Import Regulations

The Ministry of Commerce determines classes of goods that are subject to import controls. These regulations usually take the form of permission and licensing. At present more than 50 classes of goods require import licenses from the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry will notify when there are changes to the categories of goods, 

A license to import any of the specified items must be secured from the Ministry of Commerce. Application for the license must be accompanied by a supplier’s order, confirmation, invoice, and other pertinent documents. 

Export Regulations

The Act Controlling the Importation and Exportation of Goods authorizes the Ministry of Commerce exert control over the exporting of products. 

At present, close to 50 items require such control. Certain goods require export licenses under other laws, such as seeds, trees, and leaves of tobacco. Certain goods, such as sugar and rice, are subject to export licenses under the Export Standard Act, which aims to ensure that such exports are of a set quality. In addition, the exporters of agricultural commodities may find that membership to trade associations is mandatory. These associations may in turn impose their own regulations for membership.

For more information on import and export control, please refer to the Department of Foreign Trade Click here.