The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry has swiftly implemented stricter controls on foreign trade permits as detailed in the 2024 statutory instrument known as the Export or Import License for Control of Goods Regulations, 2024. This instrument was recently signed by Minister Mmusi Kgafela.

According to the new regulations, "An applicant who wishes to import or export goods listed in Schedule 4 or 5 shall apply to the Commission (Botswana Trade Commission) to be issued with a licence."

Goods requiring an export license include: ferrous waste and scrap; re-melting scrap ingots of iron or steel; copper and brass waste and scrap; nickel waste and scrap; aluminum waste and scrap; zinc waste and scrap; tin waste and scrap; tungsten (Wolfram), waste and scrap; molybdenum and articles thereof, including waste and scrap; tantalum and articles thereof, including waste and scrap; and magnesium waste and scrap.

Goods requiring an import license include: wheat flour; baked goods; refined pre-packed sugar; bottled natural and mineral water; pre-packed salt; and maize extruded snacks.

Additionally, worn clothing and other worn articles, used or new rags, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables, worn-out articles of twine, cordage, rope or cables, or textile materials also require import licenses.

The duration of these licenses depends on the type of commodity but cannot exceed six months. The Botswana Trade Commission or its authorized officer may deny a license if the applicant fails to comply with any public interest order, other provisions of these regulations, or licensing requirements.

If the Commission refuses to issue a license, the applicant will be notified in writing within seven days. The Commission may amend, suspend, or cancel a license if the holder no longer meets the requirements or has committed any offenses specified in the regulations.

Before making a decision to amend, suspend, or cancel a license, the Commission will provide the holder with 14 days' written notice and may allow them to rectify the situation within this period. If the holder fails to do so, the license will be canceled and must be surrendered within seven days of the revocation notice.

Applicants cannot import or export goods listed in Schedules 4 and 5 without a license issued by the Commission or an authorized officer. Export permits are subject to conditions such as only exporting specified goods and quantities, and the license cannot be transferred or used by anyone not named in the license.

The Commissioner General of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service or an authorized officer has the power to confiscate any goods imported or intended for export that violate these regulations or the terms and conditions of the license.