Seeking an import licence for the goods before arrival at the port is obligatory, and failure to do so is subject to a fine and sentence under the existing laws, as declared by the Trade Department under the Ministry of Commerce on 5 April.
In accordance with Chapter IV of the Export and Import Law, no person shall export or import restricted, prohibited and banned goods under Section 5. Without obtaining a permit, no one shall be allowed to export and import the specified goods that need to seek licences in accord with Section 6. A person who has obtained a permit or licence shall not break the licence conditions under Section 7.
According to Chapter V stating offences and penalties, whoever violates those prohibitions contained in Section 5 or Section 6 is convicted and shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with a fine or with both under Section 8. If a person holding any permit is found to violate prohibitions contained in Chapter VII, that one shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with a fine or with both under Section 9. Any person who attempts to commit or abet in the commission of any offences obtained in the law shall be punished, and exhibits will be confiscated under Section 10.
Thus, the Trade Department warned the exporters and importers of penalties for non-compliance with the Export and Import Law, directives and guidelines and informed them to seek licences first as pre-arrival documentation for all types of shipment by air, sea and land road. — NN/EM
