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 Import licensing: keeping procedures clear
Although less widely used now than in the past, import licensing systems are subject to disciplines in the WTO. The Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures says import licensing should be simple, transparent and predictable. For example, the agreement requires governments to publish sufficient information for traders to know how and why the licenses are granted. It also describes how countries should notify the WTO when they introduce new import licensing procedures or change existing procedures. The agreement offers guidance on how governments should assess applications for licenses.
Some licenses are issued automatically if certain conditions are met. The agreement sets criteria for automatic licensing so that the procedures used do not restrict trade.
Other licenses are not issued automatically. Here, the agreement tries to minimize the importers’ burden in applying for licenses, so that the administrative work does not in itself restrict or distort imports. The agreement says the agencies handling licensing should not normally take more than 30 days to deal with an application — 60 days when all applications are considered at the same time.
The present agreement is a modification of the “code” (i.e., an agreement signed by only some GATT signatories) negotiated in the 1973-79 Tokyo Round. It is now part of the WTO package signed by all WTO members.
Role of the CD/WTO
- Monitoring other countries’ import licensing procedures and their impact on Egyptian exports and informing the Commodity Councils of the relevant notifications received from other countries.
- Ensure Egypt's compliance with the agreement by examining Egyptian laws related to import licensing.
- Inform the public, through this website or other means, of Egypt’s rights and obligations vis-à-vis the agreement.
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| You can access documents and links related to import licensing through the links below: |
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