RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/LIC/Q/ISL/1
1 November 2000
(00-4575)
Committee on Import Licensing Original:  English
NOTIFICATION OF REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT
LICENSING PROCEDURES FROM ICELAND1
Questions from the UNITED STATES to ICELAND2
The following communication, dated 25 October 2000, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of the United States.
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Iceland states, in document G/ LIC/N/3/ISL/2, in section I:8, that "Beyond the failure of an
applicant to meet standard criteria, a request for permit to import can be refused at the discretion of
the relevant Minister.  Reasons for refusal will normally be given.  While no formal procedures exist
through which an appeal may be lodged, an applicant may choose to contact the Ministry to questionthe decision."  In section VII, concerning permits for importation of communication equipment, there
is no information given on whether reason would be given for why the permit is not approved or if a
right of appeal exists.
- Please confirm that, notwithstanding this information, Iceland provides the benefits of
Article 3:5(e) to traders requesting an import permit, i.e., that "if the licence application is
not approved, the applicant shall, on request, be given the reason therefor and shall have aright of appeal or review in accordance with the domestic legislation or procedures of the
importing Member."  (Note:  The requirements of GATT 1994 Article X:3(b) concerning
the right of appeal to any independent tribunal may also be relevant.)
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1 G/LIC/N/3/ISL/2
2 G/LIC/4