There are few prohibitions on imports, although discretionary import licenses are required from the Ministry of Agriculture (and Ministry of Public Health/DIGEMAPS for dairy products) for all agricultural products. Such discretionary import licenses limit imports of many items that the government perceives as competing with domestic production.

Importation of automobiles that are more than five years old and vehicles for the transportation of goods (pick-up trucks, light trucks, etc.) that are more than 15 years old are prohibited, as well as the importation of used clothing.  However, the provision regarding used clothing is frequently overlooked.