WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
11 May 2010 
 (10-2678) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
  
  
NOTIFICATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT ON  
IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures
 
 
NAMIBIA 
  The following communication, dated 23 April 2010,  is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Namibia. 
 
 
_______________ 
 
  Namibia is hereby forwarding its notifica tion on import licensing procedures in accordance 
with Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensi ng Procedures. The notification covers the period 
2003-2010.  
I.
 NAMIBIAN AGRONOMIC BOAR D IMPORT PERMIT...................................................1  
II. MEAT BOARD OF NAMIBIA IMPORT PERMIT .............................................................3  
III. PHYTOSANITARY IMPORT PERMIT ...............................................................................4  
IV. VETERINARY IMPORT PERMIT .......................................................................................6  
V. WHEAT AND DAIRY REBATE IMPORT PERMIT..........................................................7  
VI. MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDU STRY IMPORT PERMIT.........................................9  
VII. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM IMPORT PERMIT........................11  
VIII.  NAMIBIA MEDICINE REGULATORY COUNCIL IMPORT PERMIT.......................12  
 
 
I. NAMIBIAN AGRONOMIC BOARD IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of the system  
 
1. The Namibian Agronomic Board utilises an import permit system for the importation of 
controlled agronomic crops – white maize, wheat, pearl millet and as well as wheat flour, maize meal, 
and pearl millet flour and horticulture products.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The permit system applies to produc ts as outlined in paragraph 1 above. 
 G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
Page 2  
 
  3. The system is non-country specific. 
 4. The permit system is intended as an instru ment to ensure the marketing of domestic 
production of the controlled products following whic h permits for imports are granted on an unlimited 
basis. 
 
5. The Agronomic Industry Act, 1992 (Act 20 of 1992) gives powers to the Namibian Agronomic Board to issue permits with respect to the importation or exportatio n of controlled crops.  
Controlled crops are defined by Government Notice No . 45 of 1993.  It is not possible to abolish the 
system without legislative approval. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable.  
7.(a) No time-limit. 
 (b) Yes.  (c) Permits are only granted during the open bor der period, i.e. once domestic production has 
been marketed to millers. As regards horticultural products , permits are granted once 
applicant has purchased a certain percentage from domestic producers. 
 (d) An importer must also be in possession of  a phytosanitary permit from the Ministry of 
Agriculture, Water and Forestry.  
 
8. Applicants have the right to appeal a perm it refusal or withdrawal to the Minister of 
Agriculture, Water and Forestry.  Applications may be refused if there is still domestic production in 
the country. Reasons are provided to the applicant for such refusal or withdrawal.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. Importers/exporters of contro lled agronomic products are required to register with the Board.  
There is a registration fee depending on the milling capacity.  The list of importers is not published but is available on request from the Board.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. Quantity and type of products to be imported , town and country of origin, port of entry. 
 11. The importer must furnish the customs official s with the permits issued by the Board, the 
phytosanitary permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.   
12. There is a fee of N$54. 
 13. No.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The permits are valid from one to three m onths depending on the quantities to be imported 
which may be extended upon request.  15. No.  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
 Page 3 
 
 
  16. Licences are non-transferable between importers. 
 17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. Import permits must be obtained from the Minist ry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and the 
Ministry of Trade and Industry.  19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution. 
 
II. MEAT BOARD OF NAMIBIA IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of system
 
 
1. The Meat Board of Namibia utilises an import/export permit system for the 
importation/exportation of live animals (cattle, sh eep, goats and pigs) and products thereof. 
 Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Separate licensing systems are used fo r imports/exports of live animals and meat. 
 
3. The system does not differentiate by country.  4. The system is designed to monitor the impor ts and exports of the commodities mentioned in 
paragraph 1 above. 
 
5. The licensing system is maintained under the statutory provisions of the Meat Industry Act 1981.  The implementation of licences requires the approval of the Minister of Agriculture, Water 
and Forestry. Therefore, it is not possible to a bolish the system without legislative approval. 
 Procedures
 
 
6.  Not applicable.  7.(a) Applications should be su bmitted well in advance of importation to allow sufficient time for 
processing. 
 
(b) Yes.  (c) No.  (d) An importer must also be in possession of a veterinary import permit from the Ministry of 
Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Some imports are subject to the approval of other 
institutions, e.g. Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the case of protected species, 
Livestock Improvement Permit in the case of breeding material.  
 8. There are no circumstances other than specified  by the Act.  Applicants have the right to 
appeal a permit refusal or withdrawal to the Minist er of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.  Reasons are 
provided for any permit refusal or withdrawal.  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
Page 4  
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Importers must be registered with the Meat Board. There is no registration fee.  
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. Quantity and type of products to be imported , town and country of origin, port of entry (refer 
to 7(d)).  11. Import permit from the Board and a veteri nary import permit from the Ministry of 
Agriculture, Water and Forestry. 
 12. There is a permit fee of N$0.10 per kg excluding VAT for import of meat products.   13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. Up to one month. This may be extended upon request.  15. No. 
 
16. Licences are non-transferable between importers.  17. None accept as required by the permit.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. Refer to 7(d).  19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution. 
 
III. PHYTOSANITARY IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of the system
 
 1. The phytosanitary import permit system for plan ts and plant products was established by the 
Agricultural Pest Act, 1973 (Act No. 3 of 1973). 
 Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. There is a single permit system and it applies to all plants and plant products. 
 
3. The system does not discriminate by country. 
 4. The system is designed to ensure that imports  of plants and plant products are free of harmful 
pests.  
5. The licensing system is maintained under the provisions of the Agricultural Pest Act, 1973.  
The issuing of the permit is subject to the submi ssion by the importer of a phytosanitary certificate 
issued by the competent authorities in the country of origin.   G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
 Page 5 
 
 
  Procedures  
 6. Not applicable.  7.(a) A minimum of seven days before date of importation. 
 
(b) Yes.  (c) No.  
(d) The application is processed by a single administrative organ.  
 8. Refusal of an application may be in the case of a potential risk of introduction of pests and 
diseases in the country.  There is no appeal proce dure.  Reasons for such refusal are provided. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. No restriction on eligibility.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. Quantity and type of products to be importe d, purpose of importation, town and country of 
origin, port of entry and expected date of arrival.  11. A phytosanitary certificate from country of origin, a certificate of origin and an import permit from the Namibian Agronomic Board in the case of controlled products.  
 
12. There is a fee of N$100.  13. No.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. Normally up to three months.  15. No.  
16. Licences are non-transferable between importers. 
 17. None accept those required for the issuance of an import permit.   Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No. 
 19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution. G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
Page 6  
 
  IV. VETERINARY IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of system
 
 1. The importation of animals and animal products into Namibia is governed by the Animal Diseases and Parasites Act, 1956 (Act No. 13 of 1956) as amended.  A veterinary import permit 
issued by the Director of Veterinary Services is required for the importation of all animals and animal 
products into Namibia.  The OIE Animal Health  Code is used as the guideline for setting import 
requirements.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. A single permit system is used for all anim als/animal products imported into Namibia.  
Conditions of importation are as stated on the import permit.  3. The system does not discriminate by country except that: 
 
- Animals/animal products from South Africa – a veterinary import permit  is required for the 
importation of ostriches, elephants, wild pigs , wildebeest and buffalo only.  Importation of 
other animals/animal products is subject to a veterinary movement certificate issued by an 
official veterinarian in South Africa with requirements as set out in the Namibian/South 
African bilateral agreement (i.e . no import permit is required). 
- Importation of dogs and cats for personal u se from South Africa are allowed without a 
veterinary import permit, but a health certifi cate/movement permit issued by an official 
veterinarian in South Africa required.  All other animals and anim al products require a 
veterinary import permit. 
- In the case of a disease outbreak in a specific country. 
 
4. The system does not restrict quantity except wh ere quarantine is required (space limitations).  
The system is aimed at preventing the introduction of disease that could constitute a danger to the animal population of Namibia.  5.(a) The system is governed by the Animal Di seases and Parasites Act, 1956 (Act No. 13 of 1956) 
as amended. The import permit is a statutory re quirement. It is not possible to abolish the 
system without legislative approval. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Applications should be made well in  advance to allow for risk analysis. 
 (b) Issuance of a permit is dependent on 7(a).  
(c) No. 
 (d) In the case of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and meat thereof, the application for a veterinary 
permit must be accompanied by a permit from the Meat Board of Namibia.  Some imports are subject to the approval of other institutions, e.g.  Ministry of Environment and Tourism in the 
case of protected species, Livestock Improvement Permit in the case of breeding material.   
 8. Import permits are only refused if normal criteria are not met, e.g. if it appears that the import constitutes a danger of introducing disease to Namibia,  or when quarantine space (where applicable)  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
 Page 7 
 
 
  is unavailable.  Reasons for refusal are given to the a pplicant.  Applicants have the right of appeal to 
the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry under the provisions of Act 13 of 1956.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. No restriction on eligibility. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Number and species to be imported, country and farm of origin, place of loading, port of entry 
and date of importation.  A list of other requireme nts by species and commodity is contained in the 
application for an import permit.  11. The permits referred to in 7(d).  
12. There is a fee of N$50. 
 13. No.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The period of va lidity varies according to consignment. 
 15. No.  16. Licences are non-transferable between importers. 
 
17. None, except those as required by the import permit.  Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No. 
 
19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution.  
V. WHEAT AND DAIRY REBATE IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of system
 
 1. The importation of wheat and dairy products into Namibia for exemption from customs duties.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. A single permit system is used for importati on of wheat and dairy products into Namibia for 
purposes of customs duty rebate. Conditions of importation are as stated on the import permit.  3. The system does not discriminate by country.  
 
4. The system is not intended restrict quantity of imports.   G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
Page 8  
 
  5.(a) A Decision by SACU Council of Ministers under 2002 SACU Agreement. The system can be 
abolished without legislative approval. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. I. Information on the quantities of wheat a nd dairy products that can be imported without 
customs duties as well as application proce dure is published in the newspapers during 
September of every year.  
 II. The quotas issued to applicants ar e determined on a yearly basis.  
 
III. The permits issued must be presented to cust oms officials in order to be exempted from the 
payment of customs duties. Unused allocati ons are not added to quotas for the succeeding 
period.  
 
IV. Interested importers are allowed a period of  one month to apply for quotas and permits are 
considered when submitted throughout the year  for companies that have been allocated 
quotas.  
 V.  Applications are processed within 1-2 days.  
VI. Importation can be done immediately once permit is issued. 
 VII. The permit applications are handled by a singl e administrative organ. However, with regard to 
importation of wheat, a permit from the Namibi an Agronomic Board is required before 
importation.  
 
VIII. Rebate import permits are only considered fo r companies that have been allocated quotas.  
 IX. Not applicable.  X.  Not applicable. 
 
XI. No.  7.(a) Applications should be made in a dvance before arrival of the shipment. 
 
(b) Yes. 
 (c) No.  (d) Refer to 6 (VII) above.   
8. Import permits are only refused if the quotas for the specific product have been depleted. 
Applicants are informed of the reasons for refusal.    Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. There is no restriction on eligibility but importe rs wishing to import wheat and dairy products 
under rebate have to apply for allocation of quotas. 
  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
 Page 9 
 
 
  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 10. Products and quantity to be im ported, country of origin, port of origin, port of entry and date 
of importation.  A list of conditions is indicated on the import permit.  
11. The rebate import permit, a permit from the Na mibian Agronomic Board in the case of wheat 
and a veterinary permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services for animal products.  12. No.   
13. No. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The period of validity is normally one month. 
 
15. No.  16. Licences are non-transferable between importers.  17. None, except those as required by the rebate import permit. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  
19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution.  
VI. MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of the system
 
 
1. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is responsible for the control of imports into the country 
and implements an import permit system for all products that require permits and not under the 
jurisdiction of other Government institutions and ag encies. In particular, permits are issued for second 
hand goods, marine and minerals products.  
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The permit system applies to produc ts as outlined in paragraph 1 above. 
 3. The system is non-country specific.  
4. The system is intended as an instrument to control the importation of goods into the country 
as well as for statistical purposes.  5. The Import and Export Control Act of 1994 makes provision for the Ministry of Trade and Industry to control the importation of goods into the country. It is not possible to abolish the system 
without legislative approval. 
 G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
Page 10  
 
  Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable.  7.(a) No time limit. 
 
(b) Yes.  (c) No.  
(d) No, unless the products to be imported are under the jurisdiction of other Government 
institutions.  
 8. Permits applications may not be granted if the products to be imported are in a depleted 
condition particularly in the case of second hand goods. Reasons are provided to the applicant for 
such refusal. 
 Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. All persons and businesses who meet the criteri a are eligible to apply for an import permit. 
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Quantity, description, customs code and value of  goods to be imported, country of origin, port 
of entry.  
11. The importer must furnish the customs officials with the import permit by the Ministry of 
Trade and Industry only for those products not unde r the control of other Government institutions.  
 12. No.  13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The permits are valid for one calendar year.   
15. No. 
 16. Licences are non-transferable between importers.  17. No.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution.  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
 Page 11 
 
 
  VII. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of the system  
 1. The import permit system implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism applies 
to the import of wild animals or plants or their parts, derivatives and products.  
 
Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The permit system applies to produc ts as outlined in paragraph 1 above. 
 
3. The system is non-country specific but applica tions are assessed individually and the nature 
of use in Namibia.  4. The system is intended as an instrument of  controlling and protecting Namibia’s fauna and 
flora as well as for statistical purposes. 
 
5. Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975 (amende d in 1996). It is not possible to abolish the 
system without legislative approval.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) At least a 3 days in advance of importation.  (b) Two days could be fastest to provide a permit. 
 
(c) No.  (d) Some products might require the Veterinary a pproval with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water 
and Forestry. 
 
8. Permits applications may not be granted if the nature of utilisation is trade related but the 
applicant is not registered in Namibia or live animals are aliens to Namibian environment. Reasons are provided to the applicant for such refusal.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All persons and businesses who meet the criteri a are eligible to apply for an import permit. 
 Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Quantity, common and scientific name of the product, country of origin, date of import.
 A 
certificate from the country of export CITES Management Authority supporting and verifying the 
export of the product and a CITES export permit from country of origin.  11. The importer must furnish the customs official s with the import permit issued by the Ministry 
of Environment and Tourism as well as Veterinary approval from Ministry of Agriculture, Water and 
Forestry for some products, and an export permit from the country of origin. 
 12. N$100.  G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
Page 12  
 
  13. No. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The permit is valid for six months.  
 
15. No, but the permit fee is non-refundable.  16. Licences are non-transferable between importers.  
17. Applications assessed on individual b asis and conditions differ as per products. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No. 
 
19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution.  
VIII.  NAMIBIA MEDICINE REGULATORY COUNCIL IMPORT PERMIT 
Outline of the system
 
 
1. For the import of general medicine, a license must be obtained from the Namibian Medicine 
Regulatory Council for all medicines. Licenses ar e only granted to registered wholesalers and 
distributors. Once a license is issued, the import of  general medicine can be undertaken without an 
import permit. However, special import permits  are required for the import of narcotics and 
psychotropic substances.  
 Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 2. The permit system applies specifically to the import products as outlined in paragraph 1 
above.  
 
3. The system is non-country specific.   4. The import permit system is intended to control the import of medicines import, to ensure that 
medicines imported comply with Namibian laws and regulations as well as for statistical purposes. 
 
5. Medicines and Related Substances Control Ac t, 2003 (Act 13 of 2003). It is not possible to 
abolish the system without legislative approval.  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) At least three  days in advance of importation. The application and approval process for a 
license can be completed within one month. Fo r special permits for the import of narcotics 
and psychotropic substances, the application has to  be submitted at least three days in advance 
and the approval process can be completed within a week.  
 (b) A special permit must be submitted at least one week prior to importation.   G/LIC/N/3/NAM/5 
 Page 13 
 
 
  (c) No. 
 (d) Special permits and licenses for the importation of medicines are all issued by the Namibian 
Medicine Regulatory Council. 
 
8. Special permit applications may not be gr anted if the permit applicant does not have a 
requisite license to import, i.e. not a distributor or wholesaler.   Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. Special permit applications are only consider ed from registered distributors and wholesalers 
with a licence.   Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. Quantity, name of the medicine, country of or igin, date of import info rmation is required for 
the special permit. The information required for the import license relates to contact information of 
the importer and the business address from which the medicine will be distributed.   11. The importer must furnish the customs official s with the special import permit issued in the 
case of narcotics and psychotropic substances. 
 
12. Special permits are granted for free. However, license applicants for the import of general medicine have to pay a fee of N$1000.  13. No. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The permit is valid for three months while th e import license is valid for one calendar year.  
 15. No, but the permit fee is non-refundable. 
 
16. Licences are non-transferable between importers.  17. The importer must comply with the provisi ons of the Medicine a nd Related Substances 
Control Act. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  19. The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial 
institution. 
 
__________