Import permit system halts in January, restricted goods aside |24 December 2004

However, permits will still be required for certain restricted goods.
The abolition of the import permit is in line with the commitment made by President James Michel in his budget address to liberalise trade and to gradually move away from direct controls on trade, production and pricing. Earlier this year in July, certain steps were taken to allow individuals importing goods for their personal use to do so without an import permit, provided that such items did not fall in the category of restricted goods.

Though import permit is being abolished, importers will have to continue to submit their Bill of Entry, which is a legal document required by Customs when clearing their goods.

The goods classified as restricted for which an import permit will be required include:
- Plant and plant products including timber
- Animals and animal by-products not treated; uncooked, fresh, frozen chilled meat and vegetables
- Dangerous chemicals including pesticides, precursor chemicals, pyrotechnic products, blasting explosives
- Vehicles, including aircraft, sea vessels, engines, car bodies, chassis and half-cut vehicles
- Growing media and compost
- Pharmaceutical products,
- Veterinary products
- Radio communication equipment
- Fish and other aquatic invertebrates
- Glass window and glass doors
- Alcohol and tobacco

Ronny Ah-Tive, the director of trade policy in the Trade and Commerce Division of Department of Finance, explained when speaking to the press this week that in addition to an import permit, importers of restricted goods would also need permission from the relevant authority to import such items.

Once they get the necessary approval, the particular category of goods will be specified on their import licence, issued by the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA).

The procedure will ensure that the goods meet the required health and safety standards in order to protect consumers and the environment, he said.

The SLA’s licensing processing manager Robert Palmyre confirmed that with the exception of meat, vegetables and fruit, SLA had previously been issuing import licences for all these items.

Prior to issuing a licence for the import of meat, vegetables and fruit, the SLA will have to verify with the Ministry of Health to ensure that the importer has the necessary sanitary facilities with good hygiene practices for the storage and transportation of such products. Only if this criteria is met will importers be given a licence.

Mr Ah-Tive said that if an import permit application is submitted with the relevant licence and permission from the relevant authority is granted, the request could be processed and approved within two days.
 
The Department of Finance has revealed that it will grant an Open Import Permit for the import of restricted goods to facilitate certain businesses which use these items on a regular basis.

Individuals importing or receiving any of the restricted goods for their personal use will also require an import permit, but will not need a licence. They will also have to seek permission from the relevant authority and declare the items with Customs.
 
The finance department also reminded the public that the importation of goods such as offensive weapons, arms and ammunitions, specimens of protected species, Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) products, radio-active substances, pornographic materials, left-hand drive vehicles, waste products and toxic chemicals are not allowed in Seychelles.