Iceland Member profile
No notifications submitted by Iceland
Trade policy review
Latest Trade Policy Review (Report by the WTO Secretariat): WT/TPR/S/454/Rev.1
A. Import prohibitions and restrictions and import licensing
3.36.
While some import restrictions are in place, Iceland notified WTO Members that it did not maintain quantitative restrictions as of 2004, the latest notification on the topic.[104] Iceland last replied to the questionnaire on import licensing procedures in 2004.[105] The authorities indicated they plan to update the notification.
3.37.
Iceland imposes a number of restrictions and prohibitions on certain imports. Items including narcotics and dangerous drugs, as well as some tobacco articles, are completely prohibited from importation[106], while other products are subject to licensing under defined conditions. These include, in particular, goods covered by various international conventions (Table 3.7). Other products are subject to technical regulations or SPS measures, including live animals and certain plants, uncooked meat and various meat products of certain origin, angling gear, or riding clothing (Section 3.3.3). Act No. 57/2019 amended the Chemicals Act to reflect EEA Rules on mercury.
3.38.
The import of laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices has to be notified to the Radiation Safety Authority without requiring a response. Similarly, the import of ships and other floating structures has to be notified, and these are inspected upon importation to ensure they meet technical regulations required for registration.[107] Dealing with radioactive materials above certain thresholds is generally subject to an operational licence, including for importing.
B. Export prohibitions and restrictions
3.47.
The export of narcotic drugs is prohibited, and a number of goods are subject to certain export licences. They include animal products, birds and eggs, used refrigerants, antiques, natural treasures, certain microorganisms, firearms, and certain military and dual-use items.[115] Iceland implements coercive measures determined by the UN Security Council and certain coercive measures of the European Union.[116]
3.48.
Exports of horses require an export certificate, and fees are payable for the related examination and issuance of this certificate. Plants exported from Iceland need to be accompanied by a phytosanitary health certificate.
WTO's environmental database (EDB)
The EDB contains environment-related measures that may qualify as QRs and therefore should be notified under the QR Decision.