WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
11 October  2016 
(16-5455) Page: 1/99 
Trade Policy Review Body  
26 and 28 July 2016  Original: En glish/Spanish  
anglais/espagnol  
inglés/español  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
SINGAPORE  
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
This document contains the advance written questions  and additional questions by WTO 
Members , and replies provided by  Singapore .1 
 
 
Organe d'exame n des politiques commerciales  
26 et 28 juillet 2016  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUE S COMMERCIALES  
SINGAPOUR  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA R ÉUNION  
Addendum  
Présidente : Mme Irene Young (Hong Kong, Chine)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  Singapour .1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
26 y 28 de julio de 2016  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTI CAS COMERCIALES  
SINGAPUR  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidenta:  Sra. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito  y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC,  así como las respues tas facilitadas por  
Singapur .1 
                                                
1 In English and Spanish only./En anglais et espagnol seulement./En inglés y español solamente.  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS  
MEXICO  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
MALAYSIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  12 
SWITZERLAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  14 
AUSTRALIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  16 
CHINESE TAIPEI  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  21 
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  30 
HONG KONG, CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 33 
CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  42 
UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  44 
OMAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  47 
BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  48 
JAPAN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  52 
ECUADOR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  54 
NEW ZEALAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  62 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 63 
INDONESIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  64 
CHILE  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  67 
PERU  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  73 
INDIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  75 
THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  79 
SOUTH AFRICA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  84 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  86 
COLOMBIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  96 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  MEXICO  
Report of the Government of Singapore (WT/TPR/G/443):  
 
Question 1 WT / TPR / G / 343 • Singapore; Report by Singapore; 2 NAVIGATING A 
CHALLENGING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
 
Page 3, paragraph 2.4: 2.4. In contrast, the services sector expanded by 3.4% in 2015, a 
reductio n from the average annual growth rate of 4.8% from 2012 to 2014. The wholesale and 
retail trade and the finance and insurance sectors registered the strongest growth. Notably, the 
wholesale and retail trade sector expanded by 6.1%, improving from the avera ge annual growth of 
4.0% from 2012 to 2014. Meanwhile, the finance and insurance sector grew by 5.3% – a 
significant fall from the average annual growth rate of 9.7% between 2012 and 2014.  
 
Mexico Question 1 : What are the reasons that Singapore has conside red as to why the growth rate 
of the services sector is lower from 2014 onwards than from 2012 -2014?  
 
Answer:  
 
The slowdown in Singapore 's overall services sector in 2015 was due in part to sluggish external 
conditions which dampened growth for the extern ally-oriented services sectors. For instance, the 
slowdown in the finance & insurance sector came on the back of weaker growth in the region as 
well as a dimmer outlook for the global economy, which in turn affected business lending. 
Likewise, sluggish tra de flows particularly between Asia -Europe as well as consolidation within the 
global shipping industry weighed on the transport & storage sector, which grew by 0.0% in 2015 
as compared to an average annual growth rate of 3.9% from 2012 to 2014.  
 
Additional ly, domestic factors such as the implementation of property cooling measures have led 
to a moderation of real estate -related activities within the business services sector. As a result, the 
sector expanded by a lower 1.5% in 2015 compared to an average ann ual growth rate of 4.0% 
from 2012 to 2014.  
 
 
 
Report of the WTO Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/343)  
 
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/343):  
 
Questions 2 to 4. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; ECONOMIC 
ENVIRONMENT 1; 1.1 Recent Economi c Developments:  
 
Page 10, paragraph 1.6:  
As in some other Asian economies, Singapore is faced with a rapidly aging population.  
Income inequality also remains a challenge for the Singapore economy. To tackle these, social 
safety nets (e.g. retirement benef its through the Central Provident Fund (CPF)7) have recently 
been strengthened. This included a more progressive interest rate structure where Singaporeans 
with lower balances enjoy higher government -provided interest rates on their CPF savings. In 
additio n, the 2015 Budget included the introduction of a new Silver Support Scheme in 2016. To 
better support the elderly with lesser means in their retirement years, the scheme will provide a 
quarterly income supplement to the bottom 20% to 30% of elderly Singap oreans aged 65 and 
above. The Government also aims to raise the quality of its foreign workforce and encourage 
businesses to reduce their reliance on manpower and increase their productivity, and to keep a 
level playing field for Singaporeans of different ages. For this purpose, the Government raised the 
qualifying salary for new Employment Pass (EP) applications from S$3,000 to S$3,300, to keep 
pace with rising salaries. As of January 2014, applicants must earn a salary of at least S$3,300 a 
month, dependi ng on qualifications and experience.8 
 
Mexico Question 2 : Which aspects of the level of qualifications required of foreign workers is the 
Government of Singapore considering increasing compared to the level of qualifications required of 
local workers?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Answer:  
 
Singapore periodically calibrates its policies to raise the quality profile of Singapore 's foreign 
workforce. There is no minimum required academic qualification to be eligible for a work pass.  
 
 
Mexico Question 3 : How does the Government of Singap ore aim to encourage businesses to rely 
less on labour and enhance productivity? How does Singapore intend to prevent these measures, 
which are directed at reducing the reliance on labour, from generating unemployment?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Council for Skills, In novation and Productivity (CSIP) adopts an integrated and multi -pronged 
approach to empower businesses to seize opportunities to transform and become more productive.  
 
The first prong is to support economy -wide productivity -led growth through a combination  of 
sector -specific productivity improvement strategies (i.e., verticals), which takes into account 
different operating conditions and unique challenges of each sector; and supporting capabilities 
and programmes which enhance productivity across -the-board (i.e., horizontals). These include 
shaping consumer attitudes towards productivity initiatives, driving smart regulations to facilitate 
productivity improvements.  
 
The second prong is to improve workers ' productivity through Skillsfuture, a comprehensive 
system of education, training and career progression for all Singaporeans.  
 
The third prong is to drive research and foster innovation, a fundamental engine of value creation 
and growth.  
 
The final prong is to help firms grow their topline through supportin g firms in internationalisation. 
Each of these parts will be reflected in the industry transformation maps that are being developed 
for key clusters in the economy.  
 
Singapore 's overall unemployment rate is low by international standards. As of March 2016 , the 
seasonally -adjusted overall unemployment rate stood at 1.9%, broadly unchanged since 2011. As 
the workforce ages and more from the baby boomer cohorts retire and exit the workforce, 
companies will need to adapt by restructuring towards productivity -led growth to remain 
competitive and avoid manpower shortages.  
 
 
Mexico Question 4 : Could Singapore explain whether these proposals cover all the goods and/or 
services sectors? If you have planned sectoral restrictions, could you indicate what they are?  
 
Answer:  
 
The industry transformation maps will be developed for more than 20 sectors that would cover 
more than 80% of Singapore 's GDP. There are no planned sectoral restrictions.  
 
 
 
Question 5. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; T RADE POLICIES 
AND PRACTICES 3 BY MEASURE; 3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports; 3.1.6 
Prohibitions, restrictions and import licensing regime Investment:  
 
Page 35, paragraph 3.22.  
Used motor vehicles over three years old, except vintage and classic cars15, cannot be imported 
and registered for use on public roads in Singapore. A surcharge of S$10,000 is payable for each 
imported used car registered in Singapore. Singapore has used a vehicle quota system (VQS) since 
1990 to regulate the rate of growth of vehicles on roads.16 Under the VQS, the Government fixes 
the annual number of new motor vehicles allowed on public roads. The growth rate of the vehicle 
population is fixed at 0.5% per annum between February 2013 and January 2015, and at 0.25% 
until Januar y 2018.17 The quota is allocated bi -monthly through bidding. A quota licensee is issued WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  a Certificate of Entitlement which represents the right to own a vehicle for ten years, and is a 
prerequisite for registration.  
 
Mexico Question 5 : Could Singapore expl ain if these measures that restrict imports of motor 
vehicles are based on international standards and if they accord a different treatment to electric 
vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or vehicles that use less -polluting technology or fuels.  
 
Answer:  
 
The measu res that restrict imports of motor vehicles are domestic policies designed to ensure a 
sustainable land transport system. They are non -discriminatory and apply to all vehicles that are 
imported into Singapore. Vehicles that are more environmentally friendl y may receive rebates 
separately under the Carbon Emissions -based Vehicle Scheme.  
 
 
 
Question 6. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; TRADE POLICIES 
AND PRACTICES 3 BY MEASURE; 3.2 Measures Directly Affecting exports; 3.2.5 Export 
Assistance:  
 
Page 40, paragraph 3.34: IE Singapore is the statutory board responsible for trade promotion. It 
relies on its network of overseas centres in over 35 locations to build networks and alliances, with 
a view to enhancing market access for Singapore -based companies. During the FY2014, it 
provided assistance to about 28,000 companies, mostly SMEs.23 It facilitated more than S$44 
million in grants to help companies expand overseas, about S$756 million in trade and financing 
loans, and insurance schemes  covering about S$2.3 billion worth of investment. To help 
companies internationalize more effectively, IE Singapore has simplified its assistance into two 
comprehensive programmes – Global Company Partnerships (GCP) and Market Readiness 
Assistance (MRA).  
 
Mexico Question 6 : In which countries are IE Singapore 's overseas centres located?  
 
Answer:  
 
IE Singapore has 39 overseas centres, located in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, China, 
Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mex ico, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, 
Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.  
 
 
Question 7. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; TRADE POLICIES 
AND PRACTICES 3 BY MEASURE; 3.2 Measures Dire ctly Affecting exports; 3.2.5 Export 
Assistance:  
 
Pages 40 and 41, Table 3.7 Overview of the Global Company Partnership Programme.  
 
Mexico Question 7 : Could Singapore explain why it does not consider the activities and / or 
programs listed in Table 3.7 (Ov erview of the Global Company Partnership Programme) as well as 
the financial assistance programs mentioned in paragraph 3.36 to be subsidies as per Article XVI: 
1 of GATT 1994 and Article 25.2 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore does not consider the activities/programs listed in Table 3.7 and in paragraph 3.36 to 
be notifiable subsidies as they are available to all companies in Singapore regardless of sectors 
and open to both local and foreign companies. They are  also not contingent on export performance 
or use of domestic products.  
 
 
Question 8. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; TRADE POLICIES 
AND PRACTICES 3 BY MEASURE; 3.3 Measures Affecting production and trade; 3.3.1 
Grants:  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Page 38 , paragraph 3.42:  There are incentive programmes designed for specific sectors or 
activities such as financial services (Section 4.2.1); the shipping and maritime industry (Section 
4.2.4); headquarters activities; and R&D, innovation, and product developm ent activities.  
 
Mexico Question 8 : Could Singapore explain, what these incentive programmes for specific sectors 
or activities consist of, and what requirements must beneficiaries meet to obtain the financial 
assistance provided for in these programmes?  
 
Answer:  
 
For financial services, the objective, scope and requirements of the tax incentives can be found in 
Paragraphs 4.13, 4.14 and Table 4.3 of the Secretariat Report. Both foreign and domestic 
taxpayers can apply and be approved for the tax incentive s. They are subject to the same tax 
rates, incentive scope and requirements.  
 
There are four incentive programmes for the shipping and maritime industry identified in Section 
4.2.4.1 - Maritime transport. Paragraph 4.57 cites the Maritime Sector Incentive  (MSI) – a sector -
specific tax incentive scheme administered by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). 
Paragraph 4.58 cites three other non -tax incentive programmes, namely, the Maritime Singapore 
Green Initiative (MSGI), which aims to reduce the environmental impact of the maritime transport 
sector, and the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund and the Maritime Cluster Fund 
(MCF), which are aimed at encouraging maritime Research and Development (R&D) and 
manpower development. More det ails on these incentive programmes can be found at: 
www.mpa.gov.sg  
 
Information on Singapore 's incentives on headquarters activities, R&D, innovation activities is 
outlined under Table A3.2 of the Secretariat 's Report. For HQ activities, R&D and innovatio n 
activities, the HQ programme, Research Incentive Scheme (RISC) and Innovation Development 
Scheme (IDS) are available to eligible businesses in Singapore. These incentives are open to local 
and foreign businesses and are not specific to sectors. All of th ese incentives require businesses to 
set up substantive operations in Singapore. Applicants are required to satisfy rigorous 
requirements. These include commitments to creation of jobs and business spending. In addition, 
for RISC and IDS, businesses must c arry out R&D and innovation projects that demonstrate the 
initiatives in capability development. For HQ programme, businesses must carry out corporate 
support and headquarters -related services and business expertise on a regional or global basis.  
 
Grants f or publicly -funded R&D that are conducted in partnership with companies are available for 
all companies in Singapore. In order for these partnership to be fruitful, such companies must 
typically have a substantive base of R&D activities in Singapore, as pu blic funding for such 
partnerships are assessed on the basis of the quality and depth of the proposed collaboration and 
the outcomes that can be expected. From time to time, there could be thematic grant calls for R&D 
collaborations, in specific areas of r elevance to Singapore, and applicants will be awarded such 
R&D grants if their proposals meet the quality cut -off and the qualifying criteria, and are likely to 
achieve the objectives of the grant call. Accordingly, applicants will be expected to achieve 
deliverables set out in their proposal.  
 
 
 
Question 9. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; TRADE POLICIES 
AND PRACTICES 3 BY MEASURE; 3.3 Measures Affecting production and trade; 3.3.3 
Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements:  
 
Page 4 6, paragraph 3.59:  
The AVA carries out inspections of food products and establishments in a risk -based manner. All 
food items are subject to traceability requirements, indicating the country of origin or the 
farm/establishment. Imports of dairy products, livestock, meat, and fish are considered to be "high 
risk" and are subject to strict controls, involving, inter alia, accreditation of foreign farms and 
establishments, inspection, and testing. Accreditation is carried out by the AVA based on risk 
assessme nt, including factors such as the veterinary infrastructure, disease status, legislation and 
other SPS measures, and hygiene. Meat imports are allowed only from accredited establishments 
in countries with which Singapore has protocol agreements. Chilled pi g meat may only be imported 
from Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States. Frozen beef, WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  mutton, and poultry meat may be imported from a limited number of countries, and in some 
cases, only from AVA -accredited establishments. F resh eggs are imported only from accredited 
farms in Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United 
States. Imports of broiler chickens and ducks are only allowed from accredited farms in Malaysia. 
Dairy products fro m countries that are not free from foot -and-mouth disease may be imported if 
subjected to double pasteurization treatment. Imports of high -risk shellfish products, such as 
oysters, cockle meat, cooked prawns, and cooked crab meat, are permitted only from c ertain 
sources with recognized sanitation programmes. Live oysters may only be imported from Australia, 
Canada, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United 
States.  
 
Mexico Question 9 : What is the average time taken for  the Agri -Food and Veterinary Authority of 
Singapore (AVA) to conclude its process of accreditation of food products and food outlets based 
on risk assessment, for countries with which there are existing agreements on protocol?  
 
Answer:  
 
For fruits and ve getables, processed foods and seafood (with the exception of high risk categories 
of seafood such as live oysters), no prior accreditation is required. This means that exporters may 
export these products to Singapore, subject to the required import conditi ons (e.g. licensed 
importer, import permits).  
 
For meat, meat products and eggs, all countries that wish to export to Singapore have to undergo 
the accreditation process. The accreditation process involves documentary evaluation followed by a 
verification  inspection. The timeframe of accreditation is dependent on several factors such as 
completeness of the dossier and existing exports as a basis of performance review.  
 
 
Question 10. WT / TPR / S / 343 • Singapore; Report by the Secretariat; TRADE 
POLICIES  AND PRACTICES 3 BY MEASURE; 3.3 Measures Affecting production and trade; 
3.3.8 Intellectual property rights:  
 
Page 47, paragraph 3.92.  
Geographical indications are currently protected in Singapore by the Geographical Indications Act 
1999. A new Geographi cal Indications Act (GI Act) with enhanced protection measures was passed 
by Parliament in April 2014. It is expected to come into force upon the ratification of the EU -
Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Under the new Act, GIs may be registered in Singapore. 
Registration of a GI is allowed only for a selected category of goods (Table 3.10). The registration 
system is a three -step process involving the application, examination of the application, and 
publication to allow third -parties an opportunity to object t o the application. Protection is granted 
for 10 years, and can be renewed for further periods of 10 years subject to the payment of a fee. 
Unregistered GIs will continue to be protected but will not be afforded enhanced protection under 
the Act.  
 
Mexico Qu estion 10 : What is the additional level of protection for Geographical Indications 
registered under the new Geographical Indications Act 2014?  
 
Answer:  
 
This enhanced level of protection under the GI Act 2014 allows all holders of registered GIs 
(includin g GIs pertaining to agricultural products and foodstuffs) to prevent the unauthorised use 
of their GI, even if that use does not mislead consumers as to a product 's true geographical origin.  
 
Further, all holders of registered GIs will be able to request for the detention of goods suspected of 
infringing a registered GI, if they are to be imported into, or exported out of, Singapore.  
 
The GI Act 2014 is not yet in force.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Other questions:  
 
Mexico Question 11 : Does the Singapore Government currently provi de technical assistance, 
training, financing or assistance for capacity building to other developing countries, including Least 
Developed Countries?  
 
Answer:  
 
Yes, Singapore offers technical assistance to developing countries, including Least Developed 
Countries, through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP). Each year, the SCP organises 
over 300 courses for more than 6,000 government officials from around the world. The SCP 
focuses on sharing experiences in Singapore 's areas of expertise with foreign government officials. 
Since its inception, over 108,000 government officials from 170 countries have benefitted from our 
SCP programmes.  
 
 
Mexico Question 12 : Should the answer to the above question be yes, what are the modalities and 
characteristics of t echnical assistance, training, funding or assistance for capacity building provided 
by the Singapore Government?  
 
Answer:  
 
For capacity building courses which take place in Singapore, Singapore typically covers course fees 
and local hospitality. Singapore  also fully funds and manages training centres which run capacity 
building courses in several locations in South East Asia and the Middle East.  For programmes 
jointly organised with other countries or international organisations under our Third Country 
Training Programme (TCTP) framework, the funding or assistance is jointly shared between 
Singapore and our TCTP partner.  
 
 
 
SÉPTIMO EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES DE SINGAPUR  
FORMULACIÓN DE PREGUNTAS (SEGUNDA PARTE)  
JUNIO DE 2016  
 
 
Preguntas de México  para el séptimo examen de las Políticas Comerciales de Singapur a llevarse 
a cabo del martes 26 de julio y el jueves 28 de julio de 2016.  
 
Informe de la Secretaría de la OMC (WT/TPR/S/343)  
 
Preguntas 13. WT/TPR/S/343 • Singapur; Informe de la Secretaría;  3 POLÍTICAS Y 
PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS; 3.3 Medidas que afectan la producción y al 
comercio; 3.3.3 Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias:  
 
Página 45, párrafo 3.56:  Todos los productos alimenticios y utensilios para la preparación de 
alime ntos están reglamentados por la AVA. Los operadores que quieran importar, exportar o 
transbordar productos alimenticios deben obtener la licencia de comerciante correspondiente o 
registrarse en la AVA. Según las autoridades, la finalidad del régimen de lic encias es mantener un 
registro de todos los importadores con fines de rastreabilidad. Las licencias para carne, 
pescado/marisco y frutas y hortalizas frescas son anuales. La tasa de registro es de 84 dólares 
singapurenses para los productos de carne y de p escado y de 378 dólares singapurenses para 
frutas y hortalizas frescas. La licencia para importar huevos de consumo es gratuita. Para importar 
otros productos alimenticios, entre ellos alimentos elaborados, solo es necesario registrarse (de 
manera gratuita ). Determinados productos alimenticios de alto riesgo están sujetos a controles 
adicionales, tales como certificados sanitarios, informes de análisis de laboratorio o pruebas de que 
el origen o la fábrica están sujetos a control por la autoridad del país e xportador mediante un 
régimen de licencias o una reglamentación similar sobre inocuidad de los alimentos.  
 
México pregunta 13:  ¿Dónde se puede realizar el registro?  
 
Question 13: Where can the registration be done?  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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Answer:  
 
Local importers can register t heir import licence/registration online directly at 
https://licence1.business.gov.sg/AVA  
 
This requirement of licence/registration only applies to local importers in Singapore. Exporters in 
Mexico are not required to complete this step.  
 
 
 
Pregunta 14. WT /TPR/S/343 • Singapur; Informe de la Secretaría; 3 POLÍTICAS Y 
PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS; 3.3 Medidas que afectan la producción y al 
comercio; 3.3.4 Política de competencia:  
 
Página 48, párrafo 3.65: La Comisión de Competencia también publica dire ctrices para ayudar a 
las empresas a entender cómo administra y aplica las prohibiciones previstas en la Ley. Hasta la 
fecha se han elaborado 13 directrices sobre competencia basadas en las contribuciones y opiniones 
aportadas por el público. Actualmente s e están revisando las directrices.  
 
México pregunta 14:  ¿Dónde se pueden consultar las directrices?  
 
Question 14: Where can the guidelines be found?  
 
Answer:  
 
Guidelines can be found at www.c cs.gov.sg/legislation/ccs -guidelines  
 
 
Pregunta 15. WT/TPR/S/343 • Singapur; Informe de la Secretaría; 3 POLÍTICAS Y 
PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS; 3.3 Medidas que afectan la producción y al 
comercio; 3.3.4 Política de competencia:  
 
Página 49, párra fo 3.69: La CCS es miembro de la Red Internacional para la Competencia y del 
Grupo de Expertos sobre Competencia de la ASEAN (AEGC). En calidad de presidente del Grupo de 
Trabajo del AEGC para la elaboración de una estrategia y de instrumentos para la defe nsa de los 
intereses regionales, la CCS lideró la creación de un portal sobre política y legislación en materia 
de competencia y materiales complementarios, dirigidos a la ASEAN, que se dieron a conocer en 
noviembre de  2013.  
 
México pregunta 15:  ¿Dónde se puede consultar dicho portal?  
 
Question 15: Where can the said portal be found?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Competition and Law Portal and Collaterals for ASEAN is accessible via  asean -
competition.org  
 
 
Pregunta 16. WT/TPR/S/343 • Singapur; Informe de la Secretaría; 3 POLÍTICAS Y 
PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS; 3.3 Medidas que afectan la producción y al 
comercio; 3.3.6 Comercio de Estado y empresas públicas.  
 
Página 49, Párrafos 3.73: Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited ("Temasek") es una de las dos 
sociedades de i nversión pertenecientes al Gobierno de Singapur (la otra es la sociedad de 
inversión del Gobierno de Singapur, GIC Private Limited, que gestiona las reservas de divisas del 
Estado). Temasek se constituyó conforme a la Ley de Sociedades en 1974 para asumir y 
administrar comercialmente una cartera inicial valorada en 354 millones de dólares singapurenses, 
que comprendía inversiones y activos que antes mantenía el Gobierno de Singapur. Al 31 de 
marzo de 2015, la cartera de Temasek estaba valorada en 266.000 mi llones de dólares 
singapurenses. Las inversiones de Temasek siguen concentradas en Asia (un 70%), incluida WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Singapur, aunque se ha reequilibrado la cartera con inversiones en América del Norte y Europa. 
Las inversiones están principalmente en valores de ser vicios financieros (el 18%); 
telecomunicaciones, medios de comunicación y tecnología (el 24%); y transporte e industria (el 
17%).  
 
Página 49, Párrafo 3.74: El Ministerio de Hacienda es el único accionista de Temasek. Según las 
autoridades, Temasek no reci be ninguna subvención ni consideración especial del Gobierno por el 
hecho de ser de propiedad estatal. El Consejo de Administración y la dirección de Temasek toman 
las decisiones en materia de inversión y desinversión y otras decisiones comerciales. El Gob ierno 
no participa en las decisiones de inversión o desinversión de Temasek, ni en ninguna otra decisión 
comercial u operativa, según las autoridades. Sin embargo, el Gobierno vela por que el Consejo de 
Administración sea competente, y le exige que obtenga  a largo plazo el máximo valor accionarial 
posible. En consonancia con la función de custodia para proteger los activos críticos y las reservas 
acumuladas de Singapur atribuida al Presidente, se requiere su aprobación previa para las 
transacciones cuyo res ultado sea la reducción de las reservas acumuladas de Temasek.  
 
Página 49 y 50, Párrafo 3.75: Las fuentes primarias de fondos de Temasek comprenden los 
ingresos por las desinversiones, los ingresos en concepto de dividendos de la cartera y el reparto 
de beneficios de las inversiones en fondos. Estas fuentes se complementan con fondos de los 
mecanismos de endeudamiento a corto plazo, como los programas de bonos y de efectos 
comerciales en eurodivisas de Temasek. Temasek declara los dividendos anualmente, 
estableciendo un equilibrio entre el reparto sostenible de beneficios a su accionariado, en forma de 
dividendos, y las reinversiones, que consisten en la retención de beneficios para su reinversión a 
fin de generar rendimientos futuros. Entre el momento en q ue se creó y marzo de 2015, Temasek 
obtuvo un rendimiento acumulado anualizado del 16%. En el ejercicio fiscal 2014, su rendimiento 
accionarial total (en dólares singapurenses, la moneda de presentación) fue del 19,2%2.  
 
México pregunta 16:  México desea s aber cuáles son las sociedades y/o personas morales que 
están vinculadas con Temasek -una de las dos sociedades de inversión controladas por el Gobierno 
de Singapur - y cuáles son los criterios que se consideran para que Temasek invierta en estas 
sociedades . 
 
Question 16: Mexico would like to know which are the companies and/or legal entities that are 
linked to Temasek – one of the two investment firms controlled by the Government of Singapore – 
and what are the criteria that Temasek considered for its inves tment in these companies.    
 
Answer:  
 
Details on Temasek 's major portfolio companies and investment criteria/strategy can be found 
online in the Temasek Review 2015 (www.temasekreview.com.sg), under the "Major 
Investments " (pages 88 -97) and "As an Active  Investor " sections (pages 26 -27) respectively.  
 
 
Pregunta 17. WT/TPR/S/343 • Singapur; Informe de la Secretaría; 4 POLÍTICAS 
COMERCIALES, POR SECTORES; 4.2 Servicios; 4.2.2 Servicios de telecomunicaciones:  
 
Página 68, Párrafo 4.37. Desde el anterior exam en de la política comercial de Singapur, no se ha 
modificado mayormente el régimen de concesión de licencias. El marco para la concesión de 
licencias distingue entre los titulares de licencias según la naturaleza de sus operaciones. Los 
operadores que impl antan su propia infraestructura y red de telecomunicaciones para prestar 
servicios obtienen una licencia de explotación de instalaciones, mientras que los operadores que 
arriendan redes de telecomunicaciones o compran servicios al por mayor a los operadore s que 
explotan instalaciones a fin de ofrecer o revender esos servicios obtienen una licencia de 
explotación de servicios.3 Los titulares de licencias de explotación de instalaciones pueden ofrecer 
                                                
2 Temasek (2015).   
3 Las licencias de explotación de instalaciones  se conceden a los operadores que tienen previsto 
implantar cualquier clase de redes, sistemas y/o instalaciones de telecomunicaciones para ofrecer servicios de 
telecomunicaciones y/o radiodifusión y televisión a clientes entre los cuales pueden contarse o tros operadores 
de telecomunicaciones titulares de licencias, empresas o el público en general. Las licencias de explotación de 
servicios se conceden a operadores que prevén arrendar elementos de las redes d e telecomunicaciones (como 
capacidad de transmisión, servicios de conexión y fibra) a los operadores de instalaciones que operan bajo 
licencia de la IDA a fin de prestar servicios de telecomuncaciones a terceros o revender los servicios de WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 11 - 
 
  los servicios que ofrecen los titulares de licencias de ex plotación de servicios, pero no sucede lo 
mismo a la inversa. Tras examinar el marco para la concesión de licencias, la IDA redujo la cuantía 
de los derechos anuales de licencia que debían pagar la mayoría de los titulares de licencias de 
explotación de in stalaciones y de explotación de servicios.4 Con arreglo a las disposiciones 
revisadas relativas a los derechos de licencia que entraron en vigor en 2013, los operadores de 
instalaciones pagan, por las actividades sujetas a licencia, una tasa uniforme reduc ida 
de 80.000  dólares singapurenses sobre los primeros 50 millones de dólares singapurenses de sus 
respectivos volúmenes de negocios brutos anuales; el 0,8% del incremento de dicho volumen 
entre 50 millones y 100 millones de dólares singapurenses; y el 1% del incremento de dicho 
volumen por encima de los 100 millones de dólares singapurenses. También se redujo de 5.000 
a 4.000 dólares singapurenses la tasa uniforme mínima que debían pagar los operadores de 
servicios. Las empresas nacionales o extranjeras in scritas en la Autoridad de Reglamentación 
Contable y Empresarial (ACRA) pueden solicitar una licencia de explotación de instalaciones o de 
explotación de servicios para ofrecer servicios de telecomunicaciones en Singapur. No hay ningún 
límite en cuanto al número de licencias que pueden concederse, pero puede haber limitaciones 
técnicas, como la disponibilidad de frecuencias del espectro. Tampoco existe restricción alguna a la 
participación extranjera en el capital de las sociedades del sector de las telecom unicaciones.  
 
México pregunta 17 : Respecto a la parte que indica que "Tampoco existe restricción alguna a la 
participación extranjera en el capital de las sociedades del sector de las telecomunicaciones ", ¿la 
participación extranjera en el capital puede ve nir de una sociedad con participación de capital de 
algún gobierno extranjero?  
 
Question 17: With regard to the part which states that "Neither are there any restrictions to 
foreign equity ownership in the telecommunications sector ", can the foreign equity  come from a 
company in which a foreign government has an equity stake?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) does not impose any specific foreign 
equity ownership restrictions. Facilities and services based telecommunications op erators in 
Singapore can be fully or partially owned by foreign operators, including a foreign operator  in 
which a foreign government has an equity stake.  The foreign operator will have to be a company 
incorporated under the Singapore Companies Act for t he provision of facilities -based operations, 
or a company incorporated or a foreign company registered under the Singapore Companies Act 
for the provision of services -based operations.  
  
Notwithstanding the above, ownership changes in licensees are subject  to IDA 's review to ensure 
that there is no substantial lessening of competition.   
 
 
                                                                                                                                                  
telecomunicacion es de los operadores que explotan instalaciones. La IDA puede conceder a los operadores de 
servicios licencias individuales o colectivas según el alcance de sus operaciones y la naturaleza de los servicios.  
4 Comunicado de prensa de la IDA sobre la reducci ón de los derechos de licencia que deben pagar los 
operadores de instalaciones y los operadores de servicios. Consultado en:  https://www.ida.gov.sg/About -
Us/Newsroom/Media -Releases/2011/IDA -Significantly -Reduces -Licence -Fees-for-Most-Facilities -Based -
Operators -and-Services -Based -Operators . WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 12 - 
 
  MALAYSIA  
SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
1. 2.4 - Investment Regime  
 
2.49 - There are few foreign investment restrictions . Singapore maintains restrictions on foreign 
banks in the dom estic retail banking market (Section 4.2.1.1). Singapore also restricts the practice 
of Singapore law by foreign -qualified lawyers (Section 4.2.5.1). Foreign equity ceilings apply to the 
port operator PSA Corporation (49%), and to broadcasting services (49 %). 
 
QUESTION  
 
 Malaysia would like to know if Singapore has any plans to liberalize these sectors and 
make improvement to her offer in the context of the DDA negotiations.  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore stands ready to review our DDA commitments to the level commensu rate with other 
Members ' improved offers, should DDA negotiations on services gain momentum.  
 
Singapore has been liberalising its legal and financial services sectors. For example, since 2011, 
foreign -qualified lawyers who pass the Foreign Practitioner Exa minations can apply for a Foreign 
Practitioner Certificate to practise in permitted areas of Singapore law if they work in a Singapore 
Law Practice, a Qualifying Foreign Law Practice or a Joint Law Venture (JLV). In financial services, 
MAS introduced the Q ualifying Full Banks (QFBs) in 1999 to allow new entrants to the market. 
MAS announced in 2012 that new QFBs would be awarded under FTAs where there are 
substantial benefits to Singapore.  
 
Currently, there are no plans to further revise the foreign equity ceilings that are applied to the 
PSA Corporation. For Broadcasting, the foreign equity ceiling of 49% applies to nationwide 
broadcasting services. Companies that do not provide a nationwide broadcasting service are 
exempted from this requirement.  
 
 
2. GOVERN MENT  REPORT  
 
Infrastructure Development  
 
3.3 - Singapore has also developed infrastructure to optimize the use of scarce resources, 
strengthen our companies' competitiveness, and support new growth sectors . For instance, Jurong 
Town Corporation's (JTC) Su rface Engineering Hub and Chemicals Hub consist of shared facilities, 
such as a centralised wastewater treatment plant and fire -water retention tanks. Companies can 
make use of these shared facilities and in turn, reduce their capital investment and operat ing 
costs. The 600 -ha Jurong Innovation District is another initiative. When ready, the District will host 
several new growth sectors , including advanced manufacturing, robotics, urban solutions, clean 
technology and smart logistics. The District will also  support Singapore's manufacturing value 
chains in these new growth sectors, including through functions such as research and 
development, design, prototyping, production and supply chain management. For instance, 
companies within the District will have ac cess to the research and engineering capabilities of 
Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, a full -fledged comprehensive and research -
intensive university.  
 
QUESTION  
 
 How were these sectors selected?  
 
Answer:  
 
These sectors have a strong focus on a dvanced manufacturing activities and have significant 
potential for growth, value -add and job creation.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 13 - 
 
   
 What are the specific programmes undertaken to boost productivity and 
competitiveness in these sectors?  
 
Answer:  
 
Under the Research, Innovation & En terprise 2020 (RIE2020) plan, the Singapore government 
will invest in the:  
 
(a) Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) sector , including cross -cutting technology 
horizontals such as Robotics and Automation, Digital Manufacturing, Additive Manufactur ing, and 
Advanced Materials. Advanced Manufacturing is also being looked into in the Committee on the 
Future Economy; and  
  
(b) Urban solutions and clean energy sector , specifically, research, innovation and enterprise 
activities for Energy, Water and Lan d and Liveability.  
 
In robotics , the Singapore government will invest in the National Robotics Programme (NRP) to 
coordinate government efforts to drive end -to-end development, test -bedding and deployment of 
robotics technology. The government will also lo ok to public -private partnerships between 
research institutions, companies and public agencies, to pilot robotics technologies across various 
applications.  
  
In Smart Logistics , under the Infocomm Media Masterplan, and as part of Singapore 's Smart 
Nation vision, the Singapore government is exploring a Smart Logistics programme.  This 
programme aims to allow different parts of the logistics ecosystem (e.g., cargo owners, freight 
forwarders, ground handlers) to leverage sensory networks in airports and seapo rts to gain full 
visibility and insights of their supply chain, thereby enhancing productivity.  
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 14 - 
 
  SWITZERLAND  
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/343)  
 
2.3.2 Regional and preferential agreements  
 
Singapore disposes of a very liberal trade and investment  regimes. It participates in multilateral 
and bilateral FTAs. About 80% of Singapore 's imports and 74% of Singapore 's exports are realized 
under preferential conditions (in total 21 regional and bilateral FTA with 32 trading partners). To 
handle so many di fferent agreements is a very challenging task.  
 
 How does Singapore supervise all these agreements? Which is the competent 
supervising authority? How can it guarantee the correct implementation of these 
agreements?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Ministry of Trade and Ind ustry (MTI) is the supervising authority for all FTAs. MTI adopts a 
whole -of-government approach and works closely with all relevant Ministries and government 
agencies to ensure that Singapore meets all our FTA obligations. All relevant Ministries and 
government agencies are also updated on any revisions to FTA obligations that may arise from 
FTA reviews.  
 
 
 Are there any estimations of the percentage of Singapore 's foreign trading companies 
that profit from these agreements?   
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore Customs does not collect data of Singapore 's foreign trading companies trading under 
preferential trade agreements.  
 
 
 
2.3.2.3  Gulf Cooperation Council:  
 
 In para 2.26 , it is stated: „The rules of origin require a value -added share of at least 
35% for imports to qualify for preferential tariff treatment, although the procedures for 
claiming preferential tariff treatment have yet to be finalized. " Does that mean that this 
part of the FTA is not operational yet?    
 
 
Answer:  
 
This portion of the free trade agreemen t (FTA) has been in operation since entry into force of the 
FTA on 1 September 2013. Officials from Singapore and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) hold 
regular meetings on implementation items arising from the GCC -Singapore FTA (GSFTA) including 
customs procedures for the preferential certificate of origin.  
 
 
 If so, are there any discussions going on as of when the agreement would be fully 
operational?  
 
Answer:  
 
See above.  
 
 Is it foreseen, that the tariff preference could also be claimed later once th e procedures 
for claiming preferential tariff treatment are finalized?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
Under Article 4.7 of the GCC -Singapore FTA, the importer of the good may, within a period 
specified by the laws of the importing Party, apply for a refund of any excess dutie s paid as a 
result of the good not having been accorded preferential treatment.  
 
 
3.1.4 Tariffs  
 
Para 3.16:  As indicated in para 3.16 of the Secretariat 's report, Singapore binds 69.9% of its 
tariffs. Could the authorities of Singapore explain the rationa le for continuing to maintain such a 
high level of unbound tariff lines? Does Singapore envisage to achieve full binding coverage in the 
near future?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore is prepared to increase our binding coverage as part of future WTO tariff negotiatio ns. 
We have hitherto demonstrated our commitment to do so through plurilateral negotiations such as 
the Information Technology Agreement and the recently concluded Information Technology 
Expansion Agreement. The ongoing Environmental Goods Agreement, when concluded, would also 
contribute to increasing Singapore 's overall binding coverage.   
 
 
3.1.7 Anti -dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  
 
Has Singapore ever been negatively affected by anti -dumping or countervailing measures against 
intermediat e products from other countries, which are transformed in Singapore but without 
obtaining Singaporean origin (i.e. collateral damages on Singapore 's exports)? If so, what actions 
were taken?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore has not been adversely affected by anti -dump ing duties or countervailing measures 
against intermediate products from other countries, which are transformed in Singapore but 
without obtaining Singaporean origin.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 16 - 
 
  AUSTRALIA  
Report by Singapore  
WT/TPR/G/343  
 
3. Economic Restructuring Towards Product ivity and Innovation -Led Growth  
3.2 SkillsFuture  
Page 4, Paragraph 3.2  
 
Question 1  
 
Under the SkillsFuture initiative, what are the eligibility criteria for education providers to operate 
and provide services in Singapore? [Is there scope for provision of services by Australian 
providers?]  
 
Answer:  
 
The SkillsFuture Credit allows Singaporean adults to defray course fees for courses offered by 
both publicly -funded institutions and private training providers. We are open to accepting courses 
offered by Austr alian providers, as long as the courses offered meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible 
courses must be skills -based and assessed to meet the quality standards imposed by our public 
agencies (such as MOE and WDA).  There are no restrictions on the method o f delivery for courses 
under the SkillsFuture Credit.  
 
 
Question 2  
 
Is there a specific mechanism that education delivered under the SkillsFuture program must 
comply with? Or can education and guidance be provided through multiple media (i.e. face to face , 
online, distance education)?  
 
Answer:  
 
SkillsFuture is a long term movement to build a future based on skills mastery and a culture of 
lifelong learning.  
 
The SkillsFuture Credit is one such scheme under the SkillsFuture movement where Singaporean 
adults are provided with an online account to defray course fees for courses offered by both 
publicly -funded institutions and private training providers. The eligible courses must be skills -
based and assessed to meet the quality standards imposed by our public agencies (such as MOE 
and WDA). Today, we have a mix of training providers whose courses are eligible for the 
SkillsFuture Credit. We are open to accepting courses offered by Australian providers.  
 
We do not have any restrictions on the method of delivery  for courses under the SkillsFuture 
Credit. Today, selected courses by online providers (e.g. Coursera and Udemy) are eligible for the 
use of SkillsFuture Credit.  
 
 
3. Economic Restructuring Towards Productivity and Innovation -Led Growth  
3.3 Infrastructur e Development  
Page 4, Paragraph 3.3  
 
Question 3  
 
In the report, Singapore describes how it will establish the 600 -ha Jurong Innovation District to 
cover growth in advanced manufacturing, robotics, urban solutions, clean technology and smart 
logistics, as w ell as to support manufacturing value chains in these new growth sectors, including 
through functions such as research and development, design, prototyping, production and supply 
chain management. Will the Innovation District be open to foreign investment or commercial 
presence in both a manufacturing and services capacity? If so, in what circumstances? If so, are 
there any caps or limitations?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
The Jurong Innovation District will be open to foreign investment. We welcome investments that 
can benef it Singapore economically, regardless of where they are located in Singapore.  
 
 
 
3. Economic Restructuring Towards Productivity and Innovation -Led Growth  
3.4 Research, Innovation and Enterprise  
Page 4 -5, Paragraph 3.4  
 
Question 4  
 
Singapore has committed S$19 billion in finding for the RIE2020 Plan (2016 -2020) to support the 
development of the research, innovation and enterprise sector, with a specific focus on Advanced 
Manufacturing and Engineering; Health and Biomedical Science; Urban Solutions and 
Susta inability; and Services and the Digital Economy. What are the eligibility criteria for these 
grants? Are these grants targeted only to Singaporean or Singapore -based industries? If they are 
open, would receipt of a grant under the RIE2020 plan be tied to e stablishing a commercial 
presence?  
 
Answer:  
 
Eligibility/selection criteria of each grant vary according to the domain, topic, scope and expected 
deliverables of the programme/scheme. Grants can be offered to public organisations, private 
companies or coul d be for public -private partnerships.  
  
Some grants are designed to encourage and enable collaboration with international partners, in 
which case establishment of an entity in Singapore is not required. Other grants that are designed 
to deepen specific cap abilities in Singapore might require the establishment of an entity in 
Singapore, so that such capabilities can take root in Singapore.  
  
All grants are evaluated based on merit in an open and competitive manner.  
 
 
Question 5  
 
Singapore mentions that this  program has a focus on human capital. Would it be open to foreign 
experts?  
 
Answer:  
 
Experts are chosen based on merit and their expected contribution to the RIE ecosystem in 
Singapore, and these would include foreign experts who are prepared to commit t o contributing to 
the human capital base in Singapore.  
 
 
6. Modernising Regulatory Regime and Facilitating Trade through Domestic Policies  
6.8 Legal Services  
Page 8, Paragraph 6.8  
 
Question 6  
 
In the report, Singapore describes the establishment of the Si ngapore International Commercial 
Court in January 2015, and the addition of a number of international judges to the Singapore 
bench to hear international commercial disputes. The report notes that "foreign lawyers have 
rights of audience in certain circums tances. " Could you please help us better understand in what 
circumstances would a foreign lawyer be able or not able to gain an audience?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
Parties may be represented by foreign lawyers in cases with no substantial connection with 
Singapore and to address the Court on matters of foreign law. Please refer to 
http://www.sicc.gov.sg/Guide.aspx?id=83 and the SICC User Guides Note 3 on Foreign 
Representation at  
http://www.sicc.gov .sg/documents/docs/SICC_User_Guides.pdf  for more details.  
 
 
6.9 Legal Services  
Page 8, Paragraph 6.9  
 
Question 7  
 
This paragraph describes amendments to the Legal Profession Act to provide a streamlined 
disciplinary framework for all lawyers, and an int egrated licensing regime for all law practice 
entities in Singapore. We understand that the intention behind this is written as being to provide 
law practices with the flexibility to attract and retain non -lawyer talent with strong management or 
financial backgrounds, and to allow non -lawyers to become partners, directors or shareholders in, 
or to share in the profits of, law practice entities. Is this open to foreign professionals? If so, in 
what circumstances?  
 
Answer:  
 
Foreign lawyers are allowed to hol d interests in Singapore law practices up to certain prescribed 
limits. This has not changed under the new regulatory framework.   
 
Under the new framework, a non -lawyer employee of a licensed law practice in Singapore can 
apply to be a partner, director o r shareholder in, or share in the profits of, that law practice 
subject to certain prescribed limits.  There are no restrictions on nationality but the non -lawyer 
employee must fulfil certain legislative requirements to be eligible to apply, which include not 
being a bankrupt or having been subject to disciplinary or criminal proceedings in the preceding 
10 years.  
 
 
6.14 Energy  
Page 9, Paragraph 6.14  
 
Question 8  
 
The Energy Market Authority of Singapore has outlined an ambition to open up the retail electr icity 
market completely by 2018. To clarify, to what extent and in what circumstances will foreign 
investment and/or commercial presence be eligible in the energy market be able to accept? Or will 
there be equity caps? To what extent and in what circumstan ces will foreign investment in services 
incidental to energy distribution be possible?  
 
Answer:  
 
There are no foreign ownership restrictions. Companies that are interested in participating in 
Singapore 's retail electricity market or in services incidental to energy distribution can apply to 
the Energy Market Authority of Singapore for relevant licenses.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Report by the Secretariat  
WT/TPR/S/343  
 
Summary  
Page 6, Paragraph 10  
 
The Secretariat report notes that "Singapore has a wide array of tax and non -tax incentive 
schemes, some of which have benefited from "enhancements" during the period under review ", 
but that "information regarding budgetary expenditures, as well as revenue foregone (tax 
expenditures) related to Singapore's incentive schemes, is not rea dily available ".   
 
Question 9  
 
Given that Singapore regularly notifies the WTO that it does not provide any notifiable subsidies 
under WTO rules, could Singapore please make available the additional information identified by 
the Secretariat, together with  what it considers these payments to be?  
 
Answer:  
 
Changes to the tax and non -tax incentive schemes, and their costs (where available) are 
announced in our annual Budget Statement, with details published in the Budget Book and 
Analysis of Revenue and Expen diture  that are available online 
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/data/budget_2016/download/FY2016_Analysis_of_Revenue_a
nd_Expenditu re.pdf .   
 
For example, costs of broad -based schemes such as the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) 
and PIC Bonus schemes, which are intended to encourage higher value -added activities and 
productivity growth,   were estimated to be $0.99billion and  $0.20 billion respectively in FY2015. 
The statistics are published at the link above.  Details of other new industry -specific incentives, 
such as those aimed at the maritime (eg. the Maritime Sector Incentive) and financial sector (e.g. 
incentive to promo te insurance and re -insurance broking activities), are published in the financial 
statements of the Maritime and Port Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore 
respectively.  There are also figures available on some of our non -tax incentive schemes . They can 
be found in Para 3.34, 4.58 and 4.69 in the Secretariat Report.  
 
 
 
3. Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
Page 39 paragraph 3.46  
 
The Secretariat report notes as at end -2015, Singapore had a stock of 553 Singapore Standards, 
about 40% of which were references to international standards.  
 
Question 10  
 
What is the process for developing technical regulations? How does Singapore ensure that 
international standards are given appropriate considerat ion in the development of technical 
regulations?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore's guiding principle for the development of standards used in technical regulations is the 
alignment of national standards with international standards, including the direct use of 
intern ational standards wherever appropriate.  
 
A standard becomes a technical regulation when referenced by an Act or regulation by local 
regulatory bodies. SPRING Singapore administers the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) 
Registration Scheme (CPS Sche me), and the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety 
Requirements) Regulations 2011 (CGSR), as the safety authority for household consumer goods.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
  3.3.4 Competition Policy  
Page 42, Paragraph 3.63  
 
Question 11  
 
Singapore has listed the energy, telecomm unications, media and airport services sectors are 
excluded from the Competition Act due to public interest considerations, or because they already 
have sectoral competition frameworks. Could Singapore please explain which sectors are excluded 
due to publi c interest considerations, or due to their own sectoral competition frameworks?  
 
Answer:  
 
The energy, telecommunications, media and airport services sectors are excluded from the 
Competition Act as each service sector has its own sectoral competition fram ework.  
 
For the energy sector, relevant provisions setting out the competition framework are found in 
sections 69 and 70 of the Gas Act (Cap. 116A) and sections 50 and 51 of the Electricity Act (Cap. 
89A).  
 
For the telecommunications sector, the framewor k is contained within the Code of Practice for 
Competition in the Provision of Telecommunications Services 2012, which was issued pursuant to 
section 26(1) of the Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323).  
 
For the media sector, the framework is contained within the Code of Practice for Market Conduct 
in the Provision of Mass Media Services, which was issued pursuant to section 17 of the Media 
Development Authority of Singapore Act (Cap. 172).  
 
For the airport services sector, the framework is set out in the Airp ort Competition Code 2009, 
which was issued pursuant to section 44 of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Act (Cap. 41).  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  CHINESE TAIPEI  
PART I: REGARDING TH E SECRETARIAT REPORT  
(WT/TPR/S/343)  
 
I. ECONOMIC  ENVIRONMENT  
(1)Recent Economic Developmen ts 
 
Page 9(Para1.4)  
……The key themes in the Government's Budget 2015 included people development, supporting 
enterprises in innovation and internationalization, investing in infrastructure, strengthening 
assurance in retirement, and supporting families and  community; the Government also introduced 
revenue measures in the 2015 Budget  to provide for increased spending needs. The Budget 2016, 
announced in March  2016, indicates an increase in overall spending; it includes measures to 
support smaller businesses and investment in public infrastructure projects, as well as an increase 
in corporate income tax rebates, extension of special employment credit, and deferral of foreign 
worker levy changes.  
 
Question(s)  
 
1. Please elaborate on the measures the government has  introduced to help SMEs develop 
and invest in public infrastructure projects. How effective have these measures been?  
 
Answer:  
 
SPRING Singapore has two main schemes to help SMEs in capability development:  
 
The Innovation and Capability Voucher  is designe d to encourage SMEs to take their first step 
towards capability development. Each voucher is worth up to $5,000 and each SME may apply for 
up to 8 vouchers in the areas of consultancy and Integrated Solutions, which are packaged 
solutions designed for easy  adoption. In 2015, SPRING supported 20,808 ICV projects.  
 
The Capability Development Grant  provides funding for up to 70% of project costs to help SMEs 
develop capabilities across 10 development areas: Business Strategy Innovation, Enhancing 
Quality and S tandards, Financial Management, Human Capital Development, Intellectual Property 
& Franchising, Productivity Improvement, Service Excellence, Technology Innovation, Brand & 
Marketing Strategy Development and Business Excellence. The CDG was made more acces sible 
for SMEs via a simplified application process for projects with a grant amount of less than 
$30,000. In 2015, SPRING supported about 1,600 CDG projects.  
 
 
I. ECONOMIC  ENVIRONMENT  
(3)Foreign Direct Investment （FDI） 
 
Page 14(Para 1.11、Table 1.3 ) 
Singapore's annual FDI inflows rose to US$72 billion in 2014 (Table 1.3). The United States was 
Singapore's major investor accounting for 16.3% of total inflows in 2014 (year for which the most  
recent data are available), followed by the United Kingdom and Luxembourg (at 10.6% each). 
Inflows of FDI were mainly in financial and insurance services (47.5%); professional, scientific and 
technical, administrative and support services (20.9%); and who lesale and retail trade (16.9%) in 
2014.   
 
Table 1.3 Inflows of FDI by source and sector, 2011 -14 
 2011  2012  2013  2014  
Total  (US$ billion)  46.8 61.0 56.1 72.1 
 (% of total)  
ASEAN  3.7 13.6 6.5 6.3 
Malaysia  4.4 5.3 3.1 3.5 
European Union  (EU28)  47.1 2.5 35.2 31.8 
United Kingdom  14.9 -10.6 4.6 10.6 
Luxembourg  11.6 -2.6 6.1 10.6 
Hong Kong, China  2.5 6.5 4.2 7.1 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 22 - 
 
   2011  2012  2013  2014  
Japan  -2.7 5.4 6.8 2.4 
United States  15.7 19.8 4.6 16.3 
Other  33.8 52.2 42.8 36.1 
Sector      
Manufacturing  11.2 -9.5 12.1 3.1 
Construction  -1.8 0.2 0.6 0.1 
Wholesale and retail trade  27.8 28.4 27.0 16.9 
Financial & insurance services  33.9 51.1 39.5 47.5 
Real estate  17.3 12.7 10.4 7.1 
Professional, scientific and technical, 
administrative and support services  9.1 7.5 3.2 20.9 
Other activ ities 11.6 17.0 10.5 25.2 
Source：Information provided by the authorities of Singapore  
 
Question(s):  
 
2. What caused the FDI inflows in 2014 to increase US$16 billion compared to 2013? Were 
any new investment incentive scheme s or polic ies introduced to attrac t more inflows of 
FDI? 
 
Answer:  
 
The increase in Singapore's FDI inflows was largely due to a significant increase in investments in 
the professional services sector. We are unable to ascertain if the increase was due to any specific 
incentive schemes.  
 
 
 
II. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
(1)G eneral Framework  
 
Page 15(Para2.2)  
……The Committee will be chaired by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Trade and 
Industry (Industry) as deputy, and aims to complete its work by end -2016. The CFE will addre ss 
five areas: (i) Corporate capabilities and innovation – to recommend strategies to enable 
companies and industry clusters to develop innovative capacities and use technology as well as 
new business models and partnerships to create value;  (ii) Future gr owth industries and markets – 
to identify and design growth strategies for priority clusters in Singapore, and to enable companies 
to seize opportunities in the global marketplace; (iii) Connectivity – to study modern connectivity 
and flows in the future g lobal economy and recommend how Singapore can continue to be a value -
creating hub; (iv) Cities – to recommend strategies to enhance infrastructure and develop 
sustainable urban spaces, and (v) Jobs and skills – to assess the impact of demographics and 
technology on the labour force, and recommend strategies to create and re -design jobs, and to 
equip Singaporeans with the skills needed for the future.  
 
Question(s):  
 
3. What strategies has the government recommended  to enable companies and industry 
clusters to d evelop innovative capabilities ? 
 
Answer:  
 
The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) is an on -going process and the recommendations 
have not been finalised.  It is premature to comment on the strategies at this point in time.  The 
final CFE report will be made publicly available in 2017 and it will contain a summary of the key 
recommendations.     
 
 
4. What new business models have been implemented to create value?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) is an on -going process and the recommendatio ns 
have not been finalised.  It is premature to comment on the strategies at this point in time.  The 
final CFE report will be made publicly available in 2017 and it will contain a summary of the key 
recommendations.    
 
 
5. What strategies is the government  pursuing to help companies develop in the global 
marketplace?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) is an on -going process and the recommendations 
have not been finalised.  It is premature to comment on the strategies at this point in time.   The 
final CFE report will be made publicly available in 2017 and it will contain a summary of the key 
recommendations.    
 
 
II. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
(3)Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
(ii)Regional and Preferential Agreements  
 
Page 16(Para 2.11) 
Singapore has a network of 21 regional and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with 32 trading 
partners (Table 2.1). Since the last trade policy review in 2012, three new FTAs – with Costa Rica, 
the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Chinese Taipei – enter ed into force. Singapore's FTAs with the 
European Union and Turkey, as well as the Trans -Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), are not yet 
in force   
 
Question(s):  
 
6. We understand that progress on Singapore 's separate FTA negotiations with China and 
Japan has been escalated this year. What is the current status of progress for these two 
FTA negotiations?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore has existing FTAs with China and Japan. The FTAs came into force in 2009 & 2002 
respectively.    
 
We believe the member is referring to t he regular FTA reviews to build on existing arrangements 
to deepen the trade linkages. In this regard, there have been several rounds of China -Singapore 
FTA (CSFTA) upgrade meetings since November 2015 and we are working towards completing the 
negotiations  by end 2016. Singapore and Japan have similarly had Supervisory Committee (SC) 
meetings on the review of the Japan -Singapore New -Age Economic Partnership Agreement 
(JSEPA) this year. Both sides are working towards a substantive review of the JSEPA to 
comm emorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore -Japan diplomatic relations this year.  
 
 
II. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
(3) Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
(ii) Standards and Other Technical Requirements  
 
Page 39 (Para 3.47) 
On 4 November 20 15, Indonesia raised an STC regarding Singapore's announcement to consider 
plain packaging for tobacco products. A public consultation on plain packaging was held between 
December 2015 and March 2016. The outcome is pending.   
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Question(s):  
 
7. We understand that Singapore is considering plain packaging for tobacco products and a 
public consultation has been conducted . Could Singapore please explain the results of this 
public consultation on its tobacco control policies?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore conducted a public consultation on standardised packaging and other tobacco control 
measures from 29 December 2015 to 29 March 2016.  We are still in the process of analysing the 
feedback from the public consultation.  
 
We have also been studying and closely monitoring intern ational best practices and developments 
on standardised packaging.  
 
The decision on whether or not to proceed with standardised packaging will be based on the public 
health merits of the measure. Any measure, if introduced, will be designed in a manner con sistent 
with our international obligations, including those relating to intellectual property rights and trade.   
 
 
III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
(3)Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
(iii)Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements  
 
Page 40(Para 3.55) 
Food safety, animal and plant health are under the responsibility of the Agri -Food and Veterinary 
Authority of Singapore (AVA), which is also the SPS enquiry point. The authorities stated that 
Singapore ensures that its SPS measures are consi stent with international standards, guidelines, 
and recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) 
and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). In the absence of such 
international/regional standards,  Singapore conducts its own risk assessment and makes risk 
management decisions, taking into consideration economic, technical, and other relevant factors. 
Provisional SPS measures may be taken where scientific evidence is insufficient.   
 
Question(s):  
 
8. For food products that are prohibited to enter the Singapore market, what procedure s 
must be followed  and how long will it take AVA to review a case and lift the ban?  
 
Answer:  
 
AVA will inform the competent authority of the exporting country before any trad e restriction is 
imposed. It will also provide the reason for the restriction, and request for 
investigation/rectification/preventive measures to be taken in order for trade to resume.  
1   
In order for AVA to review the case and lift the restriction, the com petent authority will need to 
provide the evidence to show that rectification and preventive measures were adequately 
implemented to address the cause/concern that led to the restriction.   
 
 
III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
(3) Measure Affect ing Production and Trade  
(viii) Intellectual Property Right  
 
Page 47(Para 3.91) 
The copyright law was amended in 2014 to implement two sets of changes. Firstly, the 
amendments introduced a new mechanism to enable copyright owners to apply to the courts for  
an order requiring internet service providers to block websites that flagrantly infringe copyright. 
Secondly, the amendments introduced new copyright exceptions to implement Singapore's 
obligations as a party to the WIPO Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Acc ess to Published Works for 
Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.   
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Question(s):  
 
9. To our knowledge, Article 193DDA in the 2014 copyright amendment provides that 
copyright owners can apply to the court s for an order requiring  ISPs to block flagrantly 
infringing websites. In 2016, the court granted the first such order to block the website 
"Solarmovie.ph ". Therefore, w e would like to know 1) Do  the courts encounter any 
difficulties in applying this provision ? 2) Are there any r egulations or rules that assist the 
courts in the process of granting orders and help ISPs implement such orders ? and 3) Are 
the order s effective (for example, do the blocked websites continue to provide infringing 
materials by using a new IP address, etc. ?) ? Please provide us with more information.  
 
Answer:  
 
1) Thus far, the Singapore Courts have not had any difficulty in applying the provision.  
 
2) Yes. Section 193DDA(2) of the Copyright Act lists several factors for consideration by the Court 
when dec iding whether to grant a site blocking order, such as whether the primary purpose of the 
website is to commit or facilitate copyright infringement, and whether the owner of the website 
demonstrates a disregard for copyright generally. In addition, the Copy right (Flagrantly Infringing 
Online Location) Regulations 2014 provides additional procedural guidance for plaintiffs and for 
the Courts.  
 
3) Court orders granted under the site blocking framework can specify various blocking methods 
for ISPs to implement.  So far, rights -holders have worked with ISPs to ensure that the specified 
blocking methods are both reasonable and effective. To date, there has been only one application 
since the amendment was introduced. Singapore will continue to monitor the effective ness of the 
site blocking framework.  
 
 
IV. TRADE POLICY BY SECTOR  
(2) Services  
(ii) Telecommunication Services  
 
Page 61(Para 4.39) 
Competition in the sector is regulated by the IDA's Code of Practice for Competition in the 
Provision of Telecommunication S ervices 2012 (Telecom Competition Code). Dominant licensees 
are subject to tariff -filing requirements and need the IDA's approval to offer, modify, or withdraw 
services. This is to ensure that they provide services on fair, reasonable, and non -discriminato ry 
terms.  The Code has undergone two rounds of review since its introduction in 2000. The last 
review took place in 2012 and was followed by further amendments effected in 2014. Key changes 
to the Code in these reviews included: allowing the IDA to prohib it licensees from "cross 
terminating" a consumer's service agreement if the consumer breaches the terms and 
conditions of another service agreement from an affiliated operator, or if the consumer 
is subscribed to a basic telephone service;  prohibiting lice nsees from automatically charging 
consumers for a service after the free trial for the service has ended; applying a prohibition 
against abuse of dominant position to any licensee found to have significant market power, even if 
the licensee has not yet bee n classified as a dominant one; and amendments to minimize 
regulatory overlaps with the Personal Data Protection Act.  
 
Question(s):  
 
10. Could the authority please specify which action s by the licensee are deemed 
cross-terminating?  
 
Answer:  
 
Under the Telecom Competition Code, licensees are prohibited from cross -terminating the 
telecommunication services of consumers so as to safeguard consumers ' interest. This means that 
where a consumer has breached the terms of the End User Service Agreement (EUSA) for a 
telecommunication service, the licensee is prohibited from terminating or suspending a basic 
telephone service or other telecommunication services offered by an affiliated telecommunication 
operator which the consumer has subscribed to.  This would prevent li censees from exerting WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 26 - 
 
  undue pressure on consumers to make payment of disputed charges through threatening to 
terminate services offered by an affiliated telecommunication operator, unless the services are 
offered under the same EUSA.  Consumers' right to e njoy the use of a basic telephone service will 
also be protected unless there is a breach of the agreement for the basic telephone service in 
itself.  
 
 
PART II: REGARDING T HE GOVERNMENT REPORT  (WT/TPR/G/343)  
 
 II. NAVIGATING A CHA LLENGING ECONOMIC EN VIRON MENT  
(1)&(2)  
 
Page 3(Para 2.1, 2.2) 
Trade contributes significantly to the Singapore economy. Singapore's trade to gross domestic 
product (GDP) ratio averaged around 368%. Trade accounted for approximately 60% of 
Singapore's GDP in value -added terms and ha lf of employment in the same period. Sluggish global 
demand and sustained low oil prices have adversely  impact ed on Singapore's economic 
performance. In 2015, the economy grew slow down to 2.0% compared to an average annual 
growth of 3.9% between 2012 and 2014.  
 
Question (s): 
 
11. Since Singapore 's exports have declined for 19 consecutive months, what are the 
Singapore an government's response policies with regard to the sluggish ness of  export s? 
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore 's small, open economy is highly integrated into the regional and global supply chains. 
Exports including re -exports are therefore driven in large part by global economic conditions.  
 
We take a forward -looking and long term approach to strengthening trade performance. 
Strategies include helping companies  to tap on growth opportunities and improve their products 
and services over the long term.  
  
Members will also be aware that we adopt a posture of openness towards trade agreements and 
participate actively in the multilateral process, as well as plurilate ral platforms. By working with 
partners to enhance the trade environment and reduce barriers, we ensure that imports and 
exports can flow smoothly.  
   
Singapore also places continuing emphasis on reducing trade costs by investing in infrastructure 
to enabl e integrated sharing of electronic trade data between businesses and the Government. 
One example is the National Trade Platform (NTP), which will build on our single electronic 
window to become a one -stop trade information management system supporting firm s in the 
logistics and trade finance sectors.  
 
 
III. ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING TOWARDS PRODUCTIVITY AND INNOVATION -LED 
GROWTH  
(5) 
 
Page 5 (Para 3.5) 
The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) was established in January 2016 to develop 
strategies to build a vi brant and resilient economy which would deliver sustainable growth, and 
create value and opportunities for all. The 30 -member CFE is helmed by Minister for Finance 
Mr. Heng Swee Keat and his deputy chairman, Minister for Trade & Industry (Industry) 
Mr. S Iswaran. The CFE's work will focus on five key areas, namely: future growth industries and 
markets; corporate capabilities and innovation; jobs and skills; urban development and 
infrastructure; and global connectivity. The CFE will draw from a wide range of  expertise across 
public and private sectors.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Question(s):  
 
12. Based on current CFE discussion s, what direction are initial strategies taking for the 
development of the future economy?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) is an on -going proces s and the recommendations 
have not been finalised.  It is premature to comment on the strategies at this point in time.  The 
final CFE report will be made publicly available in 2017 and it will contain a summary of the key 
recommendations.    
 
 
V. PROMOTI NG TRADE LIBERALISATION  
(8) 
 
Page 6 (5.8) 
5.8. The EUSFTA was concluded on 17 October 2014. It will improve Singaporean and European 
companies' access to each other's markets and provide a stable and fair regime for foreign 
investors while preserving the r ight of the parties to regulate in the public's interest. As the first 
FTA that is concluded between the EU and an ASEAN country, the EUSFTA signals the EU's 
commitment to step up its engagement with Southeast Asia and is a building block towards a 
potenti al EU-ASEAN FTA.    
 
Question(s):  
 
13. Could Singapore please explain the current circumstances for ratifying the EUSFTA?  
 
Answer:  
 
The EUSFTA is pending ratification by the EU. The ratification at the EU 's end has been delayed 
due to the European Commission 's decision to request a European Court of Justice (ECJ) opinion 
on the EU 's competences with regard to the EUSFTA.  The EUSFTA was submitted to the ECJ on 
10 July 2015 and we understand the deliberation is expected to take 12 to 18 months.  
2   
Singapore remai ns committed to work with the EU to find practical ways to expedite the EUSFTA 's 
ratification.  
 
 
VI. MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND  FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH 
DOMESTIC  POLICIES  
(13) 
 
Page 9 (Para 6.13) 
Singapore has put in place policies to reduce its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by switching from fuel 
oil to natural gas. Today, about 95% of Singapore's electricity is generated from natural gas. To 
meet the longer term demand for natural gas, Singapore has put in place a Competitive Licensing 
Framework to a llow flexibility in importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies on a tranche -by-
tranche basis. This allows suppliers to bid in an open and competitive process to supply the next 
tranche of LNG to Singapore.  
 
Question(s):  
 
14. Under the Competitive Licensing  Framework (CLF), can foreign compan ies also be LNG 
importer s? 
 
Answer:  
 
There are no restrictions on foreign participation in our Competitive Licensing Framework (CLF).  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 28 - 
 
  15. How effective is the implement ation of the CLF program? Are any complementary 
measur es necessary for this program ? 
 
Answer:  
 
The current Request -for-Proposal for the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is still ongoing. 
Therefore it is premature to judge the effectiveness of the Competitive Licensing Framework 
(CLF).  
 
 
VI. MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH 
DOMESTIC POLICIES  
(14) 
 
Page  9 (Para 6.14) 
The Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA) has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance 
market competition to benefit end consumers. EMA is progressively ope ning the retail electricity 
market to competition to give consumers the option of buying electricity packages with different 
prices and services from a variety of retailers, instead of only being able to purchase electricity 
from Singapore Power Services a t the regulated tariff. EMA aims to open up the retail electricity 
market completely by 2018.  
 
Question(s):  
 
16. Please provide further information about "electricity packages with different prices and 
services "：  
(1) What kind s of services are integrated into the se "electricity packages "? 
 
(2) Do these services also reflect or support Singapore 's policies for reducing greenhouse gas 
emissions?  
 
Answer:  
 
Retailers can offer customised price plans to suit their customers ' preferences and electricity 
usage patterns. The price plans may include value -added services such as energy audit and 
management services to help the customers improve energy efficiency, which in turn supports 
Singapore 's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Such services are mutually agreed upon  
between consumers and their respective retailers on a commercial basis.  
 
 
VI. MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH 
DOMESTIC POLICIES  
(15) 
 
Page 9  (Para 6.15) 
An electricity futures market was launched in April 2015 to facilitate t he entry of new independent 
retailers to enhance competition in the retail market. It also allows the industry stakeholders to 
better manage their risks. This has resulted more competitively priced electricity retail packages 
for end -users.  
 
Question(s):  
 
17. What kind s of assistance  or support does the Singapore an government provide to these 
new retailers before and after they enter the electricity market?  
 
Answer:  
 
The retail market is liberalised so that no direct government assistance is given to the retail ers. 
The setting up of the electricity futures market – which was driven by EMA – has supported the 
entry of new retailers, because the futures market serves as a platform for retailers to hedge their 
risk without generation assets. This in turn allows for  the entry of new independent retailers.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 29 - 
 
   
VI. MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH 
DOMESTIC POLICIES  
 
Intellectual property (IP)  
 
Page 8 (Para 6.7)  
Singapore has also launched the IP Financing Scheme in 2014 to increase businesses ' access to 
capital by enabling them to pledge their patents as collateral for loans.  
 
Question(s):  
 
18. Could the authority please explain the specific measures of the IP Financing Scheme?  
 
Answer:  
 
The IP Financing Scheme (IPFS) was launched in April 2014 to  allow companies to monetize their 
intellectual assets for business growth and expansion. The Scheme initially provided for granted 
patents to be used as collaterals for bank loans. On 1 July 2016, the Scheme was extended to allow 
copyrights and registered  trademarks to be used for collateral as well.   
 
Both local and foreign registered patents and trademarks are accepted. Copyrights must vest in 
works capable of being commercially exploited on their own, for example, films, books, software 
products, apps and games.  
 
Companies incorporated in Singapore or Sole -Proprietorships / Partnerships registered in Singapore 
are eligible to apply.  
 
Details of the IP Financing Scheme are available online at:  
http://www.ipos.gov.sg/IPforYou/IPforBusinesses/IPFinancingScheme.aspx . 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
  CANADA  
Report by the WTO Secretariat WT/TPR/S/343 -  
Part 4. Trade Policies by Sector: Services; Transport Services; Maritime Transport: 
paragraph 4.49, page 63:  
 
It is noted that ASEAN countries are in the process of establishing an ASEAN Single Shipping 
Market, however cabotage is expected to be excluded.   Could Singapore please clarify some 
aspects of its maritime cabotage regime, specifically:  
 
1.  Are pe rmits issued for cabotage services and under what conditions?   Could Singapore 
please provide details on how to obtain a permit?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore has only one port – the Port of Singapore. As such, there are no cabotage activities 
within Singapore.  
 
 
2.  If no permits are issued, do foreign -registered vessels provide cabotage at any time and 
what mechanism allows them to perform those services?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
3.  How many foreign merchant vessels participated in maritime ca botage in each of the last 
5 years in Singapore?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
4.  What type of transportation services did these foreign merchant vessels provide (i.e., 
freight, passenger)?   Can Singapore please provide the number of permit s issued for 
each category?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
5.  How long are permits issued for?   Is there a time limit?  Are there limits on the number 
of times a permit can be issued?   Is there a cost to obtain a permit?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please se e response to Question 1.  
 
 
6.  Can foreign nationals work on foreign merchant vessels that obtain a permit to provide 
cabotage?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
7.  What is the percentage of cabotage services provided by foreign -registered vesse ls? WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 31 - 
 
   
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
8.  Under what conditions can a foreign -registered vessel obtain an authorization to perform 
cabotage in Singapore?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
9.  Can foreign entities own and operate Singa pore-registered vessels and undertake 
cabotage activities without a permit or authorization?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
10. Could Singapore please explain if there is legislation that restricts cabotage to nationally -
registered vessels?   If so, could Singapore please provide the link to this legislation?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 1.  
 
 
Government procurement - Paragraph 3.81, page 45   
 
The Report by the Secretariat notes that  "…The Government may also engage the private sect or in 
the delivery of public services through public -private partnerships (PPPs), usually for large 
projects ". 
 
11. Can Singapore confirm whether foreign suppliers are treated on an equal footing with local 
suppliers  when procurement is carried through a PPP?  
 
Answer:  
 
Public -private partnerships (PPPs) are governed by the same provisions as traditional 
procurement methods under the Government Procurement Act and its subsidiary legislations, if 
they meet the criteria for covered procurement set out therein. For  all covered procurement, we 
do not discriminate suppliers on the basis of their nationality. All suppliers are assessed on the 
same basis and criteria stated in the tender documents.  
 
 
Report by the Government – Singapore (WT/TPR/G/343)  
Part 6: Modernisi ng regulatory regime and facilitating trade through domestic policies, 
paragraph 6.13, page 9:  
 
It is noted that Singapore put in place policies to reduce its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 
switching from fuel oil to natural gas.  
 
1.  Could Singapore share wheth er it also plans to put in places policies to promote use of 
renewable energy sources?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
Solar energy is the most promising renewable energy source in Singapore 's context. The adoption 
of solar PV systems in Singapore has increased almost 19 -fold from 2010 to reach 70 MWp as of 
the first quarter of 2016. Singapore has been taking proactive steps to facilitate its deployment, 
while ensuring that the power grid stability is maintained. For example, we have streamlined 
payment mechanisms to make it eas ier for consumers with solar PV systems to sell excess 
electricity back to the grid, and adopted solar profiling instead of requiring solar adopters to install 
physical meters to reduce costs. The Government also aims to accelerate solar deployment in 
Singapore, through aggregating solar energy demand and deployment across government 
agencies, and supporting new business models such as solar leasing.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 33 - 
 
  HONG KONG, CHINA  
Questions on the Secretariat Report  and Government Reports  
 
Trade Policies and Practices  by Measure  
 
General Framework  
(WT/TPR/S/3 43: Page 15, para 2.1 ) 
 
1. There have been no major institutional changes with respect to the Government 's 
allocation of responsibilities for trade -related matters. The Ministry of Trade and Industry 
(MTI) is responsi ble for the formulation and implementation of Singapore 's trade policy.  In 
October 2015, the Government appointed two ministers to lead the MTI – the Minister for 
Trade and Industry (Trade) and the Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry).  A key 
divisio n under the Ministry 's trade branch, the International Trade Cluster (with about 
30 staff), pursues Singapore 's trade interests at the multilateral and regional levels.  One 
of its tasks is to work on the removal of non -tariff measures in other countries, which is a 
priority for Singapore.  The MTI also houses a Trade Academy, which was set up in July 
2011 to develop and coordinate training programmes to strengthen officials ' competence.  
 
Question:  
 
We note an additional Minister for Trade and Industry was appointed in October 2015 to 
strengthen the work of this Ministry.  As mentioned  in the report, one of the tasks is to work on 
the removal of non -tariff measures  in other countries .  Specifically, what measures does the 
Ministry wish to remove as priority?   How will  the Ministry take forward this task?   
 
Answer:  
 
The Government is committed to helping Singapore -based companies address non -tariff measures 
(NTMs) impeding their exports, including by: (i) engaging these companies regularly to understand 
the specific NTMs they face; (ii) evaluating each NTM surfaced by these companies to determine 
how best to address them; and (iii) where appropriate, actively engaging our trading partners 
through bilateral/regional and multilateral platforms. Based on feedbac k from companies, our 
priorities are addressing measures relating to Trade Facilitation (TF), Technical Barriers to Trade 
(TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS).  
 
 
Could Singapore also share with us how the "Trade Academy " helps to strengthen officials ' 
competence?  
 
Answer:  
 
The primary objective of the Trade Academy (TA) is to equip Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) 
officers with the knowledge, skills and values required to perform their jobs competently and to 
realise their potential. It develops and coordinates training programmes to build up officers ' 
competence through a spectrum of in -house as well as specialised technical courses. The TA 
focuses on providing courses relating to trade policy and industry development as well as WTO 
disciplines.  
 
 
Trade Facilitation Scheme  
(WT/TPR/S/3 43: Page 35, para 3.33 ) 
 
2. The Trade Facilitation Scheme (TFS) , launched in November 2013, aimed at addressing 
gaps in trade financing for Singapore -based companies in emerging markets . Under the 
scheme, Intern ational Enterprise ( IE) Singapore enters into a risk -sharing arrangement 
with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, to increase the 
capacity for credit guarantees to Singapore -based banks for protection against the non -
payment risks of overseas issuing banks.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Question:  
 
Could you tell us which sectors or industries have made use of , and the emerging markets that 
have been involved  in, the TFS ? Is there any review or assessment of the TFS so far? If yes, could 
you share with us the findings of the review or assessment results?  A re there any quantitative 
targets set for the TFS?  If yes, ha ve these target s been met?  
 
Answer:  
 
The sectors are mainly oil and gas, agri -commodities, industrial chemicals and machineries. The 
key eme rging markets are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Viet  Nam.  
 
The Trade Facilitation Scheme (TFS) is designed to address market gaps in trade financing for 
Singapore -based companies in emerging markets. We conduct periodic reviews to ensure that the 
scheme remains relevant to the changing market conditions (e.g. tenure requirements, limits 
requirements).  
 
We have projections in terms of the expected utilisation rather than fixed targets as it is largely 
shaped by macroeconomic and credit conditions.  
 
 
State Trading and State-Owned Enterprises  
(WT/TPR/S/3 43: Page 44, para 3.78 ) 
 
3. A number of statutory boards have established statutory board companies to perform 
public policy functions that are not considered appropriate for outsourcing to the private 
secto r. The authorities indicated that statutory board companies are expected to operate 
commercially and are subject to the same regulations and market forces as other private 
companies.  
 
Question:  
 
What are the "public policy functions that are not considered  appropriate for outsourcing to the 
private sector "? Is there a set of criteria for judging that the outsourcing of a certain function to 
the private sector is not appropriate? Could Singapore share with us the sectors that the statutory 
board companies are involved and their market share in those sectors?   
 
Is there a ny transparency mechanism  to enable the public  to monitor the statutory board 
companies , so as to ensure that they receive the same treatment as other  private companies?   Is 
there an y increa se in the number  of statutory board companies during the review period? If so, by 
how many?  
 
Answer:  
 
In general, the Government does not get involved in businesses if there is no market failure and 
the private sector can adequately perform the relevant s ervices. Statutory board companies may 
only be set up to perform public functions. The default position is for all these companies to be 
eventually divested at a suitable time, such as when the private sector can address the relevant 
services.   
 
There is a level playing field for all enterprises, regardless of whether they are privately -owned or 
government -owned.  
 
Our laws and regulations do not provide special treatment to statutory board companies by virtue 
of their government "ownership ".   
 
Given the b roader legal framework that is already in place, we do not single out statutory board 
companies for the purpose of monitoring.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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Intellectual Property Rights  
(WT/TPR/S/3 43: Page 47, para 3.91 ) 
 
4. The copyright law was amended in 2014 to implement two sets of  changes.  One is to 
introduce a new mechanism to enable copyright owners to apply to the courts for an order 
requiring internet service providers to block websites that flagrantly infringe copyright.  
 
Question:  
 
Since the introduction of the new mechanism  in July 2014  to apply for court order to block 
websites, has Singapore conducted a review of the effectiveness of th e measure?  How many 
applications for court orders have been received and what is the success rate?  Is there a 
mechanism for the allegedly  infringing websites to lodge objections? Has the Court made  any legal 
interpretation on the definition of "flagrantly infringing online location "?  Are there other new 
measures to enhance  copyright protection?  
 
Answer:  
 
The legislative provisions for new  site blocking mechanism came into force in Dec 2014. To date, 
there has been only one application, which was granted in Feb 2016. Singapore will continue to 
monitor the effectiveness of the site blocking framework.  
 
Safeguards are built in to protect legi timate websites. Section 193DDB (1) requires a rights -holder 
to notify an operator of an allegedly infringing website that the website is being used to commit or 
facilitate copyright infringement. The operator then has an opportunity to address the infring ement 
before a site blocking application is filed. Section 193DDB(4) also gives an operator of allegedly 
infringing site the right to be heard in the site blocking application, as well as the same right of 
appeal as a party to the application.  
 
It has so f ar been unnecessary for the Courts to provide further elaboration on the definition of a 
"flagrantly infringing online location " beyond that already provided in the statute.  
 
Singapore 's IP laws, including on copyright protection, are regularly reviewed. D etails of the 
reviews, including public consultations, will be announced at the appropriate time.  
 
 
Does the Ministry of Law have any plan to review Singapore 's copyright regime?  Will the Ministry 
look into the possibility of introducing a fair use except ion? 
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore' s IP laws, including those related to copyrights, are regularly reviewed.  Details of the 
reviews, including public consultations, will be announced at the appropriate time.  
 
Singapore' s Copyright Act already contains a fair use e xception in Section 35(1) and (2).  
 
 
(WT/TPR/ G/343: Page 8, para 6.7 ) 
 
5. Singapore has launched the IP Financing Scheme in 2014 to increase businesses ' access to 
capital by enabling them to pledge their patents as collateral for loans.  This Scheme has 
the a dded benefit of helping financial institutions become familiar with handling IP assets.  
In relation to IP dispute resolution, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) 
introduced the IP Mediation Promotion Scheme in April 2016 to fund businesse s which opt 
for mediation in IP disputes.  
 
Question:  
 
Under  the IP Financing Scheme , the Singapore Government will partially underwrite the loans 
granted by participating financial institutions using granted patents as collaterals .  Could Singapore 
provide  further details concerning the scheme  as follows:  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 36 - 
 
   
(a) Are foreign patents accepted as collaterals for purposes of the scheme, or only patents 
granted in Singapore?  
(b) Does the Singapore Government underwrite all loans granted under the scheme up to 
the same lev el/extent, or does the extent of underwriting vary on a case by case basis?  
If it is the latter, what are the relevant factors affecting the extent of underwriting?  
(c) According to information on IPOS 's website, an applicant is required to appoint an IP 
valuer from the Panel of Valuers to determine the value of the granted patent(s). How 
can an IP valuer join the Panel of Valuers?  What are the criteria of becoming a member 
of this Panel?  
(d) What are the valuation methodologies/approaches adopted by the Panel o f Valuers in 
assessing the granted patents?  If it is a mixture of different valuation methodologies, 
what factors will be taken into account when determining the final combination?  
(e) According to IPOS 's website, three  financial institutions are participatin g in the current 
scheme so far, i.e. DBS Bank Ltd, OCBC Ltd and UOB Ltd, which are all headquartered in 
Singapore.  What is the response of other multinational financial institutions which are 
based outside Singapore to the scheme, and are new participatin g financial institutions 
expected in the near future?  
(f) According to a press release issued by IPOS on 2 June 2016, the scheme has been 
extended for another two years to 31 March 2018.  What are the reception and result of 
the scheme since its launch in Apri l 2014? Are there any default cases recorded so far?  
If positive, how are they being handled?  
(g) The IP Mediation Promotion Scheme was introduced in April 2016 to encourage use of 
mediation to settle disputes with pending proceedings in IPOS.  Does the schem e cover 
cases of IPOS (Registrar) being a party to the proceedings?   What are the role and 
purpose of the "shadow " mediator / observer?  
 
Answer:  
 
a) Both local and foreign -granted patents are accepted. In addition, the IP Financing Scheme 
was extended to allow copyrights and registered trademarks to be used as collateral, as of 1 July 
2016.  
 
b) A standard evaluation approach is applied on all applications submitted to IPOS, in 
accordance with the agreement with the respective Participating Financial Instit utions ( "PFIs"). 
Variations, if any, will be done in consultation with the PFIs.  
 
c) IP valuation firms that are interested to be assessed to be part of this panel can indicate 
their interest through the IPOS Online Enquiry form. Interested firms are requi red to satisfy the 
following basic criteria:  
• At least 5 years ' experience in IP valuation  
• Performed IP valuation for companies with a turnover of at least S$5 million  
• Performed valuation for IP with a worth of at least S$1 million  
• Firm has a minimu m annual turnover of S$1 million  
 
d) There are various valuation methodologies available and there is no one standard approach. 
Factors to be taken into account include the nature of the IP rights to be utilised as loan collateral, 
the nature of the busine ss of the borrower and the income streams generated by the IP rights.  
The IP valuer will exercise their professional judgement in deciding the type of valuation 
methodologies to be applied.  
 
e) IPOS added a fourth PFI, AFC Merchant Bank, to the IP Financi ng Scheme. AFC Merchant 
Bank is also headquartered in Singapore. PFIs based overseas are welcomed to apply to 
participate in the scheme.  
 
f) We have one approved application at the moment, and several others in the pipeline.  To 
date, there is no default.  
 
g) The Registrar is not generally a party to proceedings in the disputes that are filed at IPOS 
(unlike some other jurisdictions where the Registrar might become a party if the applicant appeals 
from the Registrar 's decision at first instance to a Board a ffiliated with the IP Office).  It would also 
be a very rare occasion for the Registrar to be a party on substantive grounds e.g. to oppose the WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 37 - 
 
  registration of a trade mark that is deceptive as to the nature or quality of a service as coming 
from IPOS.  Th erefore, we do not foresee that in practice, the Mediation Promotion Scheme would 
cover cases of the Registrar being a party to the IPOS proceedings.  
 
A "shadow " mediator / observer' s role is as an observer, though, with the agreement of the parties 
and th e mediator, arrangements might be made for him to function as a co -mediator.  The 
purpose of requiring a "shadow " mediator / observer is so that he can learn from observing the 
mediation session and be equipped with experience and skill to conduct mediatio n himself in 
future.  
 
 
Trade Policies by Sector  
 
Financial Services  
(WT/TPR/S/343: Page 53, para 4.13 ) 
 
6. A range of tax incentives have been provided to financial service suppliers, in particular 
those institutions with plans to establish or expand their "substantive operations " in 
Singapore.  These incentive recipients are expected to demonstrate growth in terms of 
headcount and business spending.  They are also subject to annual reviews on the scale 
and quality of their economic contribution to the economy . 
 
Question:  
 
How long does it usually take for a financial service supplier to obtain the tax incentives?  Are 
financial service suppliers with foreign capital subject to the same treatment as other domestic 
financial service suppliers in the course of co nsidering the granting of tax incentives?   Is there any 
nationality requirement (i.e. Singaporeans) for the demonstration of growth through increased 
headcount?  
 
Answer:  
 
It typically takes 3 to 6 months for a tax incentive applicant to be assessed on the  quality of their 
business plans and economic contributions, before the application is approved.  
 
Financial service suppliers, whether foreign or domestic, are subject to the same treatment, i.e. 
same tax rates, incentive scope and eligibility requirements .  
 
There is no nationality requirement.   
 
 
Banking Services  
(WT/TPR/S/343: Page 55, para 4.18 ) 
 
7. Except in retail banking, Singapore 's laws do not distinguish operationally between foreign 
and domestic banks. Foreign retail banks are subject to limitation s on the number of 
places of business they can operate. They are not permitted to participate in any ATM 
networks operated by local banks, but may negotiate with the local banks on a commercial 
basis to let their credit card holders obtain cash advances  through the local bank 's ATM 
networks. Foreign banks benefiting from Qualifying Full Bank (QFB) privileges are allowed 
to operate a total of 25 places of business (branches and/or off -premise ATMs). They can 
also enter into an agreement to share one ATM netw ork among themselves.  
 
Question:  
 
We would like to know what criteria the MAS would take into account when considering 
applications for a Qualifying Full Bank licence by foreign banks. Would the applicants be informed 
of the reasons for rejection?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Answer:   
 
MAS reviews banks ' licence applications, including those for Full Bank with Qualifying Full Bank 
(QFB) privileges, based on admission criteria which applies to all financial institutions engaged in 
banking activities. In assessing the licence applicatio n, MAS takes into account prudential 
considerations like the bank's financial position, its credit ratings, capital and global asset size, as 
well as its reputation and track record. The admission criteria can be found on the MAS website at:   
http://www.mas.gov.sg/Regulations -and-Financial -Stability/Regulations -Guidance -and-
Licensing/Commercial -Banks/Licensing -or-Approval -for-the-Conduct -of-Banking -Business.aspx  
 
MAS will, where necessary, inform the bank the reasons for any unsuccessful application. An 
applicant has the right to appeal within 30 days of MAS ' decision by w riting to the Minister -in-
charge of MAS. This is provided for under section 11A of the Banking Act.  
 
 
We also note from the Singapore 's Schedule of GATS Commitments that the MAS may exercise 
appropriate differentiated measures against foreign financial ins titutions in Singapore.  We would 
like to know whether the Singaporean Government has any plans to remove the discriminatory 
practice, e.g. to allow foreign banks to establish multiple branches and join the Automated Teller 
Machine (ATM) networks in Singap ore. 
 
Answer:  
Singapore has progressively liberalised the branch and ATM accessibility for foreign banks 
operating in Singapore, starting with the introduction of the Qualifying Full Banks in 1999.  
 
Branches  
 
QFBs were initially allowed to establish up to  10 locations, of which 5 could be in the form of 
branches. The branch limits were relaxed over time, and by 2004, QFBs were permitted to 
establish up to 25 locations with no sub -limits on the number of branches. More recently, in 2012, 
MAS announced that we would allow a small number of significantly rooted QFBs to operate up to 
50 places of business.  
 
ATM networks  
 
QFBs have been allowed to share an ATM network amongst QFB banks. In 2004, Singapore further 
enhanced ATM accessibility by allowing holders of  QFB-issued credit cards to obtain cash advances 
through the local banks ' ATM networks.  
 
Looking ahead, the continued evolution of Singapore 's QFB scheme is aimed at allowing QFB banks 
to build a deeper presence and to be better rooted in Singapore. To thi s end, Singapore does not 
preclude further liberalisation measures in a way that continues to strengthen our banking sector 
whilst maintaining confidence and stability in the financial system.  
 
 
(WT/TPR/S/343: Page 56, para 4.19 ) 
 
8. Singapore maintains legal  distinctions between offshore operations in foreign currency 
transactions conducted in the Asian dollar market and Singapore dollar transactions.  
Banks are required to register their domestic  banking unit (DBU) and their Asian currency 
unit (ACU) as sepa rate entities.  In June 2015, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) 
announced its intention to remove the DBU -ACU divide.  A consultation paper was issued 
to seek feedback on the removal that will require banks to make changes to their systems 
and amen dments to the Banking Act and other regulatory instruments.  The MAS proposes 
giving banks two years to implement the changes upon the issue of the revised regulatory 
requirements.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Question:  
 
What is the latest development of the proposed removal of the D BU-ACU distinction?  Has 
Singapore started to make revisions to the regulatory requirements? When are the changes 
expected to be completed? Will technical support and/or financial assistance be provided to help 
the banks change their systems?  
 
Answer:  
 
MAS has issued a consultation paper proposing consequential amendments to regulatory 
requirements following the removal of the DBU -ACU divide. The consultation paper proposed to 
give banks two years to implement the changes upon the issuance of the revised r egulatory 
requirements. The consultation period closed in 4Q 2015, and MAS is currently reviewing the 
feedback received. In their feedback, banks did not indicate any undue difficulty in making system 
changes, or request any technical or financial assistan ce. Separately, MAS is undertaking a 
broader review of banks ' monthly reporting requirements set out in MAS Notice 610. In response 
to feedback, MAS will align the implementation timeline for the removal of the DBU -ACU divide 
with other changes to be made to MAS Notice 610 so that banks need only make a one -time 
change to their systems.  
 
 
Insurance  
(WT/TPR/S/343: Page 59, para 4.32 ) 
 
9. The Insurance (Corporate Governance) Regulations have been amended to extend to all 
locally incorporated direct insurers and reinsurers, instead of only significant life insurers.  
To enhance the insurers ' governance of their investment activities and risk management 
process, the MAS issued new Notices on Investments of Insurers and Enterprise Risk 
Management for Insurers in 201 3. 
 
Question:  
 
Has the insurance industry, including direct insurers and reinsurers, been consulted before the 
amendment of the Insurance (Corporate Governance) Regulations? Would the extension of 
application of the Insurance (Corporate Governance) Regulat ions entail changes in the regulatory 
requirements on locally incorporated direct insurers and reinsurers? Has the industry concerned 
been provided with transitional period or assistance to make adjustment?  
 
Answer:  
 
Yes, MAS issued a consultation paper o n the proposed changes to corporate governance 
requirements for insurers in February 2012 and issued the response paper to consultation 
finalising our requirements in August 2012. Subsequently, another consultation paper on the draft 
regulations was issued  in Jan 2013, with the response paper to consultation issued in April 2013.  
Yes, there will be changes to the corporate governance requirements on locally incorporated direct 
insurers and reinsurers.  
 
The Insurance (Corporate Governance) Regulations 2013  was amended in April 2013 and took 
effect in May 2013.  The locally incorporated direct general insurers, reinsurers and smaller direct 
life insurers were given a transitional period of 3 years (i.e. to the insurer 's first Annual General 
Meeting in 2016) to comply with the new requirements on composition requirements for board and 
board committees e.g. requirements on the proportion of independent directors, where applicable.  
 
 
Maritime Transport  
(WT/TPR/S/343: Page 65, para 4.59 ) 
 
10. We note that Singapore h as extended the block exemption for liner shipping agreements 
under the Competition Act for another five years until 31 December 2020.  Subject to 
certain conditions for liner agreements with more than a 50% market share, liner 
operators could have agreeme nts among themselves  to share vessel space under the 
exemption.  The Competition Commission of Singapore, which administers the block WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
  exemption, claimed that it has taken into account the net economic benefit criteria and the 
exemption might enhance compet ition with larger liners . 
 
Question:  
 
We would like to know the factors  and criteria  that had been taken into account by the 
Singaporean Government  when extending the block exemption .  Are there mechanism s to monitor 
the operations of liner shipping agreem ents to avoid the abuse of the block exemption ?  How does 
the authority ensure competition within this sector?  
 
Answer:  
 
Antitrust exemptions of liner shipping agreements ( "LSAs") generally remain the regulatory norm 
worldwide. It is internationally recog nised that LSAs enable more frequent services and cost 
savings for liners.  LSAs also enable a smaller group of liners to provide services that compete with 
larger liners. In exempting LSAs, the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) also took into 
account the large proportion of Singapore 's container volumes made up by transhipment and the 
benefits gained by importers and exporters in Singapore from a high degree of connectivity and 
availability of liner shipping services here.  
 
In order to safeguard a gainst abuse, the exemption only applies to LSAs that:  
 
(1) Allow members to have individual confidential service arrangements;  
(2) Allow members to withdraw from the agreement upon giving an agreed period of notice 
without financial or other penalty;  
(3) Do not require mandatory adherence to the price or remuneration terms agreed to under the 
LSA; and  
(4) Do not require the disclosure of confidential information concerning service arrangements.  
 
To monitor the operation of LSAs, parties to an LSA whose ag gregate market share exceeds 50% 
are required to comply with the following additional obligations:  
 
(1) To file their agreement (including any subsequent amendments) with CCS.  
(2) To make available to CCS, upon request, documents and details relating to: ( i) any tariff; 
(ii) the structure and service level of the liner shipping services; and (iii) other aspects of 
the liner shipping services, under the agreement relevant to the market.  
(3) To make available to transport users, information concerning: (i) an y tariff; and (ii) the 
structure and service level of the liner shipping services, under the agreement relevant to 
the market.  
 
 
Legal Services  
(WT/TPR/S/343: Page 67, para 4.71 ) 
 
11. The regulatory framework for the legal profession in Singapore has been mode rnised and 
the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) under the Ministry of Law has been 
established to take over existing regulatory functions performed  by the Law Society of 
Singapore (for Singapore law practices) and the Attorney -General (for foreig n law 
practices).  A Professional Conduct Council (PCC) chaired by the Chief Justice has been 
established to oversee rules related to professional conduct matters for Singapore -qualified 
lawyers (SLs) and foreign -qualified lawyers (FLs).  
 
Question:  
 
Has the industry been consulted before the amendments of the Legal Profession Act?  Were there 
any resistance or challenges from the profession on the changes?  If yes, how did the Ministry of 
Laws reconcile with those holding different views? Could you share wi th us  the transitional 
arrangements, if any, which facilitated the transfer of regulatory functions from the Law Society of 
Singapore and the Attorney -General?  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
   
Answer:  
 
The Ministry of Law in Singapore held a public consultation on the amendments to the  Legal 
Profession Act, as well as closed consultations with key stakeholders in the legal industry in 
Singapore. Committees were also established to canvass and discuss the various points raised. 
Where there was a need for further clarity, the respondent t o the consultation was approached for 
further views. Generally, the industry was supportive of the changes as they were industry -driven 
and arose from feedback received from stakeholders.  
 
To ensure a seamless transfer of regulatory functions, the Ministry  of Law worked closely with the 
Law Society of Singapore and the Attorney -General 's Chambers Legal Profession Secretariat when 
developing LSRA 's policies and procedures, and when communicating the change of regime to the 
law practices.  
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
  CHINA  
Part I.  Questions based on Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/3 43) 
 
Page 5, Pare 2 
 
2. For several years now, Government policy has focused on encouraging an economic 
restructuring from labour -intensive growth towards innovation and productivity -led growth. Since  
2010, an incentive structure has been put in place to encourage skill -enhancing investments in the 
workforce and labour -saving technologies. At the same time, some measures are intended to 
reduce reliance on foreign workers, while improving opportunities for Singaporeans.   
 
Question 1 : 
 
Please provide incentive  measures for enterprises with its R&D centers and headquarters located in 
Singapore , as well as the information on the increase of R&D centers and headquarters  since 
Singapore adopted those  measure s. 
 
Answer:  
 
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) administers the Research Incentive Scheme for 
Companies (RISC), which facilitates the establishment and expansion of private sector research 
laboratories in Singapore. Under this scheme, companie s will be able to defray some of the costs of 
qualifying R&D activities, leading to improved industrial competitiveness. More information can be 
found at http://www.n rf.gov.sg/rie2020/growing -a-vibrant -national -innovation -system  
 
 
Page 6, Pare 11 
 
11. Government -linked companies (GLCs) are active in a range of sectors through the 
Government's holding company Temasek, which manages its investments in GLCs. Temasek 
receives no subsidies or special consideration from the Government by virtue of ownership, 
according to the authorities. Singapore has notified the WTO that it does not maintain any state 
trading enterprises.   
 
Question 2 : 
 
Please specify the difference  between government -linked companies (GLCs) and SOEs, How does 
Temasek manage government investment ? What is its decision -making model  and channels for  
government revenue ? 
 
Answer:  
 
There is no specific definition for "GLCs" or "SOEs", which are terms that the  WTO has used in the 
Secretariat report to broadly describe companies that are owned by the Government, such as 
Temasek 's portfolio companies.  
 
Temasek is an investment company which owns and manages its assets on a commercial basis. The 
Government 's rela tionship with Temasek is that of a shareholder. As a shareholder, the 
Government receives dividends from Temasek, no different from shareholders in other companies. 
The Government is not involved in the day -to-day investment, divestment, or other business 
decisions of Temasek.  
 
As an active and engaged shareholder, Temasek promotes sound corporate governance in its 
portfolio companies. Temasek 's transactions with all entities are carried out at arm 's length based 
on commercial considerations.   
 
 
Page 10, Pare 1.10 
 
1.10. Balance of payments data indicate that Singapore is a net importer of services (Table 1.2). 
In 2015, transport services accounted for 33.8% of total services exported, followed by "other WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 43 - 
 
  business services" (e.g. professional and technical services, and other miscellaneous business 
services) with 24.2%, and financial services with 14.5%. The main services imports in 2014 were 
transport services (30.7%) and "other business services" (28.8%).  
 
Question 3 : 
 
Please introduce the corresponding po licies and plan s related to service export promotion . 
 
Answer:  
 
For information on Singapore 's export promotion efforts, including those in the services sector, 
please refer to the following webpage: http://www.iesingapore.gov.sg/Export -Overseas/Export -
Overseas  
 
 
Page 47, Table 3.1  
 
Table 3.10 Intellectual property protection, 2016  
 Coverage  Selected exclusions and 
limitations  Duration  Penalties  
Data 
submitted for  
the purposes 
of obtaining 
marketing 
approval:  
Medicines Act, 
Control of 
Plants Act  Test da ta 
required for 
regulatory 
approval of 
pharmaceuticals 
and agricultural 
chemical 
products   5 years for 
pharmaceuti
cal test data 
and 10 years 
for 
agricultural 
chemical 
product test 
data Civil remedies  
 
Question 4 : 
 
In protection of Data submitted for the p urposes of obtaining marketing approval listed in Table 
3.10，including pharmaceutical test data. Does the said pharmaceutical comprise China Traditional 
Medicine? What is the current status? What are the legal  provisions that such protection is based 
on? 
 
Answer:  
 
Chinese proprietary medicines are not covered under the protection for confidential supporting 
information and that for safety and efficacy data, which are otherwise provided for under sections 
19A and 19D of the Medicines Act, respectively.  
 
 
Page 50, Table 4.5 
 
4.5 The biomedical cluster comprises the pharmaceutical, medical technology, biotechnology, and 
healthcare services industries. The authorities consider that Singapore 's integrated research 
ecosystem enables companies to access multidisc iplinary capabilities in a single location, which 
improves R&D decision -making and accelerates drug discovery and development. The biomedical 
cluster also benefits from Singapore's favourable position in terms of logistics and intellectual 
property protect ion. 
 
Question 5 : 
 
Are there any traditional medicine industr ial clusters like biomedical cluster in Singapore?  
 
Answer:  
 
No. 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 44 - 
 
  UNITED STATES  
Questions based on the Secretariat 's Report (WT/TPR/S/343)  
 
II. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
 
Trade Agreements an d Arrangements  
 
  Page 20, Paragraph 2.35:  The Secretariat mentions that Singapore intends to undertake 
revisions to its Copyright Act within two years after the conclusions of the negotiations of 
the European Union -Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA).   What additional aspects 
of the Act might be amended, beyond remuneration rights for public performance of sound 
recordings mentioned in the report?  
 
Answer:  
 
The EUSFTA has yet to enter into force. The amendments to the Copyright Act will be undertaken 
within two years of the entry into force of the agreement. Details of the review of the Act, 
including the public consultation process, will be announced at the appropriate time.  
 
 
III.  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
 
Import Prohibitions, Restri ctions and Licensing  
 
  Page 30, Paragraph 3.1.6: The Secretariat states that Singapore 's framework for import 
controls has remained substantially unchanged since 2012.  What measures does 
Singapore intend to take to ensure that non -automatic licensing does  not create additional 
barriers to trade?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore reviews our non -automatic licensing regimes regularly to ensure that they do not 
create barriers to trade. This includes the regular review of application requirements and approval 
frameworks t o ensure that they remain relevant to the intended policy objectives. The current 
framework also allows for streamlining of trade documentation and approval channels where 
warranted to ensure the process remains efficient and effective.  
 
 
  Page 32, Paragr aph 3.23: The Secretariat notes that rice remains subject to non -automatic 
import licensing under a stockpile scheme maintained for food security and price stability 
purposes.  Please provide descriptions of different types of rice import licenses issued b y 
Singapore.  Please explain how Singapore releases the stockpile stored in the government 
designated warehouse for the Rice Stockpile Scheme (RSS).  
 
Answer:  
 
There are five types of licences. Details provided in the table below.  
 
No. Types of Licences  Activities  
1 Licence to import and carry on 
wholesale dealings in stockpile grade 
rice Import of white rice, basmati rice, parboiled 
rice and ponni rice.  
Stockpile Licence holders must participate in 
the Rice Stockpile Scheme (RSS)  
2 Licence to import and  carry on 
wholesale dealings in non -stockpile 
grade rice  Import of glutinous rice, brown rice, red rice, 
cargo rice, wild rice.  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 45 - 
 
  3 Licence to import  for re -Export  Import of rice for re -export only (FTZ). 
Consignments shall be kept at FTZ (Free 
Trade Zone).  
4 Licence to import for manufacturing  Import of 100% broken white rice for 
manufacturing purposes.  
5 Licence to carry on wholesale 
dealings in rice  Import of rice is not permitted.  
This licence is for merchants to carry out 
wholesale dealings in all typ es of rice within 
Singapore.  
 
The government will assess the need to release the stockpile, based on factors such as the supply 
of rice to Singapore and retail prices.  
 
 
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
 
Legal Services  
 
  Page 67, Paragraph 4.70.  The Secreta riat notes that 9 FLPs have been licensed as QFLPs.  
Is the number of QFLP licenses currently capped at 9, or can any FLP that meets the 
requirements obtain a QFLP license?  If it is a cap imposed by regulator, what is the policy 
rationale for having a cap , and are there plans to raise the cap in the near future?  
 
Answer:  
 
The QFLP licences were awarded based on merit, after a competitive award process. In 
determining the award of licences, an Evaluation Committee and a Selection Committee took into 
accou nt factors such as the value of offshore work that the firm 's Singapore office will generate; 
the number of lawyers who will be based in the Singapore office; the areas of legal practice that 
the Singapore office will offer; the extent to which the Singapo re office will function as 
headquarters for the region; and the firm 's track record. The first round of QFLP licences was 
awarded in 2008, and the second round of QFLP licences was awarded in 2013. The QFLP scheme 
is currently not open for applications. Si ngapore will monitor the development of the legal 
services market to assess the appropriate time to invite applications. There is currently no plan 
for a third round.  
 
 
 
Questions based on the Report by Singapore (WT/TPR/G/343)  
 
3. Economic Restructuring Tow ards Productivity and Innovation -Led Growth  
 
 Page 4, Paragraph 3.5:  Could Singapore provide additional information on how these 
particular five areas under the Committee on the Future Economy were identified?  Does 
Singapore plan any public consultations prior to the finalization of the strategy?  
 
 
Answer:  
 
We have chosen these five areas to cover the range of issues from the macroeconomic 
perspective down to individual companies and workers.  
 
1. The subcommittees on Future Growth Industries and Markets,  and Future of Connectivity, will 
examine how Singapore can become more competitive both regionally and globally.  
 
2. The sub -committee on Future City will examine infrastructure and resource issues at a national 
level, in order to support sustainable gro wth and position Singapore for the future economy.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 46 - 
 
  3. The subcommittees on Corporate Capabilities & Innovation and Jobs & Skills will focus on 
refining and building up the capabilities of the two fundamental building blocks of the economy – 
companies and  workers.  
 
As part of the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE), we have and will continue to consult and 
engage widely to get a good representation of views from all sectors of the economy.  Members 
of the public have also been invited to share their view s through various platforms and channels.  
 
 
6. Modernizing Regulatory Regime and Facilitating Trade through Domestic Policies  
 
 Page 8, Paragraph 6.6: Singapore mentions its patent, trademark, and design registration 
systems and connections to internationa l registration systems.  Apart from its work at the 
international level, does Singapore have any plans to introduce a voluntary copyright 
registration system?  
 
Answer:  
 
A voluntary registration system has not been adopted by many countries.  Singapore wi ll need to 
assess the costs and benefits of such a registry before deciding whether to propose one for its 
copyright regime.   
 
 
 Page 8, Paragraph 6.6:  With respect to new gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR), what 
are Singapore 's plans on protecting  patents for companies that produce CRISPR drugs/crops in 
Singapore for both domestic and international markets?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore 's IP laws are regularly reviewed. Details of the reviews, including public consultations, 
will be announced at the approp riate time.  
 
  
 Page 8, Paragraph 6.7:  The report notes that Singapore has launched an IP Financing Scheme 
that enables businesses to pledge their patents as collateral for loans.  Are there any similar 
schemes in place or being developed to allow for oth er types of IP, such as copyrights, to 
serve as collateral?  
 
Answer:  
 
The IP Financing Scheme was extended to allow copyrights and registered trademarks to also be 
used as collateral, with effect from 1 July 2016.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  OMAN  
"We understand that the Ministry  of Trade and Industry of Singapore established a Non -Tariff 
Measures (NTM) unit in October 2014. How successful has this unit been? From your experience, 
in the order of most to least restrictive, what are the main NTMs that Singaporean Companies are 
faced with?"  
 
Answer:  
 
The Government is committed to helping Singapore -based companies address non -tariff measures 
(NTMs) impeding their exports, including by: (i) regularly engaging companies from a variety of 
sectors to understand the specific NTMs they fa ce; (ii) evaluating each NTM surfaced by companies 
to determine how best to address them; and (iii) where appropriate, actively engaging our trading 
partners through bilateral/regional and multilateral platforms. The NTM unit in engaging with 
companies to understand the main NTMs, have identified the approval and licensing of processed 
agriculture products as being a significant impediment.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  BRAZIL  
2. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
 
2.3.2 Regional and preferential agreements  
 
Singapore has opted for an ope n regionalism and is negotiating a number of regional trade 
agreements (RTAs). Nevertheless, ASEAN continues to be the cornerstone of its trade flows and, 
consequently, of its trade surplus. The conclusion in 2015 of the ASEAN Economic Community 
(AEC) was a major milestone in achieving the objectives of free flow of goods, services and 
investment within the region. Nevertheless, AEC full implementation is still underway.  
 
(i) What are the areas that have lagged behind in the implementation of the AEC and how 
Singapore assesses the feasibility of its conclusion in time?  
 
Answer:  
 
ASEAN announced the establishment of the AEC in November 2015.  Regional economic 
integration is an on -going process as domestic and external environments continue to evolve.  A 
handful of areas under the AEC Blueprint 2015 will take a longer timeframe to realize but 
measures by members towards this end are continuing.  Meanwhile, ASEAN has set higher 
ambitions in the AEC 2025 Blueprint, which builds on existing AEC 2015 achievements, and  sets 
further targets to strengthen the AEC.  
 
 
(ii) Singapore is very active in negotiating trade agreements - both at the bilateral and at 
the regional levels - that are, as a rule, time -consuming and prone to lengthy 
negotiations. Does Singapore follow a particular template in terms of bilateral trade 
agreements? Some countries with very few trade agreements notified to the WTO 
opted to carry out and conclude negotiations with Singapore. Does Singapore believe 
that those agreements are "building blocks" for future agreements with ASEAN? As a 
rule, are bilateral trade agreements concluded with Singapore compatible with the 
"acquis" of ASEAN? The provisions of the agreement negotiated with the European 
Union in the area rules of origin endorse "ASEAN Cumula tion". Is this becoming a 
standard for future Singapore bilateral trade agreements?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore 's bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) are tailored to meet the interests of Singapore 
and the relevant bilateral partner. They also take dressing fro m multilateral developments.  
 
Singapore believes that bilateral agreements can indeed form the building blocks for regional 
agreements.  To this end, we ensure our bilateral trade agreements are compatible with the 
"acquis" of ASEAN.  
 
For example, ASEAN cu mulation provisions are found in our FTAs with the European Union and 
with Turkey. We are open to it being a feature in future FTAs depending on the needs of the FTA 
partner in question and the corresponding negotiated outcome.  
 
 
2.4 Investment Regime  
 
(iii) Singapore's investment regime has been quite stable and imposes few restrictions 
limited to the banking sector, ports and broadcasting. Moreover, Singapore has a wide 
network of bilateral investment protection agreements and agreements on avoidance 
of double taxation (DTAs). Nevertheless, some of its more recent bilateral trade 
agreements, such as the one with the EU, have ample chapters dedicated to 
investment. Do Singapore investment agreements include issues covered on stand -
alone bilateral investmen t protection agreements and DTAs?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
We understand Brazil 's use of the term "Singapore investment agreements " to mean the 
investment chapters in Singapore 's FTAs.  These investment chapters include similar issues that 
are covered in bilateral inves tment protection agreements/investment guarantee agreements, 
such as standard of treatment, transfers, expropriation and dispute settlement for established 
investments.  
 
With regard to matters that fall within the scope of DTAs, these are generally not cov ered by the 
investment chapters in Singapore 's FTAs.  
 
 
3. Trade policies and practices by measure  
 
3.2 Export finance, insurance and guarantee  
 
(iv) Singapore has put in place over the years a number of very successful and 
imaginative support programmes l ed by IE Singapore, benefitting companies 
incorporated in the country. The reach of the two programmes – Global Company 
Partnership (GCP) and Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) - is quite impressive. The 
table provided by the Secretariat (pages 36 and 37) s ummarizes the generosity of the 
programmes and their criteria of eligibility, but does not clarify the review criteria and 
the performance criteria required to assess the programmes. Is it possible to provide 
information on these aspects of the above -menti oned programmes?  
 
Answer:  
 
IE Singapore regularly assesses and reviews the performance of the companies under its 
programmes using both qualitative and quantitative measurements such as revenue and 
headcount, but the criteria may vary according to the com pany. IE Singapore works closely with 
the companies to ensure that the programmes remain effective and contribute to the Singapore 
economy.  
 
 
3.3 Measures affecting production and trade  
 
3.3.1 Subsidies  
 
Singapore provides a wide array of subsidies throug h tax relief from corporate income tax. As 
noted in the Secretariat report, there is little transparency on their operation and on the amounts 
involved.  
 
(v) What are the incentives available for a company to transfer its headquarters to 
Singapore?  
 
Answer :  
 
A company that relocates its headquarter to Singapore may apply for a tax incentive as long as 
the activities carried out by the company in Singapore fall within the "qualifying activities " for that 
incentive. To be awarded a tax incentive, a company m ust meet the conditions established for the 
incentive which it seeks to apply, such as the meeting of economic commitments.  
 
As we incentivize the qualifying activities that a company undertake and not the company itself, 
only income arising from the ince ntivized activities would be awarded the tax incentive benefit. 
Income which arises from non -qualifying activities would not enjoy the tax incentive benefit. 
Please refer to Table A3.2 in the Appendix of the Secretariat 's report for the tax incentives 
available.  
 
 
(vi) Is there any rule or provision indicating which sectors are eligible for tax relief and at 
which level? Are those decisions taken exclusively at the discretion of the Executive 
branch? At which operational level is the decision to extend the  benefits taken?  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 50 - 
 
   
Answer:  
 
Our tax incentives are legislated under the Income Tax Act and the Economic Expansion 
Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act. The tax rates of the various tax incentives, the type of 
qualifying activities that can be incentiviz ed under the various tax incentives, the length of the tax 
incentive tenure and the approving authority where needed, are all prescribed under the law.  
 
For a company that is granted a tax incentive in Singapore, the incentive only applies to income 
from its qualifying activities. A successful applicant must demonstrate to the approving authority 
as specified under the law that it is able to satisfy the conditions of the tax incentive. Our 
incentives are designed to attract substantive economic activities.  Hence, a recipient will have to 
meet economic commitments such as in terms of jobs created, investment in fixed assets and 
business spending incurred. This is to ensure that the applicant sets up substantive operations in 
Singapore with attendant economic  benefits. Please refer to Table A3.2 in the Appendix of the 
Secretariat 's report for details.  
 
Tax incentives are awarded to companies for a limited period of time. A company that fails to 
meet the criteria set forth in the incentive award is subject to claw back and termination of the 
tax incentive award.  
 
Tax incentives schemes have sunset clauses and are reviewed regularly to ensure that they are 
relevant. For instance, from Budget 2013 to Budget 2015, at least 12 tax incentive schemes were 
announced t o be repealed or replaced as part of our ongoing effort to keep our incentive regime 
relevant.  
 
Changes to the tax incentive schemes are made known in our annual Budget Statement.   
 
 
(vii) What are the objective criteria employed to meet the requirement  of businesses to set 
up "substantive operations and incur attendant economic benefits"?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 6.  
 
 
(viii) What is the amount of revenue foregone in the last five years of operation of the 
scheme?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please se e response to Question 6.  
 
 
(ix) Are there any penalties for companies that fail to meet the eligibility criteria?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 6.  
 
 
Singapore has always been a good international citizen and has strived to be at the forefro nt of the 
implementation of multilaterally and plurilaterally negotiated rules. Recently, following 
recommendations of the G -20 in the area of Base Erosion Profit Shifting, the government of 
Singapore announced new measures to avoid that certain companies funnel their profits to 
Singapore, aiming at using the country for tax evasion purposes. The programme, known as 
Country -by- Country Reporting (CbCR) mandates that all companies that have a revenue above 
Singdollars 1.125 billion inform profits, revenues a nd taxes paid in each country where it operates.  
 
(x) What is the complete list of items that the foreign companies under the CbCR initiative 
would have to present?  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 51 - 
 
   
Answer:  
 
Singapore is currently developing the draft legislation for CbCR in consultation  with the industry.    
 
In line with OECD CbCR guidelines, multinational enterprises ( "MNEs ") which have a presence in 
Singapore, but whose ultimate parent entities are tax residents of foreign jurisdictions, will not 
have to file Country -by-Country ( "CbC") reports in Singapore. Rather, they will be included in the 
CbC reports filed by their ultimate parent company to the tax authority of the parent's home 
jurisdiction. This is also in line with OECD CbCR guidelines. The penalties applicable will depend on 
the CbCR laws of the parent company's home jurisdiction.  
 
MNEs whose ultimate parent entities are tax residents of Singapore and whose group turnover 
exceeds S$1,125 million will have to file CbC reports with Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore. 
This is  in line with OECD's CbCR guidelines.  
 
The list of information to be required in Singapore 's CbC report is the CbCR template as specified 
under the OECD 's CbCR guidelines.  
 
In accordance with OECD 's CbCR guidelines, the CbC report will be used only for h igh-level 
transfer pricing risk assessment purposes.  
 
 
(xi) What are the penalties foreseen for companies that do not comply with the 
regulations?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 10.  
 
 
 
(xii) What are the criteria that will be used to define w hether a company is involved in a 
tax evasion scheme?  
 
Answer:  
 
Please see response to Question 10.  
 
 
4.2 Services  
 
4.2.4.2 Air transport  
 
(xiii) What is Singapore's policy in terms of bilateral air transport agreements? Is the 
signing of open skies trea ties allowing for unlimited 3rd, 4th and 5th freedom cargo 
and passenger services a requirement to be met?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore adopts a liberal aviation policy to allow airlines full flexibility to respond to market 
opportunities.  To this end, Singapore strives to negotiate open skies agreements with countries 
around the world, incorporating the exchange of unlimited 3rd, 4th, and 5th freedom passenger 
and cargo traffic rights, on a reciprocal basis. Singapore has concluded air services agreements 
with mo re than 130 States and Territories, of which over 60 are open skies agreements.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  JAPAN  
Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/ 341) 
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
2.3.2 Regional and preferential agreements  
 
(Question 1:  Page 17,Paragraph 2.12 )  
 
In paragraph 2.12, it is said that Singapore seeks to minimize the use of trade remedies, such as 
non-application of anti -dumping measures.  Could Singapore clarify whether there is any 
agreement under which countervailing duties  and/or WTO safeguard measures are not applicable?  
If any, please specify the provisions under the agreement.  With respect to bilateral safeguard 
measures provided under FTAs, is Singapore seeking to minimize the use of them as well?  If 
Singapore has ev er imposed a bilateral safeguard measure, please provide us with the details of 
the measure, such as the product scope, the date of measure being taken and the period of the 
measure.  
 
Answer:  
 
Article 16.1 of the Singapore -European Free Trade Association (EFTA) FTA prohibits the 
application of anti -dumping measures on products originating in another Party, and instead 
addresses concerns of dumping under a competition framework. Article 7.5 of the United States -
Singapore FTA allows a party taking a global s afeguard measure to exclude imports originating 
from the other Party if they are not a substantial cause of serious injury or threat thereof.  
  
Similar to our approach to other trade remedy actions, Singapore seeks to minimize the use of 
bilateral safeguar d measures provided under FTAs. Singapore has not imposed any bilateral 
safeguard measure to date.  
 
 
 
(Question 2:  Page 21, Paragraph 2.43 -2.45, Page 48, Table 3.10, Page 49, 
Paragraph  3.95)  
 
The Secretariat Report notes that Singapore signed TPP, and it 's supposed that Singapore will 
make a law in order to provide the criminal provisions for trade secret infringement.  
 
1.  Could Singapore confirm if civil remedies will be also stipulated in laws or regulations as a 
result of signing TPP?  
 
Answer :  
 
Civil re medies may be provided for under statute or common law. Singapore 's current civil 
remedies are TPP compliant.  
 
 
2.  Could Singapore provide us with the detail of criminal provisions for trade secret 
misappropriation (e.g. fine, imprisonment, type of misappro priation to be punished) ?  
 
Answer:  
 
The criminal procedures and penalties for the unauthorised and wilful access to a trade secret 
held in a computer system are found in the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act (Chapter 
50A).  
 
Section 3 of the Computer  Misuse and Cybersecurity Act makes it an offence for any person 
who knowingly causes a computer to perform any function for the purpose of securing access 
without authority to any program or data (which would cover trade secrets) held in any 
computer, pun ishable by a fine not exceeding S$5000 or imprisonment for a term not 
exceeding 2 years or both. Both the fine and the imprisonment term will be increased for WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  second or subsequent convictions or if there is any damage caused as a result of the offence.  
 
 
3.  Could Singapore provide us with the name of institution which handles the offences related 
to trade secrets? Is it IPRB?  
 
Answer:  
 
Criminal offences related to trade secrets are provided in Singapore only for trade secrets held 
in a computer system. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Police Force handle 
offences provided under the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 54 - 
 
  ECUADOR  
Informe de la Secretaria de la OMC. - 
 
1. De conformidad con las páginas 25 y 26, párrafo 3.6, en lo referente al sistema TradeFIRST.  
 
(Paragraph 3.6) With reference to the TradeFIRST system.  
 
¿Podría informarnos Singapur qué variables se utilizan en la evaluación de las empresas para 
clasificarlas en las categorías: básica, normal, intermedia, superior y Premium?  
 
Could Singapore tell us which variables/inputs are used in the evaluation of companies to classify 
them in the categories of: basic, normal, intermediate, high and premium?  
 
Answer:  
 
TradeFIRST assessment of companies to classify them into one of the bandin gs, i.e. basic, 
standard, intermediate, enhanced or premium, is based on appropriate selectivity criteria, in line 
with the provisions in TFA Article 7.4  
 
TradeFIRST is an integrated assessment framework, which comprises criteria grouped into five 
section s: 
1.       Company profile  
2.       Inventory Management and Controls  
3.       Procedures and Processes  
4.       Security Measures; and  
5.       Compliance Records  
 
More information can be found at Singapore Customs ' website at: 
http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/customs -schemes -licences -framework/tradefirst . 
 
 
Tomando en cuenta que el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio de la OMC (AFC) contiene 
dispos iciones de aplicación general para todos sus países Miembros y que Singapur ha notificado 
todas las disposiciones en el marco de sus compromisos de la categoría A, ¿Podría indicarnos 
Singapur cómo ese sistema de clasificación en dónde existen diferentes ve ntajas entre las distintas 
categorías, cuando entre en vigencia el AFC, se ajustaría a las disposiciones en materia de no 
discriminación NMF, en relación a los privilegios que se le estarían otorgando a las importaciones 
de mercancías similares de determin ados Miembros de la OMC? ¿Esa clasificación se sujeta a algún 
compromiso asumido por Singapur en virtud de sus ACRs?  
 
Taking into account that the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement contains provisions generally 
applicable to all Member countries and that Si ngapore has notified all provisions in the Category A 
framework, could Singapore indicate how this system of classification – for which there exist 
different advantages between the separate categories – would be consistent with the provisions 
concerning no n-discrimination/MFN, in relation to the privileges that would be granted for imports 
of similar goods of certain WTO Members? Is this classification subject to any commitment made 
by Singapore pursuant to its RTAs?  
 
Answer:  
 
TradeFIRST aims to facilitate  trade by according higher levels of facilitation to importers using a 
risk management approach. It does not discriminate against any group of traders that are 
involved in supply chain activities, whether importers or exporters. The assessment framework is  
set out clearly on Singapore Customs ' website at: 
http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/customs -schemes -licences -framework/tradefirst  
 
 
2. De conformidad co n la página 27, párrafo 3.7, en relación al programa voluntario de Asociación 
para el Comercio Seguro (STP), que brinda la ventaja de que las cargas de las empresas 
certificadas en este programa están sujetas a menores inspecciones aduaneras.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 55 - 
 
  (Paragraph 3 .7) In relation to the Secure Trade Partnership programme (STP), which provides the 
advantage that the cargos of companies certified in this programme are subject to fewer customs 
inspections.  
 
Answer:   
 
TradeFIRST aims to facilitate trade by according hi gher levels of facilitation to importers using a 
risk management approach. It does not discriminate against any group of traders that are 
involved in supply chain activities, whether importers or exporters. The assessment framework is 
set out clearly on Si ngapore Customs ' website at: 
http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/customs -schemes -licences -framework/tradefirst  
 
 
En el mismo párrafo se expresa que Singapu r ha firmado y aplicado acuerdos de reconocimiento 
mutuo (ARM) que reconoce a las empresas con un certificado STP -Plus como empresas de bajo 
riesgo en el lugar de destino. ¿Podría indicarnos Singapur si este tipo de Acuerdos se ajustaría al 
principio NMF s i, al parecer, se estaría otorgando una ventaja o privilegio en cuanto a los 
reglamentos y formalidades relativo a la importación de productos similares originarios de esos 
países?  
 
In the same paragraph it is indicated that Singapore has signed and applie d mutual recognition 
arrangements/agreements (MRAs) which recognise companies with an STP -Plus certificate as 
companies with low -risk at the destination.  Could Singapore indicate if this type of agreement 
would be in accordance with the MFN principle. sin ce apparently it is an advantage or privilege 
granted with regard to regulations and formalities concerning the import of similar products 
originating in those countries?  
 
Answer:   
 
We consider the Secure Trade Partnership (STP) programme to be in accorda nce with the MFN 
principle, as all registered companies in Singapore, local or from WTO member countries, may 
apply for this programme, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The programme also does 
not discriminate against goods from different WTO  members. The STP is also in line with Article 
7.1 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which states that Members shall provide additional 
trade facilitation measures to authorised operators who have met specified compliance criteria.  
 
 
3. De confor midad a la página 29, párrafo 3.13, " Singapur no aplica normas de origen en régimen 
NMF y no exige un certificado de origen para esas importaciones". ¿Podría indicarnos Singapur 
cómo, en el marco de un proceso de investigación para la aplicación de medida s antidumping, 
determina el origen de las mercancías cuando existan dudas en cuanto al real origen del país 
exportador de un producto similar destinado a su mercado?  
 
With respect to paragraph 3.13: "Singapore does not apply any MFN rules of origin and the re is no 
certificate of origin requirement for such imports. "  Could Singapore tell us how, within the 
framework of a process of investigation for the application of antidumping measures, the origin of 
goods are determined when there are doubts with regard  to the real exporting country of origin of 
a like product to your market?  
 
Answer:   
 
Singapore has only had one investigation for the application of Antidumping duties. This was in 
1996 for which we had applied a minimum 25% value -added (VA) rule in the past to determine 
the country of origin when there are doubts with regard to the real exporting country of origin of a 
like product to Singapore for the anti -dumping cases. This is in accordance with our method of 
determination of origin for non -preferenti al exports from Singapore.  
 
 
4. Según la página 29, cuadro 3.2 " Aranceles NMF aplicados y consolidados, 2016 ", al parecer los 
tipos aplicados para la cerveza malta estarían por encima de sus niveles consolidados. Podría 
indicarnos Singapur, ¿cuál es la d iferencia o equivalencia, de ser el caso, entre los aranceles WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 56 - 
 
  específicos 16,00 S$ por litro de alcohol por tipo aplicado y 4,80 S$ por litro, y cómo se ajusta a 
sus compromisos en materia de consolidaciones arancelarias?  
 
According to Table 3.2, "Applied and bound MFN tariffs, 2016 ", it seems that the applied rates for 
malt beer exceed their bound levels.  Could Singapore indicate what is the difference or 
equivalent, as the case may be, between the specific applied tariffs of S$16.00 per litre of alcohol 
and S$4.80 per litre, and how it fits with your commitments with regard to bound tariffs?  
 
Answer:   
 
The bound rate $4.80 per litre is based on the volume of the beverage, while the applied rate of 
$16 per litre of alcohol content is charged based on the concentration of alcohol in the beverage - 
typically around 3 -4% for malt beer. Singapore 's effective applied tariffs for malt beer is therefore 
considerably lower than the bound rate.  
 
A circular on New Duty Rates For Beer and Stout was circulated to all traders and declaring agent 
(Ref 36/2007) on 4 December 2007:  
 
HS Code  Product Description  New Duty Rates  
Customs Duty  Excise Duty  
22030010  Stout & Porter  $16 per litre of  alcohol  $48 per litre of alcohol  
22030090  Beer & Ale  $16 per litre of  alcohol  $48 per litre of alcohol  
 
 
5. De conformidad a la página 35, párrafo 3,22: "Singapur utiliza un sistema de cupos para 
vehículos desde 1990 para controlar el volumen de vehículos en las carreteras.  
 
With regard to paragraph 3.22: "Singapore has used a veh icle quota system since 1990 to 
regulate the number of vehicles on roads. " 
 
Según este sistema, el Gobierno fija el número anual de automóviles nuevos autorizados a circular 
por las carreteras públicas " [¼] "Los titulares de un cupo reciben un certificado de adjudicación, 
que representa el derecho a tener un vehículo en propiedad durante 10 años, y que es un requisito 
indispensable para el registro ". Según información recopilada sobre este tema, esos certificados de 
adjudicación o titularidad se obtendrían mediante licitación pública (oferta monetaria según tasas 
establecidas de acuerdo a la categorización de los vehículos A, B o E).  
 
Under this system, the Government sets the annual number of new motor vehicles allowed on 
public roads.  A quota licensee is issued a certificate which represents the right to own a vehicle 
for 10 years, and is a prerequisite for registration.  According to information gathered on this 
subject, these certificates are obtained through competitive public bidding (monetary bids bas ed 
on fees set according to vehicles categories A, B or E).  
 
De acuerdo al Cuadro 3.4 "Los impuestos especiales y su evolución en el período 2012 -2015", 
existe un impuesto especial para los vehículos automotores.  
 
According to Table 3.4, "Excise duty rates  and changes over 2012 -15", there is an excise duty for 
motor vehicles.  
  
La nota al pie 16 especifica que el sistema de cupos para vehículos, junto con el sistema 
electrónico de tarificación vial, es uno de los instrumentos principales de gestión de la pa ra 
gestionar el tráfico por carretera en Singapur.  
 
Footnote 16 indicates that the vehicle quota system, together with the Electronic Road Pricing, is 
one of the main demand management tools for road traffic management in Singapore.  
 
Podría indicarnos Sing apur bajo qué disposiciones de la normativa multilateral se justifica la 
medida de cupos. Adicionalmente, ¿cómo funciona la medida de cupos en relación a las demás 
medidas de carácter económico, cómo se relacionan o interactúan?  
 
Could Singapore tell us un der which provisions of multilateral rules it justifies the use of quotas? In 
addition, how does the quota work in relation to the other economic measures – how do they 
relate or interact with one another?  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 57 - 
 
   
Answer:   
 
The vehicle quota system is a domestic  policy that controls the number of vehicles registered in 
Singapore for use on public roads. It is not a quota on the  quantity of imported vehicles. This 
policy is applied on an MFN and NT -basis.  
 
The vehicle quota system is intended to manage the overal l vehicle population. Electronic Road 
Pricing is a complementary traffic congestion measure that targets specific roads where there is 
traffic congestion during certain hours, and aims to encourage motorists to use alternative routes 
or drive at other less  congested timings. The vehicle quota system and Electronic Road Pricing 
work in tandem to ensure smoother traffic flow.  
 
 
6. De conformidad a la página 35, párrafo 3.23, en relación las licencias de importación del arroz 
con arreglo a un sistema de reser vas mantenido a efectos de seguridad alimentaria y estabilidad 
de los precios. En el Cuadro 3.5 Productos sujetos a prohibiciones de importación o licencias no 
automáticas, cuando se menciona al producto sujeto a restricción, en ese caso el Arroz (excluido  el 
afrecho de arroz), se justifica la medida en el marco de la OMC (motivos de la restricción) bajo las 
disposiciones del inciso ii) del apartado b) del artículo XXI del GATT (página 34 del Informe de la  
Secretaría).  
 
Referring to paragraph 3.23, in relat ion to the import licensing for rice under a stockpiling system 
maintained for the purposes of food security and price stability. In Table 3.5 on goods subject to 
import prohibitions or non -automatic licensing, when products subject to restrictions are 
mentioned, in the case of rice (excluding rice bran), the measure is justified in the WTO framework 
(reasons for restriction) under GATT Art. XXI(b)(ii).   
 
Al respecto, ¿Podría indicarnos Singapur cómo los objetivos de seguridad alimentaria y 
estabilización d e precios se cumplen mediante las medidas adoptadas como licencias de 
importación con costos de 50 dólares singapurenses y la clasificación y otorgamiento de distintos 
tipos de licencias según la finalidad de importación?. Adicionalmente, ¿podría explicarn os 
Singapur, de forma detallada, cómo se justifican las mencionadas medidas en el marco del inciso 
ii) del apartado b) del artículo XXI de 1994?  
 
In this regard, can Singapore tell u show the objectives of food security and price stability are 
fulfilled by  the measures adopted such as import licensing with costs of S$50 and the classification 
and granting of different types of licenses for the purpose of importing? In addition, could 
Singapore explain, in a detailed manner, how it justifies the aforemention ed measures under GATT 
1994 Article XXI(b)(ii)?  
 
Answer:   
 
We require the rice importers to be licensed so as to facilitate our work in managing the stockpile. 
Through licensing we are able to get the rice importer to comply with the obligation for stock piling 
the rice. Also by having different class of license it helps to not burden other non -stockpile rice 
importers.  
 
As it is a scheme to ensure that Singaporeans have access to their staple diet at a reasonable 
price in times of emergency, we have noti fied it under GATT XXI as that is the most relevant 
provision for now. However, once there is greater detail on public stockholding commitments 
emerging from the ongoing Agriculture negotiations, we shall review if it is possible to justify this 
under thos e commitments.   
 
 
7. De conformidad a la página 40, párrafo 3.35, en relación al programa Asociación de Empresas 
de Carácter Mundial (GCP). Podría indicarnos Singapur el alcance de la expresión "para ayudar a 
las empresas con actividades en el extranjero  más consolidadas a ser competitivas a nivel 
mundial". Considera Singapur que quizás esa expresión podría relacionarse o vincularse a los 
resultados de las exportaciones. En ese sentido, de ser el caso, ¿bajo qué disposiciones en materia 
de subvenciones a la exportación se justifica este  programa?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 58 - 
 
  With regard to paragraph 3.35, in relation to the Global Company Partnerships (GCP) programme.  
Could Singapore tell us the scope of the phrase "to support companies with more established 
overseas operations to achieve global competitiveness ".  Does Singapore consider that perhaps 
this phrase could be linked to or associated with export performance?  In this respect, if 
applicable, under which provisions of export subsidies does Singapore justify this programme?  
 
Answer:   
 
The phrase is meant to differentiate the GCP, which is intended for companies with existing 
overseas presence from the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) programme. The MRA is a broad -
based programme designed to provide basic know -how to compani es that are new to overseas 
market expansion. Both programmes have no link to or association with export performance.  
 
 
8. De conformidad con la página 45, 3.3.3 Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias:  
 
Párrafo 3.56. Todos los productos alimenticios y  utensilios para la preparación de alimentos están 
reglamentados por la AVA. Los operadores que quieran importar, exportar o transbordar productos 
alimenticios deben obtener la licencia de comerciante correspondiente o registrarse en la AVA.  
 
Según las aut oridades, la finalidad del régimen de licencias es mantener un registro de todos los 
importadores con fines de rastreabilidad. Las licencias para carne, pescado/marisco y frutas y 
hortalizas frescas son anuales. La tasa de registro es de 84 dólares singapu renses para los 
productos de carne y de pescado y de 378 dólares singapurenses para frutas y hortalizas frescas. 
Las licencias para importar huevos de consumo es gratuita. Para importar otros productos 
alimenticios, entre ellos alimentos elaborados, solo e s necesario registrarse (de manera gratuita). 
Determinados productos alimenticios de alto riesgo están sujetos a controles adicionales, tales 
como certificados sanitarios, informes de análisis de laboratorio o pruebas de que el origen o la 
fábrica están su jetos a control por la autoridad del país exportador mediante un régimen de 
licencias o una reglamentación similar sobre inocuidad de los alimentos.  
 
Ref. Paragraph 3.56.  
 
¿Cómo se puede obtener la licencia de comerciante correspondiente o cómo se registra  en la AVA, 
para operadores que quieran importar, exportar o transbordar productos alimenticios a Singapur?  
 
How can one obtain a relevant trader 's license or register with the AVA for operators that wish to 
import, export or transship food products to Sin gapore?  
 
Answer:   
 
Local operators can register their import licence/registration online at 
https://licence1.business.gov.sg/AVA   
 
This requirement only applies to local operators importing into Singapo re. Overseas exporters are 
not required to complete this step.  
 
 
3.59. La AVA inspecciona productos alimenticios y establecimientos de comida en función del 
riesgo. Todos los productos alimenticios están sujetos a requisitos de rastreabilidad en virtud de  
los cuales se ha de indicar el país de origen, o la explotación agrícola o el establecimiento. Las 
importaciones de productos lácteos, ganado, carne y pescado se consideran "de alto riesgo" y 
están sujetas a controles estrictos, entre otras medidas, la ac reditación de las explotaciones 
agrícolas y los establecimientos extranjeros, la inspección y la realización de pruebas. La AVA lleva 
a cabo los procesos de acreditación sobre la base de la evaluación del riesgo, teniendo en cuenta 
factores tales como la i nfraestructura veterinaria, la situación epidemiológica, las medidas 
legislativas y demás MSF, y la higiene. Solo se permiten las importaciones de carne procedentes 
de establecimientos acreditados en países con los que Singapur ha suscrito acuerdos sobre 
protocolos. La carne de cerdo refrigerada solo puede importarse de Australia, el Canadá, 
Dinamarca, los Estados Unidos, Nueva Zelandia y Suecia. La carne congelada de bovino, de 
carnero y de aves de corral puede importarse de un número limitado de países y,  en algunos 
casos, únicamente si procede de establecimientos acreditados por la AVA. Solo se importan huevo WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 59 - 
 
  frescos de explotaciones acreditadas de Australia, los Estados Unidos, el Japón, Malasia, Nueva 
Zelandia, la República de Corea y Suecia. Los pollos  y patos para asar se pueden importar 
únicamente de granjas acreditadas de Malasia. Los productos lácteos procedentes de países no 
exentos de la fiebre aftosa pueden importarse si se han tratado mediante pasteurización doble. Se 
permiten las importaciones de mariscos de alto riesgo, como ostras, carne de berberechos, 
camarón cocinado y carne de cangrejo, solo si provienen de ciertas fuentes con programas 
sanitarios reconocidos. Se pueden importar ostras vivas procedentes únicamente de Australia, el 
Canadá, los Estados Unidos, Francia, Irlanda, Nueva Zelandia, los Países Bajos y el Reino Unido.  
 
Ref. Paragraph 3.59  
 
Se requiere conocer el proceso y requisitos para el ingreso de productos y subproductos lácteos 
considerando que Ecuador es un país libre de fieb re aftosa con vacunación.  
 
It is necessary to know the process and requirements for the entry of milk products and by -
products considering that Ecuador is a country free of foot -and-mouth disease with vaccination.  
 
¿Cuáles son los requisitos de rastreabili dad para los productos que se consideran "de alto riesgo"?  
 
What are the traceability requirements for products that  are considered "high risk"?  
 
Answer:   
Local importers of milk and milk products must be registered with AVA and declare an import 
permit f or each consignment.  
Establishment accreditation for milk and milk products is not required. However, a one -time 
submission of documentary proof is required, showing that the products are manufactured in 
premises regulated by a competent authority (e.g. a certified true copy of the manufacturer's 
licence).  
A Health Certificate is required to be submitted for each import consignment.  Details of the 
import consignments must be declared correctly in the import permit and labelled on the carton.  
Raw liquid mi lk is not allowed to be imported to Singapore.  
Further details of the import requirements of milk and milk products can be found on AVA 's 
website at: http://www.ava.gov.sg/docs/default -source/default -document -library/import -
requirements -of-specific -food-products.pdf?sfvrsn=0  
 
 
¿Cómo se puede acreditar las explotaciones agrícolas y los establecimientos pecuarios por l a AVA?.  
 
How can one get farms/agricultural holdings and livestock facilities certified by the AVA?  
 
Answer:   
 
Details of the import requirements of milk and milk products can be found on AVA 's website at: 
http://www.ava.gov.sg/docs/default -source/default -document -library/import -requirements -of-
specific -food-products.pdf?sfvrsn=0  
 
 
3.59 "Solo se permiten las importa ciones de carne procedentes de establecimientos acreditados en 
países con los que Singapur ha suscrito acuerdos sobre protocolos ". 
 
"Meat imports are only allowed from accredited establishments in countries with which Singapore 
has protocol agreements. " 
 
Es necesario una la aclaración si los protocolos a los que hace mención son acerca de los requisitos 
zoosanitarios para la importación que se establecerán entre los Servicios Veterinarios Oficiales, o 
en su defecto se trata de protocolos de acuerdos bilater ales de comercio, si fuese el caso de la 
segunda opción, solicitamos se nos informe cómo se deberá realizar el proceso para establecer 
este tipo de acuerdos bilaterales  
 
It is necessary to clarify whether the protocols mentioned are about animal health req uirements 
for importation which are established between the Official Veterinary Services, or failing that, refer WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 60 - 
 
  to protocols in bilateral trade agreements.  In the latter case, we would like to know how the 
process for establishing such a bilateral agreem ent should be carried out.  
 
Answer:  
 
The process for accreditation of meat and meat products is available on AVA 's website at:  
http://www.ava.gov.sg/explore -by-sections/food/bringing -food-into-singapore -and-
exporting/commercial -food-imports  
 
 
9. De conformidad con la página 47, párrafo 3.60: en virtud de la Ley de Control de Vegetales, 
todas las importaciones de vegetales y pro ductos de origen vegetal están sujetas a la 
reglamentación de la AVA para impedir la introducción de plagas y enfermedades de plantas 
exóticas en Singapur y la región; la AVA también controla los vegetales producidos en el país que 
se cultivan en los parqu es de tecnología agraria de Singapur. Los vegetales importados deben 
acompañarse de certificados fitosanitarios del país de origen. La AVA emite certificados 
fitosanitarios para los vegetales y productos de origen vegetal exportados desde Singapur, en los 
que se hace constar que están exentos de plagas, para cumplir las prescripciones del país 
importador.  
 
Ref. Paragraph 3.60  
 
Existe un sitio web o de consulta pública en el cual estén detallados los productos que cuentan con 
acceso fitosanitario y los requi sitos que deben cumplirse acorde al país de origen?  
 
Is there a website or public consultation page which details the products which require 
phystosanitary certificates and the requirements that must be met by the country of origin?  
 
Answer:  
 
The phytosan itary requirements are available on AVA 's website at:  
http://www.ava.gov.sg/explore -by-sections/plants/bringing -plants -in-and-out-of-
singapore/importing -plants -plant-products  
 
 
Adicionalmente, pongo en su conocimiento que de acuerdo a nuestros registros AGROCALIDAD 
realizó una solicitud de acceso de grano de Chía y hasta el momento no contamos con una 
respuesta de nuestra  contraparte por lo cual pedimos presentar este tema que nos permita 
conocer si existen requisitos establecidos para el ingreso del producto.  
 
In addition, please be informed that according to our records AGROCALIDAD made a request for 
access for Chia seed s and to date we have not received a reply from our counterparts, so we raise 
this matter to know if there are any requirements for importing this product.  
 
Answer:  
 
All imported pre -packed food products have to be labelled accordingly. The general inform ation 
include: (i) Name of the product; (ii) Net quantity of the food present in the package; (iii) The 
statement of ingredients listing all ingredients and additives used in the product; (iv) The name of 
the country of origin; and the name and address of the Singapore importer, distributor or agent of 
the food.  
 
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  
 
According to what is described in the Secretariat Report section 3.1 Measures that directly affect 
imports, 3.1.1 Customs procedures and requirements, which mentions three s ystems or platforms 
that are used to manage permits related to customs procedures or  foreign trade, which are: 
Singapore Customs ' single window, TradeNet and the TradeXchange platform that facilitates 
information exchange.   What are the import or export pe rmits that Singapore 's public agencies 
issue electronically? What are the standard electronic document s used in the authoriz ation system WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 61 - 
 
  for issuing import and export permits that provide for future exchanges of data, which in turn 
enable the acceleration and facilitation of trade between countries?  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore 's National Single Window, TradeNet, covers 100% of Singapore 's import and export 
regulatory procedures, and includes the import/export regulatory requirements of all 
12 competent authorities from which authorisation of controlled goods are required. It covers 
import of goods including food products, live animals, medicinal products, telecommunication 
equipment, and chemicals.  
 
TradeNet resides on the TradeXchange, which is a platform that host s different applications 
supporting Business -to-Government and Business -to-Business exchange of data.  
 
Currently, the format used for applications submitted via commercial front -end solutions to 
TradeNet are EDIFACT and XML, while the format used for appli cations submitted via the 
Government front -end to TradeNet is XML. The format to be used in any exchange of data 
between countries will be dependent on the technical discussion between the two countries.  
 
 
Additionally, please specify the role of the Sing apore government in the of the Association of 
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) single window including, if possible, the best practices related to 
Singapore 's exchange of information with other countries on import and exp ort permits or 
authorizations.  
 
Answ er: 
 
Singapore has worked closely with the other participating ASEAN Member States (AMS) and the 
ASEAN Single Window (ASW) contractor in establishing the linkage between our National Single 
Window (NSW) and the ASW enabling infrastructure, i.e., ASW Gatewa y, in allowing the NSWs of 
AMS to operate and integrate. Singapore has participated actively in the establishment of the 
ASW at the ASW Steering Committee and the Working Group on Technical Matter for the ASW 
Meetings. The pilot testing phase of the ASW co vers the exchange of the ASEAN Trade in Goods 
Agreement (ATIGA) Certificate of Origin (CO) Form D. A key learning point from this pilot is the 
need for proactive engagement with the business community to raise awareness and to bring 
them on board.  
 
Singapo re is one of the five AMS (the others being Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam) 
who had participated in the test exchange of the electronic ATIGA CO Form D via the ASW. 
Singapore is one of the two exchange -ready AMS (with Indonesia) who are current ly exchanging 
live data of the electronic ATIGA CO Form D information in the production environment via the 
ASW.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 62 - 
 
  NEW ZEALAND  
REPORT BY SINGAPORE (WT/TPR/G/343)  
 
SECTION 6: MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH  
DOMESTIC POLICIES  
 
WT/TPR/G/343, section 6, page 7, paragraph 6.4  
 
Non-tariff measures  
 
"In order to address the global rise of non -tariff measures, the Ministry of Trade and Industry 
established a Non -Tariff Measures (NTM) Unit in October 2014 as an inter -agency undertaking  to 
identify and address NTMs faced by companies based in Singapore, and to ensure that Singapore's 
trade policies are consistent with Singapore's international obligations. " 
 
Question:  
 
Paragraph 6.4 of the Singapore Government report notes that Singapore  has established a Non -
Tariff Measures (NTM) Unit.   We would be interested to know the main categories of NTMs that 
have been identified by the Unit to date, and what actions have been taken to address them?  
 
Answer:  
 
Based on feedback from Singapore -based companies, the main categories of non -tariff measures 
(NTMs) encountered are measures relating to Trade Facilitation (TF), Technical Barriers to Trade 
(TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). The Government is committed to helping 
these comp anies address NTMs impeding their exports, including by: (i) engaging these companies 
regularly to understand the specific NTMs they face; (ii) evaluating each NTM surfaced by these 
companies to determine how best to address them; and (iii) where appropria te, actively engaging 
our trading partners through bilateral/regional and multilateral platforms.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 63 - 
 
  REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
PART I: Questions Regarding the Secretariat Report  
 
Page 27 (Para  3.16.) 
 
As a result of the Uruguay Round, Singapore bound 69.3% of its  tariff lines, mostly at  ad valorem 
rates ranging from 0 to 10% (Table A3.1). The six tariff lines subject to non -duty-free applied MFN 
rates are bound at specific rates. The simple average bound rate is 6.9%. The  absence of bindings 
for around 30% of tari ff lines might create some unpredictability in the trading  regime. However, 
Singapore's applied MFN tariff has remained unchanged since the previous trade  policy review. The 
authorities indicated that Singapore is prepared to increase its binding coverage  as part of the 
Doha Development Agenda negotiations. As a result of Singapore's commitments  under the ITA 
Expansion Agreement, the binding coverage might expand for some categories such  as electric 
machinery, chemicals and photographic supplies.  
 
Question  1 
 
Could Singapore clarify whether there have been any developments with respect to its level of 
tariff bindings as well as the differential between bound and applied rates since the last trade 
policy review?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore is prepared to increase ou r binding coverage as part of tariff negotiations, both 
multilateral and plurilateral, at the WTO. We have done so through plurilateral negotiations such 
as the Information Technology Agreement and the recently concluded Information Technology 
Expansion Ag reement. This implementation has also resulted in reducing the differential between 
our bound and applied rates. The ongoing Environmental Goods Agreement, when concluded, 
would also contribute to increasing Singapore 's overall binding coverage and consequ ential 
reduction of our bound and applied rates differential.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  INDONESIA  
SECRETARIAT  REPORT  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3. Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.2 Standards and Other Technical Requirements  
 
Page 39 Para 3.47  
"SPRING Singapore, the Agri -Food and Veterinary Authority and the Ministry of Trade and Industry 
are the three national enquiry points under the TBT Agreement. During the review period, 
Singapore did not raise any specific trade concerns (STCs) in the TBT Commi ttee. On 
4 November  2015, Indonesia raised an STC regarding Singapore's announcement to consider plain 
packaging for tobacco products. A public consultation on plain packaging was held between 
December 2015 and March 2016. The outcome is pending ." 
 
Questio n: 
 
1.  Could Singapore please give information on the progress for the plan to implement plain 
packaging policy on cigarette products since currently a case on similar issue, involving 
Indonesia against Australia, is still in process in Dispute Settlement Bo dy of the WTO?  
 
Answer:  
 
Singapore conducted a public consultation on standardised packaging and other tobacco control 
measures from 29 December 2015 to 29 March 2016.  We are still in the process of analysing the 
feedback from the public consultation.  
 
We have been studying and closely monitoring international best practices and developments on 
standardised packaging.  
 
The decision on whether or not to proceed with standardised packaging will be based on the 
public health merits of the measure. Any measur e, if introduced, will be designed in a manner 
consistent with our international obligations, including those relating to intellectual property 
rights and trade.  
 
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3. Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.3 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements  
 
Page 41 Para 3.59  
"The AVA carries out inspections of food products and establishments in a risk -based manner. All 
food items are subject to traceability requirements, indicating the country of origin or the 
farm/ establishment. Imports of dairy products, livestock, meat, and fish are considered to be "high 
risk" and are subject to strict controls, involving, inter alia , accreditation of foreign farms and 
establishments, inspection, and testing. Accreditation is car ried out by the AVA based on risk 
assessment, including factors such as the veterinary infrastructure, disease status, legislation and 
other SPS measures, and hygiene. Meat imports are allowed only from accredited establishments 
in countries with which Sin gapore has protocol agreements. Chilled pig meat may only be imported 
from Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United States. Frozen beef, 
mutton, and poultry meat may be imported from a limited number of countries, and in some 
cases, only from AVA -accredited establishments. Fresh eggs are imported only from accredited 
farms in Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, and the 
United  States. Imports of broiler chickens and ducks are only allowed from accred ited farms in 
Malaysia. Dairy products from countries that are not free from foot -and-mouth disease may be 
imported if subjected to double pasteurization treatment. Imports of high -risk shellfish products, 
such as oysters, cockle meat, cooked prawns, and c ooked crab meat, are permitted only from 
certain sources with recognized sanitation programmes. Live oysters may only be imported from 
Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the 
United States. " 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 65 - 
 
  Question:  
 
1.  Could Singapore please provide detail information regarding traceability requirements for 
the import of food products?  
 
Answer:  
 
For food products (namely, livestock, meat and meat products, egg and egg products) that 
require accreditation, only countri es and establishments approved by AVA are allowed to import 
into Singapore. The details of these establishments as well as consignment details must be 
indicated on the health certificate which accompanies the consignment.  
 
 
In addition, all imported pre -packed food products have to be labelled accordingly. The general 
information include: (i) Name of the product; (ii) Net quantity of the food present in the package; 
(iii) The statement of ingredients listing all ingredients and additives used in the produc t; (iv) The 
name of the country of origin; and the name and address of the Singapore importer, distributor 
or agent of the food.  
 
 
2.  Could Singapore please give clarification on whether the accreditation should be carried 
out before or after the imported f ood products enter the territory of Singapore?  
 
Answer:  
 
For food products (namely, livestock, meat and meat products, egg and egg products) that require 
accreditation, approval by AVA must be obtained before import into Singapore is allowed.  
 
 
3.  Does Si ngapore implement pre -shipment inspection on the import of food products?  
 
Answer:  
 
Pre-shipment inspection is not a requirement in itself. However, where a food product requires a 
health certificate for export to Singapore, the competent authority must e nsure that health 
certification attestations are complied with.  
 
 
OTHERS  
 
Trade Barrier Related to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill  
 
Question:  
 
1.  Could Singapore give information regarding Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill?  
 
Answer:  
 
Like many enviro nmental problems, air pollution has a transboundary dimension. The burning of 
peatlands and forests as a commercial land clearing practice undertaken by errant companies has 
resulted in the problem of transboundary haze pollution in Southeast Asia. Transbo undary haze 
pollution has far reaching impacts on health, environment as well as the economy and trade.  
  
In 2014, Singapore enacted the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to prosecute errant companies 
and individuals whose actions result in haze pollution i n Singapore. The aim of the Act is to send a 
strong deterrent signal and to hold any errant company accountable for its actions, and is 
intended to complement Singapore 's and other countries ' existing efforts in tackling transboundary 
haze pollution.  
   
The Act provides investigative tools and evidentiary provisions to allow for the prosecution of 
entities, whether in or outside Singapore, as well as persons holding positions of responsibility in 
these entities that are responsible for causing and contribut ing to transboundary haze pollution in WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 66 - 
 
  Singapore. This includes the power of the Director -General of Environmental Protection to issue 
preventive measures notice to an entity under certain circumstances with a view to prevent, 
reduce or control any haze po llution . The Director -General may also, by notice issued, require 
persons to furnish documents and information and the failure to comply with any notice is an 
offence.  
  
Civil liability as provided in the Act allows affected persons in Singapore to bring civil actions 
against errant entities that cause or contribute to the transboundary haze pollution in Singapore. 
Civil damages recoverable under the Act include damages suffered by a person in Singapore for: 
(1) any personal injury or, disease, (2) any men tal or physical incapacity (3) any damage to 
property; and (4) any economic loss including loss of profits.  
 
Any entity, including an individual (e.g. a director, partner, etc. of that entity), found guilty of the 
offence of causing or contributing to tran sboundary haze pollution in Singapore is liable to a 
maximum fine upon conviction, not exceeding $100,000 for each day or part thereof that the 
entity engages in or condones such conduct that causes or contributes to any haze pollution in 
Singapore subject  to an aggregate maximum fine not exceeding $2 million.  If the entity or 
individual also fails to comply with a preventive measures notice, a court may impose an 
additional fine of $50,000 for each day or part thereof that there is non -compliance with the  
notice.  
 
 
2.  Would the said policy have any impact on various products such as palm oil and its 
fractions as well as paper products?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act does not discriminate against any type of industry or any 
particular entity . The aim of the Act is to bring to task any errant entities, whether they are owned 
by Singaporeans or foreigners, that are responsible for causing transboundary haze pollution in 
Singapore and hold them accountable for their actions. Entities that adopt environmentally 
sustainable practices (e.g. adopt zero -burning practices at their plantation) or whose practices do 
not lead to transboundary haze pollution in Singapore will not be affected by this Act.  
  
In any event, the powers provided under the Act ca n only be exercised in certain circumstances in 
order to promote the objectives of the Act, which is to prevent, reduce or control haze pollution in 
Singapore. Any investigations would be handled judiciously and launched only when there is 
strong evidence of an offence.   
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 67 - 
 
  CHILE  
Informe de la Secretaría:  
Secretariat Report  
 
I) 3.3.8 Derechos de propiedad intelectual  
 
Párrafo 3.87:  
Paragraph 3.87  
 
Pregunta 1: Chile agradecería a Singapur, informar el número de casos y en qué áreas de la PI se 
han presenta do casos sometidos a la consideración del Centro de Arbitraje, entre 2010 y 2015.  
 
Question 1: Chile would be grateful if Singapore could tell us the number of cases, and in which 
areas of intellectual property, have cases been filed for the consideration  of the (Singapore 
International) Arbitration Centre between 2010 and 2015.  
 
Answer : 
 
The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) received 198 cases (in 2010), 188 (in 2011), 
235 (in 2012), 259 (in 2013), 222 (in 2014) and 271 (in 2015). Statisti cs of cases received by the 
SIAC are also available on the SIAC website: http://siac.org.sg/2014 -11-03-13-33-43/facts -
figures/statistics  
 
SIAC does not have information on the breakdown of cases by area of law.  
 
 
Pregunta 2: Asimismo, Chile agradecería a Singapur señalar cual es el costo de dicho servicio para 
los usuarios.  
 
Question 2: Furthermore, Chile would be grateful if Singapore could point out what is the cost of 
this s ervice for its users.  
 
Answer : 
 
The cost of arbitration at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) may vary, 
depending on a variety of factors. SIAC publishes a fee schedule and a fee estimator on its website 
to help users get an estimate of the cost of arbitration. The fee schedule may be accessed at 
http://siac.org.sg/estimate -your-fees/siac -schedule -of-fees. The fee estimator can be accessed at 
http://siac.org.sg/compone nt/siaccalculator/?Itemid=448 . 
 
 
Párrafo 3.90  
Paragraph 3.90  
 
Pregunta 3: Chile agradecería a Singapur indicar si en su antiguo sistema de "autoevaluación " se 
aplicaban los tres (criterios) de patentabilidad establecidos en ADPIC.  
 
Question 3: Chile woul d be grateful if Singapore could indicate whether its previous system of 
"self-assessment " applied the three criteria for patentability laid down in TRIPS.  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore applied the three criteria for patentability laid down in TRIPS in our previous system of 
self-assessment.  
 
 
Pregunta 4: Chile agradecería a Singapur señalar cuáles son los indicadores, de medición de 
calidad de las patentes, que está utilizando para verificar el cumplimiento de este objetivo.  
 
Question 4: Chile would be grateful if Singapore could point out the indicators for measuring the 
quality of patents which it uses to verify compliance with this objective.  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 68 - 
 
   
Answer : 
 
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore uses the number of granted patents meeting the three 
criteria for patentability laid down in TRIPS as an indicator.  
 
 
Pregunta 5: Asimismo, Chile agradecería a Singapur señalar si con la modificación de la Ley de 
Patentes se ha afectado el plazo promedio para la concesión de las mismas.  
 
Question 5: Furthermore, Chile w ould also be grateful if Singapore could indicate whether the 
amendment of the Patents Act has affected the average processing time for granting patents.  
 
Answer : 
 
Amendments to the Patents Act have not affected the average processing time for granting pat ents. 
 
 
Párrafo 3.91  
Paragraph 3.91  
 
Pregunta 6: Chile agradecería a Singapur explicar con más detalles su nuevo mecanismo para que 
los titulares de derechos de autor soliciten que los proveedores de servicios de Internet bloqueen 
sitios Web que vulneren derechos de autor.  
 
Question 6: Chile would be grateful if Singapore could elaborate on its new mechanism for 
copyright owners to apply for an order requiring Internet service providers to block Web sites that 
infringe the rights of the copyright owner.  
 
Answer : 
 
The new judicial site blocking avenue allows rights -holders to directly apply to the Courts for an 
order directing network service providers to block access to flagrantly infringing websites, without 
first having to establish the network service pr ovider 's liability for copyright infringement.  
 
Before applying for an order, rights -holders must first serve notices of intent to both the network 
service provider, and the owner of the allegedly flagrantly infringing website. This gives the website 
owner  an opportunity to stop using the website to commit or facilitate copyright infringement. 
Where the owner cannot be identified or contacted despite reasonable efforts to do so, the Court 
may dispense with this requirement.  
 
If the website owner does not co mply with the notice within the prescribed period, the rights -holder 
may then apply to the Court for a site blocking order. The website owner, has the right to be heard 
in these proceedings. In addition, network service providers may make representations b efore the 
court on matters such as the technical feasibility of the order, or the burden and adverse effects 
thereof.  
 
 In determining whether a website is a flagrantly infringing website, the Court is required to 
consider a non -exhaustive list of factors adapted from UK jurisprudence, such as whether the 
primary purpose of the website is to commit or to facilitate copyright infringement.  
 
Even after the order has been granted, website owners and rights -holders may apply to revoke the 
order if the website h as ceased to be a flagrantly infringing website, or if the location of the 
flagrantly infringing website has since changed.  
 
For more information, please refer to Sections 193DB, 193DDA, 193DDB and 193DDC of the 
Copyright Act.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 69 - 
 
  Párrafo 3.92  
 
Pregunta 7: Chile agradecería a Singapur entregar mayor información sobre si la nueva legislación 
prevé el reconocimiento de indicaciones geográficas o denominaciones de origen por medio de 
tratados internacionales.  
 
Question 7: Chile would be grateful if Singapore c ould provide further information on whether the 
new legislation provides for the recognition of geographical indications or appellations of origin 
through international treaties.  
 
Answer : 
 
The new legislation does not provide for the recognition of geograp hical indications or appellation of 
origin through international treaties. All applications for the registration of geographical indications 
in Singapore under the Geographical Indications Act 2014 (when it comes into force) are required 
to undergo the thr ee-step process of application, examination, and publication. This will give third -
parties an opportunity to object to the application, before the GI is accepted for registration.  
 
 
Pregunta 8: Asimismo Chile agradecería a Singapur entregar mayor informac ión sobre cómo se 
protegen internamente en la actualidad estas IGs.  
 
Question 8: Furthermore Chile would be grateful if Singapore could provide further information on 
how these GIs are currently protected domestically.  
 
Answer : 
 
The existing legislation o n geographical indications in force is the Geographical Indications Act 1999 
(1999 Act). The 1999 Act implements Singapore 's obligations under Articles 22 -24 of TRIPS for the 
protection of geographical indications in national law.  
 
 
Pregunta 9: En el caso  de ser afirmativa la pregunta 7, Chile agradecería dar mayor información 
sobre cuál es el procedimiento que la ley contempla para garantizar los derechos de terceros 
previamente reconocidos en esta materia.  
 
Question 9: If the answer to Question 7 is yes,  Chile would be grateful if Singapore could provide 
more information about the legal procedure to ensure the rights of third parties that were 
previously recognised in this area.  
 
Answer :  
 
See response to Question 7.  
 
 
Pregunta 10: Chile agradecería a Si ngapur dar mayor información sobre si su legislación permite la 
existencia de Homonimia de Indicaciones Geográficas.  
 
Question 10: Chile would be grateful if Singapore could give more information on whether its 
legislation allows the existence of homonymou s names for geographical indications.  
 
Answer : 
 
Under the Geographical Indications Act 1999, section 5 allows any interested party of wines 
identified by a homonymous geographical indication to take action for the infringement of a 
geographical indication.  Any interested party of wines identified by a homonymous geographical 
indication may also apply to the Court for a declaration of the practical conditions under which the 
geographical indications may be differentiated from one another.  
 
Under the Geograph ical Indications Act 2014, registrations of homonymous geographical indications 
are permitted under section 42.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 70 - 
 
  Párrafo 3.93  
Paragraph 3.93  
 
Pregunta 11 : Chile agradecería a Singapur indicar de qué manera los acuerdos señalados en el 
párrafo 3.93 han per mitido acortar los procedimientos de patentes en el caso de solicitudes 
sometidas a procedimientos PPH.  
 
Question 11: Chile would be grateful if Singapore could indicate how the agreements referred to in 
paragraph 3.93 have shortened patent procedures in t he case of applications submitted PPH 
procedures.  
 
Answer : 
 
Reliance on the search and examination results from another intellectual property office can help to 
reduce the number of office actions for the applicant, resulting in time and cost savings. As o f end-
2015, there is an average of just 1 office action for PPH requests. The average pendency to 1st 
office action and final decision are 3.7 months and 5.5 months respectively.  
 
 
Párrafo 3.94  
 
Pregunta 12: Chile agradecería a Singapur informar si su leg islación permite los daños punitivos o 
daños adicionales en aquellos casos de infracción de patentes o de marcas comerciales, que vayan 
más allá del lucro cesante y los reembolsos de los gastos del juicio.  
 
Question 12: Chile would be grateful if Singapore  could indicate if its legislation allows for punitive 
damages or additional damages which go beyond loss of profits and reimbursements of legal 
expenses in cases of patent or trademark infringements.  
 
Answer : 
 
Plaintiffs may seek punitive or exemplary dam ages for trade mark but not patent cases.  
 
Singapore 's trade marks law allows the Courts to order damages on top of account of profits 
attributable to the infringement that have not been taken into account in computing the damages. 
Alternatively, statutory  damages are also available at the right holder 's election. Please see Section 
31 of the Trade Marks Act.  
 
 
II) 3 POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES  
3.3 Medidas que afectan a la producción y al comercio  
3.3.5 Controles de precios  
 
Parrafo 3.70:  "Conforme a firman las autoridades del país, Singapur no reglamenta ni controla los 
precios de los bienes y servicios. Sin embargo, se puede imponer una reglamentación de precios a 
los empresarios considerados "dominantes", que podrían abusar de su posición en el merc ado y 
actuar de manera anticompetitiva. Actualmente los empresarios dominantes en los sectores de las 
telecomunicaciones y postal deben solicitar la aprobación de la Autoridad de Desarrollo de la  
Infocomunicación antes de ofrecer, modificar o retirar servi cios". 
 
Paragraph 3.70  
 
Parrafo:3.71  "Las tarifas de los servicios básicos de transporte público (autobús y tren) requieren 
la aprobación del Consejo de Transporte Público. La Autoridad de Aviación Civil de Singapur 
(CAAS) lleva aplicando desde 2009 un mar co normativo de fijación de precios para regular las 
cargas que los operadores monopolistas de servicios aeroportuarios imponen por el uso de las 
instalaciones y los servicios aeroportuarios. " 
 
Paragraph 3.71  
 
Pregunta 13 : En el párrafo 3.70 se menciona qu e Singapur puede imponer reglamentación de 
precios a empresarios que considere "dominantes ", los cuales podrían abusar de su posición en el WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 71 - 
 
  mercado y actuar de manera anticompetitiva. Chile agradecería a Singapur aclarar cómo Singapur 
decide que un empresa rio se considerará como "dominante " y que podría abusar de su posición en 
el mercado y actuar de manera anticompetitiva.  
 
Question 13: Paragraph 3.70 mentions that Singapore can impose price regulation on companies 
deemed to be "dominant ", which could abu se their market position and act in an anti -competitive 
manner.  Chile would be grateful if  Singapore could clarify how it decides whether a company can 
be deemed "dominant "  and could abuse its market position or act in an anti -competitive manner.  
 
Answe r: 
 
Whether the company has abused its dominance or acted anti -competitively would be a matter of 
reviewing the facts of the case, should a complaint arise.  
 
 
Pregunta 14: Asimismo, Chile agradecería a Singapur dar un ejemplo concreto de la 
reglamentación  de precios de algunos de los sectores mencionados en los párrafos 3.70 y 3.71.  
 
Question 14: Chile would also be grateful if Singapore could give a concrete example of price 
regulation in some of the sectors mentioned in paragraphs 3.70 and 3.71.  
 
Answer : 
 
Telecommunications – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) is classified as a Dominant 
Licensee and hence is subject to price regulation, specifically tariffing requirements.  For example, 
if Singtel wishes to revise the rates of its local fixed  voice services, Singtel has to seek the 
Infocomm Development Authority 's approval before it can revise the rates.  
 
Public Transport Services – Bus and train fares are regulated by the Public Transport Council, which 
is guided by the fare review mechanism as well as its statutory mandate to safeguard public 
interest by keeping fares affordable, while ensuring the long -term financial viability of the public 
transport system. The fare review mechanism and the revisions to it are guided by the Fare Review 
Mechanism Committee, which sets out its findings and recommendations in a report. More 
information can be found in the latest report of the Fare Review Mechanism Committee, available at 
http://www.mot.gov.sg/news/FRMC%20Report%201%20Nov.pdf  
 
Airport Facilities and Services – The price regulation framework adopted is a price cap regime 
where the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) sets the price caps, after considering costs 
and reve nue projections for airport operations and the airport operator 's proposed price caps. The 
airport operator may set individual airport charges within the price caps. There is a due process for 
consultation with airport users before the submission of the pr oposed price caps by the airport 
operator. After the price caps are determined by CAAS, the airport operator is required to notify 
airport users at least 3 months before any proposed price increases are effected.    
 
 
Informe de Gobierno:  
Government Repor t 
 
I) 6 MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH 
DOMESTIC POLICIES  
Párrafo 6.5  
Paragraph 6.5  
 
Pregunta 15: Chile agradecería a Singapur entregar mayor información sobre si planea introducir 
el sistema del reconocimiento de los diseños, sin examen previo como una opción al solicitante.  
 
Question 15: Chile would be grateful if Singapore could provide more information about whether it 
plans to introduce a system of recognising designs without examination as an option for 
applicants.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 72 - 
 
  Answer : 
 
Singapore 's design law currently does not require substantive examination, and hence already 
allows for recognition of designs without examination.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 73 - 
 
  PERU  
Secretariat Report  
 
Pregunta 1  
 
3. POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALES, POR MEDIDAS  
3.2. Medidas que afectan directamente a las exportaciones  
3.2.1. Procedimientos y requisitos en materia de exportación  
 
Paragraph 3.26  
 
Párrafo 3.26. - Entre los cambios más importantes aplicados a los procedimientos de exportación 
desde el último examen figuran la puesta e n funcionamiento del sistema de Declaración Anticipada 
de Exportación, y la revisión del Programa Comercial Estratégico. El 1° de abril de 2013, el 
Departamento de Aduanas de Singapur puso en aplicación la Declaración Anticipada de 
Exportación, con el fin de reforzar la seguridad de la cadena de suministro y armonizar las 
prácticas de declaración de exportación con las normas internacionales. Las declaraciones de 
exportación por vía marítima o aérea de mercancías no controladas y no sujetas a derechos, que 
antes podían hacerse dentro de los tres días siguientes a la exportación, ahora deben presentarse 
antes de que las mercancías salgan de Singapur. Esta disposición está en consonancia con los 
requisitos de declaración de exportación de mercancías controlada s, mercancías no sujetas a 
derechos, y mercancías exportadas por carretera y ferrocarril.  
 
Pregunta. - El Perú desea saber si con la puesta en aplicación de la Declaración 
Anticipada de Exportación, dicho sistema sería el único vigente, invalidando totalmen te 
el antiguo sistema de declaraciones, el cual permitía realizar declaraciones dentro de los 
tres días siguientes a la exportación.  
 
Peru would like to know if with the implementation Advance Export Declaration, this system will be 
the only one applicable , thus totally invalidating the previous system of declarations which allowed 
declarations to be made within three days of export.  
 
Answer : 
 
In general, with the implementation of Advance Export Declaration (AED), exporters must apply 
for the relevant Cus toms export permits before exporting goods from Singapore. However, there 
are some exceptions such as the export of bulk petroleum products and chemicals by Sea, which 
allows permits to be declared within a specified period after export, subject to conditi ons.   
 
More information on Singapore Customs ' export procedures under AED can be found in the 
following link: http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/exporting -goods/export -procedures. In 
addition, reference can be made to a circular issued on 12 January 201 2 in the following link: 
http://www.customs.gov.sg/~/media/cus/files/circulars/corp/2012/circular_1_2012.pdf  
 
 
Pregunta 2  
3   
3. POLÍTICAS Y PRÁCTICAS COMERCIALE S, POR MEDIDAS  
3.2. Medidas que afectan directamente a las exportaciones  
3.2.5. Asistencia a la exportación  
 
Paragraph 3.34  
 
Párrafo 3.34. - IE Singapore  es el órgano oficial encargado de la promoción del comercio. Utiliza 
su red de centros en más de 35 lug ares en el extranjero para crear redes y alianzas, con miras a 
mejorar el acceso a los mercados de las empresas establecidas en Singapur. En el ejercicio fiscal 
2014, prestó asistencia a unas 28.000 empresas, la mayoría pequeñas y medianas empresas 
(pymes) . Facilitó más de 44 millones de dólares singapurenses en donaciones destinadas a apoyar 
la expansión de empresas en el extranjero,  alrededor de 756 millones de dólares singapurenses en 
préstamos comerciales y de financiación, y programas de seguro por una  inversión valorada en 
unos 2.300 millones de dólares singapurenses. Para ayudar a las empresas a internacionalizarse WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 74 - 
 
  con mayor eficacia, IE Singapore ha simplificado su asistencia mediante dos programas amplios: 
Asociación de Empresas de Carácter Mundial (programa GCP) y Ayuda para la Viabilidad Comercial 
(programa MRA). (El subrayado es nuestro)  
 
Pregunta. - El Perú desea saber si los 44 millones de dólares singapurenses donados por 
IE Singapore destinados a apoyar la expansión de empresas en el extranjero  han sido 
notificados a la OMC. Del mismo modo, el Perú desea conocer el periodo de duración de 
los dos amplios programas de IE Singapore mencionados.  
 
Peru would like to know if the S$44 million given by IE Singapore to support the expansión of 
companies overseas have been notified to the WTO.  Likewise, Peru would like to know the 
duration of IE Singapore 's two comprehensive programmes that are mentioned (i.e. GCP and 
MRA) . 
 
Answer : 
 
The grant amount of S$44 million is available as public information on I E Singapore 's website.  
The activities/programs under this grant amount are not notifiable subsidies as they are available 
to all companies in Singapore regardless of sectors, and open to both local and foreign companies. 
IE Singapore 's programmes are revi ewed annually and phased out when no longer effective.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 75 - 
 
  INDIA  
Questions Regarding the Government Report ( WT/TPR/G/343)  
 
(Page 3, Paragraph 1.1)  
This is Singapore 's seventh Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Singapore 
is a sm all and open economy, which is highly dependent on trade. Singapore 's domestic and 
foreign trade policies are therefore closely intertwined. During the period under review, 
Singapore 's domestic and foreign trade policies focussed on four key priorities: en hancing 
productivity and innovation -led growth through economic restructuring; supporting the rules -
based multilateral trading system to ensure a predictable and fair trading environment; promoting 
trade liberalisation to create opportunities for all Singa pore-based companies and modernising 
Singapore 's domestic regulatory regime with a view to facilitate trade.  
 
Question 1:  
Could Singapore please elaborate the changes undertaken with respect to sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) and any technical regulation s while modernising its domestic regulatory 
regime that affect import of agriculture and allied products?  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore actively participates in and keeps abreast of discussions at international fora such as 
WTO, OIE, IPPC and Codex.  We regularly up date our regulations in line with the latest 
developments in these fora, taking into consideration our acceptable level of protection.  All 
changes to SPS measures which affect international trade are notified to the WTO.  India may wish 
to refer to the WT O website for the list of notifications made by Singapore over the years.  An 
example would be Singapore 's import conditions with regard to avian influenza.  In line with OIE 's 
progressive updates to its avian influenza guidelines, Singapore also updated i ts import conditions 
in 2013 (G/SPS/N/SGP/26/Add.1) and 2014 (G/SPS/N/SGP/26/Add.2) to reflect these changes.   
 
 
(Page 6, Paragraph 5.2)  
Singapore is an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We work 
with other ASEAN Member States (AMS) on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), i.e. the 
realisation of a single market and production base, with a free flow of goods, services, and 
investment in the region. ASEAN has committed to more than 600 economic integration measures 
captured in an AEC 2015 Blueprint. The measures are in the following areas: trade in goods; trade 
in services; investment; standards & conformance; trade facilitation; skilled labour; financial 
integration; information & communication technology; food, agriculture & forestry; energy 
cooperation; competition policy; consumer protection; intellectual property rights; and 
strengthening of ASEAN 's relations and Dialogue Partners via economic cooperation and Free Trade 
Agreements (FTAs). As of 31 December 2015, ASEAN had  collectively implemented 82.3% of the 
Blueprint 's measures. Looking forward, ASEAN will work on the remaining AEC 2015 Blueprint 
measures and pursue further economic initiatives for an AEC 2025.  
 
Question 2:  
Could Singapore provide details of the measure s implemented pursuant to the AEC 2015 Blueprint 
on: (a) food; (b) agriculture & forestry; and (c) standards & conformance?  Singapore may please 
also elaborate the impact of these commitments on obligations under the WTO agreements.  
 
Answer : 
 
With regard  to (a) and (b), ASEAN 's cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (FAF) 
formulates and implements regional cooperation activities to enhance the international 
competitiveness of ASEAN 's FAF products, and strengthen the food security arrangement in the  
region.  
 
Cooperation includes the exchange of information, crop production, postharvest and handling, 
training and extension, research and development, and trade promotion in the areas of crops, 
livestock, fisheries, and forestry. Harmonisation of qualit y and standards, assurance of food safety, 
and standardisation of trade certification are among ASEAN 's priorities.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 76 - 
 
  With reduced tariffs and non -tariff barriers to trade, agri -businesses can benefit from goods 
moving easily across borders.  
 
On (c), standa rds and Conformance (S&C) measures under the ASEAN Economic Community 
(AEC) 2015 Blueprint  comprise:  
 
(i) Harmonisation of national standards and technical regulations to international 
standards and;  
 
(ii) Mutual Recognition Arrangements on conformity assessment. These measures focuses 
on nine priority sectors – Electrical and Electronic Equipment; Medical Devices; 
Pharmaceutical Products; Cosmetics; Automotive; Prepared foodstuff; Traditional 
Medicines and Health Supplements; Rubber -based Products; and Building an d 
Construction Materials.  
 
To date, four S&C related agreements have been implemented by ASEAN Member States, including 
Singapore. They are:  
 
• ASEAN Framework Agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangements;  
• Agreement on the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulator y Scheme;  
• ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Good Manufacturing Practices 
Inspection for Manufacturers of Medicinal Products; and  
• ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Electrical and Electronic 
Equipment.  
 
All ASEAN S&C agreements  are aligned to the WTO TBT Agreement.  
 
 
(Page 7, Paragraph 6.4)  
In order to address the global rise of non -tariff measures, the Ministry of Trade and Industry 
established a Non -Tariff Measures Unit in October 2014 as an inter -agency undertaking to identi fy 
and address NTMs faced by companies based in Singapore, and to ensure that Singapore 's trade 
policies are consistent with Singapore 's international obligations.  
 
Question 3:  
Could Singapore highlight if the NTM Unit has undertaken any exercise to iden tify the NTMs faced 
by importers of agricultural products or to provide for a trade facilitation desk for importers?  
 
Answer : 
 
The Government is committed to helping Singapore -based companies address non -tariff measures 
(NTMs) impeding their exports, incl uding by: (i) regularly engaging companies from a variety of 
sectors, including agricultural products, to understand the specific NTMs they face; (ii) evaluating 
each NTM surfaced by companies to determine how best to address them; and (iii) where 
appropri ate, actively engaging our trading partners through bilateral/regional and multilateral 
platforms. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) serves as the focal point for whole -of-
government efforts in this regard.  
 
 
Questions Regarding the Secretariat Rep ort (WT/TPR/S/343)  
 
(Page No. 9, Para No. 1.6); (Page 16, para 2.3.2); (Page 22, para 2.50)  
 
Question 4 :  
(i) It is understood that Singapore has revised the mandatory salary levels for the 
temporary skilled workers employed in Singapore by the Government.  Wi ll Singapore 
share detailed information with regard to the current mandated salary levels for such 
workers and also the number of times it has been increased in the past five years?  
 
(ii) Whether there is a difference in salary levels of the local workers and foreign workers 
having similar skills set and experience?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 77 - 
 
  (iii) It is also understood that recently many employers have been sent "Fair Consideration 
Watch list " memo by the Ministry of Manpower outlining that companies have lower 
proportion of Singaporeans at the professional, managerial, executive and technical 
levels (PMET)? Would Singapore please clarify the position and also give some details 
including the fair percentage of threshold for ascertaining local vs. foreign worker 
composition.  
 
(iv) The above referr ed memo further asks companies to submit information for the efforts 
made by the companies to recruit and develop local skills. Is it mandatory for foreign 
companies to develop local skills?  
 
(v) Is Singapore not mandating 'Hire local policy ' through such mea sures which appear to 
be against its existing commitments?  
 
(vi) Does the above referred memo and its contents - "Fair Consideration Watchlist " also 
apply to companies that have origin with which country Singapore has signed the 
formal FTA?  
 
(vii) Would Singapore i ndicate the relaxation provided to companies from countries with 
whom Singapore has signed FTA.  If no relaxation is provided then why not given that 
it undermines the market access for FTA trading partners after commitments have 
been taken.  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore is a small country with limited land and infrastructural constraints and thus cannot 
sustain an unrestrained growth in foreign manpower. The Government therefore seeks to 
calibrate its policies to raise the quality criteria on the entry of foreign wo rkers into Singapore, 
encourage businesses to raise productivity and reduce reliance on manpower.  The minimum 
Employment Pass salary threshold was updated to S$2,800 in 2011, to S$3,000 in 2012 and to 
S$3,300 in 2014. Thresholds for individuals can be hig her than the minimum threshold, 
depending on their level of experience and qualifications.  
 
Singapore continues to welcome global talent.  The objective of the Fair Consideration Framework 
(FCF) is to ensure that the hiring process is fair and based on mer it. It is not a "hire local " policy. 
Its implementation is consistent with our WTO and FTA obligations.  
 
With regard to the "Fair Consideration Watch list " memo, the firms which received these letters 
are firms which have room to improve their fair hiring  and career development practices.  These 
could include firms which have had substantiated complaints of unfair hiring practices; or 
repeated complaints of nationality -based hiring practices.  
 
 
(Page 39, Paragraph 3.45)  
Established under the authority of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Standards, Productivity 
and Innovation Board (SPRING Singapore) is the national standards and accreditation body. 
SPRING Singapore has the mandate, inter alia, to develop and promote standards and quality 
assurance i nfrastructure, and oversees the safety of household consumer goods. It also 
administers the weights and measures programme, which aims to protect consumers and traders 
by regulating the use of weighing and measuring instruments for trade and pre -packaged g oods. 
Other agencies involved in the development of technical regulations include: Infocomm 
Development Authority of Singapore, Agri -Food and Veterinary Authority, Ministry of Health, 
Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, National Environment Agency , and the Public 
Utilities Board.  
 
Question 5  
India would like a clarification on the  function and operations of "Standards, Productivity and 
Innovation Board (SPRING) " of Singapore in providing subsidies linked to tax incentives support 
package to help t o businesses, especially SMEs, restructure, and invest in skills and capability 
development.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 78 - 
 
  Answer : 
 
Aside from being the national standards and accreditation body, SPRING is also the national SME 
development agency.  Under this role, SPRING helps SMEs s trengthen their capabilities for growth 
and productivity through a range of assistance programs, including tax incentives.  
 
 
(Page 40, Paragraph 3.55)  
Food safety, animal and plant health are under the responsibility of the Agri -Food and Veterinary 
Autho rity of Singapore (AVA), which is also the SPS enquiry point. The authorities stated that 
Singapore ensures that its SPS measures are consistent with international standards, guidelines, 
and recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius, the World Organisation  for Animal Health (OIE) 
and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). In the absence of such 
international/regional standards, Singapore conducts its own risk -assessment and makes risk -
management decisions, taking into consideration economic, technical, and other relevant factors. 
Provisional SPS measures may be taken where scientific evidence is insufficient.  
 
Question 6:  
In the case of food safety, when an international standard does not exists, Singapore conducts its 
own risk -assessment and makes risk -management decisions, taking into consideration economic, 
technical, and other relevant factors.  India would like to know if such risk assessments were 
conducted on the nine active ingredients namely, Acifluorfen, Alachlor, Asulam, Atrazine, Br omacil, 
Coumaphos, Ethylene oxide, Fentin hydroxide, Picloram, where there are no international MRL 
standards.  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore actively participates in and keeps abreast of developments and discussions at Codex 
(i.e., JMPR and CCPR). When carrying out risk assessments pertaining to the setting of pesticide 
MRLs and import tolerances, Singapore adopts the principles practised by Codex, taking into 
consideration our acceptable level of protection.  The 9 pesticides mentioned specifically by India, 
namely,  acifluorfen, alachlor, asulam, atrazine, bromacil, coumaphos, ethylene oxide, fentin 
hydroxide and picloram are very old legacy pesticides, and are not registered for agricultural use 
in Singapore. While our Food Regulations currently contain MRLs related  to these 9 pesticides, 
these MRLs, along with many other existing MRLs, are currently under review by AVA. Upon the 
completion of our review, AVA may revoke any MRL that no longer has valid scientific data support 
(e.g. a valid national GAP plus valid ADI /ARfD values), which is in line with Codex principles and 
practices.  
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 79 - 
 
  THAILAND  
QUESTION REGARDING THE REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
 
Page 42 (paragraph 3. 63)  
Question 1  It is indicated that some sectors, e.g. e nergy, telecommunications, and media, are 
excluded from the competition law due to either public interest considerations or existing sectoral 
competition frameworks.  We are interested in how those exclusions are specified, i.e. are those 
exclusions clearl y indicated under the Competition Act or implementing regulations or is there only 
an informal understanding between the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) and other 
sectoral regulators?  
 
Answer :  
 
The exclusions, and any sectoral frameworks, are sp ecified under Singapore 's laws.   
 
The energy, telecommunications, media and airport services sectors are excluded as they have 
their own sectoral competition frameworks. The relevant provisions setting out the competition 
framework for these sectors are:  
 
a.  Energy - Sections 69 and 70 of the Gas Act (Cap. 116A) and sections 50 and 51 of the 
Electricity Act (Cap. 89A);  
 
b.  Telecommunications - Code of Practice for Competition in the Provision of 
Telecommunications Services 2012 which was issued pursuant to se ction 26(1) of the 
Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323);  
 
c.  Media - Code of Practice for Market Conduct in the Provision of Mass Media Services which 
was issued pursuant to section 17 of the Media Development Authority of Singapore Act 
(Cap. 172); and  
 
d.  Airport Services - Airport Competition Code 2009 which was issued pursuant to section 44 
of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Act (Cap. 41).  
 
The Third Schedule of the Competition Act (Chapter 50B) indicates that the Section 34 prohibition 
and the Sect ion 47 prohibition (ie, these are the provisions on anti -competitive arrangements and 
abuse of market dominance) shall not apply to any agreement or conduct which relates to the 
following:  
 
a.  the supply of ordinary letter and postcard services by a person l icensed and regulated 
under the Postal Services Act (Cap. 237A);  
 
b.  the supply of piped potable water;  
 
c.  the supply of wastewater management services, including the collection, treatment and 
disposal of wastewater;  
 
d.  the supply of bus services by a licensed  bus operator under the Bus Services Industry Act 
2015;  
 
e.  the supply of rail services by any person licensed and regulated under the Rapid Transit 
Systems Act (Cap. 263A); and  
 
f.  cargo terminal operations carried out by a person licensed and regulated unde r the 
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act (Cap. 170A).  
 
 
Question 2  Under the 2004 Competition Act, "the Ministry of Trade and Industry (following the 
recommendation of the CCS) may issue an order to exempt certain categories of agreements from 
the provisions related to the prohibition of anti -competitive agreements, decisions, and practices. "  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 80 - 
 
  Do those exemptions need a request or application from business undertakings or the Ministry can 
initiate those exemptions itself?  Could you please explai n the steps in order to reach the final 
consideration for those exemptions?  
 
Answer : 
 
Section 36 of the Competition Act (Chapter 50B) empowers the Minister, acting on a 
recommendation of the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS), to exempt, by order, 
categories of agreements from the Section 34 prohibition.  The business undertakings can apply 
for / request for the exemption or CCS / the Ministry of Trade and Industry can initiate the process 
to consider the exemption.   
 
Before making a recommendation , CCS will:  
 
a.  Publish details of the proposed recommendation in such a way as CCS thinks most suitable 
for bringing it to the attention of those likely to be affected; and  
 
b.  Consider any representations made to CCS regarding the proposed recommendation.  
 
 
 
Page 42 (paragraph 3. 65)  
Question 3  It is indicated that the CCS has published 13 guidelines to help business understand 
how it administers and enforces the prohibitions under the Act.  Could you indicate the titles of 
those guidelines?  Are they class ified by sectors/products and available online?  How did the CCS 
derive at the initiatives and make the decisions to issue those guidelines?  
 
Answer : 
 
The titles of the Guidelines are:  
 
• Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) Guidelines on the Major Prov isions  
• CCS Guidelines on the Section 34 Prohibition  
• CCS Guidelines on the Section 47 Prohibition  
• CCS Guidelines on the Substantive Assessment of Mergers  
• CCS Guidelines on Merger Procedures 2012  
• CCS Guidelines on Market Definition  
• CCS Guidelines on the P owers of Investigation  
• CCS Guidelines on Enforcement  
• CCS Guidelines on Lenient Treatment for Undertakings Coming Forward with 
Information on Cartel Activity Cases 2009  
• CCS Guidelines on Filing Notifications for Guidance or Decision with respect to the 
Section 34 Prohibition and Section 47 Prohibition  
• CCS Guidelines on the Appropriate Amount of Penalty  
• CCS Guidelines on the Treatment of Intellectual Property Rights  
• CCS Guidelines on Competition Impact Assessment for Government Agencies  
 
The guidelines are not classified by sectors/products and can be found online at 
https://www.ccs.gov.sg/legislation/ccs -guidelines  
 
The guidelines are based on the Competition Act (Chapter 50B) and explain  how CCS will apply 
and enforce the prohibitions against anti -competitive activities under the Competition Act (Chapter 
50B).  Input and feedback were sought from the public before CCS finalised the guidelines. CCS 
made the decision to publish the guidelin es to provide greater transparency and clarity to 
interested parties in order to promote healthy competitive markets in Singapore.    
 
 
4.  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
 
Page 58 (paragraph 4.29)  
Question  4 Please explain the rationale behind the exemption fro m captive insurers from having 
to seek approval for the appointment of directors while direct insurers are required to do so.  WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 81 - 
 
   
Answer : 
 
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) imposes regulatory and supervisory requirements that 
are commensurate to the r isk profile of financial institutions. As captive insurers write mainly risks 
of their related corporations, they are exempted from seeking the Authority 's approval for the 
appointment of directors. Captive insurers are, however, still expected to ensure t hat each of their 
directors meets the fit and proper criteria. If at any point in time the Authority becomes aware 
that an appointed director of a captive insurer is no longer a fit and proper person, the Authority 
may direct the captive insurer to remove the director from his appointment.  
 
 
Page 58 (paragraph 4.30)  
Question  5 Are there any differences in terms of minimum paid -up capital requirements between 
non-life insurers and life insurers? If this is not the case, is there any plan to revisit on this  regard 
in the future?  
 
Answer:  
 
There is no difference in the minimum paid up capital requirement between life and non -life direct 
insurers. At the moment, there is no plan to revisit this requirement under risk -based Capital 
(RBC) regime phase 2.    
 
 
Page 58 (paragraph 4.30)  
Question  6 Thailand understands that Singapore 's Risk -based Capital (RBC) regime phase 2 is 
currently under discussion with the insurance industry and the plan is to alleviate the capital risk 
charges to 99.5th percentile. As such,  in conjunction with that purpose will Singapore have a plan 
to revise the current solvency ratio of 120% of the insurer 's total risk requirement?  
 
Answer : 
 
Yes, under the risk -based capital (RBC) regime phase 2, the total risk requirements are calibrated 
at a 99.5% confidence interval over a one year period, and are more comprehensive and granular.  
 
In view of the calibration, the minimum capital adequacy ratio has been revised to be 100% of the 
insurer 's total risk requirement (Prescribed Capital Require ment). However, supervisory add -ons 
may be imposed for insurers but only under more specific and limited circumstances. For example 
where the risk profile of insurer is greater than the level suggested by the industry data which has 
been used in the calibr ation of risk requirements under the standardised approach.    
 
 
Page 63 (paragraph 4.49)  
Question  7 Thailand would like to seek more clarification on the possibility for foreign company to 
operate as a service provider by utilizing fleet of ship or boat with Singapore national flag to 
operate in the internal waterway.  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore does not have internal waterways plied by merchant ships.  
 
If Thailand 's query relates to operating harbour craft within port waters with the intent to provide 
shipping services within port, such harbour craft are not required to be registered with the 
Singapore Registry of Ships, but require a harbour craft licence from the Maritime and Port 
Authority of Singapore (MPA). In addition, the licensed harbour craft must compl y with Maritime 
and Port Authority Harbour Craft (Regulations) as well as Maritime and Port Authority (Port) 
Regulations.  
 
For more information on harbour craft licensing, please refer to 
http://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port -of-singapore/port -operations/licensing -of-craft 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 82 - 
 
  The foreign equity participation limit for both Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) Corporation and 
Jurong Port Pte Ltd is 49 %. 
 
 
Page 63 (paragraph 4.52)  
Question  8 Is there any market access restriction (e.g. foreign equity participation, minimum 
paid-up capital, type of business, etc.) for the joint venture of port/terminal operations in 
Singapore? If so, please indicate su ch restriction in details.  
 
Answer : 
 
The foreign equity participation limit for both Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) Corporation and 
Jurong Port Pte Ltd is 49%.  
 
 
Page 64 (paragraph 4.53)  
Question  9 According to paragraph 4.53 on Maritime Transport serv ices, particularly pilotage 
service, Thailand would like to seek a clarification on the regulation on the qualification of the pilot 
officer or are there any reservation on such profession.  
 
Answer : 
 
The minimum entry requirements for an applicant to quali fy as a trainee pilot are as follows:  
 
a.  Possess a Class 3 Certificate of Competency (COC) recognised by the Maritime Port 
Authority of Singapore (MPA);  
 
b.  Be certified medically fit to perform the task of a pilot;  
 
c.  Pass the eyesight test (as specified in t he International Maritime Organisation 's (IMO) 
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention); 
and 
 
d.  Be employed by a Pilotage Service Provider (PSP) licensed by MPA.  
 
 
Page 64(paragraph 4.57)  
Question  10 Can a fore ign-owned ship registered in Singapore obtain incentives and privileges, 
particularly under the Maritime Sector Incentive (MSI), on the same basis as the ships owned by 
Singapore -based companies ? If so, on what conditions?  
 
Answer : 
 
In order to be registe red under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS), a vessel is required to be 
owned by citizens or permanent residents of Singapore, or companies incorporated in Singapore, 
which may either be locally or foreign -owned. For more information on SRS requirement s, please 
refer to http://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/singapore -registry -of-ships/about -srs/pre -
requisites -for-ship-registration  
 
Singapore -flagged vessels are eligible for the Maritime Sector Incentive scheme on the same basis 
regardless of whether the y are ultimately locally or foreign -owned.  
 
 
Page 68 (paragraph 4.71)  
Question  11 Paragraph 4.71 stated that the legal profession act was amended in 2014 has 
included provisions on the regime for anti -money laundering and countering the financing of 
terrorism, in this regard, Thailand would like to seek for  clarification whether foreign legal 
practitioner is allowed to practice on the newly include regime since they relates to the security 
issue.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 83 - 
 
  Answer:  
 
Every foreign lawyer who is a regulated foreign l awyer is subject to the rules on anti -money 
laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) in Part VA of the Legal Profession 
Act as well as in subsidiary legislation, the Legal Profession (Prevention of Money Laundering and 
Financing of Te rrorism) Rules 2015. This is part of Singapore 's on-going efforts to implement 
international best practices (including recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force) to 
ensure that there are sufficient safeguards for combating money laundering and ter rorism 
financing.   
 
 
QUESTION REGARDING THE REPORT BY THE GOVERNMENT  
 
5.  PROMOTING TRADE LIBERALISATION  
 
Page 5 (paragraph 5.1)  
Question  12 What is the definition of "Singapore -based companies "? On what conditions will a 
foreign company be qualified as  a Singapore -based company to operate business in Singapore? Do 
all categories of Singapore -based companies benefit from bilateral or multilateral trade 
liberalization agreements equally or on the same basis?  
 
Answer:  
 
In the context of FTAs, Singapore -based companies generally refer to companies that are 
incorporated in Singapore. Singapore -based companies that meet the criteria set out in 
agreements, will benefit from the agreements.    
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 84 - 
 
  SOUTH AFRICA  
2.4. One of Singapore 's trade policy objectives i s to minimize impediments to the flow of imports 
and exports by continuously improving Singapore's trade and business environment.  
 
Can the government of Singapore highlight what are some of the major impediments emerging 
from the types of measures being a dopted to mitigate climate change?  In context of development 
and trade, in Singapore 's view, how can the WTO improve substantive work that addresses new 
issues such as trade and environment?  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore 's main strategy to mitigate climate change is to promote energy efficiency. These 
measures do not impede trade.  
 
The issue of trade and environment is not a new issue to the WTO. The WTO Committee on Trade 
and Environment (CTE) established pursuant to the 1994 Ministerial Decision has served to de epen 
and promote WTO Members ' understanding of the relationship between trade and environment. The 
CTE's role as a platform to facilitate mutual supportiveness between trade and environment issues 
will become even more important as countries adopt measures  to address climate change – which 
is recognised to be most challenging environmental challenge facing the international community. 
Singapore participates actively in the CTE. At the recent committee meeting on 30 June 2016, 
Singapore made a presentation o n our Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), and 
shared how Singapore through our robust whole -of-government coordination process ensures 
coherence between our WTO and UNFCCC obligations.  
 
We believe that trade is essential for economic devel opment, which in turn is necessary for counties 
to effectively address environmental challenge. Economic Development will be facilitated if 
Members do not raise barriers to international trade; ensure that trade -related environmental 
measures are consisten t with WTO law; and liberalise trade in environmental goods and services.  
 
 
3.63. The Competition Act applies to all undertakings, i.e. all natural or legal persons capable of 
commercial or economic activity, regardless of whether they are foreign -owned,  Singapore -owned, 
or owned by the Government or its statutory boards. The legislation does not cover activities, 
agreements, and conduct of the Government, statutory bodies, or entities acting on their behalf.  
 
Some sectors are excluded from the law due to  public interest considerations (e.g. national 
security concerns), or because they already have sectoral competition frameworks. These include: 
energy, telecommunications and postal services, media, and airport services. Excluded activities 
include: the su pply of piped water; supply of wastewater management services; supply of 
scheduled bus and rail services; and maritime cargo terminal operations.  
 
Can the government of Singapore explicitly explain how its competition legislation applies to SOEs 
and the li nk with the notion of competitive neutrality?  
 
Answer : 
 
State -owned enterprises come under the ambit of the Act. In fact, Singapore 's first abuse of 
dominance case was taken against a state owned enterprise which was dominant in the ticketing 
services mark et.  
 
 
3.64. Under the legislation, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (following the recommendation of 
the CCS) may issue an order to exempt certain categories of agreements from the provisions 
related to the prohibition of anti -competitive agreements, d ecisions, and practices (Section 34 of 
the Competition Act). The exemption is granted to agreements which are deemed to contribute, 
inter alia , to promoting technical or economic progress and improving production and distribution. 
One such order was issued  in July 2006 for liner shipping agreements for five years, and extended 
subsequently in 2010 and 2015 (Section 4.2.4.1).  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 85 - 
 
  Can the Government of Singapore indicate if any exemption has been granted for export 
promotion objective and if so give details abou t the case?   Are the above exemptions mentioned in 
3.64 made public together with the motivation for the exemption?  
 
Answer : 
 
Where an agreement falls within a category of agreements which, in the Competition Commission 
of Singapore 's opinion, meets the c riteria for block exemptions, the Commission may recommend 
to the Minister (Trade) to make a block exemption order which exempts the agreement from the 
section 34 prohibition. Block exemptions may only be made for agreements that, on Commission 's 
assessmen t, are found to contribute to (a) improving production or distribution; or (b) promotion 
of technical or economic progress, but which do not (i) impose on the undertakings concerned 
restrictions which are not indispensable to the attainment of those object ives; or (ii) afford the 
undertakings concerned the possibility of eliminating competition in respect of a substantial part 
of the goods or services in question.  In summary, block exemption essentially involves 
assessment of the agreements to see if they meet the net economic benefit criteria and qualify for 
exemption from the prohibition against anti -competitive agreements under our Competition Act.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 86 - 
 
  EUROPEAN UNION  
WT/TPR/S/343 – WTO Secretariat's Report  
 
1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.2 Trade Performance  
Paragraph 1.8, page 10  
 
Singapore's merchandise exports include a large volume of entrepôt trade; re -exports accounted 
for around 47% of Singapore's total merchandise exports in 2014.  
 
EU question No 1 : The EU would be interested to receive additional data o n Singapore 's entrepot 
trade. Does Singapore have a geographical breakdown of the arrival/destination of its re -exports?  
 
Answer : 
 
Yes, data with geographical breakdown of the arrival/destination of Singapore 's re-exports is 
available. Requests for Singapo re's trade statistics can be directed to 
wong_chiong_hien@iesingapore.gov.sg   
 
 
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME  
2.4 Investment Regime  
Paragraph 2.49, page 22  
 
According to the report, Singapore mai ntains some investment restrictions.  
 
EU questions No 2 -3: Could Singapore explain what are the justifications for these restrictions? 
Does the Government have any plans to liberalise these sectors, particularly retail banking or legal 
services?  
 
Answer to  No.2 : 
 
Singapore has a vibrant international financial centre and there are more than 120 banks with 
presence in Singapore. The liberalisation and regulation of the retail banking market ensures that 
the small domestic retail segment does not result in an  inefficient or unstable market.  
 
Singapore has one of the most liberal regimes for the practice of international law and arbitration 
in the region. Foreign law practices (FLPs) with licensed offices in Singapore may offer the full 
range of legal services in foreign law and international law.  
  
The practice of Singapore law requires, like many other jurisdictions, local admission and 
qualification thresholds to be met for foreign -qualified lawyers to be admitted to the Singapore 
Bar. Alternatively, a foreig n-qualified lawyer may practise in specific areas of Singapore law (i.e. 
corporate areas of law) if he/she passes a Foreign Practitioner Examination.  
 
Broadcasting plays an important role in informing, educating and entertaining the public. 
Regulations are  targeted at ensuring that the public interest is protected, by requiring responsible 
broadcasting that promotes rather than undermines social harmony and cohesion. Ownership and 
management controls for companies that provide nationwide broadcasting servic es are maintained 
for this purpose. Foreign entities are nonetheless able to operate regional broadcast services in 
Singapore. Indeed, they are encouraged to operate responsibly from Singapore.  
 
 
With regard to the foreign equity ceiling for the Port of Si ngapore Authority (PSA) Corporation, the 
foreign equity limit for the cargo terminal sector is to ensure that the operator which controls 
critical national infrastructure operates in the interest of both domestic and international 
stakeholders.  
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 87 - 
 
  Answer t o No. 3 : 
 
Singapore has progressively liberalised our legal and financial services sectors. For example, since 
2011, foreign -qualified lawyers who pass the Foreign Practitioner Examinations have been able to 
apply for a Foreign Practitioner Certificate to practise in permitted areas of Singapore law if they 
work in a Singapore Law Practice, a Qualifying Foreign Law Practice or a Joint Law Venture.  
  
In financial services, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) introduced the Qualifying Full 
Banks (QFBs) in 1999 which are able to access the retail banking market. New QFBs have since 
been awarded under FTAs where there are substantial benefits to Singapore. The continued 
evolution of Singapore 's QFB framework is aimed at allowing QFB banks to build a deeper  presence 
and be better rooted in Singapore. Singapore does not preclude further liberalisation measures in 
a way that continues to strengthen our banking sector whilst maintaining confidence and stability 
in the financial system.  
 
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
Paragraph 3.52, page 40  
 
Reference is done to the conformity assessment in the area of electrical and electronic products.  
 
EU questions No 4 -5: Could Singapore explain whether it plans t o remove the requirement for 
mandatory third party conformity assessment to prove compliance with applicable technical 
regulations on safety and/or EMC of covered products? Should it be the case, is Singapore 
considering the use of a supplier's declaration  of conformity and/or post -market surveillance 
mechanisms to ensure that products conform with relevant standards or technical requirements?  
 
Answer to No. 4 :  
 
Singapore is reviewing the use of supplier 's declaration of conformity for some categories of 
electrical and electronic products covered under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) 
Registration Scheme. The review is targeted to be completed by 2017. The requirement for 
mandatory third party conformity assessment remains for the other catego ries. 
 
Answer to No. 5 :  
 
Please see response to Question 4.  
 
 
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
Page 40  
 
Singapore does not recognise regionalisation measures as applied in the EU, although the EU 
Member States have demonstrated in several o ccasions to be capable to implement the zoning 
principle. In particular, in the event of outbreak of a notifiable animal disease, the affected EU 
Member State(s) take immediate quarantine and eradication measures which guarantee an 
effective containment in  the affected zone and allow safe trade to continue from non -affected 
areas.  
 
EU question No 6:  Could Singapore explain why EU regionalisation measures cannot be 
immediately recognised and how could EU achieve such a recognition? This would greatly reduce  
the administrative burden on both sides and safeguard trade without compromising the level of 
protection.  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore recognises regionalisation measures for important animal diseases at the individual 
country level, rather than EU -wide. While th ere are EU directives on regionalisation  which provide 
general guiding principles for EU Member States, we note that the actual implementation of the 
measures differ from Member State to Member State.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 88 - 
 
  Singapore has already recognised EU 's low pathogenicit y avian influenza (LPAI) regionalisation 
measures, and scoped down restrictions due to LPAI outbreaks to 1km around the restricted area. 
This is line with EU directives.     
  
For more highly pathogenic animal diseases, Singapore has been working bilateral ly with several 
EU Member States on regionalisation arrangements, to mitigate trade impact in the event of 
outbreak of such diseases. We have worked out regionalisation measures with France and Poland 
for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Africa n Swine Fever (ASF) respectively.  
 
 
In relation to risk -management decisions adopted by Singapore, the Agri -Food and Veterinary 
Authority (AVA) implements strict rules of monitoring of radioactive contamination of imported 
food products.  
 
EU question No 7 : Could Singapore clarify how the testing methods used can guarantee that the 
level of radioactivity that is present, in nature, in certain products (such as mushrooms) is taken 
into account?  
 
Answer:  
 
The method  used for analysis of the samples is the ga mma spectrometer with the sodium iodide 
detector.  
 
The detection limit for cesium -137 for our method is 20Bq/kg and only mushroom samples with 
levels  of the radionuclide exceeding this level will be failed.    
 
 
3.3.7 Government procurement  
Paragraphs 3.80  and 3.81, Page 45  
 
The Singapore Building and Construction Authority classifies calls of tender under certain criteria 
based on local experience  and human resources.  
 
EU question No 8 : Could Singapore clarify what the legal basis that upholds such require ments is 
and if these are considered to be in compliance with the WTO Government Procurement 
Agreement rules on conditions for participation as spelled out in Article VIII?  
 
Answer : 
 
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) 's Contractors Registration System (CRS) applies to 
both local and foreign contractors equally. Under the CRS, the capability and capacity including 
financial standing of contractors are assessed against a set of registration criteria which is made 
known publicly and contractors will  be given a financial grade. The contractor 's experience both 
inside and outside Singapore are considered in this assessment. Contractors with better 
understanding of Singapore 's construction laws and operating environment will attain higher 
financial grad es under the CRS where appropriate. There are both foreign and local companies that 
are CRS -registered at the highest financial grade. Out of the current 101 contractors registered at 
the highest CRS financial grade, 26 are foreign construction firms.  
 
 
3.3.8 Intellectual property rights  
Paragraph 3.89, page 47  
 
It seems that the Geographical Indications Act (GI Act) establishes provisions for the protection of 
GIs similar to those of trademark system, such as GI protection given for a limited period of 10  
years (with the possibility of renewal), payment of a registration/renewal fee, etc.  
 
EU question No 9 : Could Singapore clarify whether enforcement provisions in respect of the 
protection given to a registered trade mark shall also apply in the case of G I infringements?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 89 - 
 
  Answer : 
 
The enforcement provisions for registered trademarks and for geographical indications are 
separate, and are set out in separate statutes, i.e. the Trade Marks Act (Cap. 332) and the 
Geographical Indications Act 2014 (GI Act 2014) . 
 
 
Paragraph 3.91, page 47  
 
According to the report, in 2014 Singapore amended its copyright law.  
 
EU question No 10:  Could Singapore clarify whether it plans to introduce further amendments for 
including the remuneration right to performers and produce rs of phonograms for communication to 
the public?  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore 's intellectual property laws are regularly reviewed. Details of the reviews, including 
public consultations, will be announced at the appropriate time.  
 
 
The EU notes that the Singapor e Copyright Act provides for equitable remuneration to performers 
only for direct broadcasting, but explicitly precludes the paying of remuneration for other ways of 
communication to the public (for instance for phonograms played in public).  
 
EU question No 11 : Could Singapore explain the reason for performers to be deprived of such 
rights?  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore observes her obligations under various international copyright treaties, and therefore is 
not depriving performers of any rights.  
 
 
 
Paragraph 3.94 , page 49  
According to the report, the current legislation IPR enforcement in Singapore is based on 
cooperation between the authorities and the rights holders, as well as ex officio action.  
 
EU question No 12 : Could Singapore provide further details on th e ex officio action in the case of 
GIs?  
 
Answer : 
 
The Geographical Indications (GI) Act 2014 provides for ex officio action for registered GIs. 
Authorised officers may detain or examine any goods that are imported into, or that are to be 
exported from Sin gapore, that are not goods in transit, which they reasonably suspect to be 
infringing a registered GI.  
 
 
Paragraph 3.94 page 49  
 
According to the report, civil remedies include injunctions to stop infringement, damages including 
recovery of profits and ex penses, and destruction of infringing goods. The courts may also order 
punitive damages where provided for in legislation (e.g. Trade Marks and Copyrights Acts).  
 
EU questions No 13 -14: Could Singapore clarify what the sanctions for infringement provided f or in 
the GI legislation are? Are the above mentioned civil remedies also available in the case of GI 
infringements?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 90 - 
 
  Answer to No. 13 : 
 
The Geographical  Indications (GI) Act 2014 does not contemplate criminal enforcement of GI 
infringement.  
 
Answer to No.  14: 
 
The Geographical Indications (GI) Act 2014 provides the following civil remedies: injunction to 
stop infringement, damages or an account of profits, and delivery up or disposal of goods, 
materials and articles.   
 
 
Paragraph 3.95 and Table 3.11, pag e 49 
 
The EU welcomes any efforts by Singapore to enhance border enforcement and in particular as 
regards goods in transit. Trade routes in counterfeit and pirated goods are complex, and 
Singapore, as an important hub of international trade in general, is an important intermediary 
transit point for IPR infringing goods, as shown in a recent study by OECD/EUIPO (2016) on 'Trade 
in counterfeit and pirated goods'.  
 
EU question No 15:  Could Singapore explain its international cooperation with third countries ' 
customs authorities, including information to be provided to the country of destination of the 
goods?  
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore Customs cooperates with its international counterparts to address smuggling and other 
customs -related offences, in accordance with the  requirements in the Regulation of Imports and 
Exports Act (RIEA) and Customs Act.  
 
Singapore Customs has also assisted its counterparts by sharing information such as company 
registration, movement of goods and the next port of call.  
 
For disclosure of t rader's confidential information, Singapore Customs can do so, in line with the 
terms of international agreements or upon obtaining the consent of traders for the disclosure of 
their information.  
 
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2.1 Financial services  
4.2.1.1 Banking services  
Paragraph 4.18, page 56  
 
For a small number of locally incorporated QFBs that may become significantly rooted15 in 
Singapore over time, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) may grant an additional 25 
places of business, of which u p to 10 may be branches "  
 
EU question No 16 : Is there an expected timeframe for MAS approval?  
 
Answer:  
 
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will work closely with the bank to ensure that the 
application for additional places of business is reviewed and processed within an appropriate 
timeframe. Thereafter, banks are expected to inform the MAS in writing within 7 days of setting up 
a new place of business.  
 
 
Paragraph 4.25, page 57  
The EU is informed that Singapore is discussing the introduction of a mendments in the Banking 
Act.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
- 91 - 
 
  EU question No 17:  Could Singapore confirm whether it is working on amendments to the Banking 
Act?  
 
Answer : 
 
Yes. The Banking (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament in February 2016. The Monetary 
Authority of Singapore (M AS) is currently working on changes to subsidiary legislation arising from 
the Act amendments, and aims to effect the amendments in the second half of 2016.  
 
 
Should it be the case, the EU would like to know the following:  
 
EU question No 18:  Will the ame nded Banking Act empower the Monetary Authority of Singapore 
(MAS) to require foreign banks to locally incorporate all or part of their banking business, if 
deemed necessary?  
 
Answer : 
 
Yes. Please refer to Clause 42 of the Banking (Amendment) Act 2016, whi ch is publicly available.  
 
 
EU question No 19 : Will it allow MAS to remove key appointment holders of banks if they are 
found to be unfit?  
 
Answer : 
 
Currently, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) already has powers to direct a bank to 
remove a dire ctor or an executive officer who:  
 
(a) has wilfully contravened or wilfully caused the bank to contravene any provision of the 
Banking Act;  
(b) has, without reasonable excuse, failed to secure the compliance of the bank with the 
Banking Act, the Monetary Authority  of Singapore Act (Cap. 186) or any of the written laws 
set out in the Schedule to that Act; or  
(c) has failed to discharge any of the duties of his office.  
 
Clause 37 of the Banking (Amendment) Act seeks to streamline the existing grounds for removal 
into a single criterion of not being fit and proper to hold the relevant position. This aligns the 
grounds for removal of key appointment holders with the criteria for their appointment.  
 
The grounds listed in (a) to (c) above, as well as public interest and dep ositor protection, will be 
reflected in the amended Banking Act as factors that MAS may consider in  assessing whether to 
remove a key appointment holder.  
 
 
EU question No 20 : With regards to the key amendments of the Banking Act in strengthening 
corporat e governance, what are the grounds for MAS to remove key appointment holders of 
banks?  
 
Answer : 
 
Please see response to Question 19.  
 
 
EU question No 21 : Are there any guidelines for MAS to prohibit, restrict or direct a bank to 
terminate bank transactio ns, should it be deemed detrimental to depositors' interests?  
 
Answer : 
 
The Monetary Authority of Singapore 's (MAS) powers in this regard stem from section 49 and 27 of 
the Banking Act. Under section 49, MAS is empowered to exercise a range of powers where , inter 
alia, MAS is of the view that the bank is carrying on its business in a manner likely to be WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  detrimental to the interests of its depositors or creditors, or where MAS considers it in the public 
interest to do so. This would include requiring a bank to restrict its business or to stop certain 
transactions. The Banking (Amendment) Act 2016 has not made changes to these powers.   
 
In addition to the above, section 27 of the Banking Act deals specifically with transactions with 
related parties. Clause 17  of the Banking (Amendment) Act extends MAS ' section 27 powers in 
relation to a bank 's credit facilities or exposures to related parties, to cover non -exposure related 
party transactions such as service contracts or debt write -offs as well.  
 
MAS will asses s such exposures or transactions on a case -by-case basis. Should MAS decide to 
direct a bank to reduce or eliminate a related party exposure, or unwind a related party 
transaction, MAS will also carefully consider the appropriate timeline for the bank to d o so. 
 
 
4.2.2 Telecommunications services  
 
EU question No 22 : Which is the purpose of introducing changes in IDA?  
 
Answer : 
 
The establishment of the Info -communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) follows the 
launch of Singapore 's Infocomm Media 20 25 plan in August 2015, and is aimed at developing and 
regulating the converging infocomm and media sectors.  It will ensure that Singapore agencies 
responsible for infocomm and media are optimally structured to help Singapore reap the 
opportunities and be nefits in the new digital economy.  
  
The IMDA will develop and regulate the converging infocomm and media sectors in a holistic way 
which continues to foster pro -enterprise regulations while safeguarding the interests of consumers.  
It will also implement the Infocomm Media 2025 plan to create a dynamic and exciting sector filled 
with opportunities for growth, as well as promote and regulate data protection through the 
Personal Data Protection Commission, which will be part of the IMDA.  
    
The IMDA will be  established as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Communications and 
Information, with autonomy to perform its daily functions and managed by its own Board of 
Directors.  
 
 
EU question No 23:  Which are the responsibilities of the new regulatory body for the information, 
communications and media sector?  
 
Answer : 
 
Please see response to Question 22.  
 
 
EU question No 24 : Will the new regulatory body be independent from the government and if yes, 
how would you describe its functional and operational ind ependence from it?  
 
 
Answer : 
 
Please see response to Question 22.  
 
 
EU question No 25 : Following the initiative of lowering the level of the licence fees why is it still 
necessary to maintain a fee of 0,8% to 1% of the incremental AGTO? Do such license fe es play the 
role of a tax?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Answer : 
 
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a self -funding Statutory Board, and 
hence the licence fees collected are for the purpose of funding IDA 's operations in regulating the 
telecommunications sector.  
 
 
4.2.4 Transport services  
4.2.4.1 Maritime transport  
 
The EU would like to invite Singapore to provide additional information with respect to the ASEAN 
Single Shipping Market and in particular:  
 
EU question No 26:  Could Singapore clarify how the free an d fair competition in the international 
shipping market will be implemented in practice?  
 
Answer :  
 
The ASEAN Single Shipping Market (ASSM) aims to create a free flow of intra -ASEAN shipping 
services with no substantial restriction to these services, nor substantial restriction to ASEAN 
shipping services suppliers providing such services and establishing companies across ASEAN 
Member States ' (AMS) borders, subject to domestic regulation. AMS undertake liberalisation of 
trade in services under the ASEAN Fra mework Agreement on Services (AFAS), which provides the 
mandate for progressive packages of liberalisation of trade in services. One of the objectives of 
AFAS is to liberalise services trade towards achieving liberalisation beyond AMS ' commitments 
under GA TS. Singapore and other AMS have concluded nine packages of commitments under AFAS 
in a wide range of services sectors. Information on the 9th AFAS package of commitments can be 
found at: http://www.asean.org/storage/2012/09/AFAS -9-Commitments -PDF.zip  
 
 
EU questions No 27 -28: What kind of discriminatory measures and market access within ASEAN 
are now prohibited? How will the liberalization of trade in maritime transport service s be 
expanding beyond GATS commitments in terms of the depth and scope of liberalization?  
 
Answer to question No.27 :  
 
Please see response to Question 26.  
 
Answer to question No.28 : 
 
Please see response to Question 26.  
 
 
WT/TPR/G/343 – Government's Repo rt 
 
3 ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING TOWARDS PRODUCTIVITY AND INNOVATION -LED 
GROWTH  
Paragraph 3.2, page 4  
 
Singapore states that a key pillar of its productivity drive is the programme SkillsFuture.  
 
EU question No 29 : Considering that the scheme has been implemen ted for two years, could 
Singapore explain what is the response from Singaporeans such as the uptake rate so far?  
 
Paragraph 3.5, page 5  
 
EU questions No 30 -31:  Could Singapore clarify whether overseas stakeholders/international 
partners will be involved  in the Committee on the Future Economy? Could also Singapore clarify 
what are the stakeholders targeted and the modalities for consultation?  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Answer to question No. 29 :  
 
SkillsFuture is a long term journey and Singapore is just starting out. While it is still in its early 
stage of implementation, the SkillsFuture movement is gaining momentum nationally.  
 
SkillsFuture has benefited many Singaporeans by helping them kick off or restart their journey in 
learning. For instance, from January to March this yea r, about 18,000 Singaporeans had utilised 
their SkillsFuture Credit to attend courses. In addition, more than 29,000 Singaporeans aged 40 
and above who have taken up MOE -funded courses and WDA -supported courses from the second 
half of 2015 have benefited f rom much more affordable fees, as a result of higher subsidises under 
the SkillsFuture Mid -Career Enhanced Subsidy for these programmes.  
 
Our Post -Secondary Education Institutions (PSEIs) will also continue to emphasise lifelong learning 
for all.  
 
Answer to question No. 30 : 
 
As part of the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE), we have and will continue to consult and 
engage widely to get a good representation of views from all sectors of the economy.  These 
include engagements with local and international  stakeholders, such as representatives from 
foreign trade associations and chambers, and international companies.  
Answer to question No.31 : 
 
Key stakeholders groups targeted under the SkillsFuture movement are employees, employers and 
students. Additionall y, parents, educators and training providers are also important partners whom 
we work with to encourage this mindset change towards taking personal ownership of one 's 
education and career journey, skills mastery, and learning at all stages of life. This is  done via 
engagement sessions such as focus groups discussions, workshops and ideation/co -creation 
sessions, and public events.   
 
 
5 PROMOTING TRADE LIBERALISATION  
Paragraph 5.5, page 6  
 
EU question No 32 : Following the adhesion to the Pacific Alliance ( PA) as an observer in February 
2014, could Singapore give further details on the objectives of Singapore being an observer at the 
PA? 
 
Answer : 
 
Singapore has followed the progress made by the Pacific Alliance with great interest since its 
inception in 2012 . Singapore admires the Pacific Alliance 's goals and progress in liberalising the 
movement of goods, services, investment and human capital within the Pacific Alliance, and being 
a platform for political, trade and economic exchanges with a strong focus to wards the Asia -Pacific.  
Singapore shares the Pacific Alliance 's convictions in free trade and supports the promotion of 
economic integration for the purpose of economic and social development. Singapore, through our 
participation as an Observer in the Pac ific Alliance, seeks to strengthen our economic ties with the 
Pacific Alliance and other like -minded countries, and to connect the Pacific Alliance with the 
Southeast Asian region.  
 
 
6 MODERNISING REGULATORY REGIME AND FACILITATING TRADE THROUGH DOMESTIC  
POLICIES  
Paragraph 6.16, page 9  
 
To help SMEs based in Singapore achieve innovation -led growth, Singapore has policies in place to 
enhance SMEs' access to innovation expertise by providing technology consultancy and researcher 
secondment opportunities.  
 
EU questions No 33 -34: Could Singapore explain whether it sees any  room for international 
collaborations? Could Singapore explain how does it see EU programmes  that promote SMEs (such 
as EU Business Avenues in South East Asia) cooperating with Singapore ent ities? WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  Answer to No. 33 : 
 
There is interest to help SMEs partner with international experts and resources. For instance, 
Singapore is a member of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). Jointly led by International 
Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the Singapore Man ufacturing Federation (SMF) and the Intellectual 
Property Intermediary (IPI), the establishment of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Centre in 
Singapore in April 2016 enables locally -based companies to tap on the vast international network 
of business an d technology partners and access opportunities in Europe.  
 
Answer to No. 34 : 
 
Singapore welcomes cooperation and knowledge -sharing between local and foreign Small and 
Medium -sized Enterprises (SMEs) as such exchanges are beneficial in promoting stronger 
innovation -led growth. In this regard, EU programmes such as the EU Business Avenues in South 
East Asia play an important role in deepening the economic interactions and cooperation between 
European and Singaporean companies. The programme assists European S MEs through business -
matching and business support services, and provides a platform for them to partner Singaporean 
companies to tap onto business opportunities in Southeast Asia. It complements the work of the 
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Singapore Ce ntre which provides information and support for 
SMEs in the fields of international business cooperation, innovation, knowledge and technology 
transfer.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  COLOMBIA  
Informe de la Secretaría - Documento WT/TPR/S/343  
 
2.3  Acuerdos y arreglos comerciales  
2.3.2  Acuerdos regionales y preferenciales  
 
Ref. Paragraph 2.11 (EUSFTA, Singapore -Turkey FTA, TPP)  
 
El párrafo 2.11 del Informe de la Secretaria menciona que… "Los ALC de Singapur con la Unión 
Europea y Turquía, así como el Acuerdo de Asociación Transpacíf ico, todavía no están en vigor. 
Singapur es parte en una serie de acuerdos comerciales regionales (ACR) y ALC que se 
superponen, y cuyo grado de superposición aumentará con la aplicación del Acuerdo de Asociación 
Transpacífico ". 
 
1. ¿Cuándo tiene previsto Singapur ratificar estos Acuerdos? Existe algún mecanismo para facilitar 
la administración de la serie de acuerdos comerciales que tiene suscrito Singapur y que según el 
Informe, se superponen y se complicará aún más dicha situación con la entrada en vigor  del 
Acuerdo de Asociación Transpacífico?  
 
1. When does Sing apore plan to ratify these agreements? Is there a mechanism to facilitate the 
administration of trade agreements that Singapore has signed on to, and which, according to the 
report, have overlaps and may complicate the entry into force of the TPP?  
 
Answer : 
 
The ratification process involves seeking Cabinet 's approval for the agreements, and Parliament 's 
approval for any legislative amendments that may arise from any new treaty obligation. The 
Cabin et has approved the Trans -Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and Turkey -Singapore Free 
Trade Agreement (TRSFTA) and we are currently determining whether any legislative changes 
need to be made for both these FTAs. Singapore is committed to ratifying the T RSFTA and TPP 
expeditiously. We do not envisage any complication that may complicate entry into force of the 
TPP from the ratification process.  
 
The ratification of the EU -Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) has been delayed due to the 
European Commiss ion's decision to request the European Court of Justice (ECJ) opinion on the 
EU's competences with regard to the EUSFTA. The EUSFTA was submitted to the ECJ on 10 July 
2015 and the deliberation is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Singapore remains committ ed to 
work with the EU to find practical ways to expedite the EUSFTA 's ratification.  
 
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is the supervising authority for all FTAs. MTI adopts a 
whole -of-government approach and works with all relevant Ministries and g overnment agencies to 
ensure compliance with our FTA obligations.  
 
 
3.1  Medidas que afectan directamente a las importaciones  
3.1.1  Procedimientos y requisitos aduaneros  
 
Ref. Paragraphs 3.3 and 3.6  
 
En el párrafo 3.3 se precisa que: "Los importadores de ben inscribirse como "agente declarante" 
para solicitar un permiso, un certificado o cualquier otro tipo de autorización; no necesitan 
designar un agente declarante para que actúe en su nombre. En enero de 2013, el Departamento 
de Aduanas de Singapur empez ó a aplicar el Marco de Gestión de los Agentes Declarantes, cuyo 
objetivo es elevar el nivel de competencia y profesionalidad del sector. Con arreglo a este Marco, 
los agentes declarantes deben pasar una evaluación del Departamento de Aduanas de Singapur 
durante el proceso de registro y las renovaciones posteriores. La evaluación se basa en criterios 
relativos a la gestión del personal, la formación en procedimientos aduaneros, los procesos y 
procedimientos de la empresa, los procedimientos estándar de func ionamiento, y los controles y la 
gestión de la información de la empresa. " 
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  El párrafo 3.6 ilustra sobre el sistema integrado de facilitación del comercio basado en el riesgo 
(TradeFIRST), que se puso en marcha en 2011. Se menciona que "estableció un marco  integrado 
de evaluación para mejorar la participación de las empresas y determinar el nivel de facilitación 
del comercio otorgado mediante los regímenes del Departamento de Aduanas de Singapur. En el 
sistema TradeFIRST, las empresas son evaluadas y clasif icadas en cinco categorías de facilitación 
del comercio (básica, normal, intermedia, superior y premium), en cuyo marco las empresas de un 
nivel superior cuentan con un mayor grado de facilitación del comercio que las de los niveles 
inferiores (cuadro 3.1) . Todas las empresas registradas pueden beneficiarse de los servicios 
disponibles en la categoría básica.  
 
 
2. Felicitamos a las autoridades de Singapur por el diseño y aplicación de este novedoso sistema 
de facilitación del comercio basado en el riesgo. A gradecemos por la información detallada que se 
presenta en el Cuadro 3.1 sobre las empresas registradas y los beneficios recibidos en cada 
categoría. Agradecemos también si nos pueden compartir mayor información sobre el Marco de 
Gestión de los Agentes Dec larantes, que desde el año 2013 se empezó a aplicar por el 
Departamento de Aduanas con el propósito de  elevar el nivel de competencia y profesionalidad del 
sector y cuáles han sido los resultados conseguidos con las evaluaciones periódicas que se llevan a  
cabo.  
 
2. We congratulate the Singapore authorities for the design and implementation of this new trade 
facilitation system based on risk. Thank you for the detailed information presented in Table 3.1 
about the registered companies and the benefits recei ved in each category. We would be grateful if 
more information could be shared about the Declaring Agent Governance Framework, which has 
been implemented by Singapore Customs since 2013 in order to raise the level of proficiency and 
professionalism in the industry, and what has been the results achieved with the periodic 
assessments.  
 
Answer : 
 
The Declaring Agent Governance Framework (Framework) implemented in January 2013, aims to 
raise the level of proficiency and professionalism of the declaring agent in dustry by incentivising 
declaring agents with good internal control procedures and processes and compliance records.    
Under the Framework:  
 
• Declaring Agents (DAs) need to undergo an assessment during registration and renewal. The 
assessment comprises a self -assessment checklist for the DAs to answer.  Singapore 
Customs will assess the DAs based on a common set of self -assessment checklist and the 
DAs' compliance records.  The final score will translate into one of the 5 bandings – Basic, 
Standard, Inte rmediate, Enhanced or Premium - with different validity / renewal period and 
tiered security (i.e. Banker 's Guarantee / Insurance Bond) requirements.  
 
• New declarants (individual authorised by a declaring agent to make an application for a 
permit on behal f of the DA) need to pass the Customs Competency Test for Declarants 
before they can be registered. This is to ensure that the new declarants possess adequate 
knowledge on customs documentation and procedures to advise and service their clients.  
 
Since th e Framework 's implementation, it has helped to drive the DA industry to improve their 
internal control procedures and processes, and encouraged the keeping of good compliance 
records. Companies have reported improved staff productivity, more effective depl oyments and 
enhanced competitiveness in the industry.  The Singapore Logistics Association has also 
commented that the Framework is in line with its mission to elevate the competency of the 
workforce in the logistics industry.  
 
More information on the Fra mework can be found on the following websites:  
i. http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/registering -to-trade/registrati on-
procedures/register -as-declaring -agent -or-declarant   
ii. http://www.customs.gov.sg/~/media/cus/files/insync/issue24/article4.html   
iii. http://www.customs.gov.sg/~/media/cus/files/insync/issue31/article3.html  
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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  3.3 Medidas que afectan a la producción y al comercio  
3.3.3 Prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias  
 
Ref. Paragrap hs 3.55  
 
El párrafo 3.55 del informe de la Secretaría indica que... "La inocuidad de los alimentos, la sanidad 
animal y la preservación de los vegetales son responsabilidad de la Autoridad Agroalimentaria y 
Veterinaria de Singapur (AVA), que es también el servicio de información sobre MSF. Conforme a 
lo indicado por las autoridades, Singapur vela por que sus MSF sean coherentes con las normas, 
directrices y recomendaciones internacionales del Codex Alimentarius, la Organización Mundial de 
Sanidad Animal (OI E) y la Convención Internacional de Protección Fitosanitaria (CIPF). A falta de 
tales normas internacionales o regionales, Singapur lleva a cabo su propia evaluación del riesgo y 
adopta decisiones sobre la gestión del riesgo teniendo en cuenta factores eco nómicos y técnicos y 
otros factores pertinentes. Cuando los testimonios científicos son insuficientes, se pueden adoptar 
MSF provisionales. " 
 
3. ¿Podría Singapur indicar como es el procedimiento de la evaluación de riesgo cuando no existen 
normas internaci onales o regionales  y cuáles MSF provisionales adopta, por favor indicar un 
ejemplo?  
 
3. Could Singapore indicate what is the procedure for the evaluation of risk when there are no 
international  or regional standards/norms and an example of a provisional  SPS measure that may 
be take?  
 
Answer : 
 
Internationally, the Codex Alimentarius, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the 
International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have established principles for risk analysis for 
food safety, animal health and plant health matters. In the absence of international or regional 
standards/norms, individual countries can make use of these principles to conduct their own risk 
analysis.  
 
The following is an example of a provisional SPS measure implemented by  the Agri -Food and 
Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), which was subsequently withdrawn.  
 
Certification on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)  
 
On 9 October 1997, the Primary Production Department, Ministry of National Development, 
Singapore, the predecessor of the AVA, notified the WTO in notification G/SPS/N/SGP/1 of the 
certification requirement on BSE for bovine meat and meat products, offal and by -products 
imported into Singapore.  
 
The certification requirement was for the exporting country to  have been free from BSE for six 
years prior to the date of slaughter of the bovine animals and the date of export of the product.   
The rationale for imposing the requirement was that there was a possible link between BSE in 
cattle and a new variant Creutz feldt-Jacob Disease in humans and the long incubation period of 
over five years for BSE.  
 
Since 1997, there has been a development in setting BSE -related guidelines in the OIE, the 
international standard -setting organization for guidelines related to anima l health.   The OIE has 
established an official system to classify regions according to BSE risk status.   The categories are 
Negligible BSE Risk, Controlled BSE Risk and Undetermined BSE Risk.   The classification takes into 
account the release and exposure of risk assessments and the implemented measures, such as 
feed control and BSE surveillance.  
 
Singapore is classified as Negligible BSE Risk and the AVA has adopted a system that is consistent 
with the OIE, in allowing the import of bovine meat and product s.  Singapore will recognize 
countries classified by the OIE as Negligible BSE Risk and will not place any import restrictions on 
bovine meat and product from these countries with respect to BSE.   In the case of countries that 
are classified Controlled BSE  Risk and Undetermined BSE Risk, the AVA would evaluate their status 
based on information provided that is consistent with the OIE guidelines and on -site inspection.  
 WT/TPR/M/343/Add.1  
 
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The AVA notified in G/SPS/N/SGP/1/Add.1 dated 23 May 2012 that the notification G/SPS/N/ SGP/1 
regarding the six -year freedom certification on BSE has been withdrawn.   
 
 
 
__________