GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

Import Control Permit

An import control permit is the official authorization required to bring goods into a country when those goods are not freely importable but subject to prior government review.

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Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.zoll.de/DE/Fachthemen/Importkontrolle/importkontrolle_node.html

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Definition & Explanation

An import control permit is the official authorization required to bring goods into a country when those goods are not freely importable but subject to prior government review. The national customs authority or a specialized regulatory body checks commodity classification, country of origin, customs value, and supporting documents against applicable import rules. Common cases include goods subject to import quotas, license requirements, or specific health, veterinary, or environmental controls—such as certain foodstuffs, chemicals, or textiles from quota-restricted origins. Importers should apply well in advance: if the permit is missing at the border, goods are withheld and placed in customs storage at the importer's expense. Unlike an export control authorization, the import control permit is primarily aimed at protecting the domestic market and enforcing import quotas.

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Import Control Permit

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