Brunei streamlines cement imports

The process of registering to import cement into Brunei Darussalam will take three working days, according to the country’s Energy and Industry Department.

The office recently announced the abolition of the existing policy of cement import quota, effective 1 January 2017.

New registrations need to be private limited companies (sendirian berhad) and registered under the construction sector with at least 70 per cent of its shareholders native Malayans (bumiputera). In addition, companies will need to register on the government’s Online Business Reporting Portal and have a certificate of cement quality recognition from the exporting country.

For renewals, additional requirements need to update their reports on the Online Business Reporting Tool, have no outstanding debts with the government (eg electricity, water, corporation tax) and have a more than 70 per cent local workforce.

A BND50 (US$35.49) application fee is charged for new applicants, renewals, appeals, amendments and additional material while BND1500 is charged for registration (new and renewed). The period of validity is two years.