How can I obtain an Import License?

In order to obtain an import license, submit an import license application form with the required documents specified on the form. An import license can be issued in the name of two or more persons for the use of a vehicle, vessel or land registered under the names of the individuals. A letter specifying such details should be submitted with the form. This license should not be issued for trade purposes.

How can I obtain an Import Permit for trade purposes?

An import license can be issued for trade purposes only if the applicants have a permit for trade of imported goods.

How can I obtain an Import Permit for personal purposes?

A personal import license can be issued to import goods required for an individual’s personal needs. Goods required for an individual’s children under 18 could also be included in this criterion.

A list of personal accessories required for import should be submitted to the ministry.

Items prohibited from import into Maldives and items that require a special license for import cannot be included in the list.

If items are being imported for a specific purpose, this purpose should be indicated in the application form. Such purposes include construction of a house, building a vessel or vehicle or repairing an asset.

The amount of goods can be estimated by considering the number of floors of the house or the size of the vessel or vehicle.

How can I obtain an import permit for import of goods required for economic industries and inventions?

When requesting a license to import goods required for agriculture, fisheries, or goods needed for a factory or a workshop, the nature and amount of goods required should be included in the application form.

License will be issued for the import of equipment required for medical facilities, banks, airlines, schools and similar institutions.

Items prohibited from import into Maldives and items that require a special license for import cannot be included in the list.

Items imported under this license should only be used for the purpose of new innovations or a long-term service, and should not be used for trade purposes.

How can I obtain a permit for import of items needed for administrative purposes?

License will be issued for the import of items, machinery and furniture required for companies, clubs, societies, partnerships and parties registered in the Maldives.

Items prohibited from import into Maldives and items that require a special license for import cannot be included in the list.

Items imported under this permit should only be used for the purpose of new innovations or a long-term service, and should not be used for trade purposes.

How can I obtain an import license for a government office?

Import license will be issued to government offices upon submission of the application form.

A list of items required for import does not need to be attached to the application form. Revenue stamps are not required as well.

The list does not need to be attached to the import license of public limited companies. However, revenue stamp is required.

How can I obtain an import license for import of goods required for trade fairs or exhibitions held in partnership with foreign companies?

This license will be issued to such parties only if the ministry has licensed the party to hold a trade fair or exhibition.

The import license will be issued under the name of the local company involved.

The list of items for import will be attached to the license. Items prohibited from import to Maldives and those that require a special license cannot be included in the list.

What are the regulations for placing of revenue stamp on permit?

Act number 4/70 of the constitution stipulates that the import permit for government entities do not require a revenue stamp. Nevertheless, import permits issued to other entities require a revenue stamp.

For every Rf.100 allowed by the permit, 10 laari worth revenue stamps is required.

No permit should be issued for a value below Rf.100. However large the amount may be, it should be divisible by 100.

The permit should not exceed the value of the space allocated on the permit for revenue stamps.

After the permit is issued, revenue stamps cannot be removed from the permit and the value of the permit cannot be changed.

How can I obtain an import license after goods have been imported without prior licensing?

Submit an import license application form with the invoice of goods imported attached.

If the application is submitted after the goods have been imported, you will be required to pay the CIF or CNF fine enacted by Maldives Customs Services by 1/50 Rufiyaa per US Dollar.

In order to verify the CIF or CNF fine, the invoice of the goods imported require a stamp by the Maldives Customs Services.

The invoice should specify the freight charges of the goods in addition to the purchase price.

License cannot be issued if the goods include items prohibited from import to Maldives and items that require a special license for import.

The import license will be issued upon payment of the CIF fine, and will be under the name of the individual or company that imported the goods.

The list of goods should be attached to the license.

What are the regulations for placing of revenue stamp on license?

Act number 4/70 of the constitution stipulates that the import license for government entities do not require a revenue stamp. Nevertheless, import license issued to other entities require a revenue stamp.

For every Rf.100 allowed by the permit, worth revenue stamps 10 laari is required.

No license should be issued for a value below Rf.100. However large the amount may be, it should be divisible by 100.

The license should not exceed the value of the space allocated on the license for revenue stamps.

After the license is issued, revenue stamps cannot be removed from the license and the value of the license cannot be changed.