G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
8 August  2016 
(16-4240) Page: 1/18 
Committee on Impor t Licensing  Original: English  
 
   
REPLIES TO QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURE S1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT  
 ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  (2015)  
MAURITIUS  
The following notificat ion, dated 26 July 2016 , is being circulated at the request of the delegation  
of Mauritius . 
_______________  
 
1   MINISTRY OF ENVIRONM ENT, SUSTAINABLE DEV ELOPMENT, AND DISAST ER 
AND BEACH MANAGEMENT . ................................ ................................ ..............................  2 
1.1   Refrigerants containing Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (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 INDUSTRY , COMMERCE AND CONSU MER PROTECTION 
(COMMERCE DIVISION)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 5 
3   MINISTRY OF AGRO -INDUSTRY AND FOOD SE CURITY  ................................ ................  7 
3.1   National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office  ................................ ..............................  7 
3.2   National Parks a nd Conservation Service  ................................ ................................ ........  8 
3.3   Veterinary Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....10 
3.4   National Plants and Protection Office (NPPO)  ................................ ................................ ..12 
4   MINISTRY OF HEALTH A ND QUALITY OF LIFE  ................................ ...........................  13 
4.1   Dangerous Chemicals Control Board  ................................ ................................ ............. 13 
4.2   Pharmacy Board  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 15 
 
 
 
                                                
1 See document G /LIC/3.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  1  MINISTRY OF ENVIRONM ENT, SUSTAINABLE DEV ELOPMENT, AND  DISASTER AND 
BEACH MANAGEMENT.  
1.1  Refrigerants contain ing 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 completely 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 of 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 accordingly . 
Following request from importers of refrigerants, t he National Ozone Unit of the Ministry of 
Environment, Sustainable Development, and Beach and Disaster Management issue a clearance to 
the importers.  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, importat ion 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 HC FC refrigerants being imported 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 Dangerous 
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 licence every time they intends to import.  They need to indicate the amount 
as wel l 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 specific conditions but preferably the importers should submit their request two 
working days before hand.  
V. There are no specifi c conditions  but generally the requests are processed within two days.  
VI.  No restriction, subject to importation is done within the same calendar year.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  VII. No. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable 
Development, and Be ach and Disaster Management process only the no -objection and 
certifies 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 th at 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 the average import 
during  2009 – 2010 for those importers who were register ed during the said two 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 H CFC an import licence is obligatory.  
X No such mechanism . 
XI. No. The 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 i nformed 
accordingly. The importer may contact the NOU and confirm whether unus ed allocation for other 
importers can be reallocated.  
Eligibility of importer s 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 importe rs at the level of NOU.  
Documentational and other requirements  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/6  
 
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  17.  While issuing the clearance by the NOU, the importers are requested to also seek clearance 
from the DCCB . 
Other p rocedural requirements  
18.  No at the level of NOU.  
19.  To be confirmed by banking authorities . 
1.2  Permit system under the Environment Protection (Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 
bottle Permit) Regulations 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 generated 
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 large volume they occupy and the 
extremely slow decomposition rate (about 500 years).  
Local companies wishing to bottle a beverage in a PET bottle should appl y for a permit with the 
Department of Environment.  A processing fee of Rs. 10,000 is charged for each 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 fro m the waste stream and submitting annual returns 
on PET produced and waste PET collected for recycling; 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 to 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 Pe rmit) 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. Appro ximately one month to process permit . 
VI. N/A. 
VII. Processing of permit by the Ministry of Environment, SD, Disaster and Beach Management 
only. G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  VIII. Permit is issued if company takes engagement to meet conditions attached to the permit . 
IX. N/A. 
X. N/A. 
XI. N/A. 
7. (a) N/A. 
(b) N/A. 
(c)  N/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 requir ements 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.  N/A. 
12.  Rs. 10,000 as processing fee . 
13.  N/A. 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Three year s and renewable thereafter . 
15.  N/A. 
16.  Permit not transferable . 
17.  N/A. 
Other p rocedural requirements  
18.  
19.  
2  MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY , COMMERCE AND CONSU MER PROTECTION (COMM ERCE 
DIVISION)  
Outline of System  
1.  Import permit system is regulated by the Consumer Protection ( Control of Imports) 
Regulations  1999 establis hing the list of goods subject to import control.  (List of controlled and 
prohibited goods was submitted in notification dated 26 September 2014 in G/LIC/N/3/MUS/4) . 
The system is administer ed by the Trade Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer 
Protection.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  Purposes and Coverage of Import Permits  
2.  Imports of controlled goods are subject to automatic licensing through an import permit being 
granted and issued.  
3.  The system a pplies to goods orig inating in and coming from all countries.  
4.  Import permits are enforced for reasons of security, sensitivity, health and environment.  
5. Import control is regulated under the Consumer Protection ( Control of Imports) 
Regulations  1999 a nd approval from the Minister responsible for Commerce has to be sought for 
any change in the list of controlled 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 
motor 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 (Contro l of Imports) Regulations 1999.  
7.  An application for an import permit has to be made prior to the importation of controlled goods 
and the import permit may be granted on 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 Protection (Control of Imports) Regulations 1999.  
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Permit  
9.  All applications are made through the TradeNet 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 va lid 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 Vehicles) 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 imp orter 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 advan ce payment requirement associat ed 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 . G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  17.  An import permit is subject to any conditions that the Permanent Secretary may impose.  
Other Procedural Requirements  
18.  There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import permits required prior to 
importation.  
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by the banking author ities for goods to be 
imported.  
3  MINISTRY OF AGRO -INDUSTRY AND FOOD SE CURITY  
3.1  National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office  
Outline of System  
1.   
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  Import of: 
(i) Tea and t ea 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 in and coming from all cou ntries.  
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 Prod ucts Regulations 2013.  Regulated 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 c onsidered 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 P rotection Office for a Plant Import Permit.  
VIII.  Applications are considered on receipt.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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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. Import clearances are for produc ts 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 a few days before or upon arrival of goods at the port.  
(b) The application may b e approved imm ediately on request but authoriz ation 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) Conside ration of applications for tea and tobacco products are effected 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 Require ments for Application for Clearance  
10.  The application form is available at the office of NAPRO and also 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 o ne 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 ar e 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 i mporters must submit appropriate documents identification/registration.  
19.  Foreign exchange is provided by banking authorities without impediments.  
3.2  National Parks and Conservation Service  
Outline of System  
1.   G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. (a)  Import of CITES listed specimens  
In accordance with Section (39) of the Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National 
Parks Act 2015, an import permit is needed for the importation of presc ribed wildlife 
under CITES.  In that respect CITES import permits ar e issued by NPCS as the CITES 
as the CITES Management Authority of MRU against payment of a prescribed fee.  
(b) Import of exotic wildlif e other than livestock and fish  
 In accordance with Section 35 of the same act, a permit is needed for the importance 
of living animal other than livestock and fish.  In that respect an Import Permit for 
Exotic Wildlife (IPEW) is delivered by the NPCS permit office against payment of a 
prescribed fee.  
Procedures (6 – 8) 
3.  The system applies to goods originating in and com ing from all countries.  
4.  Apply in CITES cases.  
5.  Act. 
6.  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.  
K,LMinimum time for processin g 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  - 60 working days in case applications should receive clearance of Nation al IAS 
committee.  
8.  Section 10(1) and (2) of the wildlife regulations (1998) allows the authorised officer to refuse 
an application for a permit. In general the following are reasons for refusal of an import permit: 
invasive species, no adequate facility  at importer’s premises and veterinary objection due to threat 
of diseases.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences.  
Documentation and other requirements for application for l icence. (10 – 13) 
10.  General information requirements for CITES and IPEW are as follows:   Details on importer, 
Scientific name of imported 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.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  Conditions of licence (14 – 17) 
CITES import permit for Appendix I is 12 months valid w hile IPEW permit is si x months valid.  
Other procedural requirements (18 – 19) 
None. 
3.3  Veterinary Services  
Outline of System  
1.   
Purposes and Coverage of Import Permit  
2.  Import of:  
(a) Live animals;  
(b) Products of animal origins; and  
(c)  Meat and meat products.   
3.  None.  
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 orig ins 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 oth er 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 case 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. G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  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 impo rts 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.  
(b) Yes, provided all sanita ry conditions are satisfied.  
(c) No. 
(d) For most products mentioned 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 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 are eligible to apply fo r 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 ce rtificates and sanitary conditions of exporting country.  
(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 c learance fee (live animals and pets): Rs 500 . 
13.  No. 
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  Import Permit is valid for the following categories as follows:  
 Live c attle 3 months . 
 Dog 6 months . 
 All other products as mentioned above three months . 
15.  No. G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  16.  No. 
17.  See (10) above.  
Other procedural Requirements  
18.  No.   
19.  Foreign exchange is automatically provided by banking authorities for goods to be imported 
(no license is require 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.   
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
2.  Plant input Permit (PIP) for Agricultural Produce of Plant Origin including resources from the soil 
(e.g. rocks). 
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 agricultur al 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 3 months period.  
III. PIP are delivered for domestic consumption. There may be cases of good s in transit where 
special arrangements are made between importers and the NPPO.  
IV.  N/A. 
V. Minimum time for processing application: 2 days, maximum time 5 days . 
VI. Imports are allowed immediately upon granting of permits.  
VII. For most products mentio ned 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. 
IX. N/A. 
X. N/A. 
XI. All PIP are delivered for goods intended for  domestic consumptions unless for transit 
consignments.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  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 one week in advance in case of emergency, permit may be 
delivered within shorter time limits. Normal time for permit delivery is two weeks.  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 mentio ned 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 of phytosanitary threats to th e 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 i mporter, contact details, name of exporter, product name (scientific name), country 
of origin, and quantity.  
11.  Original of documents mentioned at (10) above.  
12.  Import Fees:  
 Application Fee – Rs 50 . 
13.  No depo sit or advance payment required with the issue of PIP.  
Conditions of Licensing  
14.  PIP is valid for a period of three months.   
15.  No. 
16.  No. 
17.  Conditions of PIP base on phytosanitary reasons.  
Other procedural Requirements  
18.  No.   
19.  Foreign e xchange is automatically provided by banking authorities for goods to be imported 
(no license is require as a pre -requisite). Foreign Exchange is always available for importers 
through direct application through the bank.  
4  MINISTRY OF HEALTH A ND QUALITY OF LIFE 
4.1  Dangerous Chemicals Control Board  
Outline of systems  
1.  Import licensing system is regulated by Section 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.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2.  N/A. 
3.  Yes. 
4.  N/A. 
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 administ ration discretion.   It is not possible to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
Procedures  
For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports  
6.I.  N/A. 
II.  N/A. 
III.  N/A. 
IV.  N/A. 
V.  1–3 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. 
(b)  Yes. 
(c)  Yes. 
(d)  Yes. 
8.  Yes.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9.  Only registered persons or companies.  
Documentation and other requirements for application of licence  
10.  Yes. 
11.  Yes. G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  12.  The fee for Issue of import licence is Rs 200 (Mauritian rupees) . 
13.  No deposit or advance 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.  N/A. 
19.  N/A. 
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 specifi c 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 (Pharmaceutical 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 the importer 
accordingly.  
As regards to dangero us 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 Act 2000.  
Substances listed in Schedules  I, II a nd 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 Sc hedule 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 Psychotropic 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 th e annexed documents.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  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 (medici nal, 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 Acts.  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 yearly quota which 
is established as follows:  
(i) At the en d 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 resp ect 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 
justifications must be provided.  
(iii) The requirement at na tional 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 esta blished, 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 exporter who will forward a copy of same to the 
authority i n 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 
scientif ic (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 importer will have to forward a copy of the import permit/ certificate to the 
exporter who w ill 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 IV dangerous drugs (Precursor Chemicals)  
I.-II. Import of the produ cts 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 Ex port Notification (PEN) certificate requesting for confirmation from G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  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 c annot 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 n eed to be licenced by the local 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 previous 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 ca se 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 Dangerous Drugs Act.  An application can be 
submitted any time an import is to be effected during the year.  
As regards Ite ms listed in Schedule II and III of the Dangerous Drugs Act, the application 
must be submitted at the beginning of the year when the yearly quota has been allocated. 
However, import may be effected  in a staggered manner during the year.  
(d)  Already covere d 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 refused 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 registered wholesale pharmacies  
under the supervision of pharmacists.  
A list of registered pharmaceutical wholesalers is avail able at the Ministry.  
(b)  As regards chemicals, any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for licences.  
There is no registration fee for any of the above at present.  
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence.  
10.  The a pplicant is required to submit the required information as mentioned in the sample 
documents annexed.  G/LIC/N/3/MUS/6  
 
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  11.  A copy of the import licence must 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 informatio n or clarification that maybe 
required in respect of same.  
Other procedural requirements.  
18.  All pharmaceutical products are required to be re gistered by the Pharmacy Board prior to 
import and marketing in Mauritius.  
19.  N/A. 
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