Basic information
Outline of the system
The Namibian Agronomic Board utilises an import permit system for the importation of controlled agronomic crops – white maize, wheat, pearl millet and as well as wheat flour, maize meal, and pearl millet flour and horticulture products.
Product coverage
There is a single permit system and the system applies to controlled agronomic crops – white maize, wheat, pearl millet and as well as wheat flour, maize meal, and pearl millet flour and horticulture products.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The permit system is intended as an instrument to ensure the marketing of domestic production of the controlled products following which permits for imports are granted on an unlimited basis.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The system is non-country-specific.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The Agronomic Industry Act, 1992 (Act 20 of 1992) gives powers to the Namibian Agronomic Board to issue permits with respect to the importation or exportation of controlled crops. Controlled crops are defined by Government Notice No.45 of 1993.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not possible to abolish the system without legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Importers/exporters of controlled agronomic products are required to register with the Board.
Is there a registration fee?
There is a registration fee depending on the milling capacity.
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
The list of importers is not published but is available on request from the Board.
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Quantity and type of products to be imported, town and country of origin, port of entry.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
No time-limit.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Permits are only granted during the open border period, i.e. once domestic production has been marketed to millers. As regards horticultural products, permits are granted once applicant has purchased a certain percentage from domestic producers.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
No time-limit.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
An importer must also be in possession of a phytosanitary permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes there is a fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a fee of N$54.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Applications may be refused if there is still domestic production in the country.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Reasons are provided to the applicant for such refusal or withdrawal.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Yes. Applicants have the right to appeal a permit refusal or withdrawal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
Permits are only granted during the open border period, i.e. once domestic production has been marketed to millers. As regards horticultural products, permits are granted once applicant has purchased a certain percentage from domestic producers.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The importer must furnish the customs officials with the permits issued by the Board, the phytosanitary permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Import permits must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The permits are valid from one to three months depending on the quantities to be imported which may be extended upon request.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are non-transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
The provision of foreign exchange for import is subject to the requirements of the financial institution.