WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
17 January 2005 
 
 (05-0189) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
 
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
MACAO, CHINA 
 
  The following communication, dated 23 December 2004, is being circulated at the request of 
the Delegation of Macao, China. 
 
_______________ 
 
I.
 CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU ..................................................................2  
A. LIVE  ANIMALS,  MEAT,  ANIMAL  PRODUCTS,  FISH,  CRUSTACEANS  AND  
MOLLUSCS,  VEGETABLES,  LIVE  PLANTS  AND  MUSHROOM  SPAWN ........................2  
II. II. HEALTH SERVICES .........................................................................................................4  
A. NARCOTIC  DRUGS  AND  PSYCHOTROPIC  SUBSTANCES;  
PHARMACEUTICAL  PRODUCTS  AND  MEDICINES  (INCLUDING  WESTERN  
MEDICINES  AND  CHINESE  PROPRIETARY  MEDICINES);  MILK  MODIFIED  
FOR  INFANT  FEEDING;  CONTROLLED  CHEMICALS  OF 1988  UN 
CONVENTION;  DIAGNOSTIC  AND  LABORATORY  REAGENTS;  PESTICIDES;  
ESSENTIAL  OIL;  THERAPEUTIC  PREPARATIONS  FOR  USE  ON THE  HAIR;  
AND  CHEMICALS,  CHEMICAL  FERTILISERS,  COLOURING  MATTER  AND  
DYES........................................................................................................................... ...............4  
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES ........................................................................................7  
A. ALCOHOLIC  BEVERAGE,  TOBACCO,  FUELS  AND  VEHICLES;  OPTICAL  
DISC  MANUFACTURING  EQUIPMENT  AND  RAW  MATERIALS ....................................7  
B. OZONE-DEPLETING  SUBSTANCES .....................................................................................9  
C. IMPORT  LICENSING  SYSTEM  FOR  ENDANGERED  SPECIES  OF ANIMALS  
AND  PLANTS......................................................................................................................... .11 
IV. OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.......................................................................................12  
A. TELECOMMUNICATION  AND  RADIOCOMMUNICATION  APPARATUS ....................12  
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE FORCE ..............................................................................14  
A. ARMS  AND  AMMUNITION,  AND  EXPLOSIVES ...............................................................14  
ANNEX A-I – Importation Pro cedures for Group I.........................................................................17 
ANNEX A-II2 – Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group I 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionaire 
2 Available for consultation from the Secretariat (Marke t Access Division) (in Chinese and Portuguese only) G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 2  
 
 ANNEX B
2 – Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group II 
ANNEX C2 – Specimen of Licensing Document for Groups III, IV and V 
 
 
I. CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU 
A. LIVE  ANIMALS,  MEAT,  ANIMAL  PRODUCTS,  FISH,  CRUSTACEANS  AND  
MOLLUSCS,  VEGETABLES,  LIVE  PLANTS  AND  MUSHROOM  SPAWN 
Outline of systems  
 
1. An import licence supported by International Animal Health Certificate/International 
certificate of vaccination or another specific requirement is required for the import of live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles). Furthermore, an in ternational sanitary certificate is required for the 
import of meat, animal products, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and international phytosanitary 
certificate for live plants, mushroom spawn and edible plant . 
 
Special permits will be issued by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto para 
os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) for the impor t of horses and the health requirements will be 
slightly different according to their origins from different countries. 
 
Import licensing, health controls and control of  importation of animals, plants and animal 
original products are outlined in the Official Gazette, Law No. 7/2003, Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003  and Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The import licence for specific products is granted by the IACM (see Annex A-I), and is 
needed for chapters 1, 2, and 3 as mentioned below and a few products in chapters 4, 16, 21 and 95.  
All other commodities mentioned below can be import ed simply after an import declaration has been 
completed. 
 
2.1 List of commodity sections and chapters of  the Nomenclature for the External Trade of 
Macao/Harmonized System:  
- Live animals, Chapter 1. 
- Meat and edible offal (fresh, chilled,  frozen or prepared), Chapter 2. 
- Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 3. 
- Dairy products, edible products of animal origin, Chapter 4. 
- Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, chilled, 
frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, Chapter 5. 
- Live trees and other plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots and the like, Chapter 6.  
- Edible vegetables, fruits , nuts and certain roots and tubers, Chapters 7 and 8. 
- Seeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing, Chapter 12. 
- Prepared edible fat, Chapter 15. 
- Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, 
Chapter 16. 
- Ice cream and other edible ice, Chapter 21. 
- Prepared animal fodder, Chapter 23. - Animal for circuses, Chapter 95. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 3 
 
 
 3. Import licence or import declaration applies to the animals and products mentioned in 2.1 
coming from all countries and territories outside Macao SAR.  
4. The import licensing system is not intended to rest rict the quantity or value of imports, but to 
protect public health, animal health, animal welf are and prevent the introduction into and spread 
within territory of destru ctive plant diseases and pests. 
 5. The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  Import of 
species under CITES code is regulated by Decree-Law No. 45/86/M.  Legislation does not leave designation of products subject to licensing to admi nistrative discretion.  Legislative approval is 
required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Application for import licence should be subm itted in advance of importation (at least three 
working days).  However, in a small number of cases, some applications are exceptionally accepted on the working day prior to arrival.  Import declarat ions are accepted also on the working day prior to 
arrival.  
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request
 3. 
 
(c)  There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for 
importation should be made. 
 
(d) Both import licence and import declaration are administered by the IACM .  H o w e v e r ,  t h e  
Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue import licences relating to the animals and plants listed in CITES (including their readily recognizable parts and derivatives) and 
medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients.  
8. Application of import licence will not be refused if the ordinary criteria
4 are met.  The reasons 
for refusal are always given to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Chairman of the 
Administration Committee of the IACM. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions, complying w ith Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003, are eligible 
to apply.   
 
                                                      
3 "Exceptional cases" are defined as those that are claimed beforehand either by the exporter or importer as of 
urgent character or in need by the importer, particularly when dispatched by air through Macao International 
Airport or via express service. The normal procedure is to produce (documentary) evidence supported by reasonable explanation to his/her clai m, namely letter(s) by the importer d eclaring so.  Also, in case of events 
and exhibitions to be held locally, wh ere imports into the Macao SAR, on a particular date, of certain type of 
goods either for sale or consumption are proved to be urgent or necessary. 
4 "Ordinary criteria" ar e the requisites stipulated by the Foreign Tr ade Legislation in force, i.e. submitting 
correct and truthful data/information and supporting documents/attachments for evidence. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 4  
 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. The required information is outlined in a samp le application form for the import licence and 
attached in Annex A-II.  11. The required information is summarised in Annex A-I with respect to live specimens.  
Controls of and requirements for import of live  animals (mammals, birds and reptiles), animal 
products destined for human consumption (meat, meat products, eggs, e gg products, milk, milk 
products, prepared edible fat), edible ice, fish , crustaceans, molluscs, prepared animals fodder, 
vegetable, live plants, mushroom spawn,  bulbs, roots, seeds, fruit and spores. 
 
12. No fee is charged for import licence and import declaration. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The validity for import licence is 30 days from th e day of issuance, whereas the validity for 
import declaration is ten working days followi ng the confirmation of Macao Customs Service. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of import licence. 
 
16. Neither import licence nor import declaration is transferable. 
 
17.(a) Not applicable. 
 
(b) For wholesale importation, pre-defined conditi ons regarding origin requirements, facilities 
and equipment under official control should be met. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No. 
 
19. Not applicable. 
 
 
II. HEALTH SERVICES 
A. NARCOTIC  DRUGS  AND  PSYCHOTROPIC  SUBSTANCES;  PHARMACEUTICAL  
PRODUCTS  AND  MEDICINES  (INCLUDING  WESTERN  MEDICINES  AND  CHINESE  
PROPRIETARY  MEDICINES);  MILK  MODIFIED  FOR  INFANT  FEEDING;  
CONTROLLED  CHEMICALS  OF 1988  UN CONVENTION;  DIAGNOSTIC  AND  
LABORATORY  REAGENTS;  PESTICIDES;  ESSENTIAL  OIL;  THERAPEUTIC  
PREPARATIONS  FOR  USE  ON THE  HAIR;  AND  CHEMICALS,  CHEMICAL  
FERTILISERS,  COLOURING  MATTER  AND  DYES 
Outline of systems  
 
1. The import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and 
medicines is controlled through (i) licensing of im porters and (ii) issuing of import licence. An 
importer of narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, pharmaceutical pr oducts and medicines has to be  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 5 
 
 
 licensed with the Health Services before applying for an import licence to import these products for 
each consignment. Import licences are also require d for import of the other items specified above. 
Importers of such products have to be registered as Foreign Trade Operator with the Macao Economic 
Services before applying for the import licences fro m the Health Services to import the mentioned 
products for each consignment. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing  
 
2. Import licence issued by the Health Services is required for the import of all of the above-
mentioned products, which are specified in Group B of Table B of Chief Executive Decision 
No. 225/2003. 
 3. The licensing system applies to the above -mentioned products coming from all countries and 
territories outside Macao SAR.  
4. The purpose of the import licensing system is not to restrict the quantity or value of imports, 
but for public health reasons and to prevent divers ion of narcotic drugs a nd psychotropic substances 
into illicit markets as well as controlled chemical s into illicit manufacture of such products. 
 5. The import licensing system is statutorily provided under Decree-Law No. 34/99/M and 
No. 58/90/M, Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003.  Legislation does not 
leave designation of products subject to licensing to  administrative discretion. Legislative approval is 
required when any changes are introduced to the existing system. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a)  Application for import licence should be submitted in advance of importation taking account 
of the processing time.  For registered narco tic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical 
products and medicines; and other items, the import licence will be issued within three working days. 
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, the import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation to be made. 
 
(d) The Health Services is the sole administrative organ involved in the processing and authorisation of application for the import licenc es of the most of the mentioned medicines and 
products except those medicines subject to CITES. The Macao Economic Services is the authority for 
issuing the import licence of those medicines contai ning ingredients subject to CITES, and the Health 
Services is meanwhile involved in  offering recommendations on authorisation of application for the 
said import licence. 
 
7. Application for an import licence will not be refu sed if the ordinary criteria are met. Reasons 
for refusal will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application, and the applicant has the 
right to appeal to the Director of the Health Services. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 6  
 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 8. Narcotic drugs, psychotropic s ubstances, pharmaceutical products  and medicines have to be 
registered with the Health Services, before they can  be allowed to be imported for the purpose of local 
sale or distribution.  A Company is required to hold  an appropriate firm licence issued by the Health 
Services before it can apply for an import licence.  Application for the firm licence is open to all 
qualified traders registered with the Macao Economi c Services.  The fee charged for the firm licence 
of pharmaceutical products and medicines is MOP 3, 000; and the charge for the annual renewal is 
MOP 400.  A licensed firm has to hold an additiona l permit issued by the same department if it 
engages in import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.  The fee charged for the said permit 
is MOP 10,000; and MOP 1,500 is charged for the annual renewal.  A list of licensed importers is 
available on request.  The information regarding th e importers is published on the Official Gazette 
when the registration licence is issued to them.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
9. When applying for a licence to deal with narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines, the importe r must provide detailed information namely 
personal identification, certificate of criminal registration and identification of the proposed licensed premises.    
 The application of an import licence of the products mentioned in the above paragraph must 
be supported by the following documents:  
 
- authentic copies of regist ration certificate issued by the health authority of the 
manufacturing or exporting country and produ ction licence issued by the manufacturing 
country;  
 
- authorised import certificate issued by th e Health Services (for narcotic drugs and 
psychotropic substances only);  and  
- the Prior Authorisation Application Form. 
  In addition to that, analytical reports or lite ratures provided by the manufacturer or exporter 
and the Prior Authorisation Application Form have  to be submitted for application of an import 
licence of the other items.  
10. The valid import licence is the only document required upon actual importation.  Samples of 
the application forms and the import licence are attached in Annex B.  11. No fee is charged for the issue of the import licence. 
 
12. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 13. The import licence covering all of the mentioned pr oducts is valid for 30 days from the day of 
issuance. The validity cannot be ex tended under normal circumstances. 
 
14. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
15. Not transferable between importers.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 7 
 
 
 16. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
17. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation. 
 
18. No foreign exchange control. 
 
 
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES 
A. ALCOHOLIC  BEVERAGE,  TOBACCO,  FUELS  AND  VEHICLES;  OPTICAL  DISC  
MANUFACTURING  EQUIPMENT  AND  RAW  MATERIALS 
Outline of systems  
 
1. The import licensing system for alcoholic bevera ges, tobacco, fuels and vehicles, is governed 
by Law no. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003. For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, the requirements set out under Decree-Law No. 51/99/M are also 
applicable.  
The referred licensing systems are administer ed by the Macao Economic Services for the 
aforesaid goods that are specified in Group C of Ta ble B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision 
No. 225/2003.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing system covers all goods listed in Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  3. Licensing system applies to the above-men tioned goods or products from all sources. 
 
4. The licensing system is not to be construed as a means to restrict either quantity or value of 
imports.   For alcoholic beverages, tobacco, fuels: to ad minister the levying of consumption tax.  For 
vehicles: to administer the levying of motor ve hicle tax. For optical disc manufacturing equipment 
and raw materials: to efficiently control the flow of such type of equipment into and out of the 
Region. Licensing is used as a means to preven t those products from being utilised for copyright 
infringing activities. 
 
5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003.  Legislation does not leave designation of products to be 
subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes 
are introduced to the existing system.  
Procedures  
   
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Licences must be applied for at least three working days before importation.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 8  
 
 (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request.  (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
  
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licences for the 
aforesaid goods.  Nevertheless, with regard to vehi cles, one-off registration at and approved by the 
Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto  para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) of any 
type or model of vehicles is  required before importation. 
 
7. Application for a licence will not be refused if the ordinary criteria are met. The reasons for 
refusal are always given to the applicant who has th e right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
8.(a) Not applicable.  (b) Only those importers who comply with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for 
licences.  
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. With regard to documentation of application for licences, a single form is required.  Sample of 
that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C. 
  
For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, full information including purpose, 
utilisation, and final destination and buyer's personal details of th e imported goods must be provided 
in the application.  If the import is for local ma nufacturing purposes, users of such imported goods 
must be themselves manufacturers. 
 
11. Only valid import licences have to be presented upon actual importation.  
 12. No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licences. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity of a licence is 30 days, non-extendable, from the day of issuance. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 
17.(a)
 Not applicable. 
 (b)
 No. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
17. With reference to import licensing for vehicles, a prior one-off registration with the IACM for 
all types and models of vehicles is required.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 9 
 
 
  
18. Foreign exchange is automatically provided  by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.  B. OZONE-DEPLETING
 SUBSTANCES   
Outline of systems  
 1. An import licence is required for import of ozone  depleting substances. Import controls are 
governed by Decree-Law no. 62/95/M and are primar ily exercised by the Macao Economic Services. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The licensing system covers all goods specified in the Annex of the referred legislation. 
 
3. The licensing system applies to the above-mentioned goods or products originating in or 
coming from those members who are contracting parties to the Montreal Protocol (1987).  Importation of ozone depleting substances from non-parties to the Montreal Protocol is strictly prohibited.  
 4. The licensing system enables Macao authorities to  comply with and abide by the rights and 
obligations set out in the Montreal Protocol. Fo r this purpose, a quantitative limit is imposed to 
imports of ozone depleting substances that do not exceed levels agreed under the said Protocol.  
 5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under the said legislation. 
Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system.  
 6. Imports of ozone depleting substances are subj ect to quantitative restrictions as follows:  
I.  Opening of quota allocation is publicly a nnounced for all importers.  However, the amount 
allocated will not be published.  
II.  Quota is allocated on a yearly basis.  Licences  are normally issued to importers for individual 
consignments.  
III.  The Macao Economic Services is in charge of monitoring the utilisation of both licences and 
quotas.  Unused quotas will not be added to the foll owing allocation exercise. Importers must provide 
information upon request.  
IV.  The submission of applications for licences may be made at any time. 
V.  The length of time for processing applicati ons is normally a minimum of 6 working days. 
VI.  Not specified. VII.  Two authorities, namely the Environmen t Council and the Macao Economic Services, are 
involved in the processing of applications.  Appli cation of licences should be first submitted to the 
Environment Council for recommendation.  Then, the application, with the attached recommendations 
if any, is forwarded to the Macao Economic Servic es for approval.  Licences are issued by the Macao 
Economic Services. 
VIII. Quota allocation is carried out in accordance with the provisions set out in the Regulation on 
Utilisation of Quota of Importation of Trichloroe thane, which is administered by the Macao 
Economic Services.  Two types of quota, namely in itial quota and additional quota, are specified in 
the Regulation.  Initial quota is a llocated based on past performance only.  Additional quota is granted 
under a points system set out in the said Regulation, by an amount of approximately 20% of the 
annually agreed level to be distributed to all applicants.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 10  
 
 IX Not applicable. 
X. Not applicable. XI. No. 
 7. Not applicable. 
 
8. Application for a licence will not be refused if both the ordinary criteria are fulfilled and the 
quota does not exceed the allocated limit. The reasons for refusal are always given to the applicant 
who has the right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9.(a) Only those importers who comply with Artic le 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for 
licences.   
(b)
 Not applicable. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. With regard to documentation for application of licences, a single form is required. Sample of 
that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C. 
 
11. Only valid import licences have to be presented upon actual importation.  
 12. No administrative fee is charged for issuance of import licences. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity of a licence is 30 days, non-extendable, from the day of issuance. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 17.(a)
 Not applicable. 
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 18. There are no other procedural requirements. 
 
19. Foreign exchange is automatically provided  by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 11 
 
 
 C. IMPORT  LICENSING  SYSTEM  FOR  ENDANGERED  SPECIES  OF ANIMALS  AND  
PLANTS 
Outline of systems  
 1. An import licence is required for import of endangered species of animals and plants, 
(whether alive, dead) body parts, derivatives and specimens.  Import controls are governed by Decree-
Law No. 45/86/M and are administered by the Macao Economic Services. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The licensing system covers all species listed in Annexes I, II and III of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  For imports of animals 
and plants specified in the CITES Annexes I and II, CITES certificates or relevant export licences 
issued by exporting territories or countries are request ed.  In addition, for imports of species listed in 
the CITES Annex III, certificates of origin issued by exporting territories or countries are required, if 
the exporting territories or countries are not the contracting parties of the said Convention. 
 3. Licensing system applies to all the above-mentioned species originating in or coming from all 
sources.   4. The licensing system is not construed as a means to restrict either quantity or value of 
imports, but to preserve animal and plant health, an imal life, as well as to prevent exploitation of 
endangered wildlife in accordance with the CITES.  5. The licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Decree-Law No. 45/86/M. 
Legislation does not leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative 
discretion.  Legislative approval is required when any changes are introduced to the existing system. 
 Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a)
  Licences must be applied for at least five working days before importation. 
  (b)
 Where there is proof of a genuine need, im port licences might exceptionally be granted on 
request.  
(c) There is no time limitation as to the period of  the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licences for the 
aforesaid species. 
 
7. Application for a licence will not be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  The reason for 
refusal is always given to the applicant who has th e right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
8.(a)  Not applicable. 
 (b) Only those importers who comply with Article  11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for 
licences.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 12  
 
  
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 8. With regard to documentation for application of licences, a single form is required.  Sample of 
that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C. 
 
9. CITES certificates or relevant import licences and, by case, certificates of origin, issued by 
the exporting territories or countries, in addition to the import licences and CITES certificates issued by the Macao Economic Services, have to be presented upon actual importation. 
 
10. A handling fee of 0.5 per cent on the c.i.f. valu e in patacas is levied, regardless of the country 
of origin.  11. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
12. A licence is valid for 30 days, non-extendable, from the day of its issuance. 
 13. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
14. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 15.(a)
 Not applicable. 
 (b)
 No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
15. With reference to import licensing for medicines comprising ingredients of species covered in 
the CITES, approval or recommendation by the Health Se rvices is required prior to their importations.  
Regarding the animals and plants listed in the CI TES, quarantine approval by the IACM is required. 
 
16. Foreign exchange is automatically provided  by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported.   IV. OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMEN T OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
A. TELECOMMUNICATION
 AND  RADIOCOMMUNICATION  APPARATUS   
Outline of systems  
 1. Import controls are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services.  However, the 
Office for the Development of Telecommunications a nd Information Technology is also involved in 
the system of import controls on telecomm unication and radiocomm unication equipment. 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import licences are required for telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. 
These include:   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 13 
 
 
 (a) Transmitters for radiotelephone, radiotelegraph, radio broadcasting or television, whether or 
not incorporated with built-in receivers, r ecorders or sound repr oducer (except mobile, 
cordless telephones, close-circuit television sy stems and those with exemption of station 
licence or type approval according to the a pplicable radiocommunication legislation). 
 
(b) Radar equipment, radio navigation equipmen t and remote control    equipment. 
 (c) Receivers for radiotelephone, radiotelegraph, whether or not combined, inside the same 
cabinet, with a sound recording or reproduci ng apparatus or a timer (except broadcasting 
receivers). 
 
(d) The spare parts exclusively or partially for the equipment listed above. 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from any countries or 
territories. 
 
4. The import licensing system on telecommunicati on and radiocommunication equipment is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of impor ts.  Instead, its aim is to ensure the products 
imported meet certain standards.   5. The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  Legislation 
does not leave designation of products, which are s ubject to licensing to administrative discretion. 
Legislative approval is required when any ch anges are introduced to  the existing system. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Licence application should be submitted befo re importing the equipment, taking account of 
the processing time required by the Office for the Development of Telecommunications and 
Information Technology, which is normally within three working days. 
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made.  (d) The Office for the Development of Telecommunications and Information Technology is the 
sole administrative organ to issue licences for the telecommunication and radiocommunication 
equipment.  8. Import licence application may be refused in  case the equipment does not comply with the 
Technical Standards applicable in Macao SAR. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons, firms and instituti ons complying with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible 
to apply for licences except under special circumstan ces where licensing facilities are denied owing to 
the non-compliance of certain requirement.   
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 14  
 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. A sample form is attached in Annex C.  Catalogues/technical specifications for the products 
under application are to be submitted with the a pplication for technical classification purpose. 
 
11. Only the import licence is needed upon actual importation. 
 
12. No licensing fee is charged. 
 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. An import licence covering telecommunication a nd radiocommunication equipment is valid 
for 30 days from the day of its issuance. The valid ity cannot be extended under normal circumstances. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
16. Not transferable. 
 
17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. No other administrative procedures required. 
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
 
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE FORCE 
A. ARMS  AND  AMMUNITION,  AND  EXPLOSIVES 
Outline of systems  
 
1. Import controls on arms and am munition, and explosives are primarily exercised by the 
Macao Security Police (CPSP – Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública ). 
  Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
 
 
2. Import licences are required for certain arms and ammunition, and explosives: 
 (a) Licence for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32 
 (b) Licence for competition gun: 
 
Arms Calibre 
 
 
Pistol  .177 
 .22S  (Short) 
 .22LR (Long Rifle)  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 15 
 
 
 Arms Calibre 
 .32 
 .38 
 .45 
 
Revolvers 
  .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 .32 
 .38  .45 
Shotgun  .12 
Precision  .177   
Guns 
Automatic or Semi-automatic  .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from any countries or 
territories.  
4. The import licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to monitor 
the inflow of the aforesaid goods.  5. The import licensing system is statutorily defined in the Decree-Law No. 77/99/M of 
8 November 1999, "Arms and Ammunition Rules", Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003.  Any changes in existing system require legislative approval. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a)  Applications for import licences should be submitte d one month in advance.  In the case of 
inadvertence, licence can be obtained within a shorter time limit.  (b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. 
 
(c)
 There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for import 
licence may be made. 
 
(d) The Macao Security Police is the sole admini strative organ to issue licences for the aforesaid 
goods. 
 
8. Import licence applications may be refused if the ordinary criteria are not met.  The applicants 
have the right to appeal to the Macao Security  Police in the event of refusal within 30 days. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions which comp ly with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003 are 
eligible to apply for licences.  
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. Copy of the Identity Card with application form .  The sample form is attached in Annex C. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 16  
 
 11. The import licence.  
 
12. There are no licensing fees or administrati ve charges for the issue of licences. 
 
13. There are no requirements for deposit or advance payment associated with the issue of 
licences. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The period of validity of a licence is 12 months.  It cannot be extended. 
 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or a portion of a licence. 
 
16. Licences are not transferable. 
 
17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. There are no other administrative procedures. 
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
 Page 17 
 
 
 ANNEX A-I – IMPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR GROUP I 
  
1. Import Notification
 
 
 Regarding the importation of live animals a nd live plants, edible vegetable, Macao SAR 
requires adequate advance notification of origin, the proposed date of entry, the species’ origin, 
quantity, means of transport, name of the frontie r post to be used and treatment of the plants. 
  With respect to importation of a consignment of  meat or products of animal origin destined 
for human consumption, Macao SAR requires adequate  advance notification of the proposed date of 
entry, information on the origin, nature, treatment , quantity and packaging of the meat or products, 
name of the frontier post to be used. For wholesale importation, products are required to be consigned 
to establishments approved by the Civic and Munici pal Affairs Bureau (IACM – Instituto para os 
Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais ) and under its supervision. 
 
 The above mentioned border entry places are:  Aerial entry  - International Airport; Maritime entry - Ka Ho Containe r Terminal; Inner Harbour Docks; 
Terrestrial entry - Border Gate;  
COTAI Frontier Post. 
  The frontier Customs staff are under the jurisd iction of the Macao Customs Service (Serviços 
de Alfândega) and they are responsible for the enforcement of various Macao SAR legislation 
affecting importation a nd exportation of goods. 
 
1.1 Import Declaration/Import Licence.  1.2 Sanitary  or phytosanitary documentation (to be presente d with the applications upon arrival of 
animals , plants  or goods). 
 
2. Documentational control
 
 2.1 Live animals (mammals, birds and reptiles): 
- International Animal Health Certificate (p rovided by the veterinary Authority of the 
exporting country); 
- Anti-Rabies Vaccination Certificate (dogs a nd cats) and Vaccination Certificate (covering 
other infectious diseases); - Dogs and cats under two months old are not allowed to be imported; 
- Airway Bill (if applicable); - Import Licence. 
 
2.2 Meat, fish and by-products for human consumption: 
- International Sanitary Certificate (not appli cable for ice cream with cocoa, and pet-foods); 
 - With regard to labelling, Decree La w no. 50/92/M applies to all products; 
 - Airway Bill (if applicable);  - Import Licence. 
 
2.3 Edible vegetables,  fruit and plants (for human consumption): 
 - Phytosanitary Certificate is required for import of plants.  (The only exception is the 
exemption for edible plants imported from Mainland China.) 
- Import Declaration. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/7 
Page 18  
 
  
2.4 Vegetables and plants (any part of  plants) for planting or propagation: 
 - Phytosanitary Certificate is required for import of plants;  - Certificate of origin (if origin has not been stated in Phytosanitary Certificate); 
 - Import Declaration. 
 
3. Sanitary /Phytosanitary Inspection
 
 
3.1 The sanitary or phytosanitary certification will have to be issued or certified by the official 
department on country of origin. 
 
3.2 Sanitary or phytosanitary inspection will al ways apply to the following merchandise: live 
animals and food products of animal origin, edible ic e, animal fodder, fruit, mushroom spawn, plants 
and vegetables; physical a nd laboratory examinations w ill apply whenever necessary. 
 
3.3 Products will only be released after proper doc ument control and sanitary or phytosanitary 
inspection.  3.4 If upon sanitary inspection any products or an imals are considered to cause risk to public 
health, or upon phytosanitary inspection any plants  infected by or infested with a plant pest , they will 
not be released for commercial purpose and the importers will be immediately notified of the 
decision.  Adequate sanitary measures regarding the retaining, destruction or re-exportation of the lot 
will be applied.  When the sanitary/phytosanitary  documentation is not correct the importer can 
present the correct documents if not, the pr oducts will be re-exported or destroyed. 
 
3.5 In case of epidemics of any other sanitary probl em in the country of origin, additional sanitary 
measures like complementary certification or interdiction of importation may take place.  
3.6 Any encumbrance resulting from retaining, re-expor ting or destruction of the products (animals 
or plants) will be under the responsibility of the import agent.  
3.7 The import of soil is prohibited. The only exception is the exemption for soil imported from 
China.  
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