Control of Goods (Open General Import Licence) (Amendment) Notice, 2024 (No. 14)
Fertiliser, batteries, biscuits, candles, detergents, floor polish, tile adhesive and data and network cables no longer need an import licence — they have been added to the Open General Import Licence.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce has added eight further product groups to the Open General Import Licence under the Control of Goods (Import and Export) (Commerce) Regulations, 1974. The notice states plainly that the listed products no longer require an import permit or licence.
The additions, numbered xxxvii to xliv, are: data and network cables (tariff headings 56.07, 56.09 and 85.44); floor polish (34.05); batteries (85.07); candles (34.06); tile adhesive, grout and tylon (32.14 and 38.24); biscuits (19.05); and detergents and washing preparations including engine cleaners and window cleaners (34.03 and 34.05).
The eighth and most significant addition is fertiliser and fertiliser products: urea (3102.10.00), ammonium nitrate (3102.30.00), NPK compounds and blends (3105.20.00), CAN and LAN (3102.60.00) and single superphosphate (3103.10.00). Removing the licensing requirement on these lets importers bring in fertiliser without first obtaining a permit, which matters ahead of a planting season.
The notice sets no fees and creates no offence. It was gazetted on 26 January 2024 and states no separate commencement date. The running header on the first page misprints the citation as 'S.I. 5 of 2024'.
What changed
- Eight product groups added to the Open General Import Licence and freed from import permit or licence requirements
- Fertilisers covered: urea, ammonium nitrate, NPK compounds and blends, CAN and LAN, and single superphosphate
- Data and network cables, batteries, candles, biscuits, floor polish, tile adhesive, grout and tylon, and detergents and washing preparations added
Who this affects
- Fertiliser importers and agro-dealers
- Importers of batteries, cables, candles, biscuits and cleaning products
- Hardware and building supply retailers importing tile adhesive and grout
- Clearing agents preparing import documentation
- Local manufacturers of the same products, now facing freer imports
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.