#7 Sectoral Business License

Obtaining a sectoral business license

In addition to a general business license, certain activities in Solomon Islands require sector-specific licenses. These apply to projects in areas such as fisheries, mining, liquor, transport, tourism, environmental management, and others.

Process

1. Application requirements
Requirements vary by sector but typically include:

Completed sectoral license application form
Valid company registration and business license
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Technical or feasibility studies (where relevant)
Environmental and social impact assessments (for sensitive projects)
Proof of compliance with sector-specific regulations (e.g., Fisheries Act, Mining Act, Tourism regulations)
Any other documentation requested by the responsible ministry or authority

2. How to apply
Applications must be submitted directly to the responsible ministry or sector authority. Supporting documents and prescribed fees must be included. Some licenses may also require clearance from multiple ministries.

Most common sectoral licenses:

Fisheries (Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources - MFMR): Fishing License (industrial/commercial vessels), Fish Export License, Aquaculture License, Fish Processing License.
Mining & Resources (Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification - MMERE): Prospecting/Exploration License, Mining Lease, Renewable Energy License (for certain power projects), Quarrying or Small-Scale Mining License.
Liquor & Food (Provincial Councils / Honiara City Council: Liquor License (sale of alcohol, bars, restaurants, retailers), Food Handling or Food Premises License (sometimes tied to tourism/hospitality).
Transport (Ministry of Infrastructure Development - MID): Vehicle & Transport Operator Licenses (taxis, buses, freight, shipping services), Maritime Operator License (for ferries, cargo, charter boats), Civil Aviation Permits (for air transport services).
Tourism (Ministry of Culture & Tourism - MCT): Tour Operator License, Hotel/Lodging License, Travel Agency License, Tour Guide Registration.
Environment & Land (Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology - MECDM): Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Approval, Waste Management Permit, Pollution Control Permit, Protected Area Use Permit (if operating in conservation zones).
Other Regulated Activities: Telecommunications License (Telekom/ICT, issued by Telecommunications Commission of Solomon Islands – TCSI), Forestry License (logging or timber exports – Ministry of Forestry), Health-Related Licenses (pharmacies, clinics, private health services – Ministry of Health).

3. Fees & processing

Fee: Varies by sector, project scale, and license type. Fees are set by each responsible ministry.
Processing time: Depends on sector, some licenses can be processed in a few weeks, while larger or more regulated projects (e.g., mining, fisheries) may take several months.
Once approved, the sectoral license will be issued by the respective ministry, and it must be kept valid and renewed as required.