Import of controlled goods in Singapore

Importing goods, especially those considered “sensitive” and subject to control into Singapore, has certain requirements, regulations and procedures. Understanding and mastering these will create favorable conditions for businesses wishing to penetrate the Singapore market.

 Singapore is known as a world-leading country in facilitating businesses to invest and do business, especially start-ups, with preferential policies, support from the government and many other strategic reasons.

Along with the integration and great opportunities brought by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), to penetrate this potential market, many businesses choose to directly establish a company in Singapore to take the lead, while there are also other businesses that choose to import goods into Singapore.

To better support import-export businesses, this article by GLA will outline issues and procedures related to importing goods into Singapore, especially some "sensitive" goods that are subject to control.

1. Overview of the import licensing system in Singapore

1.1. Role of Singapore Customs

Singapore Customs is a department under the Ministry of Finance that plays a leading role in trade facilitation and tax enforcement. Re-established on 1 April 4, Singapore Customs consolidates tax collection and enforcement, trade documentation, trade facilitation and security functions under a single agency.

The key roles of the Singapore Customs include:

• Promoting international trade: The Singapore Customs Department actively supports and encourages Singapore's international trade. They work closely with government agencies and businesses to ensure smooth and efficient clearance of goods.
• Protecting national revenue: Singapore Customs ensures that trade activities comply with laws and regulations, thereby protecting national revenue.
• Maintaining security: The Singapore Customs plays a vital role in safeguarding the borders and preventing illegal trade-related activities.
• Building trust: Singapore Customs strives to build trust in Singapore's international trading system. They ensure that trade regulations and procedures are implemented in a transparent and fair manner.

In short, the Singapore Customs plays an integral role in facilitating trade, protecting national revenue and securing Singapore's borders. Singapore Customs strives to create a conducive and trustworthy trading environment for international businesses and trading partners.

1.2. TradeNet System

Electronic platform for managing customs procedures, including licensing.

TradeNet is an electronic platform for managing customs procedures, trade declarations including licensing applications in Singapore. Launched on 1 January 1, TradeNet enables various parties from the public and private sectors to exchange trade information electronically.

The main functions of TradeNet include:

• Integrated declaration procedures: TradeNet combines import, export and transit declaration procedures, simplifying the declaration process and reducing processing time.
• Trade Execution: TradeNet enables the trade and logistics community to execute their trade procedures efficiently and conveniently.
• Cargo monitoring and regulatory enforcement: Singapore Customs and other authorities use TradeNet to monitor the movement of goods and enforce health, safety and other regulatory requirements.
• Speed ​​up customs clearance and reduce costs: TradeNet reduces the cost and time of preparing, filing and processing trade documents. It also speeds up customs clearance of goods and allows duties and taxes to be deducted electronically.

2. Import license

2.1. Conditions for applying for an import license in Singapore

To import goods into Singapore, Individuals/Businesses will need to:

• Register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) or relevant Unique Entity Number (UEN) issuing authority to apply for a UEN;  
• Activate Customs Account of Individual/Business.

To import controlled goods into Singapore, businesses need to have license IN via TradeNet® (Singapore Electronic Trading Floor). However, since these items will be inspected by the Controlling Agencies, each item will be licensed by a respective controlling agency.

Import of animals, birds, mammals for personal pets

• The import of animals into Singapore is regulated under the Animals and Birds Act.
• To import animals such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs etc., an import permit issued by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) 30 days prior to importation is required.
• Import permits are valid for 30 days from the date of issue and the fee is $50 per permit.
• Imports of dogs, cats, mammals, birds, and other pets are subject to AVA veterinary conditions, which include health certification, quarantine, and inspection requirements by AVA.
• Importing reptiles, spiders and insects as pets is not allowed in Singapore.

Import of animals, birds, mammals for commercial purposes

• Only traders licensed by AVA may import animals for commercial purposes.
• A business wishing to import livestock such as poultry, sheep, goats, etc. must have a "License to Import Domestic Birds, Table Eggs, Sheep and Goats" issued by AVA. This license is registered once and is free of charge.
• A business wishing to import pets into Singapore for commercial purposes must obtain a permit from AVA to operate a facility to keep these pets.
• To import animals (except birds, poultry or geese) into Singapore for commercial purposes, an AVA import permit and a Customs Clearance Permit (CCP) are required prior to importation.
• AVA import permits are valid for 30 days from the date of issue and the fee is $87 per shipment.
• Imports of dogs, cats, mammals, birds, and other pets are subject to AVA veterinary conditions, which include health certification, quarantine, and inspection requirements by AVA.

Import of animals for experimental purposes

• Only research institutes that use animals for scientific research purposes licensed by AVA are allowed to import animals for testing.
• Laboratory animals may only be imported from AVA accredited exporters.
• An import license from AVA and a Customs Clearance Permit (CCP) must be obtained prior to import.
• AVA import permits are valid for 30 days from the date of issue and the fee is $87 per shipment.
• Imports of laboratory animals are subject to AVA veterinary conditions, which include health certification, quarantine and inspection requirements by AVA.

Import ornamental fish

• Ornamental fish herein are understood to mean ornamental aquatic animals, brackish or fresh water fish, crustaceans, mollusks, turtles, sponges and other aquatic animals, including their young and eggs. Ornamental fish do not include fish and products intended for human consumption.
• Businesses wishing to import into Singapore must obtain an import permit from the AVA before importing ornamental fish. The permit costs $350, and can be renewed annually.

Import pet food

• Each shipment of pet food requires an AVA import permit. The permit fee is $22 per shipment.
• For animal feed, feed supplements or micronutrient mixtures, importers must provide technical information on the ingredients used in the feed for AVA to evaluate prior to import.
• Pet food containing meat or meat products from Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada and USA are allowed to be imported into Singapore, provided that the consignment is certified by the veterinary authority of the exporting country.
• Pet food shipments must also comply with AVA labeling requirements.

3. Controlled items

Simply put, "controlled" goods are goods that must be inspected by Singapore's Controlling Agencies and must comply with strict import licensing regulations before entering Singapore.

According to the Singapore Customs Department, controlled items include:

• Animals, birds and products from them.
• Endangered wildlife and their products.
• Meat and meat products.
• Fish and seafood products.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Weapons and explosives.
• Bulletproof suit.
• Toy guns, pistols and revolvers.
• Weapons, spears and swords.
• Movies, videos and video games.
• Publications and recordings.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Medicine.
• Poison.
• Telecommunications and communications equipment.

4. Import of plants and plant products

• Imports of plants, plant products (seeds, rare woods such as Aquilaria (agarwood) spp, Gonystylus (Ramin) spp and American ginseng), plant-based fertilizers, agriculturally beneficial insects and microorganisms and flowers from the tropical regions of the United States are subject to AVA requirements and regulations.
• Importing plants and plant products into Singapore requires a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin and a Customs Clearance Permit (CCP) from AVA. The permit is valid for 2 weeks and costs $11.
• Please note that shipments must comply with AVA plant protection requirements.
• Imported goods are inspected by AVA.
• Agricultural pests such as crickets, grasshoppers and silkworms; organic fertilizers of plant origin; and agricultural microorganisms must be licensed by AVA before being imported into Singapore.

5. Import of endangered species of flora and fauna

• All CITES listed animals and plants for commercial or personal use require a CITES permit.
• Import permits for CITES species must be issued by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) one week prior to import.
• The import application must be accompanied by a CITES export/re-export permit from the exporting country.
• Import permits for CITES species are $12 per species.

6. Import of weapons, explosives and toy guns

• An "Arms and Explosives License" must be issued by the Singapore Police Force when importing firearms, weapons, explosives, poisonous gases, or other noxious substances into Singapore.
• All goods will be inspected by the Police Licensing Division upon customs clearance.
• Armed escorts are required when transporting weapons or explosives within Singapore territory.
• License fees depend on the type of weapons and explosives imported.
• Imported toy guns must be approved by an officer from the Arms and Explosives Division (A&E) of the Singapore Police Force. Any toy gun that resembles a real gun will not be cleared. Without an import permit for toy guns, A&E will either persuade businesses to hand over the toy guns for disposal, or re-export the item out of Singapore.
• A Samurai sword can be imported through a forwarding agent and will be inspected at the import points.
• Importation of hunting or survival knives must be approved by A&E

7. Import of movies, video games, audio/video discs, publications

• To import publications, a permit issued by the Media Development Authority (MDA) is required. In addition, businesses are not required to pay any fees or obtain any other permits when importing publications into Singapore. If necessary, the MDA may request for samples of publications or titles of publications to be imported into Singapore.
• Audio CDs imported for commercial purposes must be declared through the TradeNet® system. Additionally, audio CDs must not contain content that is prohibited, obscene or objectionable under the Undesirable Publications Act of India.
• Films can be imported into Singapore, but must be approved by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for collection and clearance.
• To import videos into Singapore for commercial purposes, a valid import permit must be obtained through the TradeNet® system. The permit application will be forwarded to the Board of Film Censors (BFC) for clearance. The importer may be required to provide information on the consignments being imported.
• To import video games into Singapore, approval from the Media Development Authority and an import permit are required.
• To import broadcasting equipment into Singapore, a business needs a permit issued by the Media Development Authority. This permit is valid for one year and is renewable. The permit fee is $330.

8. Import of pharmaceuticals, medicines and toxic substances

Import license (for authorized agents) for pharmaceuticals

• Import Licence (for Authorised Dealer) for Pharmaceutical Products is based on the Medicines Act. Pharmaceutical importers who do not have the relevant product licence may apply for an “Import Licence (for Authorised Dealer) for Pharmaceutical Products” issued by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) to import registered pharmaceutical products into Singapore.
• Note that this license is only issued to import companies that have been authorized by the owner of the import license.
• Only authorised medicinal products may be imported into Singapore.
• Importing enterprises must comply with the Good Distribution Practice standards as prescribed by HSA to be granted an import license.
• If the enterprise imports pharmaceuticals on a consignment basis, it must obtain an import license.
  If the importer does not have a licensed individual who is not an authorized dealer for medicinal products, he/she must apply for a "Medicinal Products Import Licence on Consignment Basis" from the HSA (Health Sciences Authority of Singapore). That is, the enterprise can import medicinal materials and excipients into Singapore on the basis of a signed contract, and is authorized to import drugs for the use of the organization itself. The authorized individual intends to sell registered pharmaceutical products to others for the purpose of resale. That person will have to apply for a "Wholesale Dealer's Licence for Medicinal Products".

Class A Toxic Substance Permit Form

• When importing toxic substances into Singapore, a "Poisons Permit Form A" is required.
• This permit must be obtained from a pharmacist if the company importing poisons with active pharmaceutical ingredients intends to sell pharmaceuticals or controlled drugs.
• The licensee shall be responsible for all toxic substance related transactions of the importing company.
• Importing enterprises must comply with the distribution standards of HSA (Health Sciences Authority of Singapore) to be granted a license.

Import license for pharmaceuticals on consignment basis

• If the importer does not have a licensed individual and is not an authorized agent for the pharmaceutical products, it must apply for a "Pharmaceutical Import Permit on a Consignment Basis" from HSA (Health Sciences Authority of Singapore). That is, the enterprise can import pharmaceuticals and excipients into Singapore on the basis of a signed contract, and is authorized to import drugs to serve the needs of the organization or individual who entrusted it.

Import license for unregistered medicinal products on named-patient basis

• Medicinal products not registered in Singapore can be imported on a patient-name basis by obtaining a license from the HSA (Health Sciences Authority of Singapore). Importers must disclose product details, patient and physician details, and import information. There is no fee for the license. Importers must maintain records of the supply and use of medicinal products."
• To re-export pharmaceuticals to other countries, businesses need to obtain a pre-approved pharmaceutical import permit from the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA). The shipments must be exported from Singapore within 2 years from the date of import.

Import authorization for restricted/psychotropic substances, screening drugs

• A trading company must obtain a license to import restricted/psychiatric or controlled drugs into Singapore. Only pharmacists can apply for this license. In addition, the applicant must have a valid poisons license. Shipments must be imported within 6 months from the date of authorization.

9. Import of telecommunications equipment

• If telecommunications equipment is imported for the purpose of sale or lease in Singapore, importers must first obtain a license from the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore.
• Imported telecommunications equipment must comply with IDA specifications, such as terminal equipment standards or radio communication equipment standards.
• Importing enterprises must ensure that imported telecommunications equipment not prohibited under Schedule 3 (Third Schedule) of the Telecommunications Regulations
• IDA's import permit for telecommunications equipment only applies to certain telecommunications equipment or equipment that is prohibited from being imported into Singapore. Examples include voice scramblers, military equipment, and receivers/transmitters.

10. How will GLA support businesses in opening companies and registering import licenses?

To import goods into Singapore or conduct trading activities, businesses must partner with a trading company or Singapore company registration, register with Singapore Customs, register for GST etc.

Establishing a company in Singapore is an option that has been and is receiving special attention from businesses to take advantage of tax incentives, a transparent banking and financial system, active support from the government as well as the prestige of one of the most developed markets in the region.

• Support for quick and legal company establishment in Singapore.
• UEN registration, customs account activation, import and export support.
• Consulting on import license application, ensuring smooth customs clearance.
• Support GST tax, accounting, financial reporting, profit optimization.
• Full service, saving time and effort for businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Import and Export in Singapore

Highlights

• Singapore has strict regulations on imported goods, especially controlled items such as animals, plants, weapons, pharmaceuticals and communications products.
• Enterprises importing goods need to register for a license through the TradeNet® system and comply with the regulations of the relevant control agency.
• Common mistakes when importing goods into Singapore can lead to delays or penalties, so businesses need to understand the requirements before proceeding.
• GLA supports opening import-export companies in Singapore and registering operating licenses quickly, legally and successfully.