WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
7 October 2011  
 
(11-4896) 
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 30 September 2011, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of Macao, China. 
_______________ 
 
I.  CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU .................................................................. 2  
A.  L
IVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN  ................................................................. 2  
II.  HEALTH BUREAU .................................................................................................................  4 
A.  NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ; PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS 
AND MEDICINES (INCLUDING WESTERN MEDICINES AND CHINESE PROPRIETARY 
MEDICINES ); MILK MODIFIED FOR INFANT FEEDING ; 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 AND VEHICLES ; OPTICAL DISC MANUFACTURING 
EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS  .............................................................................................. 7  
B.  OZONE-DEPLETING  SUBSTANCES ..................................................................................... 9  
C.  ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  .................................................................... 11  
D.  NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES (CONTROLLED CHEMICALS OF 
1988  UN CONVENTION ) ............................................................................................................. 13  
IV.  BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATI ONS REGULATION ............................................ 13  
A.  TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS  .......................................... 13  
V.  MACAO SECURITY POLICE ............................................................................................. 15  
A.  ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES  ............................................................................. 15  
ANNEX A-12 .............................................................................................................................. ........... 18 
ANNEX  A-II2 .............................................................................................................................. ........... 20 
ANNEX  B2 .............................................................................................................................. ............... 21 
ANNEX  C2 .............................................................................................................................. ............... 22 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionnaire. 
2 Available in the Secretariat (Marke t Access Division )(English only). G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 2  
 
  I. CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU 
A. L
IVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN  
Outline of Systems 
 
1. An import license supported by Internationa l 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 . 
 
Import permits will be issued by the Civic and Mu nicipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto para 
os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) for the import of  live animals and the health requirements will be 
different according to their orig ins from different countries. 
 
Import licensing, health controls and control of  importation of animals, plants and animal 
original products are outlined in the Official Ga zette, Law no. 7/2003, Administrative Regulation no. 
28/2003, no. 40/2004 and Chief Executive Decision no. 368/2006 (which is updated by Chief Executive Decision no. 180/2010, dated 14 June 2010). 
 
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, chilled,  frozen or prepared), Chapter 2. 
- Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and othe r 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 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 crus taceans, 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/14 
 Page 3 
 
 
  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.  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 requirement maintained under Law no. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 and Chief Ex ecutive Decision no. 368/2006 (which is updated 
by Chief Executive Decision no. 180/2010). Import of species under CITES code is regulated by 
Decree-Law no. 45/86/M.  Legislation does not leav e designation of products subject to licensing to 
administrative discretion. Legislative approval is required when any chang es 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 cases, some applications are exceptionally accepted on the working day prior to arrival. Im port declarations 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 
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 license and import declaration ar e administered by the IACM.  However, the 
Macao Economic Services is the sole administ rative organ to issue import licenses 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 license 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 License 
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions, complying with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003, are eligible 
to apply.    
                                                      
3 "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. 
4 "Ordinary criteria" are the requis ites 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/14 
Page 4  
 
  Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
 
10. The required information is outlined in a sa mple application form for the import license and 
attached in Annex A-II.  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 impor t 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 the 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-utilization of import license. The live animal inspection fee and dog license fee are refundable if the import license 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 conditi ons 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 BUREAU 
A. N
ARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ; PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND 
MEDICINES (INCLUDING WESTERN MEDICINES AND CH INESE PROPRIETARY MEDICINES ); MILK 
MODIFIED FOR INFANT FEEDING ; 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 and psychotropic substances is s ubject to licensing control under 
Decree-Law no. 34/99/M and Law no. 17/2009.  Licensing in relation to substances listed in 
Tables 1-4 of Law no. 17/2009 is administered  by the Health Bureau, whereas the controlled  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 5 
 
 
  chemicals of 1988 UN Convention, as listed in Tables 5-6 appended to the Law, are administered by 
the Macao Economic Services.  (Details of the lic ensing system of the controlled chemicals of 1988 
UN Convention are specified in Section D of Part III.)  In this regard, narco tic drugs and psychotropic 
substances mentioned in this secti on refer to substances administered by the Health Bureau, as 
specified in Tables 1-4 of Law no. 17/2009. 
 
The import of narcotic drugs, psychotropic s ubstances, pharmaceutical products and medicines 
is controlled through (i) licensing of importers a nd (ii) issuing of import license. An importer of 
narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceu tical products and medicines has to be licensed 
with the Health Bureau before applying for an import license to import these products for each 
consignment. Import licenses are also required fo r 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 fulfill 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. 180/2010, and Tables 1-4 appended to Law no. 17/2009.  3. The licensing system applies to th e 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. 
 
5. The import licensing system is statutorily provided under the Decree-Law no. 34/99/M, no. 58/90/M, Law no. 7/2003, Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 and Law no. 17/2009.  
Legislation does not leave designation of products 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) Application for import license should be s ubmitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narcotic drugs, psychotropic 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. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 6  
 
  (d) The Health Bureau is the sole admini strative organ responsible for processing and 
authorization of application for the import li censes 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 authorization of application for the said import license. 
 8. Application for an import license will not be re fused 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. 
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License 
 
9. Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, 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 medicine s is MOP3,000; and the charge for the annual 
renewal is MOP400.  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 MOP10,000; and MOP1,500 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;  
- authorized import certificate issued by the H ealth Bureau (for narcotic drugs and psychotropic 
substances only); and 
- the Prior Authorization Application Form.   In addition to that, analytical reports or lite ratures provided by the manufacturer or exporter and 
the Prior Authorization 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 advan ce payment is required. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 7 
 
 
  Conditions of Licensing  
 
14. The import license covering all of the mentione d 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-utilization of an import license. 
 16. Not transferable between importers.  17. No. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements 
 
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
19. No foreign exchange control. 
 
III. MACAO ECONOMIC SERVICES 
A. A
LCOHOLIC BEVERAGES , TOBACCOS AND VEHICLES ; OPTICAL DISC MANUFACTURING 
EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS  
Outline of System 
 
1. The import licensing system for alcoholic be verages, tobaccos 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. 180/2010. 
 
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. 180/2010.  3. This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods.  
4. This licensing system is not to be construe d as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports.  
  Rather, its purposes are: 
 - To administer the levying of consumpti on tax for alcoholic beverages and tobaccos; 
- 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 utilized for copyright infringing activities. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 8  
 
  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 th ree 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 for the 
aforesaid goods. Nevertheless, registration with and subsequent approval by the Transport 
Bureau in regard to the type or the model of ve hicles to be imported must be obtained before 
licenses could be issued. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary  criteria are met. In ci rcumstances 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 n eeds 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 advan ce 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. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 9 
 
 
  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 vehicles, prior registration with and sub sequent approval by the Transport Bureau 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 in accordance with Chie f Executive Decision no. 425/2009. 
 
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 above-mentioned Annexes 
originating in or coming from contracting par ties to the Montreal Protocol. Importation of 
ozone-depleting substances from non-parties to the Montreal Protocol is strictly prohibited. 
 
4. As a contracting party, the Macao SAR author ities 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 statutory 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 Environmental Protec tion Bureau (DSPA - Direcção dos Serviços de 
Protecção Ambiental).  With regards to quota allocation to individual importers, 60 per cent is based 
on their past performance and the remaining 40 per cent  allocated equally among importers who have 
submitted explicit requisitions.  I. Information concerning the annual quotas and their allocation is gazetted as Chief Executive 
Decision no. 425/2009 in Macao SAR Official Bulletin dated 9 November 2009.   
 II. The size of the quota is determined in acco rdance with the provisions in the Montreal 
Protocol.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 10  
 
  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 Environmen tal Protection Bureau and the Macao Economic 
Services, are involved in th e processing of license applicatio ns. Application for licenses 
should first be submitted to the Environmenta l Protection Bureau for opinions. Then the 
application, with the attached opinions if any,  is forwarded to the Macao Economic Services 
for approval. Licenses are issued by the Macao Economic Services. 
 
VIII.  Not applicable.  IX. Not applicable.  X. Not applicable. 
 
XI. No. 
 
7. Not applicable. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary  criteria are met, subject to the availability of 
quota allocated to the applicant.  In circumstan ces where license application is not accepted, the 
relevant reasons will be elaborated to the app licant 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 Environmental Protection 
Bureau for opinions.  Then the application, with  the attached 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 advan ce payment is required. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 11 
 
 
  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. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements 
 
18. There are no other procedural requirements.  
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 C. E
NDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
Outline of Systems 
 
1. An import license is required for the import of specimens of  endangered species of animals 
and plants (whether alive or dead), their body part s and derivatives.  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 listed 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 specimens of  
species listed in CITES Annex III imported directly  from countries other than the listing countries, 
certificates of origin issued by exporting c ountries or territories could be accepted in lieu. 
 
3. This licensing system applies, regard less 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 12  
 
  (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 for the 
aforesaid specimens. 
 8. No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  In ci rcumstances 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 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 n eeds 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 issued 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 advan ce 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-utilization 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 Bureau are required to be submitted wi th the license application form.  For the import of 
specimens listed in the CITES annexes, quarantin e approval by IACM is required upon importation. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 13 
 
 
  19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 D. 
NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES (CONTROLLED CHEMICALS OF 1988  UN 
CONVENTION ) 
Outline of Systems 
 
1. The import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is s ubject to licensing control under 
Law no. 17/2009.  Licensing in relation to substances  listed in Tables 5 and 6 appended to the Law is 
administered by Macao Economic Services. 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing 
 
2. This licensing system covers all substa nces listed in Tables 5 and 6 appended to Law 
no. 17/2009. 
 3. This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of goods.  4. This licensing system is not to be construe d as a means to impose restrictions on either the 
quantity or the value of imports, but to implement measures to control the illicit traffic of narcotic 
drugs and psychotropic substances as stipulated und er the United Nations Convention against Illicit 
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.  5. Licensing for the above-mentioned substances is a statutory requirement maintained under 
Law no. 17/2009.  A regulation detailing on the pr ocedures of licensing is already under way.  
However, it is clear that legislation does not leav e the designation of substances 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.  *  As for questions no. 7-19 concerning Pro cedures, Eligibility of Importers to Apply for 
License, Documentational and Other Requirement s for Application for License, Conditions of 
Licensing and Other Procedural Requirements, the relevant information will only be available 
after the enactment of the regulation as mentioned in No.5 above.  
 
IV. BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION 
A. T
ELECOMMUNICATION 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. 
 
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing 
 
2. Import licenses are required for telecommuni cation and radiocommunication equipment. 
These include: G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 14  
 
  (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 eq uipment 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 telecommunica tion and radiocommunication 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 requirement maintained under Law no. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation no. 28/2003 and Chief Ex ecutive Decision no. 368/2006 (which is updated 
by Chief Executive Decision no. 180/2010). Legislati on does not leave designation of products, which 
are subject to licensing to administrative discre tion. Legislative approval is required when any 
changes are introduced to the existing system.  Procedures 
 6. Not applicable.  7.(a) License application should be submitted befo re 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 Regulati on 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.  
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License 
 
9. All persons, firms and institu tions 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.     G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 15 
 
 
  Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
 
10. A sample form is attached in Annex C. Cata logues/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 advan ce payment is required. 
 
Conditions of Licensing 
 
14. An import license covering telecommunication and 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-utilization 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:  
Arms Calibre 
Pistol .177 
.22S  (Short) .22LR (Long Rifle) 
.32 
.38 .45 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
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  Arms Calibre 
Revolvers 
 .22LR (Long Rifle) 
.32 
.38 
.45 
Guns Shotgun .12 
Precision .177 
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 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 licenses should be submitted 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 peri od of the year during which application for import 
license may be made. 
 
(d) The Macao Security Police is  the sole administrative organ to issue licenses for the aforesaid 
goods. 
 8. Import license applications may be refused if the 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 ins titutions which comply with Ar ticle 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are 
eligible to apply for licenses. 
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License 
 
10. Application form and copy of the Identity Card  are required. The sample form is attached in 
Annex C.   
11. The import license.  
 12. There are no licensing fees or administra tive charges for the issue of licenses. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 17 
 
 
  13. There are no requirements for deposit or advance payment associated with the issue of import 
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/14 
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  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, th e proposed date of entr y, 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  -  Macau International Airport; 
Maritime entry  - Macau Port (KáHó); Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal;  
Macau   Ferry Terminal; Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal; 
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 (provi ded 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 appli cable for ice cream with cocoa, and pet-foods);  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 19 
 
 
  -  With regard to labeling, Decree Law no. 50/92/M (which is updated by Decree Law 
no. 56/94/M and Administrative Regulation no. 7/2004) and Chief Executive Decision no. 556/2009 apply to all products; 
-  Airway Bill (if applicable); -  Import License.             
 
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 inspectio n 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. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
Page 20  
 
  ANNEX A-II  
 
Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group I  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
 Page 21 
 
 
  ANNEX B 
 
Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group II G/LIC/N/3/MAC/14 
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  ANNEX C 
 
Specimen of Licensing Document for Groups III, IV and V 
 
 
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