RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
28 April 2017  
(17-2355) Page: 1/14 
Working Party on the Access ion 
of the Union of the Comoros  Original: French  
 
  ACCESSION OF THE UNI ON OF THE COMOROS  
QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMP ORT LICENSING PROCED URES  
Revision  
 The following submission, dated 17 April 2017 , is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of the Union of the Comoros . 
 
_______________  
 WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  OUTLINE OF SYST EMS 
1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to 
each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with 
respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as 
appropr iate when elements which have already been described are also present in 
another system . 
Reply : 
The trade policy of the Comoros allows for the importation of goods from any customs territory  
provided that they are not prohibited under Comorian law.  
The Un ion of the Comoros has no domestic legislation on import licensing. Under the structural 
adjustment programme launched in the 1980s, import licences were abolished (Order  
No. 99-001/MECIA/CAB).  
 
There is only one import licensing system in the Comoros, wh ich applies to  goods subject to prior 
import authorization in order to preserve  human health, protect animal health and the 
environment and prevent the entry and spread of organisms that are harmful to plants and plant 
products in all sectors of the nation al economy . An importer intending to import goods subject to 
prior authorization is required to apply to the relevant ministries and departments or government 
agencies. The goods can only be imported subject to approval of the application . 
Import licensing  was introduced for l uxury rice for non -restrictive tax purposes.  
PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING  
2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately 
grouped, are covered . 
Reply :  
The licensing system covers the products listed in Annex II  to this document.  
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries ? 
Reply : 
The system applies to goods coming  from any customs territory.  
4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of impo rts, and if not, 
what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes 
been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted ? 
Reply : 
Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
Product categorie s are subject to restrictions or prior authorization  for the reasons  set out 
hereunder : 
Plants  
 Plants  are subject to a pest risk analysis and the  region of import  must be verified by the 
Ministry of Agriculture . This is to ensure that the plants are impor ted from areas of the world that 
are free from pests that do not exist  in the Comoro s. The restriction is designed to prevent the 
entry and spread of organisms  harmful to  plants and plant products in all sectors of the national 
economy and to ensure  that t he plants being introduced into the Comor os are not invasive and do WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  not compete with endemic and other plants for nutrients in the soil and sunlight. This measure 
seeks to protect animal and plant life , as provided for in Article XX of the GATT 1994.  
Anima ls and products of animal origin   
 All import licences for animal s are issued by the Ministry of Production . All imports of 
animals and products of animal origin are subject to prior authorization  for a period of  
three  months . The origin  of animal imports  must be verified to ensure  that they are not carriers of  
any foreign diseases from which  the Comoros is free . The s pecies of the animals must also be 
verified to ensure that, if they are released on purpose or by accident into the environment , they 
do not  constitute  a danger to native  animal species or to human  life, in accordance with  Article XX 
of the GATT 1994.   
Import authorizations  for meat and poultry are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture . The origin  of 
meat and poultry must be verified  to ensure that they come  from disease -free areas . This measure 
seeks to prevent  diseases related to meat and poultry from spreading to local farms , given the 
small size of the islands in the Comoros archipelago. The cost to the Government of locating 
outbreaks and e liminating these diseases would be too high , especially given the limited human 
and financial resources available to it. This measure is designed to protect human and animal life , 
as provided for in Article XX of the GATT 1994.   
Fish 
 Prior import authoriz ations  for fresh, frozen , smoked or dried fish and for live fish are issued 
by the Ministry of Production (Directorate of Fisheries ). The restriction on fish was introduced  to 
protect against diseases associated with the consumption of fish in the Comor os. Import 
authorizations for live fish are also issued  by the Ministry of Production , with the aim of ensuring 
that the species of fish imported would not pose a threat to local species in  the lakes and rivers 
where they might be released . Such species inclu de piranha  (Pristobrycon , Pygocentrus , 
Pygopristis  and Serrasalmus ). These species of fish could have a potentially harmful effect on 
native  fish and bird species . This measure is in line with Article XX of the GATT 1994, which 
provides  for the protection of animal life.  
Fruit, vegetables and seeds   
 Fruit, vegetables and seeds  require approval from the Ministry of P roduction . The prior 
import authorization  requirement allows  the origin of the goods  and the phytosanitary certificate 
provided by the exporti ng country  to be verified . Imported fruit  and vegetables need to be 
thoroughly examined at the point of entry to ensure that they are not carriers of  any foreign 
organisms which could pose a threat to Comorian  plants, particularly since  the Comoros  has 
neither quarantine facilities n or well-equipped laboratories. This measure seeks to protect  animal 
and plant life , as stipulated in Article XX of the GATT 1994.  
Pharmaceuticals and veterinary medicines  
 Imports of pharmaceuticals require the approval of the M inistry of Health to ensure that the 
products imported are safe for human consumption and that the sources of these products are 
reliable. The import licence requirement serves as a deterrent against imports of counterfeit 
medicine. This measure seeks to p rotect human life, in accordance with Article XX of the 
GATT  1994. 
Veterinary medicines require  authorization from  the Minist ry of Production , which is  responsible for 
livestock breeding . 
Alcohol and tobacco  
 The Ministry of Finance issues import licences for alcohol and cigarettes. The restriction was 
instituted for health reasons . The import licence requirement also exists for alcohol and tobacco 
used for  religious purposes , in particular in relation to alcohol consumption . This import restriction 
follows  a recommendation from the Ministry of Health and non -governmental organizations. T he 
measure is designed to protect human life , as per Article XX of the GATT 1994.  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  Luxury rice  (0% to 5% of broken  grains ) 
Import licensing was introduced  for luxury rice for non-restrictive  tax purposes . 
5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is 
maintained. (1) Is the licensing statutorily required? (2) Does the legislation leave 
designation of products to be subjected to licensing t o administrative discretion? 
(3) Is it possible for the government (or the executive branch ) to abolish the 
system without legislative  approval ? 
Reply : 
There is no statutory licensing system . Regulatory provisions govern the prior import 
authorizations req uired for certain products , a list of which  can be found in Annex  I. 
 
Yes, the legislator leaves designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative 
discretion given that the current system  is not statutorily required . 
Given that the sys tem was  established by  regulatory text s, it can be abolished by the g overnment .  
PROCEDURES  
6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether 
applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established 
bilaterally or unilaterally):  
Reply : 
There are no quantitative or value quotas for imports of products subject to restrictions or prior 
authorization . Moreover t he restrictions  do not apply  to any specific countries , either bilaterally or 
unilaterally.  
 I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and 
formalities of filing applications for licences? If not, how is it brought to the 
attention of possible importers? Of governments and export promotion bodies of 
exporting countries and their trade representatives? Is the overall amount 
published? The amount allocated to goods from each country? The maximum 
amount allocated to each importer ? 
II. How is the size of the quotas determined: on a yearly, six -monthly or quarterly 
basis? Are the re cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but 
licences are issued for imports on a six -monthly or quarterly basis? In the latter 
case, is it necessary for importers to apply for  a fresh licence on a six -monthly or 
quarterly basis ? 
 III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of 
like goods? What steps are taken to ensure that licences allocated are actually 
used for imports? Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period? 
Are the na mes of importers to whom licences have been allocated made known to 
governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request? If 
not, for what reason? (Indicate products to which replies relate.)  
 IV. From the time of announcing the open ing of quotas, as indicated in I above, 
what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences ? 
 V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing 
applications ? 
 VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and 
the date of opening of the period of importation ? WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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   VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative 
organ? Or  must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or 
approval? If  so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one 
administrative organ ? 
 VIII. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the 
allocation to applicants made? First come, first served? Past performance? Is there 
a maximum a mount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it 
determined? What provision is made for new importers? Are applications examined 
simultaneously or on receipt ? 
 IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where ex port 
permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, 
are licences issued automatically ? 
 X. In cases  where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is 
the importing country informed of the effect giv en by the exporting countries to 
the understanding between the two countries ? 
 XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should 
be exported and not sold in the domestic market ? 
Reply: 
(I) Not applicable . 
(II) Not applicab le. 
(III) Not applicable . 
(IV) Not applicable . 
(V) Not applicable . 
(VI) Not applicable . 
(VII) Not applicable . 
(VIII) Not applicable . 
(IX) Not applicable . 
(X) Not applicable . 
(XI) Not applicable . 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a p roduct or on imports from 
a particular country : 
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? 
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at 
the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadve rtency)?  
Reply : 
 
Prior import authorization must always be obtained before  the goods arrive in the customs 
territory .  
 
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request ? 
Reply : 
Yes, provided that all the relevant requirements are met . 
(c)  Are there any  limitations as to the period of the year during which 
application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain . 
Reply : 
There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which applications for licences and/or 
importation may be made.  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  (d)  Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative  
organ?  Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or 
approval?  If so, which?  Does  the importer have to approach more than one 
administrative orga n? 
Reply : 
- 
8. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than 
failure to meet the ordinary criteria ?  
Reply : 
There are no circumstances other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria  that would warrant a 
refusal.  
Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant ? 
Reply : 
Yes, the reasons for refusal are given to the applicant . 
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to 
what bodies and under what  procedures ? 
Reply : 
An app licant has the right to ask the head of the ministry or department that  refused to issue the 
licence  or prior authorization  to detail the grounds for refusal . If the response is unsatisfactory to 
the applicant, then he or she  may apply for judicial review of the decision . 
ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTERS TO APPLY FOR LICENCE  
9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences?  
 (a) under restrictive licensing systems?  
 (b) under non -restrictive systems?  
If not, is there a system of registratio n of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation? What persons or firms are eligible? Is there a registration fee? Is there a 
published list of authorized importers?  
Reply : 
The Comorian licensing and prior authorization system  is non -restrictive: a ny person, firm or 
institution having fulfilled the requisite conditions is eligible to apply for a licence . 
DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR LICENCE  
10. What information is required in applications ? Submit a sample form. What 
docum ents is the importer required to supply with the application ? 
Reply : 
For an alcohol or tobacco import licence, the following documents are required : 
 trading licence  
 tax clearance  certificate  
 Taxpayer Identification Number ( NIP). WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  For animals and prod ucts of animal origin , the required information is  established  by the head of 
the veterinary authority in accordance with  the species, race, sex, age and provenance . 
No sample form exists.  
11. What documents are required upon actual importation ? 
Reply : 
 customs declaration ;  
 invoice;  
 import permit;   
 packing list; 
 bill of lading or airway bill ; and 
 sanitary or phytosanitary certificate ( where appropriate ). 
 
Delivery note and  detailed price information . 
12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of 
the fee or  charge ? 
Reply : 
Yes, there is a fee. The rate payable by importers for an alcohol licence is : 
- KMF 4,000,000 
 
Approval for the import of agricultural inputs is  issued for a period of one year, renewable on 
request, sub ject to payment of a KMF  25,000 application fee. The authorization entitles the holder 
to the issue of an import permit for each transaction, valid for one  calendar year, subject to 
payment of a KMF  10,000 application fee . 
An import permit for animals and products of animal origin is issued for a fee of KMF  1,000, plus : 
- KMF 500 per head of cattle ; 
- KMF 250 per head of goat/sheep ; 
- KMF 5,000 per tonne of meat (of any species ). 
 
These prices may be revised at any time by order of the Minister of Agricultural Pr oduction, 
Industry and Crafts . 
13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of 
licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of 
retention and the purpose of the requirement . 
Reply : 
No. 
CONDITIONS OF LICENSING  
14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be 
extended? How ? 
Reply : 
Three months for animals and products of animal origin.  
One year, renewable , for other products requiring a licence, in accordan ce with the regular 
procedures.  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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15. Is there any penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence ? 
 
Reply : 
There is no such penalty . 
16. Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or 
conditions attached t o such transfer ? 
Reply : 
No. 
 
17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?  
(a) for products subject to quantitative restriction?  
(b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?  
Reply : 
(a) and (b): No.  
OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS  
18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and 
similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation ? 
Reply : 
No. 
 
19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported?  Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange? Is 
foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued? What formalities must 
be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange ? 
Reply : 
Foreign exchange is provided at the prevailing  market rate by the banking authorities for goods to 
be imported. No, a licence is not required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange. Yes, 
foreign exchange is always available to cover licences  issued. For obtaining foreign exchange 
importers are required  to follow the banking procedures established by the commercial banks . 
_______________  
 WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  ANNEX  I 
PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO IMPORT RESTRICTIONS  
PIA = Prior Import Authorization  
 
PC = Phytosanitary Certificate  
 
AD = Additional Declaration(s ) 
SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Allium spp. 
(onion, garlic, shallots)  Plant material prohibited.  
Bulbs for consumption: Prior Import Authorization (PIA); Additional  Declaration 
(AD) – free of Urocystis cepulae, Sclerotium cepivorum and Ditylenchus di psaci. 
Seed: PIA, PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of the above 
organisms.  
Ground -nut (seeds)  PIA, PC + AD certifying the absence of peanut mosaic virus, peanut  mottle virus 
and Sphaceloma arachidis . Mandatory treatment on arrival . 
Botanical specimens  Import authorized only for official services: PIA; PC + AD certifying origin and 
treatment on arrival.  
Brassica  
(cabbage, cauliflower)  Plant material: Prohibited.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are free of Xanthomonas 
campestris  and other diseases transmissible by seeds. Treatment on arrival.  
Bulbs, rhizomes and other 
underground parts of 
various plants  PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are free of nematodes ( Globodera 
rostochiensis  and others), v irus diseases and bacterial diseases.  
Camellia  
(tea) Plant material prohibited, but authorized for official services. Quarantine on 
arrival or in a recognized quarantine station.  
Seed: Prohibited for the public, but authorized for official services. Impor t from a 
country where there is no Exobasidium vexans  or tea  phloem necrosis virus.  
Capsicum  
(chilli and other peppers)  Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of Ralstonia 
solanacearum, Phytophthora capsici , Colletotrichum ca psici and Fusarium 
oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum . 
Citrus spp. 
(citrus fruit) Plant mate rial: Prohibited for the public; a uthorized only for official services.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants have been examined during 
growth and are fre e of nematodes and virus diseases and of Xanthomonas 
campestris  pv. citri. 
Fruit: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of fruit flies ( Trypetidae ). 
Cocos nucifera  
(coconut)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Nuts: Prohibited from the Americas, the Antilles, the Caribbean  region, 
Madagascar and Seychelles.  
From other countries: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of nematodes, weevils 
and virus diseases on the parent plants.  
Coffea  
(coffee)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: Prohibited  from Central America, South America and neighbouring 
territories. From other countries – PIA, PC + AD certifying the absence in the 
country of origin  of Mycena citricolor , coffee ringspot virus, blister spot virus, 
Meloidogyne exigua and Hypothenemus hamp ei, coffee berry borer . 
Coffee for consumption: Prohibited from the Americas unless roasted.  
Colocasia spp. 
(taro)  
Xanthosoma sp. 
(malanga)  Germplasm: Only official services. Import authorized in the form of in vitro  
seedlings: AD certifying indexation of  the parent plants. Quarantine on arrival.  
Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Cereal  
(seeds – sorghum, corn, 
wheat, barley, oat, rye, 
etc.) Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of 
Scleropthora macrospora  and other Scleropthora , Erwinia stewartii , sugar cane 
mosaic virus, Perenosclerospora maydis , Tilletia caries/tritici  and 
Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides . 
From sugar -cane growing regions: Quarantine.  
Grain for consumption: To be determined by the NPPO depending o n the regions 
imported from.  
Conifers  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of rusts in the production  locations. 
Mandatory treatment on arrival.  
Cucurbits (cucumber, 
squash, pumpkin, water 
melon, etc.)  PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of  Fusarium 
oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum,  virus diseases and diseases transmitted by seeds. 
Treatment on arrival where necessary.  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Dioscorea  spp. 
(yam)  Plant material: Prohibited. Only official se rvices are authorized to import 
germplasm: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants of origin have been 
indexed for major virus diseases (e.g. yam mosaic potyvirus) and Scutellonema 
bradys.  
Seed: PIA, PC + AD certifying mandatory treatment at point o f origin.  
Date palm and similar 
ornamental species  Plant material normally prohibited for the public.  
Seed and seedlings: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free 
of cadang -cadang viroid, lethal yellowing phytoplasma, Rhynchophorus spp. and 
Rhadinaphelenchus cocoophiilus . Subsequent checks at planting locations.  
Eugenia spp. 
(clove)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of Endothia 
eugeniae  and Diplodia eugenio ides. 
Fruit species (seeds and 
unprocessed wood)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public; special authorization for official services.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – mandatory treatment at point of origin or on arrival.  
Wood: PIA; PC + AD – mandatory treatment on  arrival.  
Subsequent checks at planting locations for imported seeds.  
Fragaria spp. 
(strawberry)  Plant material: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants have been 
examined during growth and are free of fungal diseases, virus diseases, 
nematodes and  bacterial diseases – Corynebacterium fascians; Phytophthora 
fragariae . 
Fruit: PC + mandatory treatment.  
From regions of Asia (East of 60° longitude) and other regions affected by fruit 
flies of the types Anastrepha , Bactrocera dorsalis  and other dangerous  
Trypetidae : Prohibited.  
Fresh fruit  
(various species)  Fruit: PC + mandatory treatment.  
From regions of Asia (East of 60° longitude) and other regions affected by fruit 
flies of the types Anastrepha , Bactrocera dorsalis and other Trypetidae : 
Prohibited.  
Glycine m ax 
(soya bean)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence in the production regions of 
Heterodera glycines , bacterial wilt – Curtobacterium flaccumfasciens and virus 
diseases.  
Gossypium spp. 
(cotton)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seeds: Authorized only for official services – PIA; PC + AD (specific harmful 
organisms) and quarantine on arrival.  
Non-manufactured cotton: No restriction.  
Gramineae  
(various species apart 
from rice and sugar cane)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence in the batches of Pseudocercosporella 
herpotrichoides , Tilletia caries, T. tritici; Scleropthora macrospora  and other 
Scleropthora spp., and Urocystis  agropyri . Absence of  virus diseases transmissible 
by seed. Mandatory treatment of seed on arrival.  
From sugar -cane growing regions: Quarantine on arrival.  
Helianthus sp. 
(sunflower)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public; authorized for official services: PIA; 
PC + AD cer tifying the absence at the point of origin of Pucinia helianthi and 
Plasmopara halstedii . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence in the country of origin of 
Pseudomonas syringae pv. helianthi, P. helianthi and Plasmopara halstedii . 
Hevea spp. 
(rubber)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: Import from tropical American countries and other countries affected by 
Microcyclus ulei  is prohibited for the public.  
Prior authorization for official services: PIA; PC + AD, mandatory quarantine on 
arrival . 
Ipomea spp. 
(sweet potato)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Authorization to import in vitro  seedlings from secure sources (e.g.  IITA) only for 
official services. Mandatory quarantine and subsequent monitoring in the fields.  
Living organisms 
(beneficial)  Import authorization only for official services. Mandatory quarantine on arrival.  
Lycopersicon esculentum  
(tomato)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public.  
Fruit: Prohibited.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants have been e xamined during 
growth for absence of canker Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis  and 
major virus diseases.  
Treatment of seed on arrival.  
Manihot esculenta and 
other Manihotae  
(cassava ) Plant material: Only official services for in vitro  seedling s. 
PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are free of cassava mosaic virus 
(severe strains), cassava brown streak virus and bacterial diseases.  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
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  SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Mangifera indica  
(mango)  Plant mate rial: Prohibited for the public; a uthorized only for official servic es. 
PIA; PC + AD c ertifying that the parent plants are free of bacterial diseases and 
virus diseases. Quarantine on arrival.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of Cryptorhynchus olivieri.  
Fruit: Prohibited from Asian countries (East of 60° longitude ). 
Musa spp. 
(banana plant, plantain, 
Strelitzia, Heliconia spp., 
etc.) Germplasm: Only official services.  
PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of Moko disease - 
Ralstonia solanacearum  race II, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, R adopholus 
citrophilus, Radopholus similis, Aleurocanthus spiniferus and A. woglumi as well 
as black streak cercosporiosis – Mycosphaerella fijiensis . 
Fruit: Not authorized.  
Nicotiana spp. 
(tobacco)  Plant material: Prohibited.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying  that the parent plants are free of Peronospora 
tabacina  (tobacco blue mould) as well as Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tabaci . 
Quarantine on arrival.  
Dry leaves: Fumigation on arrival, but must originate from countries where there 
is no blue mould.  
Orchids (va rious species)  Plant material: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are free of virus 
diseases, bacterial diseases and nematodes. Quarantine on arrival will be required 
– subsequent checks in the fields.  
Oryza sp. 
(rice)  Plant material: Prohibit ed. 
Paddy seed: Prohibited from countries affected by pathogenic bacteria or 
nematodes such  as Xanthomonas campestris pv. Oryzae, Xanthomonas 
campestris pv. oryzicola, Ditylenchus angustus and Aphelenchoides besseyi . 
Seed for research: PIA; PC + AD certify ing the absence of the above pests. 
Quarantine on arrival.  
Rice for consumption: No restriction.  
Leguminous plants  
(beans and other species)  Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of Curtobacterium flaccumfasciens 
f.sp. flaccumfasciens  bacterial wilt i n the production region.  
Peas 
(Vigna, Lathyrus spp.) Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of pea blight ( Pseudomonas pisi ) in 
the production region. Absence of virus diseases on Vigna species .  
Piper nigrum  
(pepper)  Plant material: Authorized only f or official services:  PIA + PC. Quarantine on 
arrival.  
Seed: PIA + general PC. Treatment on arrival.  
For consumption (black pepper): No restriction.  
Rosaceae  Plant material: Prohibited from regions of Asia (East of 60° longitude).  
Fruit: PIA; PC + AD cert ifying that there is no fire blight ( Erwinia amylovora ), 
virus diseases or serious nematodes in the production areas. Must originate from 
regions free of San José scale.  
Rose bush shoots: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are free of rose 
wilt and rose streak as well as the absence of San José scale in the region.  
Rose seedlings: Special conditions set by the NPPO will apply.  
Saccharum officinarum  
(sugar cane)  Plant material and seed (fuzz): Only official services. Quarantine on arrival. 
Speci fic conditions set by the NPPO.  
Soil, compost, potting soil 
or other organic 
substrates  Prohibited, except for official services for research purposes (PIA;  PC + AD).  
Treatment in the country of export and on arrival. Specific conditions prescribed 
by the  NPPO depending on specific requirements.  
Vitis 
(grapes)  Plant material: Prohibited for the public; authorized for official services.  
Fruit: Same conditions as for fresh fruit.  
Zea mays  
(corn)  Plant material: Prohibited.  
Seed (for planting or consumption ): Prohibited from the United  States, Canada, 
Mexico, Puerto Rico, Italy, South -East and East Asia (East of 60° longitude), 
Queensland and the Pacific Islands and other countries affected by Stewart's corn 
disease ( Erwinia stewartii ) or sugar cane downy mi ldew – Peronosclerospora 
philippinensis, Sclerospora philippinensis , P. spontanea and P. sacchari . From 
other countries: PIA; PC + AD specifying the absence of the above organisms and 
that sugar cane is not planted in the corn -producing regions.  
Zingiber officinale  
(ginger)  Plant material for planting or consumption: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the 
parent plants have been observed during growth and are free of virus diseases 
and bacterial diseases, especially the ginger pathotype Ralstonia solanacearum  
and major nematodes.  
 
 
  
  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
- 12 - ANNEX II  
Type of prior import 
authorization  Approval authority  Definition  Products covered  HS code  Type of regulation  
Import licence for alcohol and 
tobacco  Ministry of Finance 
and the Budget 
(Directorate -General 
of Taxation)  Regul ates the import, 
distribution and use of 
alcoholic beverages with a 
view to protecting human 
health and for 
socio-economic reasons.  Alcoholic beverages  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tobacco and 
manufactured tobacco 
substitutes  2203.00 .10 to 
2208.90 .99 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2401.10 .00 to 
2403.99 .00 Order No. 14-069/VP -MFEBCEIP/CAB 
regulating the import, distribution and 
serving of alcoholic beverages 
pursuant to Law No.  13-014/AU of 
26 December 2013 on competition in 
the Union of the Comoros  
 
2017 General Tax Code  
 
Article 194 of the Tax Code  
 
Finance Law No.  08-43/AU  
Import licence for luxury rice  Ministry of Finance 
and the Budget 
(Directorate -General 
of Taxation)  Internal tax levied on the 
marketing of luxury rice . Rice containing 0% to 
5% of broken grains  
 1006.30. 20 2012 Tax Code, Article 19 9 
 
Prior import authorization  Ministry re sponsible 
for production 
(INRAP E Directorate)  The purpose of this measure 
is to protect human and 
animal health. A n 
application for prior import 
authorization is submitted to 
the INRAP E Directorate, 
which will then  examine 
whether the import 
requirements for live 
animals or products of 
animal origin have been met 
before authorizing the 
import in question.  Live animals and animal 
products  
 
Meat and edible meat 
offal, fresh, frozen or 
chilled  0101.10 .00 to 
0106.90 .00 
 
0201.10 .00 to 
0209. 90.00 
 
 
 Decree No.  87-024/PR regulating the 
import of animals and animal products  
 
Ministry responsible 
for production 
(Fisheries 
Directorate)  The purpose of this measure 
is to protect human and 
animal health. Prior import 
authorizat ion for fishery 
products is issued by the 
Fishery Product Quality 
Certification Office of the 
Comoros following a safety 
analysis.  Fish and crustaceans, 
molluscs and other 
aquatic invertebrates, 
live, fresh, frozen or 
chilled and dried  0301.10 .00 to 
0304.9 9.00 
 
0306.11 .00 to 
0307.99 .90 
 
Prior import authorization  Ministry responsible 
for production 
(INRAP E) and the Environment and 
conservation; pest 
prevention; plants and plant Live trees and other 
plants;  bulbs, roots and 
the like; cut flowers and 0601.10 .00 to 
0604.99 .00, …… 
 Plant Protection Law   
Regional plant protection agreement   
  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
- 13 - Type of prior import 
authorization  Approval authority  Definition  Products covered  HS code  Type of regulation  
environment 
(Environment 
Directorate)  products . 
 ornamental foliage ; and 
all the products listed in 
Annex I to document 
COM-5, notably edible 
vegetables and certain 
roots and tubers, and 
edible fruit and nuts  
  
0701.10 .00 to 
0709.9 0.90 
 
0714.10 .00 to 
0714.90 .90 
 
0901.11.00 to 
0910.99.00 
This measure seeks to ensure 
proper protection for wild 
animal and plant species in 
the Comoros, including:  
(a) fully protected animal and  
plant species classed as 
Category 1 due to their 
endemic, rare or 
endangered nature;  
(b) animal and plant species 
classed as Category 2, 
the preservation of which 
is important for 
maintaining the natural 
balance or the existence 
of which could ultimately 
be compromised by 
uncontrolled exploitation.  
Pre-import measures have 
been introduced for these 
species. The importation of 
these species into the Union 
of the Comoros, a signatory 
of the Convention on 
International Trade in 
Endangered Species (CITES), 
is subject to authorization for 
conservation purposes.  Any species listed under 
the Convention on 
International Trade in 
Endangered Species 
(CITES)  0507.10 .00 to 
0507.90 .00 
 
9601.10 .00 to 
9601.90 .00 Law No.  95-007 of 19  June 1995 on 
the environment   
  WT/ACC/COM/5/Rev.1  
 
- 14 - Type of prior import 
authorization  Approval authority  Definition  Products covered  HS code  Type of regulation  
Importati on banned other than 
for national defence purposes  Ministry of Internal 
Affairs, Ministry of 
Defence and 
Commissioner of 
Police  
 In order to protect national 
security, the import ation of 
arms of any sort into the 
Union of the Comoros is 
banned other than f or 
national defence purposes.  Pyrotechnic products and 
explosives  
 
 
Swords, cutlasses, 
bayonets and similar 
arms 
 3601.00 .00 to 
3604.90 .90 
 
 
9301.10.00 to 
9307.00 .00 Law No.  97-009 of 21  July 1997 on 
defence and national security  
 
__________