REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING
PROCEDURES[1]
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2025)*
COMOROS
The following submission, dated 12 November
2025, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Comoros.
_______________
Outline of Systems
1. The trade policy of the Comoros allows for the
importation of goods from any customs territory, provided that they are not
prohibited under Comorian law.
The Union of the Comoros has no domestic legislation on
import licensing. Under the structural adjustment
programme launched in the 1980s, import licences were abolished (Order No. 99‑001/MECIA/CAB).
There is only one import licensing system in the Comoros,
which applies to goods subject to prior import authorization in order to
preserve human health, protect animal health and the environment, and prevent
the entry and spread of organisms that are harmful to plants and plant
products, in all sectors of the national economy. An importer intending to
import goods subject to prior authorization is required to apply to the
relevant ministries and departments or government agencies. The goods can only
be imported subject to approval of the application.
Purposes and
Coverage of Licensing
2. All licensing systems in force in Comoros are
non-automatic licensing systems.
Alcohol (HS 2203.00 to 2208.90)
3. The licensing system applies to all countries worldwide.
4. Licensing does not restrict either the quantity or value
of imports.
The main objective of the alcohol licensing system is to
protect the health of the population.
5. The alcohol licensing system was introduced by a budget
law.
The licensing system for alcohol was introduced by the Tax
Code.
Procedures
6. Not applicable.
7.(a) The law requires that the licence be
requested prior to importation. In exceptional and very rare cases, the licence
may be granted within a shorter time limit if the goods have arrived at the
border.
7.(b) Yes.
7.(c) Licence applications can be made year-round.
7.(d) The Directorate General of Tax approves and
issues alcohol licences.
8. If the application does not contain the required
documentation, the application may be rejected. The reasons for any
refusal are given to the applicant. This procedure is not reserved to a
particular jurisdiction.
Eligibility of
Importers to Apply for Licence
9. Comoros applies a non-restrictive system. Any person,
firm or institution is eligible to apply for a licence.
There is no system of registration or list of authorized
importers.
Documentational and
Other Requirements for Application for Licence
10. Supporting documents required for alcohol licences:
•_
Tax registration number (NIF);
•_ Business registration;
•_ Declaration of economic activity (bar or
restaurant).
11. The only document required upon actual importation is
the licence.
12. The alcohol import licensing fees are as follows:
•_ KMF 1,500,000 for retailers;
•_ KMF 10,000,000 for wholesalers.
13. The alcohol import licensing fees are as follows:
•_ KMF 1,500,000 for retailers;
•_ KMF 10,000,000 for wholesalers.
Payment is made upon issuance of the licence. No payment is
required prior to issuance.
Conditions of
Licensing
14. The period of validity of a licence is yearly and can
be extended upon request.
15. No.
16. No.
17. No.
Other Procedural
Requirements
18. No.
19. No foreign currency required.
Outline of Systems
1. The trade policy of the Comoros allows for the
importation of goods from any customs territory, provided that they are not
prohibited under Comorian law.
The Union of the Comoros has no domestic legislation on
import licensing. Under the structural adjustment programme launched in the
1980s, import licences were abolished (Order No. 99‑001/MECIA/CAB).
There is only one import licensing system in the Comoros,
which applies to goods subject to prior import authorization in order to
preserve human health, protect animal health and the environment, and prevent
the entry and spread of organisms that are harmful to plants and plant
products, in all sectors of the national economy. An importer intending to
import goods subject to prior authorization is required to apply to the
relevant ministries and departments or government agencies. The goods can only
be imported subject to approval of the application.
Purposes and
Coverage of Licensing
2. All licensing systems in force in Comoros are non‑automatic
licensing systems.
Premium quality rice (HS 1006.30)
3. The licensing system applies to all countries worldwide.
4. Licensing does not restrict either the quantity or value
of imports.
The licensing system for premium quality rice is a quality
control measure.
5. The licensing system for premium quality rice was
introduced by the Tax Code.
The relevant government departments designate the products.
No, to abolish a law, the proposal must be submitted to the
Assembly for adoption.
Procedures
6. Not applicable.
7.(a) The law requires that the licence be
requested prior to importation. In exceptional and very rare cases, the licence
may be granted within a shorter time limit if the goods have arrived at the
border.
7.(b) Yes.
7.(c) Licence applications can be made year-round.
7.(d) The Directorate General of the Economy and
Trade approves premium quality rice licence applications, and the Directorate
General of Tax issues the licence.
8. If the application does not contain the required
documentation, the application may be rejected.
The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant.
This procedure is not reserved to a particular
jurisdiction.
Eligibility of
Importers to Apply for Licence
9. Comoros applies a non-restrictive system. Any person,
firm or institution is eligible to apply for a licence.
There is no system of registration or list of authorized
importers.
Documentational and
Other Requirements for Application for Licence
10. Supporting documents required for import licences for
premium quality rice:
•_ Tax registration number (NIF);
•_ Business registration;
•_ Invoices.
11. The only document required upon actual importation is
the licence.
12. The import licence for premium quality rice is issued
after an annual fee of KMF 500,000 has been paid.
13. The import licence for premium quality rice is issued
after an annual fee of KMF 500,000 has been paid.
Payment is made upon issuance of the licence. No payment is
required prior to issuance.
Conditions of
Licensing
14. The period of validity of a licence is yearly and can
be extended upon request.
15. No.
16. No.
17. No.
Other Procedural
Requirements
18. No.
19. No foreign currency required.
Outline of Systems
1. The trade policy of the Comoros allows for the
importation of goods from any customs territory, provided that they are not
prohibited under Comorian law.
The Union of the Comoros has no domestic legislation on
import licensing. Under the structural adjustment programme launched in the
1980s, import licences were abolished (Order No. 99‑001/MECIA/CAB).
There is only one import licensing system in the Comoros,
which applies to goods subject to prior import authorization in order to
preserve human health, protect animal health and the environment, and prevent
the entry and spread of organisms that are harmful to plants and plant
products, in all sectors of the national economy. An importer intending to
import goods subject to prior authorization is required to apply to the
relevant ministries and departments or government agencies. The goods can only
be imported subject to approval of the application.
Purposes and
Coverage of Licensing
2. All licensing systems in force in Comoros are non‑automatic
licensing systems.
Live animals (HS 0101.10 to 0106.90)
3. This system applies to all countries worldwide, with the
exception of products of animal origin from Tanzania.
4. Licensing does not restrict either the quantity or value
of imports.
The licensing system for live animals is a health measure.
5. The licensing system for live animals was introduced by
order of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The relevant government departments designate the products.
No, to abolish a law, the proposal must be submitted to the
Assembly for adoption.
Procedures
6. Not applicable.
7.(a) The law requires that the licence be
requested prior to importation. In exceptional and very rare cases, the licence
may be granted within a shorter time limit if the goods have arrived at the
border.
7.(b) Yes.
7.(c) Licence applications can be made year-round.
7.(d)
Live animals: the Ministry of
Agriculture approves and issues the licences.
8. If the application does not contain the required
documentation, the application may be rejected.
The reasons for any refusal are given to the applicant.
This procedure is not reserved to a particular
jurisdiction.
Eligibility of
Importers to Apply for Licence
9. Comoros applies a non-restrictive system. Any person,
firm or institution is eligible to apply for a licence. There is no system of
registration or list of authorized importers.
Documentational and
Other Requirements for Application for Licence
10. Supporting documents required for import licences for
live animals:
•_ Articles of incorporation;
•_ Tax registration number (NIF);
•_ Copy of identity card;
•_ Two passport photographs.
11. The only document required upon actual importation is
the licence.
12. The import licence for live animals is issued after
payment of a KMF 250,000 fee.
13. The import licence for live animals is issued after
payment of a KMF 250,000 fee.
Payment is made upon issuance of the licence. No payment is
required prior to issuance.
Conditions of
Licensing
14. The period of validity of a licence is yearly and can
be extended upon request.
15. No.
16. No.
17. No.
Other Procedural
Requirements
18. No.
19. No foreign currency required.
__________
[1] See document G/LIC/3,
Annex, for the Questionnaire.
* This document has been republished in French only to correct a
typographical error.