Commodity

In Namibia, importing plant material, pests, soil, or other specified items requires a permit and must be done through designated entry points with proper documentation. Failure to follow these rules can result in a fine of up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

To export regulated materials from Namibia, you must apply for a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry using Form AP 4 and pay the required fee. The materials will be inspected by a plant quarantine officer, and if found free of pests or disease, a phytosanitary certificate will be issued.

Importing seeds into Namibia is regulated with strict conditions. A person may not import seeds unless they meet specific criteria, such as being of a registered variety, complying with prescribed standards, being properly sealed and labeled, and entering through a designated port. Importation of seeds under different denominations, or of certain prohibited classes, is also restricted.

However, the Registrar may allow exceptions in writing under specific conditions. The Minister may designate certain seeds that require a special permit for importation. Importers must provide the Registrar with details about the seed consignment and cannot remove the seeds from the port without authorization.

Imported seeds may need to be presented for examination and sampling as directed by the Registrar. These regulations do not apply to seeds intended for non-cultivation purposes or immediate export, but a declaration must still be provided to the Registrar.

If seeds are imported in violation of these regulations, the Registrar can order their destruction or removal at the importer's expense, or permit their disposal under certain conditions. Violations can result in fines up to N$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

When importing regulated articles, you must present them for inspection by a plant quarantine officer as soon as possible after arrival or at a directed time and place. You cannot move the article until the officer gives written consent, and failure to comply can result in a fine up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

If a plant quarantine officer finds that an imported regulated article violates Namibian regulations or poses a pest risk, they can direct the importer to treat, remove, or destroy it. In urgent cases, the officer may skip the notice and directly handle the destruction, with costs borne by the importer and no liability for the State or officers.

An importer or responsible person must ensure that regulated articles in transit through Namibia are not removed or transferred without the approval of a plant quarantine officer and that all related requirements are met. Violating these rules can result in a fine up to N$20,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.

The Minister may create regulations on various aspects related to permits, fees, and the inspection and treatment of imported plant materials to prevent pests in Namibia. These regulations can cover procedures for quarantine, storage, and export, as well as the management of quarantine stations and exemptions for research. The regulations may vary in application, authorize specific approvals, and include penalties for non-compliance.

The Minister reviews applications for import permits under regulation 2 and may either grant or reject them, issuing the permit in Form AP 2 if approved. The permit is valid for the period specified on it, after which a new permit must be applied for if the holder wishes to continue importing.

To sell, keep for sale, offer to sell, barter, import, export, or otherwise supply seeds in Namibia, a person must be registered as a seed dealer. Registration requires an application to the Registrar, along with the prescribed fee, and is granted based on the applicant meeting requirements related to infrastructure, equipment, technical ability, and knowledge.

Once registered, dealers must provide the Registrar with information about seed stocks, lots, expiry dates, and related details. The Registrar has the authority to suspend or cancel a dealer's registration if it was obtained through misrepresentation or if the dealer violates the Act's provisions.

Failure to comply with these regulations, including operating without registration or not providing required information, is an offence punishable by a fine up to N$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

Inspections must occur between 08:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday, and any inspection outside these hours requires a payment, while a clearance certificate will be issued upon payment of the specified fee.