WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
16 November 2005 
 
 (05-5378) 
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 10 November 2005, is being circulated at the request of 
the Delegation of Macao, China.  
_______________ 
 
I.
 CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU ..................................................................2  
A. LIVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN .................................................................2  
II. 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 ........................................................................................6  
A. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES , TOBACCOS , FUELS AND VEHICLES ;  OPTICAL DISC 
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT AND RAW MATERIALS ................................................................6  
B. OZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES ................................................................................................8  
C. ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS ....................................................................10  
IV. OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.......................................................................................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-II2 – SPECIMENS OF LICENSING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUP I 
ANNEX B2 – SPECIMENS OF LICENSING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUP II 
ANNEX C2 – SPECIMENS OF LICENSING DOCUMENTS FOR GROUPS III, IV AND V 
 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionnaire. 
2 Available for consultation in the Secretariat (Market Access Division) (in Chinese and Portuguese 
only). G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
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 licence 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 . 
 
 Special permits will be issued by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto 
para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) for the im port 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. 225/2003.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. The import licence for specific products is granted by the IACM (see Annex A-I), and is 
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 other aquatic invertebrates, Chapter 3. 
- Dairy products, edible products of animal origin, Chapter 4. 
- Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals (other  than fish), whole and pieces thereof, fresh, 
chilled, frozen, salted, in brine, dried or smoked, Chapter 5. 
- Live trees and other plants, mushroom spawn, bulbs, roots and the like, Chapter 6. - Edible vegetables, fruits, nuts and 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. 
- Animals for circuses, Chapter 95. 
 
3. Import licence 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. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 3 
 
 
5. The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003. Import of species under CITES code is regulated by Decree-Law No. 45/86/M.  Legislation does not leave designation of products subject to licensing to admi nistrative discretion.  Legislative approval is 
required when any changes are introduced to the existing system. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable.  
7.(a) Application for import licence should be subm itted in advance of importation (at least three 
working days).  However, in a small number of cases, some applications are exceptionally accepted on the working day prior to arrival.  Import declarat ions are also accepted on the working day prior to 
arrival.  
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request
 3. 
 (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for 
importation should be made.  
(d) Both import licence and import declaration ar e administered by the IACM.  However, the 
Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue import licences relating to the animals and plants listed in CITES (including their readily recognizable parts and derivatives) and 
medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients.  
8. Application for import licence will not be refused if the ordinary criteria
4 are met.  The 
reasons for refusal are always given to the applican t who has the right to appeal to the Chairman of 
the Administration Committee of the IACM. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
 
9. All persons, firms and instituti ons complying with Article 11 of  Law No. 7/2003 are eligible 
to apply.   
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence  
 
10 The required information is outlined in a sa mple application form for the import licence and 
attached in Annex A-II.  11. The required information is summarised in  Annex A-I with respect to live specimens. 
Controls of and requirements for import of live  animals (mammals, birds and reptiles), animal 
products destined for human consumption (meat, meat products, eggs, e gg products, milk, milk 
                                                     
 
3 "Exceptional cases" are defined as those that are claimed beforehand either  by the exporter or 
importer as of urgent character or in need by the importer, particularly when dispatched by air through 
Macao International Airport or via express service.  The normal procedure is to produce (documentary) 
evidence supported by reasonable ex planation to his/her claim, namely letter(s) by the importer declaring 
so.   Also, in case of events and exhibitions to be  held locally, where 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 requisites stipulated by the Foreign Trade Legislation in force, i.e. 
submitting correct and truthful data/information and supporting documents/attachments for evidence. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
Page 4  
 
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 licence and import declaration. 
 
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity for import licence 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 no n-utilisation of import licence. 
 16. Neither import licence nor import declaration is transferable. 
 
17.(a) Not applicable.  (b) For wholesale importation, pre-defined conditi ons regarding origin requirements, facilities 
and equipment under official control should be met.  
Other procedural requirements
 
 18. No.  19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
II. HEALTH SERVICES 
A. N
ARCOTIC 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 dr ugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products and 
medicines is controlled through (i) licensing of im porters and (ii) issuing of import licence.  An 
importer of narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, pharmaceutical pr oducts and medicines has to be 
licensed with the Health Services before applying for an import licence to import these products for 
each consignment.  Import licences are also required for import of the other items specified above.  
Importers of such products have to apply for the import licences from the Health Services to import 
the mentioned products for each consignment. 
 
   The licensing system is intended for public  health reasons and to fulfil the Macao SAR's 
international obligations.  Purpose and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import licence issued by the Health Services is required for the import of all of the above-mentioned products, which are specified in the Group B of Table B of Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 5 
 
 
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 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 licence should be su bmitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narco tic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical 
products and medicines and other items, the import li cence will be issued within three working days. 
 (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, th e import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 (c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation is to be made.  
(d)  The Health Services is the sole admi nistrative organ responsible for processing and 
authorisation of application for the import licences of most of the mentioned medicines and products except those medicines covered under CITES.  Th e Macao Economic Services is the competent 
authority for issuing import licences for those medi cines containing ingredients subject to CITES 
protection, and the Health Services is mean while involved in offering recommendations on 
authorisation of application for the said import licence. 
 
8. Application for an import licence will not be refu sed if the ordinary criteria are met.  Reasons 
for refusal will be given to the applicant in case of unsuccessful application, and the applicant has the 
right to appeal to the Director of the Health Services.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9. Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products  and medicines have to be 
registered with the Health Services, before they can  be allowed to be imported for the purpose of local 
sale or distribution.  A company is required to hold an appropriate firm licence issued by the Health Services before it can apply for an import licence.  Application for the firm licence is open to all 
qualified traders which comply with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003.  The fee charged for the firm 
licence of pharmaceutical products and medicines is MOP 3,000;  and the charge for the annual 
renewal is MOP 400.  A licensed firm has to hold an  additional permit issued by the same department 
if it engages in import of narcotic drugs and psyc hotropic substances.  The fee charged for the said 
permit is MOP 10,000;  and MOP 1,500 is charge d for the annual renewal.  A list of licensed 
importers is available on request.  The informat ion regarding the importers is published on the 
Official Gazette when the regist ration licence is issued to them. 
   
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
Page 6  
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. When applying for a licence to deal with  narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines, the importe r must provide detailed information namely 
personal identification, certificate of criminal registration and identification of the proposed licensed 
premises.   
  The application for an import licence of the prod ucts 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 licence issued by the manufacturing country;  
- authorised import certificate issued by the Health Services (for narcotic drugs and psychotropic 
substances only);  and 
- the Prior Authorisation Application Form. 
 
 In addition to that, analytical reports or lite ratures provided by the manufacturer or exporter and 
the Prior Authorisation Application Form have to be submitted for application of an import licence of 
the other items.  11. The valid import licence is the only document  required upon actual importation. Samples of 
the application forms and the import licence are attached in Annex B. 
 12. No fee is charged for the issue of the import licence.  13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The import licence 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-utilisation of an import licence. 
 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 , FUELS AND VEHICLES ;  OPTICAL DISC 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  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 7 
 
 
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. 225/2003. 
 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. 225/2003. 
 
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 fro m 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 administra tive discretion.  Legislative approval is required 
before any changes could be made to the existing system. 
 
Procedures
 
 6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Licences must be applied for at least three working days in advance of importation. 
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licences might be processed immediately on 
request. 
   
(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the y ear during which application for licences and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole admi nistrative organ to issue licences for the 
aforesaid goods.  Nevertheless, registration with and subsequent approval by the Civic and Municipal 
Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto para os Assuntos Cí vicos e Municipais) in regard to the type or the 
model of vehicles to be imported must be obtained before licences can be issued. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  In ci rcumstances where licence 
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/8 
Page 8  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9.(a) Not applicable.  (b) Only the importers who comply with Article 11 of Law No.7/2003 are eligible to apply for 
licences. 
 Documentational and other requi rements for licence application
 
 10. For each licence, a single application form n eeds to be filled and handed in to the Macao 
Economic Services.  A sample of that form (import licence) is attached in Annex C. 
  For optical disc manufacturing equipment and raw materials, complete information including the purpose of such an import, the use and final destination of the goods to be imported and the 
personal details of the importer must be provided in the application.  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 licences have to  be presented upon actual importation.  
 12. No administrative fee is charged for the issuance of import licences.  
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 14. The validity of a licence expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.  17.(a)
 Not applicable. 
 
(b) No. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. For vehicles, prior registration with and subse quent approval by IACM in regard to the type 
or the model of vehicles is required.  
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  B. O
ZONE -DEPLETING SUBSTANCES  
 
Outline of system  
 1. An import licence 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. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 9 
 
 
3. This licensing system applies to the goods or  products in the a bove-mentioned Annexes 
originating in or coming from contracting parties to the Montreal Protocol (1987).  Importation of 
ozone-depleting substances from non-parties to the Montreal 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, the 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 accordance with the provisions in the Montreal 
Protocol. 
 
III. To ensure that licences 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 licences may be made at any time. 
 
V. All applications are processed within six working days from the day all necessary documents 
are received.  VI. Not applicable.  
VII. Two authorities, namely the Environmen t Council and the Macao Economic Services, are 
involved in the processing of licence applications.  Application for licences should first be submitted 
to the Environment Council for opinions.  Then the a pplication, with the attached opinions if any, is 
forwarded to the Macao Economic Services for approval.  Licences are issued by the Macao 
Economic Services. 
 
VIII.  If the demand for licences cannot be fully sa tisfied, the allocation is made on a first-come 
first-served basis.  IX-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 ce 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/8 
Page 10  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 9.(a) Only the importers who comply with Article  11 of Law no.7/2003 are eligible to apply for 
licences.  
 
(b)
 Not applicable. 
 
Documentational and other requi rements for licence application  
 10. Application forms for licences should firs t 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 licence application form is attached in Annex C. 
 
11. Only valid import licences have to  be presented upon actual importation.  
 
12. No administrative fee is charged for issuance of import licences. 
 
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The validity of a licence expires in 30 days from the day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 
17.(a)  Not applicable. 
 
(b) No. 
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. There are no other procedural requirements. 
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
C. E
NDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS  
 Outline of systems
 
 1. An import licence 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 species listed in Annexes I, II and III of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  For imports of animals 
and plants specified in the CITES Annexes I, II a nd III, CITES certificates or relevant export licences 
issued by exporting countries or territories are requi red.  On the other hand, for imports of species 
listed in CITES Annex III, certificates of origin  issued by exporting countries or territories are 
required if the exporting countries or territories are not contracting parties to CITES.  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 11 
 
 
3. This licensing system applies, regardless of the sources of the species.  
 
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 species is a statutory requirement maintained under 
Decree-Law No. 45/86/M.  Legislation does not leav e 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. 
 
Procedures  
 
6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a) Licences must be applied for at least five working days in advance of importation. 
 
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licences might be processed immediately on request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation as to the period of the year during which application for licences and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 (d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative or gan to issue licences to the 
aforesaid species. 
 
8. No application will be refused if the ordinary criteria are met.  In ci rcumstances where licence 
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 licence
 
 
9.(a)  Not applicable. 
 
(b) Only the importers who comply with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are eligible to apply for licences.  
 
Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. For each licence, a single application form ne eds 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 licence) is attached in 
Annex C. 
 
11. CITES certificates and relevant import licences issued by the Macao Economic Services have 
to be presented upon actual importation. 
 
12. A handling fee of 0.5 per cent on the c.i.f. valu e in patacas is levied, regardless of the country 
of origin. 
 
13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
Page 12  
 
Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. A licence expires in 30 days from its day of issuance and cannot be extended. 
 
15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import licence. 
 
16. Import licences are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers.  17.(a)
 Not applicable. 
 
(b) No. 
 Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. For the import of medicines comprising ingredients of species covered in CITES, opinions of the Health Services are required to be submitted with  the licence application form.  For the import of 
species of animals and plants listed in the CITES annexes, quarantine approva l by IACM is required 
upon importation. 
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
IV. OFFICE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
 
A. T
ELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS  
 
Outline of systems  
 1. Import controls are primarily exercised by the Macao Economic Services.  However, the 
Office for the Development of Telecommunications a nd Information Technology is also involved in 
the system of import controls on telecomm unication and radiocomm unication equipment. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 2. Import licences are required for telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment.  
These include: 
 
(a) Transmitters for radiotelephone, radiotelegraph,  radio broadcasting or television, whether or 
not incorporated with built-in receivers, record ers or sound reproducer (except mobile, cordless 
telephones, close-circuit television systems and those with exemption of station licence or type approval according to the applicable  radiocommunication legislation). 
 
(b) Radar equipment, radio navigation eq uipment and remote control equipment. 
 
(c) Receivers for radiotelephone, radiotelegraph,  whether or not combined, inside the same 
cabinet, with a sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a timer (except broadcasting 
receivers). 
 
(d)
 The spare parts exclusively or partially for the equipment listed above. 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods origin ating in and coming from any countries or 
territories. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 13 
 
 
4. The import licensing system on telecommunicati on and radiocommunication equipment is not 
intended to restrict the quantity or value of impor ts.  Instead, its aim is to ensure the products 
imported meet certain standards.   5. The import licensing system is a statutory requirement maintained under Law No. 7/2003, 
Administrative Regulation No. 28/2003 and Chief Executive Decision No. 225/2003.  Legislation 
does not leave designation of products, which are s ubject to licensing to administrative discretion.  
Legislative approval is required when any ch anges are introduced to  the existing system. 
 Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 7.(a) Licence application should be submitted befo re importing the equipment, taking account of 
the processing time required by the Office for the Development of Telecommunications and 
Information Technology, which is normally within three working days. 
 (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licence may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
 
(d) The Office for the Development of Telecommunications and Information Technology is the 
sole administrative organ to issue licences for the telecommunication and radiocommunication 
equipment. 
 
8. Import licence application may be refused in  case the equipment does not comply with the 
Technical Standards applicable in the Macao SAR.  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence
 
 
9. All persons, firms and instituti ons complying with Article 11 of  Law No. 7/2003 are eligible 
to apply for licences except under special circumstan ces where licensing facilities are denied owing to 
the non-compliance of certain requirement.    Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 
10. A sample form is attached in Annex C.  Ca talogues/technical specifications for the products 
under application are to be submitted with the a pplication for technical classification purpose. 
 11. Only the import licence is needed upon actual importation.  
12. No licensing fee is charged. 
 13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. An import licence covering telecommunication and radiocommunication equipment is valid 
for 30 days from the day of its issuance.  The validity cannot be extended under normal circumstances.  
15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of an import licence. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
Page 14  
 
16. Not transferable.  17. No.  Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. No other administrative procedures required.  19. There are no foreign exchange controls.  
 
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE  
 
A. A
RMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES  
 
Outline of system  
 
1. Import controls on arms and am munition, and explosives are primarily exercised by the 
Macao Security Police (CPSP – Corpo de Polícia de Segurança Pública ). 
 Purposes and coverage of licensing
 
 
2. Import licences are required for certain arms and ammunition, and explosives: 
 
(a) Licence for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32 
(b) Licence for competition gun: 
 
Arms Calibre 
Pistol .177 
.22S  (Short) .22LR (Long Rifle) .32 .38 .45  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 Page 15 
 
 
 
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 the quantity or value of imports, but to monitor 
the inflow of the aforesaid goods.  5. The import licensing system is statutorily defined in the Decree-Law No. 77/99/M of 
8 November 1999 "Arms and Ammunition Rules", Law No. 7/2003 and Administrative Regulation 
No. 28/2003.  Any changes in existing system require legislative approval. 
 
Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable. 
 
7.(a)   Applications for import licences should be submitted one month in advance.  In the case of 
inadvertence, licence can be obtained within a shorter time limit.  (b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of the year during which application for import 
licence may be made. 
 
(d) The Macao Security Police is  the sole administrative organ to issue licences for the aforesaid 
goods.  
8. Import licence 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 licence
 
 
9. All persons, firms and institutions which comply with Article 11 of Law No. 7/2003 are 
eligible to apply for licences.  Documentational and other require ments for application for licence
 
 10. Copy of the Identity Card with application form .  The sample form is attached in Annex C.  
 
11. The import licence.   12. There are no licensing fees or administra tive charges for the issue of licences. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
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13. There are no requirements for deposit or advance payment associated with the issue of 
licences.  Conditions of licensing
 
 
14. The period of validity of a licence is 12 months.  It cannot be extended. 
 15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of a licence or a portion of a licence.  16. Licences are not transferable. 
 
17. No. 
 
Other procedural requirements
 
 
18. There are no other administrative procedures. 
 19. There are no foreign exchange controls.     G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
 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, th e proposed date of entry, the species' origin, 
quantity, means of transport, name of the frontie r post to be used and treatment of the plants. 
 
  With respect to importation of a consignment of  meat or products of animal origin destined 
for human consumption, Macao SAR requires adequate  advance notification of the proposed date of 
entry, information on the origin, nature, treatment , quantity and packaging of the meat or products, 
name of the frontier post to be used. For wholesale importation, products are required to be consigned 
to establishments approved by the Civic and Munici pal Affairs Bureau (IACM – Instituto para os 
Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais ) and under its supervision. 
 
 The above mentioned border entry places are: 
 
 Aerial entry  - International Airport;  Maritime entry - Ka Ho Containe r Terminal; Inner Harbour Docks; 
  Terrestrial entry - Border Gate;  
   - COTAI Frontier Post. 
   The frontier Customs staff are under the jurisd iction of the Macao Customs Service (Serviços 
de Alfândega) and they are responsible for the enforcement of various Macao SAR legislation 
affecting importation a nd exportation of goods. 
 1.1  Import Declaration/Import Licence.  1.2  Sanitary  or phytosanitary documentation (to be 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 a nd cats) and Vaccination Certificate (covering 
other infectious diseases); 
  - Dogs and cats under two months ol d are not allowed to be imported; 
  - Airway Bill (if applicable);   - Import Licence. 
 
2.2  Meat, fish and by-products for human consumption: 
  - International Sanitary Certificate (not app licable 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 Licence.             
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/8 
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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 always 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 comple tion 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 the retaining, destruction or re-exportation of the lot 
will be applied.  When the sanitary/phytosanitary  documentation is not correct the importer can 
present the correct documents if not, the pr oducts will be re-exported or destroyed. 
 3.5  In case of epidemics of any other sanitary pr oblem in the country of origin, additional sanitary 
measures like complementary certification or interdiction of importation may take place. 
 3.6  Any encumbrance resulting from retaining,  re-exporting or destruction of the products 
(animals or plants) will be under the responsibility of the import agent. 
 
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