WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1
2 December 2010 
 (10-6498) 
Committee on Import Licensing Original:   English 
 
 
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
 
Notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 
MACAO, CHINA 
 
Revision  
   The following communication, dated 8 September 2010, 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 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 TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION ............................................13  
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS ..........................................13  
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE .............................................................................................15  
A. ARMS AND AMMUNITION , AND EXPLOSIVES .............................................................................15  
ANNEX  A-1 ............................................................................................................................ ..............18 
ANNEX  A-II2............................................................................................................................... ..........20 
                                                      
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex for Questionnaire. 
2 Available in the Secretariat (Mar ket Access Division)(English only). G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
Page 2  
 
  ANNEX
 B2............................................................................................................................... ..............21 
ANNEX  C2............................................................................................................................... ..............22 
 
I. CIVIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS BUREAU 
A. LIVE ANIMALS , MEAT , ANIMAL PRODUCTS , FISH , CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS , 
VEGETABLES , LIVE PLANTS AND MUSHROOM SPAWN  
Outline of Systems  
 
1. An import license supported by 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 a nd Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM - Instituto 
para os Assuntos Cívicos e Municipais) for the impor t of live animals and the health requirements will 
be 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 De cision 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 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 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/13/Rev.1 
 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 are administered by the IACM .  H o w e v e r ,  t h e  
Macao Economic Services is the sole administra tive 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/13/Rev.1 
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-utilisation of im port 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 
Law no. 17/2009.  Licensing in relation to substa nces listed in Tables 1-4 of Law no. 17/2009 is 
administered by the Health Bureau, whereas th e controlled chemicals of 1988 UN Convention, as  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
 Page 5 
 
 
  listed in Tables 5-6 appended to the Law, are admini stered by the Macao Economic Services.  (Details 
of the licensing system of the controlled chemical s of 1988 UN Convention are specified in Section D 
of Part III.)  In this regard, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances menti oned in this section refer 
to substances administered by the Health Bureau , as specified in Tables 1-4 of Law no. 17/2009. 
 
 The import of narcotic drugs, psychotropi c substances, pharmaceutical products and 
medicines is controlled through (i) licensing of im porters and (ii) issuing of import license. An 
importer of narcotic drugs, psychotr opic substances, pharmaceutical pr oducts and medicines has to be 
licensed with the Health Bureau before applying for an import license to import these products for 
each consignment. Import licenses are also require d for import of the other items specified above. 
Importers of such products have to apply for the import licenses from the Health Bureau to import the 
mentioned products for each consignment.   The licensing system is intended for public health reasons and to fulfil the Macao SAR's 
international obligations. 
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing
 
 2. Import license issued by the Health Bureau  is required for the import of all of the 
above-mentioned products, which are specified in the Group B of Table B under Annex II of Chief 
Executive Decision no. 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 su bmitted in advance of importation taking into 
account the processing time.  For registered narcotic drugs, psyc hotropic substances, 
pharmaceutical products and medicines; and othe r items, the import license will be issued 
within three working days. 
 (b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, the import license may exceptionally be granted on 
request. 
 
(c) There is no limitation of time as to the period of  the year during which application for license 
and/or importation is to be made. 
 (d)  The Health Bureau is the sole admi nistrative organ responsible for processing and 
authorisation of application for the import licenses of most of the mentioned medicines and 
products except those medicines covered under CITES. The Macao Economic Services is the G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
Page 6  
 
  competent authority for issuing import licenses for those medicines containing ingredients 
subject to CITES protection, and the Health Bureau is meanwhile involved in offering 
recommendations on authorisation of application for the said import license. 
 8. Application for an import license will not be 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 pr oducts mentioned in the above paragraph must 
be supported by the following documents:   
- authentic copies of registration certificate issued  by the health authority of the manufacturing 
or exporting country and production license issued by the manufacturing country;  
- authorised import certificate issued by the Hea lth Bureau (for narcotic  drugs and psychotropic 
substances only); and 
- the Prior Authorisation Application Form. 
 
 In addition to that, analytical reports or lite ratures provided by the manufacturer or exporter 
and the Prior Authorisation Application Form have  to be submitted for application of an import 
license of the other items.  11. The valid import license is the only document required upon actual importation. Samples of 
the application forms and the import license are attached in Annex B. 
 12. No fee is charged for the issue of the import license.  13. No deposit or advan ce payment is required. 
 
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.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
 Page 7 
 
 
  15. There is no penalty for the non-utilisation 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. 
ALCOHOLIC 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.  Purpose 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 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. 28/20 03. 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
Page 8  
 
  Procedures
 
 
6. Not applicable.  7.(a) Licenses must be applied for at least three 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 Application for License
 
 
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 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 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.  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. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
 Page 9 
 
 
  (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. O
ZONE -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. 
 
Purpose 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 desi gnation 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. 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 of which 
is based on their past performance and the remain ing 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. 
 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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
Page 10  
 
  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 Environmental Protection Bureau and the Macao Economic 
Services, are involved in the processing of license applications. Application for licenses 
should first be submitted to the Environmen tal 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 Application for License
 
 
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. 
 
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.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
 Page 11 
 
 
  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 System  
 
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. 
 
Purpose 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.  
(b) Where there is proof of a genuine need, import licenses might be processed immediately on 
request. 
 (c) There is no limitation as to the period of th e year during which application for licenses and/or 
importation may be submitted. 
 
(d) The Macao Economic Services is the sole administrative organ to issue licenses to the 
aforesaid specimens. 
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
Page 12  
 
  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 Application for License
 
 
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 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. 
 
Conditions of Licensing
 
 
14. A license expires in 30 days from its day of issuance and cannot be extended.  15. There is no penalty for non-utilisation of an import license.  16. Import licenses are neither transferable nor negotiable among importers. 
 
17.(a)
 Not applicable. 
 (b)
 No. 
 Other Procedural Requirements
 
 
18. For the import of medicines comprising ingredients of specimens covered in CITES, opinions of the Health 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. 
 
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
 Page 13 
 
 
  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 Proce dures, Eligibility of Importers to Apply for 
License, Documentational and Other Requirement s for Application for License, Conditions of 
Licensing and Other Procedural Requirements, th e relevant information will only be available 
after the enactment of the regulation as mentioned in No.5 above.  
 IV. BUREAU OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION
5 
A. TELECOMMUNICATION AND RADIOCOMMUNICATION APPARATUS  
Outline of System  
 
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. 
 
                                                      
5 The Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation was established in May 2006 under the 
Administrative Regulation: No. 5/2006 , to replace the Office for the Deve lopment of Telecommunications and 
Information Technology and succeed all the latter's functions and operations. G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
Page 14  
 
  Purpose and Coverage of Licensing
 
 
2. Import licenses are required for telecommuni cation and radiocommunication equipment. 
These include:  
(a) Apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including those for 
communication in a wireless local or wide area network, except cellular telephones, lines 
telephone sets with/without cordless handsets, telephonic switching apparatus and those with 
exemption of station license or type approval according to the applicable radiocommunication 
legislation. 
 
(b) Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating 
reception apparatus or sound record ing or reproducing apparatus. 
 (c) Radar equipment, radio navigation 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.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
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  Eligibility of Importers to Apply for License  
 
9.  All persons, firms and institutions complyi ng with Article 11 of Law no. 7/2003 are eligible 
to apply for licenses except under special circumstan ces where licensing facilities are denied owing to 
the non-compliance of certain requirement.   
 
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for License  
 
10. A sample form is attached in Annex C. 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-utilisation of an import license.  16. Not transferable.  
17. No. 
 
Other Procedural Requirements
 
 
18. No other administrative procedures are required.  
19. There are no foreign exchange controls. 
 
V. MACAO SECURITY POLICE  
A. A
RMS 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 ). 
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing
 
 
2. Import licenses are required for certain arms and ammunition, and explosives: 
 (a) License for defence gun: cartridges of calibre .22 to .32.  (b) License for competition gun: G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
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Arms Calibre 
 
Pistols  .177 
.22S (Short) 
.22LR (Long Rifle) 
.32 
.38 
.45 
Revolvers  .22LR (Long Rifle) 
.32 
.38 
.45 
Shotgun .12 
Precision .177  
Guns 
Automatic or Semi-automatic .22LR (Long Rifle) 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from any countries.  4. The import licensing is not intended to restrict 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 period of the year during which application for import 
license may be made. 
 (d) The Macao Security Police is the sole admini strative organ to issue licenses for the aforesaid 
goods. 
 8. Import license applications may be refused if 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.   G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
 Page 17 
 
 
  12. There are no licensing fees or administra tive charges for the issue of licenses. 
 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/13/Rev.1 
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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 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  - 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/13/Rev.1 
 Page 19 
 
 
  -  With regard to labelling, Decree Law no. 50/92/M and Chief Executive Decision 
no. 223/2005 (which is updated by Chief Executive Decision no. 177/2006) 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/13/Rev.1 
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  ANNEX A-II 
 
Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group I
 
  G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
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  ANNEX B 
 
Specimens of Licensing Documents for Group II  
 G/LIC/N/3/MAC/13/Rev.1 
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  ANNEX C  
 
Specimen of Licensing Document for Groups III, IV and V
 
  
 
  
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