Step by Step: How to Import Medicine
To import medicines into Malawi, individuals or entities must first register as wholesalers with the Pharmacy, Medicines, and Poisons Board (PMPB). This process involves identifying a place of business and ensuring the availability of a professional pharmacist to manage the premises. Once registered, importers must apply for an import permit, choosing between an Annual Import Permit or a Consignment-Specific Permit. The Annual Permit requires completing a prescribed form detailing the types and quantities of medicines intended for importation and is processed within three days. The Consignment-Specific Permit is for sporadic imports of specific medicines and is processed within one day.
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Step 1
Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS)
• Visit the Malawi Business Registration System (MBRS) website and create an account using your national ID number.
• Log in to your account and complete the online application form for business registration.
• Pay the required registration fees online through the provided payment options.
• Submit the application and wait for approval from the relevant authorities.
• Once approved, receive a notification and download the registration certificate in PDF format from your account.
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Step 2
Malawi Revenue Authority
• Download and complete the taxpayer registration form from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) website or obtain it from an MRA office.
• Submit the completed form along with supporting documents, such as the business registration certificate, owner’s identification (e.g., national ID or passport), and proof of business address.
• The MRA verifies the submitted information and may request additional details if necessary.
• Once the registration is approved, the MRA issues a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which is required for tax compliance and correspondence with the authority.
• Registration for taxes is free of charge.
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Step 3
Pharmaceutical, Medicines and Poisons Board of Malawi
• Submit an application to the Pharmacy, Medicines, and Poisons Board (PMPB), ensuring you have an appropriate business location and a qualified pharmacist to oversee operations.
• Complete the prescribed application form, pay the required fee, and undergo a premises inspection by PMPB inspectors.
• The inspection report will be reviewed by the pharmacy committee, which meets quarterly.
• Upon approval, you’ll receive your wholesale license.
• Once licensed, apply for either an Annual Import Permit or a Consignment-Specific Permit.
• Submit a form detailing the types and quantities of medicines you plan to import for an Annual Import Permit, which is processed within three days.
• For occasional imports of specific medicines, apply for a Consignment-Specific Permit, which is processed within one day.
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Step 4
MRA Customs
• Importers must first register with the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to acquire a TPIN for tax purposes.
• Importers should hire a licensed customs clearing agent to handle the import declaration process.
• Gather necessary documents, including the commercial invoice, bill of lading/airway bill, packing list, and any applicable permits or certificates.
• The customs agent submits an import declaration electronically through the ASYCUDA World system, providing details of the imported goods.
• MRA Customs assesses the declaration, and the importer must pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees based on the declared goods.
• Customs may conduct physical or documentary inspections to verify compliance with import regulations.
• Once all duties are paid and inspections are cleared, the goods are released from customs for delivery to the importer.
• Depending on the type of goods, importers may need to obtain approvals from other regulatory bodies before customs clearance is finalized.
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