Prohibited, Restricted and Controlled Goods
Prohibited, Restricted and Controlled Goods
Certain goods are prohibited from import or export, while others are restricted and require permits. Prohibited goods include narcotics, counterfeit currency, and goods violating intellectual property rights. Restricted goods include firearms, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and telecommunications equipment. Candidates must know the lists and the authorities involved. Traps often involve goods that are restricted for some countries but not others, or goods that require a permit only under certain conditions (e.g., quantities). Another trap is the distinction between prohibited and restricted: prohibited goods are absolutely banned, while restricted goods can be imported with approval. Also, note that some goods are controlled for security or environmental reasons. Rule of thumb: always check the customs tariff and the relevant regulatory authority's list before clearance. Worked example: Importing a drone requires approval from the Ministry of Interior and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. Without these, the goods are restricted and may be seized. The agent should verify permits are valid and match the goods.