WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
28 September 2007 
 
 (07-4089) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES
1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
MACAO, CHINA 
 
 The following communication, dated 24 September 2007, is being circulated at the request of 
the Delegation of Macao, China. 
_______________ 
Table of Contents 
 
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. 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 BEVERAGES , TOBACCOS , FUELS AND VEHICLES ;  OPTICAL DISK 
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS ................................................................7  
B. OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ................................................................................................9  
C. ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS .....................................................................11  
IV. BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION ............................................12  
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS ...........................................12  
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE .............................................................................................14  
A. ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES .............................................................................14  
ANNEX A-I – IMPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR GROUP I .................................................17  
ANNEX A-II – SPECIMENS OF LICENS ING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUP I..........................18  
ANNEX B – SPECIMENS OF LICENSING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUP II1...........................18  
ANNEX C – SPECIMEN OF LICENSING DOCUMENT FOR GROUPS III, IV AND 
V1............................................................................................................................... ...............18  
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 2  
 
   
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 license 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, No. 40/2004 and Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing
 
 
2. The import license for specific products is granted by the IACM (see Annex A-I), and is 
required for chapters 1, 2, and 3 as mentioned below a nd 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, chille d, 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 br ine, dried or smoked, Chapter 5. 
 - Live trees and other plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots and the like, Chapter 6. 
 - Edible vegetables, fruits, nuts and certa in 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. 
 
3. Import license or import declaration applies to the animals and products mentioned in 2.1 
coming from all countries and territories outside the Macao SAR.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 3 
 
 
  4. The import licensing system is not intended to restrict 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 re quirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 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 ad ministrative discretion. Legislative approval is 
required when any changes are introduced to the existing system. 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Application for import license should be subm itted in advance of importation (at least three 
working days). However, in a small number of case s, some applications are exceptionally accepted on 
the working day prior to arrival. Import declarati ons are also accepted on the working day prior to 
arrival. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import license may exceptionally be granted on 
 request2. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the pe riod of the year during which application for 
 importation should be made. 
 
(d) Both import license and import declaration are administered by the IACM.  However, the 
Macao Economic Services is the sole administra tive organ to issue import licenses relating to 
the animals and plants listed in CITES (incl uding their readily recognizable parts and 
derivatives) and medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients. 
 8. Application of import license will not be refused if the ordinary criteria
3 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 License  
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions, complying w ith Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003, are eligible 
to apply.   
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
 
10. The required information is outlined in a samp le application form for the import license and 
attached in Annex A-II. 
                                                      
2 “Exceptional cases” are defined as those that ar e 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 claim, namely letter(s) by the importer declaring so.  Also, in 
case of events and exhibitions to be held locally, wher e 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. 
3 “Ordinary criteria” are th e requisites stipulated by the Forei gn Trade Legislation in force, i.e. 
submitting correct and truthful data/information and supporting documents/attachments for evidence. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 4  
 
   
11. The required information is summarized 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 license and import declaration. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required; except for the import permit fee (whenever an 
import permit is needed), the inspection fee for live animal import, and the dog license fee (for the 
import of dogs) which are requested to be paid in advance.  
Conditions of Licensing
 
 
14. The validity for import license is 30 days from th e day of issuance, whereas the validity for 
import declaration is 10 working days following the confirmation of Macao Customs Service. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of import license. The live animal inspection fee and 
dog license fee are refundable if the import licen se is not used. The import permit fee is non-
refundable. 
16. Neither import license nor import declaration is transferable. 
17. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) For wholesale importation, pre-defined conditions  regarding origin requirements, facilities 
and equipment under official control should be met. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. No. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
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 System  
 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 license. An 
importer of narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, pharmaceutical pr oducts and medicines has to be 
licensed with the Health Bureau before applying for an import license to import these products for  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 5 
 
 
  each consignment. Import licenses are also require d for import of the other items specified above. 
Importers of such products have to apply for the import licenses from the Health Bureau to import the mentioned products for each consignment. 
 The licensing system is intended for public h ealth reasons and to fulfil the Macao SAR’s 
international obligations. 
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing
 
 
2. Import license issued by the Health Bureau is  required for the import of all of the above-
mentioned products, which are specified in the Group B of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 
3. The licensing system applies to the above-mentioned products coming from all 
countries/territories outside the 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 the Decree-Law No. 34/99/M, 
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 license should be su bmitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines; and othe r items, the import license will be issued 
within three working days. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, the import license may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for license 
and/or importation is to be made. 
 
(d) The Health Bureau is the sole admini strative organ responsible for processing and 
authorisation of application for the import licenses of most of the mentioned medicines and products except those medicines covered under CITES. The Macao Economic Services is the competent authority for issuing import licenses for those medicines containing ingredients 
subject to CITES protection, and the Health Bureau is meanwhile involved in offering 
recommendations on authorisation of application for the said import license. 
 8. Application for an import license 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 Bureau. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 6  
 
  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License
 
 
9. Narcotic drugs, psychotropic s ubstances, pharmaceutical products  and medicines have to be 
registered with the Health Bureau, 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 license issued by the Health 
Bureau before it can apply for an import license. Application for the firm license is open to all 
qualified traders which comply with Article 11 of  Law No. 7/2003. The fee charged for the firm 
license 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  additional permit issued by the same department 
if it engages in import of narcotic drugs and ps ychotropic 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 regardi ng the importers is publishe d on the Official Gazette 
when the registration license is issued to them. 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License
 
 10. When applying for a license 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 license of the produc ts mentioned in the above paragraph must be 
supported by the following documents:  
 
- authentic copies of registration certificate issued by the health authority of the 
manufacturing or exporting country and production license issued by the manufacturing country;  
- authorised import certificate issued by the Health Bureau (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 
license of the other items. 
 
11. The valid import license is the only document required upon actual importation. Samples of 
the application forms and the import license are attached in Annex B. 
12. No fee is charged for the issue of the import license. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of Licensing
 
 
14. The import license covering all of the mentioned products is valid for 30 days from the day of 
issuance. The validity cannot be ex tended under normal circumstances.  
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import license. 
16. Not transferable between importers. 
17. No.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation. 
19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES 
A. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES , TOBACCOS , FUELS AND VEHICLES ;  OPTICAL DISK MANUFACTURING 
EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS  
Outline of System  
 
1. The import licensing system for alcoholic bevera ges, tobaccos, 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. 
 This licensing system is administered by the Macao Economic Services for the aforesaid 
goods that are specified in Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
 
 
2. This licensing system covers all goods listed in  Group C of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision No. 368/2006. 
3. This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods. 
4. This licensing system is not to be construed as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports. 
Rather, its purposes are: 
 
• To administer the levying of consumption tax for alcoholic beverages, tobaccos and 
fuels; 
• To administer the levying of motor vehicle tax; 
• To enforce control over the flow of optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw 
materials so as to prevent such types of  products from being unduly utilised for 
copyright infringing activities. 
 
5. Licensing for the above-mentioned goods is a statutory requirement maintained under Law 
No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003. Legislation does not leave the designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion. Legislative a pproval is required before 
any changes could be made to the existing system. 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Licenses must be applied for at least thr ee working days in advance of importation. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 8  
 
  (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licenses might be processed immediately on 
request. 
 (c) There is no limitation as to the period of the y ear during which application for licenses and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole admi nistrative organ to issue licenses for the 
aforesaid goods. Nevertheless, registration with and subsequent approval by the Civic and 
Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto pa ra os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) in 
regard to the type or the model of vehicles to  be imported must be obtained before licenses 
could be issued. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met. In circ umstances where license 
application is not accepted, the relevant reasons will be elaborated to the applicant who has the right 
to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License
 
 
9. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of La w No.7/2003 are eligible to apply for licenses. 
Documentational and Other Requirements for License Application  
 
10. For each license, a single application form need s to be filled and handed in to the Macao 
Economic Services.  A sample of that form (import license) is attached in Annex C. 
For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw ma terials, complete information including the 
purpose of such an import, the use and final destin ation of the goods to be  imported and the personal 
details of the importer must be provided in the ap plication. If the goods to be imported are for local 
manufacturing purposes, the user of such imported goods must also be the manufacturer. 
 
11. Only valid import licenses have to be presented upon actual importation.  
12. No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licenses. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. The validity of a license expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import license. 
16. Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
17. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) No. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 9 
 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. For vehicles, prior registration with and subseque nt approval by IACM in regard to the type 
or the model of vehicles is required.  
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 B. 
OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
Outline of System  
 
1. An import license is required for the import of ozone-depleting substances. Import controls 
are governed by Decree-Law No. 62/95/M and are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic 
Services. 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 
2. This licensing system covers all goods specified in the Annexes of the referred legislation. 
3. This licensing system applies to the goods or  products in the a bove-mentioned Annexes 
originating in or coming from contracting parti es to the Montreal Protocol. Importation of ozone-
depleting substances from non-parties to the M ontreal Protocol is strictly prohibited. 
4. As a contracting party, the Macao SAR authoriti es are required to abide by the obligations set 
out in the Montreal Protocol. For this reason, th e quantitative limits agreed in the Protocol are 
imposed on the import of such substances. 
5. Licensing for ozone-depleting substances is a st atutory requirement maintained under Decree-
Law No. 62/95/M.  Legislation does not leave the designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required before any changes could be made to the 
existing system.  
6. Import of ozone-depleting substances is subject to  quantitative restrictions in the form of an 
overall limit monitored by the Environment Council, a nd allocation of quotas to individual importers 
no longer exists.  
I. Not applicable. 
 
II The size of the quota is determined in acco rdance with the provisions in the Montreal 
Protocol.   III. To ensure that licenses issu ed are actually used for imports , the Macao Economic Services is 
confirmed and apprised by the Customs Service of the actual quantities imported.    
 
IV. The submission of applications fo r licenses may be made at any time. 
 V. All applications are processed within 6 wo rking days from the day all necessary documents 
are received. 
 
VI. Not applicable.  VII. Two authorities, namely the Environment Council and the Macao Economic Services, are involved in the processing of license applications. A pplication for licenses should first be submitted to G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 10  
 
  the Environment Council for opinions. Then the app lication, with the attached opinions if any, is 
forwarded to the Macao Economic Se rvices for approval. Licenses ar e issued by the Macao Economic 
Services.  VIII. If the demand for licenses cannot be fully sa tisfied, the allocation is made on a first-come 
first-served basis. 
 IX. Not applicable.  X. Not applicable. 
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable. 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary  criteria are met as long as the overall quota limit 
is not yet exhausted.  In circumstances where licen se application is not accepted, the relevant reasons 
will be elaborated to the applicant who has the right to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License
 
 
9. (a) Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law No.7/2003 are eligible to apply for licenses.  
(b) Not applicable. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for License Application  
 
10. Application forms for licenses should first be  submitted to the Environment Council for 
opinions.  Then the application, with the attach ed opinions, is forwarded to the Macao Economic 
Services for approval.  A sample of the import license application form is attached in Annex C. 
11. Only valid import licenses have to be presented upon actual importation.  
12. No administrative fee is charged for issuance of import licenses. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. The validity of a license expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import license. 
16. Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
17. (a) No 
(b) Not applicable 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 11 
 
 
  Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. There are no other procedural requirements. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
  C. 
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
Outline of Systems  
 
1. An import license is required for the import of  endangered species of animals and plants 
(whether alive or dead), their body parts, deriva tives and specimens.  Import controls are governed by 
Decree-Law No. 45/86/M and are administered by the Macao Economic Services. 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 
2. This licensing system covers all specimens lis ted in Annexes I, II and III of the Convention 
on International Trade in Endangered Species of W ild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  For imports of 
animals and plants specified in the CITES Annex es I, II and III, CITES certificates or relevant export 
licenses issued by exporting countries or territories ar e required.  On the other hand, for imports of 
species listed in CITES Annex III, certificates of orig in issued by exporting countries or territories are 
required if the exporting countries or territories are not contracting parties to CITES. 
3. This licensing system applies, regardle ss of the sources of the specimens.  
4. This licensing system is not construed to be a means to place restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports, but to ensure that  international trade in specimens of wild animals 
and plants does not threaten their survival. 
5. Licensing of the above-mentioned specimens is a statutory requirement maintained under 
Decree-Law No. 45/86/M. Legislation does not leave their designation to be subject to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  Legislative approval is required before any changes could be made to the 
existing system. 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
7. (a) Licenses must be applied for at least five working days in advance of importation. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licenses might be processed immediately on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation as to the period of th e year during which application for licenses and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses to the 
aforesaid specimens. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary cr iteria are met.  In circ umstances where license 
application is not accepted, the relevant reasons will be elaborated to the applicant who has the right 
to appeal to the Macao Economic Services. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 12  
 
  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License
 
 
9. (a) Not applicable. 
 
(b) Importers who comply with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for licenses.  
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for License Application  
 
10. For each license, a single application form need s to be filled and handed in to the Macao 
Economic Services together with the presentation of th e CITES certificate/certificate of origin issued 
by the exporting countries or territories.  A sample  of that form (import license) is attached in 
Annex C. 
11. CITES certificates and relevant import licenses is sued by the Macao Economic Services have 
to be presented upon actual importation. 
12. A handling fee of 0.5% on the c.i.f. value in patacas is levied, regardless of the country of 
origin. 
13. No deposit or advance payment is required. 
Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. A license expires in 30 days from its day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import license. 
16. Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
17. (a) Not applicable. 
(b) No. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. For the import of medicines comprising ingredients of specimens covered in CITES, opinions 
of the Health Services are required to be submitted with the license application form.  For the import 
of specimens listed in the CITES annexes, qua rantine approval by IACM is required upon 
importation. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
IV. BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION 
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS  
Outline of Systems  
 
1. Import controls are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services. However, the 
Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation is also  involved in the system of import controls on 
telecommunication and radioc ommunication equipment.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 13 
 
 
  Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 
2. Import licenses are required for telecommunica tion and radiocommunication equipment. 
These include: 
(a) Apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including those 
for communication in a wireless local or wide area network, except cellular telephones, lines 
telephone sets with/without cordless handsets, telephonic switching apparatus and those with 
exemption of station license or type approval according to the applicable 
radiocommunication legislation. 
(b) Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or  television, whether or not incorporating 
reception apparatus or sound record ing or reproducing apparatus. 
(c) Radar equipment, radio navigation equi pment and remote control equipment. 
(d) The spare parts exclusively or partially for the equipment listed above. 
3. The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any countries or 
territories. 
4. The import licensing system on telecommunicati on and radiocommunicati on equipment is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports . Instead, its aim is to ensure the products imported 
meet certain standards.  
5. The import licensing system is a statutory re quirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 368/2006. Legislation does 
not leave designation of products, which are subject 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) License application should be submitted before  importing the equipment, taking account of 
the processing time required by the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation, which is normally within three working days. 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import license may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for license 
and/or importation may be made. 
 (d) The Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation is the sole administrative organ to issue 
licenses for the telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment. 
 8. Import license application may be refused in case the equipment does not comply with the 
Technical Standards applicable in the Macao SAR. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 14  
 
  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License
 
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions complying with  Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible 
to apply for licenses except under special circumstan ces where licensing facilities are denied owing to 
the non-compliance of certain requirement.   
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
 10. A sample form is attached in Annex C. Catal ogues/technical specifications for the products 
under application are to be submitted with the a pplication for technical classification purpose. 
11. Only the import license 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 license covering telecommunication an d 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 license. 
16. Not transferable. 
17. No. 
Other Procedural Requirements  
 
18. No other administrative procedures are required. 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
 
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE  
A. ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES  
Outline of System  
 
1. Import controls on arms and ammunition, and explosives are primarily exercised by the 
Macao Security Police (CPSP – Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública ). 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing  
 
2. Import licenses are required for certain arms and ammunition, and explosives: 
(a) License for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32 
(b) License for competition gun: 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
 Page 15 
 
 
  Arms Calibre 
Pistol  .177 
 .22S  (Short) 
 .22LR (Long Rifle)  .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 originating in and coming from any countries. 
4. The import licensing is not intended to restrict th e 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 licenses should be s ubmitted one month in advance. In the case of 
inadvertence, license can be obtained within a shorter time limit. 
(b)  A license 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 
license may be made. 
 
(d) The Macao Security Police is the sole admini strative organ to issue licenses for the aforesaid 
goods. 
 8. Import license applications may be refused if th e ordinary criteria are not met. The applicants 
have the right of appeal to Macao Security Po lice in the event of refusal within 30 days. 
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License
 
 
9. All persons, firms and instituti ons which comply with Artic le 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are 
eligible to apply for licenses. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 16  
 
  Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License
 
 
10. Copy of the Identity Card with application form . The sample form is attached in Annex C.  
11. The import license.  
12. There are no licensing fees or administrati ve charges for the issue of licenses. 
13. There are no requirements for deposit or adva nce payment associated with the issue of 
licenses. 
Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. The period of validity of a license is 12 months. It cannot be extended. 
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a license or a portion of a license. 
16. Licenses 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/10 
 Page 17 
 
 
  ANNEX A-I – IMPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR GROUP 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 License.  1.2 Sanitary  or phytosanitary documentation (to be presen ted 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 (provided by the veterinary Authority of the 
exporting country); 
 - Anti-Rabies Vaccination Certificate (dogs  and cats) and Vaccination Certificate 
(covering other infectious diseases); 
 - Dogs and cats under four months ol d are not allowed to be imported; 
 - Airway Bill (if applicable);  - Import License. 
 
2.2 Meat, fish and by-products for human consumption:   - International Sanitary Certificate (not a pplicable for ice cream with cocoa, and pet-
foods); 
 - With regard to labelling, Decree Law No. 50/92/M and Chief Executive Decision 
No. 223/2005 apply to all products; 
 - Airway Bill (if applicable); 
 - Import License.             G/LIC/N/3/MAC/10 
Page 18  
 
   
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. 
 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 completi on of proper document 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 th e retaining, quarantine, 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 products will be re-exported or destroyed. 
 
3.5 In case of epidemics or 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, qu arantine, re-exporting or destruction of the 
products (animals or plants) will be under  the responsibility of the import agent. 
 
 
ANNEX A-II – SPECIMENS OF LICENSING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUP I
4 
ANNEX B – SPECIMENS OF LICENSING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUP II1 
ANNEX C – SPECIMEN OF LICENSING DOCUMENT FOR GROUPS III, IV AND V1 
 
__________ 
                                                      
4 The Specimens are available for consultation in  the WTO Secretariat (Market Access Division) 
(Chinese and Portuguese only).