishes import quotas for 2015 for grocery products (cooking oil, corn flour, wheat 
flour, salt, rice and sugar), drinks (waters, soft drinks, beers, juices and nectars), eggs and 
vegetables (potatoes, onions and garlic) and plans to establish seasonal quotas for fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the decree sets up detailed requirement with respect to the management 
of the quotas. The decree bans the importation of the above mentioned products outside of quota. 
The decree also bans the importation of the above mentioned products if pre-packed. The decree puts in place entry restrictions, for instance to be by sea at certain ports etc. The decree sets up a restrictive quality control of imports and puts seve re limits on the possibilities to marketing the 
imported products to consumers. 
 The EU is very concerned about the effects that this decree may have on trade to Angola and 
would like to ask Angola clarifications on the newly established import licensing procedures for the 
importation of certain products through the establishment of import quotas.  
As the decree seems to set up a discretionary/non-automatic licensing system for the out-of-quota 
importation of certain products, the EU would like to ask Angola to clarify the following aspects:  1. Could Angola clarify whether the decree is alre ady in force? If not, could Angola clarify when 
it is envisaged to enter into force? 
 
2. Could Angola justify how this measure comp lies with the provisions of GATT Article XIII? 
 
3. Could Angola clarify whether the relevant import procedures have been already adopted and 
published?  
 
4. Could Angola submit detailed information on the procedures to be followed by traders? In 
particular, could Angola clarify where (which source of information) governments and traders can find all the information related to the application of these licensing measure: the 
procedures for the submission of applications, eligibility of applicants, administrative body to 
be approached, basis for granting the license, period for processing applications etc.? 
 
5. Article 10.3 of the Decree requires the pres entation of a license certificate and of the 
programme contract issued and concluded by the Ministry of Trade. Could Angola submit detailed information both on the license certificate and on the programme contract? 
 G/LIC/Q/AGO/1 
 
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  6. Article 6 of the Decree establishes the allocati on criteria for the import quotas. By reserving 
parts of the quotas to medium and large scale national producers, the decree arguably fails 
to ensure that the import licensing procedures are applied neutrally and administered fairly and equitably and seems therefore in breach of Ar t. 1.3 and of Art. 3.5(e) of the ILA. Could 
Angola comment on this and submit the relevant clarifications to clarify this aspect? 
  
 
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