Macao, China Special Administrative Region now requires importers to obtain a pre-license before applying for an import license for general chemicals including pesticides, as mandated by the Drug Supervision and Administration Bureau.
Macao Now Requires Pre-License for Chemical Imports
Importers must get prior authorization before applying for a full import license.
What changed
Pre-license required before applying for an import license for general chemicals including pesticides.
Trade registration mandatory to qualify for the pre-authorization process.
Hazard marking required with UN or CAS numbers for substances under Law No. 12/2022.
Who it affects
Chemical importers must complete the two-step licensing process before importing general chemicals including pesticides.
Pesticide suppliers must ensure products are properly marked with UN or CAS numbers if classified as hazardous.
What to do
Obtain “Registration of Regulated Foreign Trade Activities” from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.
Apply for prior authorization pre-license from the Drug Supervision and Administration Bureau.
Apply for the full import license after receiving pre-authorization.
Compliance Requirements for Importing General Chemicals (Including Pesticides) in Macao SAR
Direct Answer
Importers of general chemicals, including pesticides, in Macao SAR must first obtain a pre-license (preliminary import permit) from the Drug Supervision and Administration Bureau (DSAB) before applying for the final import license. This requirement applies to all entities registered for controlled foreign trade activities under the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT)1, 2.
Regulation Analysis
1. Step-by-Step Process
- Eligibility Verification
- Pre-License Application (Mandatory Preliminary Step)
- First-Time Importers: Submit the product’s outer packaging sample and instruction manual to DSAB1, 2.
- Every Import: Complete and submit the relevant pre-license application form:
- 1(link)1, 2.
- 1(link)1, 2.
- Hazardous Chemicals: If the product contains substances regulated under Law No. 12/2022, the UN number or CAS number must be listed in the "Product Name" field of the pre-license1, 2.
- Approval Timeline
- Submission and Collection
2. Key Requirements Summary Table
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law No. 7/2003 | Mandates compliance with foreign trade controls for chemical imports1, 2. | N/A | DSAB / DSEDT |
| Law No. 12/2022 | Requires UN/CAS number disclosure for hazardous chemicals in pre-license1, 2. | At application submission | DSAB |
| Administrative Regulation No. 27/2023 | Implements detailed procedures for hazardous chemical imports1, 2. | N/A | DSAB |
| Chief Executive Order No. 209/2021 | Lists goods subject to import licensing, including chemicals1, 2. | N/A | DSAB |
| Chief Executive Order No. 107/2023 | Defines subcategories and coding for hazardous chemicals1, 2. | N/A | DSAB |
3. Operational Details
- Application Location:
Drug Supervision and Administration Bureau (DSAB) Address: 19/F, Government (Qingmao) Office Building, Avenida do Comendador Ho Yin, Macao1, 2.
Summary Answer
To import general chemicals (including pesticides) into Macao SAR, importers must:
- Hold a Controlled Foreign Trade Activity Registration from DSEDT1, 2.
- Obtain a pre-license from DSAB by submitting packaging samples (first-time imports) and completing the relevant application form, with UN/CAS numbers for hazardous chemicals1, 2.
- Apply for the final import license after pre-license approval, which is issued same-day1, 2.
Compliance is governed by Law No. 7/2003, Law No. 12/2022, and supporting regulations1, 2. All applications must be filed in person at DSAB during designated hours.
Sources
- ↩ gov.mo — ps 1570 / ps 1570g — ps 1570 / ps 1570g https://www.gov.mo/zh-hant/services/ps-1570/ps-1570g/
- ↩ gov.mo — ps 1570 / ps 1570g — ps 1570 / ps 1570g https://www.gov.mo/zh-hans/services/ps-1570/ps-1570g/