WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/LIC/N/3/MWI/3 
26 October 2011 
 (11-5377) 
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 
 
MALAWI 
  
 The following notification, dated 25 October 2011,  is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Malawi. 
 
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Outline of the system 
 
1. The import licensing system is regulated by the Control of Goods Act, Chapter 18.08 of the 
Laws of Malawi. The licensing system is administ ered by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. 
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing 
 
2. The following products are subj ect to automatic import licensing: 
 - Eggs of poultry; -   Live poultry; -   Compound products containing flour, meal r esidues and other preparations of any kind 
suitable for use as animal foodstuffs; 
- Meat;  
- Kitchen and table salt. - Portland ordinary cement; - Cane sugar; -  Wheat Flour; 
- Matches. 
  The following products are subject to non-automatic licensing:  - Clothing and uniforms, designed for military, naval, air force or police use; 
- Radioactive substances; 
- Mist nets for the capture of wild birds; - Wild animals, wild trophies and wild animal products; - Live fish; - Dieldrin;    
                                                      
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/MWI/3 
Page 2  
 
  - Aldrin; and 
- Fertilizers.  3. The system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from all countries. 
 
4. There are no quantitative restrictions on either system.  The objective of the licensing is 
outlined below:  
Product(s) Objective of licensing 
- Eggs of poultry; 
- Live poultry; - Compound products containing flour, meal 
residues and other preparations of any kind for use as animal food-stuffs; 
- Meat and meat products;  and 
- Kitchen and table salt - Dieldrin; and - Aldrin Public health 
- Portland ordinary cement; 
- Cane sugar; - Wheat Protection of infant industry 
- Military uniforms Security 
- Radioactive substances; 
- Mist nets for the capture of wild birds; 
- Wild animals, wild trophies; 
- Live fish. Environmental protection 
- Matches; 
- Fertilizer. Quality and Standards 
 
5. The licensing system is a statutory requireme nt, maintained under the Control of Goods Act, 
Chapter 18.08 of the Laws of Malawi, for reasons  of public health, security and environment as well 
as quality and standard measures.  
Procedures 
 
6. Malawi does not maintain a quota system on imports.  7.(a) Upon fulfilment of other statutory requirements, licences are issued on the spot;  
(b) As 7 above; 
 (c) Licences can be applied for throughout the year; 
 (d) The importer has to approach one administrative organ. 
 
8. An applicant is informed of reasons fo r refusal, and he has the right to appeal. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence 
 
9. Persons, firms and institutions that fulfil the statutory requirements pertaining to the 
importation of a specific product can apply for Import Licence. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MWI/3 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Documentational and other requireme nts for application for a licence 
 
10. The documents vary depending on the type of  product.  However, the following information 
must be provided by the importer:  
- Name of applicant; 
- Product to be imported; - Specifications of product;  and - Pro forma invoice.  
11. The import licence serves as an authority allowi ng an importer to import.  Where an Import 
Licence gives conditions pertaining to health, an a ppropriate health certificate is also needed upon 
importation.  12. There is no administrative fee that is required to obtain the license. 
 
13. There is no requirement for any deposit or a dvance payment associated with the issuing of a 
licence.  
Conditions of licensing 
 
14. An import licence is valid for six (6) months and the validity can be extended for another six 
months with satisfactory reasons.  15. There is no penalty for non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
16. Licences are not transferable. 
 17. Where applicable, other administrative proce dures may entail health certificates in the case of 
food products and the management of the products  in the case where there are environmental 
concerns.  Other procedural requirements 
 18. Other than import licensing, Malawi does not maintain other administrative procedures prior to importation. However, Malawi Bu reau of Standards’ requirement fo r quality, standards, and health 
has to be fulfilled. 
 
19. The foreign exchange regime is liberalized such that no licence is required as a condition to 
obtain foreign exchange.  
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