G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11  
 
 18 March 2016  
(16-1588)  Page: 1/12  
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
  REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON  IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF  
THE AGREEMENT ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2015) 
SINGAPORE  
The following communication, dated 8 March 2016 is  being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Singapore. 
 
_______________ 
 
 
Outline of system 
1.  Singapore’s policy is to keep import licensing to a minimum.  Import licensing procedures are 
maintained to fulfil Singapore's obligations under international agreements or to ensure that 
health, safety, environment and national security objectives are met.    
Purpose and coverage of licensing 
2.  Products subject to automatic and non-automa tic import licensing are listed in Tables 1 and 2 
respectively.  
Table 1: Products subject to automatic import licensing 
Product Laws and Regulations 
Authorizing Import 
Licensing Controlling 
Agency 
Mastering equipment and replication equipment for any of the following: 
 CD (compact disc); 
 CD-ROM (compact disc-read only 
memory); 
 VCD (video compact disc); 
 DVD (digital video disc); 
 DVD-ROM (digital video disc-read 
only memory) 
 Regulation of Imports and 
Exports Regulations Singapore 
Customs (SC) 
Films, video tapes and video games Film Act and its Regulations Media 
Development Authority (MDA) Publications (includes books, magazines, 
sound recordings, pictures or drawings, photographs) Undesirable Publications Act  
 
 
                                               
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire. G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  Table 2:  Products subject to non-automatic import licensing 
Product Laws/Regulations Controlling 
Agency 
Live animals (including ornamental fish), live birds, products of animals/birds, shell eggs and veterinary biologics/vaccines, animal 
feed  Animals and Birds Act  
 Feeding Stuffs Act 
 Agri-Food and 
Veterinary Authority (AVA) 
 
Specific plants, plant products and other 
materials (insects, micro-organisms and soil) Control of Plants (Plant 
Importation) Rules 
Meat Wholesome Meat and Fish Act 
Endangered animals, species of wild fauna 
and flora (CITES live specimens, parts and 
products) Endangered Species (Import 
and Export) Act  
Veterinary medicaments (containing 
controlled substances such as Schedule Poison under the Poisons Act or Controlled 
Drugs under the Misuse of Drugs 
Regulations) Medicines Act   
Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and plant 
products Control of Plants Act  
 
Fish and fish products Wholesome Meat and Fish Act 
Essential Construction Materials (sand and granite) Building and Construction 
Authority Act Building and 
Construction Authority (BCA) 
Poppy Seeds (kaskas) Regulation of Imports and 
Exports Regulations Central Narcotics 
Bureau (CNB) 
Controlled materials or substances used for 
the manufacturing of controlled drugs Misuse of Drugs Act 
Petroleum and Flammable Materials  Fire Safety Act 
 Fire Safety (Petroleum 
and Flammable Materials) Regulations Singapore Civil 
Defence Force 
(SCDF) 
Rough diamonds Regulation of Imports and 
Exports (Kimberley Process) 
Regulations Singapore 
Customs (SC) 
Scheduled chemicals under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Chemical Weapons 
(Prohibition) Act and its Regulations National Authority 
(Chemical Weapons Convention) 
(NA(CWC)) 
Piped natural gas and liquefied natural gas Gas Act Energy Market 
Authority (EMA) 
Scheduled substances under the Poisons Act Poisons Act and its Rules Health Sciences 
Authority (HSA) Controlled Drugs (CD) Misuse of Drugs Regulations 
Medical Devices Health Products Act and its 
Regulations 
Tobacco Products Tobacco (Control of 
Advertisements and Sale) Act and its Regulations 
Medicinal Products including pharmaceuticals (chemical & biologic drugs), Chinese 
proprietary medicines Medicines Act and its 
Regulations 
Controlled telecommunication equipment Telecommunications (Dealers) 
Regulations Infocomm 
Development Authority (IDA) 
Rice Price Control (Rice) Order International 
Enterprise 
Singapore (IES) G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  Product Laws/Regulations Controlling 
Agency 
Biological agents that are capable of causing death, disease or other biological malfunction in a human; certain microbial toxins Biological Agents and Toxins 
Act Ministry of Health 
(MOH) 
Merchandise or product containing: 
(a) any photograph of, or any drawing or 
design in any size, scale or colour, resembling; or  
(b) any design or part thereof used in or 
on, any Singapore currency note or 
coin. Currency Act Monetary 
Authority of 
Singapore (MAS) 
Hazardous Substances  Environment Protection 
and Management Act 
 Environmental Protection 
and Management 
(Hazardous Substances) Regulations National 
Environment Agency (NEA) 
Ozone depleting substances (ODS) and products containing ODS such as the 
following: 
 Fire extinguishers and fire protection 
systems using halons 
 Air-conditioning and refrigeration 
equipment using Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 
 Vehicles with air-conditioning 
containing CFCs  Environment Protection 
and Management Act 
 Environmental Protection 
and Management (Ozone Depleting Substances) 
Regulations 
Radioactive materials, ionising radiation 
irradiating apparatus and non-ionising radiation irradiating apparatus Radiation Protection Act and 
its Regulations 
Hazardous Waste Hazardous Waste (Control of 
Export, Import and Transit) 
Act 
 Arms, explosives and explosive 
precursors 
 Swords 
 Daggers 
 Bayonets 
 Spears 
 Spearheads Arms and Explosives Act Singapore Police 
Force (SPF) 
 3.  The licensing system applies to products listed in Tables 1 and 2 above originating in and coming from all countries, except as follows: 
 
- For Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), import licences are granted only for products 
originating from countries which are signatories to the Montreal Protocol and the relevant Amendments.  Imports are prohibited from non-signatories, in accordance with the 
obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments. 
 
- The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme applies to goods originating in and coming from 
Kimberley Process Participants only. Please refer to http://www.kimber leyprocess.com/  for a 
list of Kimberley Process Participants.  
 
- The Basel Convention states that the import of Hazardous Waste can only be applied to 
countries that are signatories to the said Convention. Parties may, however, enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements on hazardous waste management with other parties or with non-parties, provided that such agreements are no less environmentally sound than the 
Basel Convention. The State of export shall notify, or shall require the generator or exporter to 
notify, in writing, through the channel of the competent authority of the State of export, the G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  competent authority of Singapore (NEA) of any proposed trans-boundary movement of 
hazardous wastes or other wastes prior to the actual movement of them. 
 4.  Singapore's import licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of 
imports. They are maintained for the purpose of discharging Singapore's obligations under 
international agreements or for health, safety, environmental and national security reasons.  As an example, the purpose of Kimberley Process licensing is to regulate imports and exports of rough 
diamonds, aimed to stop the flow of  trade in conflict rough diamonds.  
 5.  The laws, regulations and/or administrative orders under which the licensing procedures are maintained are listed in Tables 1 and 2 above. All import licensing procedures are statutorily 
required and published in government gazettes.  
 While the administration of the licensing system is undertaken by the various licensing authorities 
for different products, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing is not left to the 
discretion of the administration. The latter requires legislative approval. Similarly, legislative approval must be obtained before the gove rnment abolishes any licensing system.   
 
Procedures 
6.   
 
I. Information of products under restriction are published on their respective websites: 
 The list of scheduled chemicals under the Chemical Weapons Convention is 
available on Customs Website:  
http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/ch emical-weapons-convention/controlled-
chemicals . 
 Information regarding rice importation is available at 
https://rice.iesingapore.gov.sg/ .  
 On importing Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), information can be found from 
the Ozone Secretariat and NEA websites at http://ozone.unep.org/en/ and http://www.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollutio n-radiation-protection/chemical-
safety/multilateral-environmental-agreements/ozone-depleting-substances.   
 For Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), details of Singapore’s LNG imports are available at: 
https://www.ema.gov.sg/P iped_Gas_Impor t_Control_Policy_(LNG).aspx .   
 Details of the import of Hazardous Waste are available at: 
http://www.nea.gov.sg/anti-polluti on-radiation-pro tection/chemical-
safety/multilateral-environmental-agreements/basel-convention . 
  
II. The respective quotas imposed on restricted goods are: 
 The maximum amount of CWC Schedule 1 chemicals that can be acquired is 
1 tonne per annum.  
 There is no maximum quota for the importation of rice.  
 As part of the obligations under the Montreal Protocol, Singapore, as an Article-5 
party to the Protocol, has capped the consumption of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons 
(HCFCs) in 2013, and will gradually phase out the use and consumption of HCFCs 
by 2030. The control measures of ODS under the Montreal Protocol requires Parties to gradually phase out the production and consumption of ODS. Under the 
phase out schedule, baselines, which limits the production and consumption of 
ODS substance, are set for the Parties to comply. 
 Currently, BG Singapore Gas Marketing (BGSM) is the sole LNG Aggregator for 
Singapore, with an exclusive right to sell LNG up to 3 Million tonnes per annum 
(Mtpa) or until 2023, whichever is earlier. BGSGM was appointed the sole 
aggregator after a 2-round selection process. Information on BGSGM’s exclusive franchise is published on EMA’s website found in (I). BGSGM’s franchise was 
determined in 2007 based on the assessed minimum baseload necessary to 
underpin the investment in the LNG terminal. If Singapore decides to appoint a second LNG importer, Singapore will assess the size of the quota, after evaluating 
prevailing market conditions and consulting industry players. Singapore is a 
signatory to the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.   
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  III. 
 To meet emergency requirements, Singapore maintains a stockpile scheme for 
rice, a staple food of which there is no domestic production.  An import licensing system applies to rice imported from all countries.  This system divides rice 
imports into 2 categories, requiring (i) a stockpile licence; and (ii) non-stockpile 
licence.  All stockpile licensees are required to participate in the stockpile scheme. Under this scheme, each licensee shall keep a rice stockpile quantity which is 
derived from their import quantities. 
 For LNG imports, BGSGM was appointed the sole aggregator after a 2-round 
selection process. BGSGM’s Gas Importer (LNG) Licence only allows it to import LNG. 
 Singapore is a party to the Basel Convention on the control of trans-boundary 
movements of hazardous waste and their disposal. Under the Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) Act and its Regulations, any person who 
wishes to export, import or transit hazardous wastes shall obtain a permit from 
NEA. NEA adopts the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure of the Basel Convention in granting any permit for the export, import or transit of hazardous 
wastes.  
 IV–VI.  Please refer to the we blinks provided in (I) above. 
 
VII. Applications for licences to import CWC Scheduled chemicals are approved by the 
Director-General of Customs. Rice licence app lications are processed by the IE Singapore.  
Applications for licences to import ODS products are approved by the National Environment 
Agency.  In all cases the importer does not have to approach more than one administrative 
organ. 
 
VIII. Licences for both CWC Scheduled chemicals and ODS products are made on a first come, 
first served basis. There is no maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and no unique provisions for new importers. Applications are examined on receipt. Licence exemptions apply to the import of CWC Schedule 2 and 3 chemical if it is a mixture containing less than 
the prescribed concentration of a prescribed Sc hedule 2 or Schedule 3 chemical.  For rice 
licences, please refer to paragraph 6 above. 
 
IX–X. Not applicable.  
 XI.    Non approved and prohibited telecoms equipment 
 
There are two categories of licences for dealing in telecommunications equipment: Telecommunication Dealer’s (Individual) and Dealer’s (Class) Licences".  A Dealer Class licensee can only deal with telecoms equipment that has been approved / registered by the 
Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and eq uipment exempted from needing approval. 
Dealers issued with Dealer’s Individual Licenc e can, in addition to equipment covered under 
the Class Licence, also deal in non-approv ed telecoms equipment.  However, such 
non-approved telecoms equipment (e.g. CDMA phones which are not compatible with 
domestic networks and may cause interference) is not allowed to be sold for use in Singapore.  They can be export ed or sold to tourists.   
  
In addition to non-approved items, prohibited  items (e.g. radio-frequency jammers, military 
equipment) are also disallowed for local consumption, largely for security related reasons.  Neither the Class licensee nor the Individual licensee is allowed to deal in prohibited 
equipment unless special approval is given by IDA. 
 7.  
(a) The range of time taken for processing the various licence applications fall within the periods 
stipulated in Article 2a(iii), for automatic licensing, and Article 3.5(f), for non-automatic licensing, of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures. 
 
(b) License applications for Scheduled chemicals must be received by the National Authority 
(CWC), NA (CWC) at least 14 working days prio r to the import to meet the requirements 
under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act (CWPA). 
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  In general, import licences may be granted immediately upon request when applications are 
submitted in appropriate and complete forms.  For arms and explosives, radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus, import licences can be immediately granted if the importer already has a dealer's licence.  For arms and explosives, end user certification and 
import licence/permit from the final destination country must also be included.  For 
importers of radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus, the items allowed to be imported are listed in their dealer licence. For importation of items not specified in the 
importer’s dealer licence, the importers have to request the Radiation Protection and Nuclear 
Science Department for approval to update th e items in the licence. In addition, importers 
who bring in these items intended for their own companies’ use, the importers must have a valid possession licence with Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department, prior to 
importing these items. An importer of hazardous substances who does not have a licence 
will have to store the hazardous substances in the port area temporarily, pending the approval for an import licence. The application for Kimberley Process license will generally 
be granted if the intended source of importing country and the intended destined country for 
export are of KP Participant(s) and upon submission of complete application. 
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which applications for licence 
and/or importation may be made. 
 (d) In order to import mastering equipment and replication equipment for CD (compact disc); 
CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory); DVD (digital video disc); and DVD-ROM (digital 
video disc-read only memory), interested parties must first apply for a Manufacturer Number from EDB, under the Manufacture of Optical Disc Act (MODA). Once issued with a 
Manufacturer Number, importers may then proceed to obtain a license to import these 
controlled equipment from Singapore Customs, based on RIER.  
 
Consideration of other licence application is effected by a single administrative organ as 
specified in the respective legislation, cited in response to Question 5 above.  The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative body.  
8.  An application for an import licence is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria.   
Licensing authorities will generally provide the re ason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a 
licence.   Avenues for appeal exist in most cases.   
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for a licence 
9.  All importers are eligible for application of licences, whether under the restrictive or 
non-restrictive licensing system.   
 Generally, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences and no registration fee is necessary.  Applicants for the importation of the following products must meet 
additional criteria: 
 
(i) for a licence to deal in or import arms and explosives, applicants must not have 
criminal records or adverse security attention.  They must be above 21 years of age and have some basic knowledge in handling of arms and explosives; 
 
(ii) for a licence to import hazardous substances, it is required for an applicant to be a 
professional or a senior management staff, who has the necessary knowledge of 
how to safely handle the hazardous substances, and has passed an examination 
for the module on " Manage Hazardous Substances” under the WSQ Specialist 
Diploma in Occupational Hygiene” .  The module covers technical knowledge on the 
safe handling of the hazardous substances and on the Environmental Protection 
and Management Act and its Regulations; 
 
(iii) for a licence to deal in controlled telecommunications equipment, applicants should 
have knowledge of their products and IDA’s-equipment registration requirements 
in order to advise and guide consumers; applicants for a licence must be a 
company incorporated under the Singapor e Companies Act, a Limited Liability 
Partnership under the Singapore Limited Liability Partnerships Act, or a business registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore;  G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  (iv) for a Form A Poisons Licence, applicants are required to be qualified persons such 
as being registered pharmacists; 
 
(v) only certain institutions or organisations such as zoos, museums and research 
institutions may apply for a licence to import certain CITES endangered species, 
mainly species listed in CITES Appendix I; 
 
(vi) only licensed personnel with relevant qualification and experience may import 
veterinary biologics.  A key criterion for the issuance of the dealer’s licence for 
veterinary biologics is the suitability of the facilities/ premises; applicants dealing 
in ornamental fish import or export activities must have approved premises with 
facilities for holding, quarantining , and packing of ornamental fish; 
 
(vii) only companies registered in Singapore are eligible to apply for licences to import 
ODS; 
 (viii) applicants for permits to import human pathogens (biological agents) or microbial 
toxins must meet the criteria stipulated in the Biological Agents and Toxins Act; 
 (ix) for importers who intend to use radioactive materials/ ionising radiation irradiating 
apparatus/ non-ionising irradiating appara tus, the importers (end-user individuals) 
are required to demonstrate proof of co mpetency by passing a proficiency test 
administered by the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department, before a licence to use the item is issued (to the individuals). 
 
Documentation and other requirements for application for license 
10.  The following information is required in applications for import licences:  particulars of 
importer, company registration certificate issued by the Singapore Registry of Companies and 
Businesses, product description, product quan tity, mode of transport, and port of 
shipment/transport, product brand/serial number /model /make and country of origin.  Information on import procedures and applications is otherwise available over the respective 
agencies’ websites.  Additional requirements in applications to import the following products 
include:  
(i) for applications to import hazardous substances, documents of approval from the 
Central Building Plan Department (CBPD) and a valid Hazardous Substances 
Licence or Permit from the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to show that the 
applicant has approved storage and handling facilities to handle hazardous 
substances safely; a layout plan to show areas for storing hazardous substances; and an emergency action plan to indicate how a chemical release from the storage area will be contained, detoxified and cleaned up; 
 
(ii) for applications to deal in rice, telecommunication equipment, arms and 
explosives, documents on the technical specifications of the products.  In addition, 
applicants for licences to deal in arms and explosives must ensure the following: 
 
   Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation (CISCO) Constable(s) are 
engaged to escort the transportation of goods; 
  all pyrotechnics are to be stored at wharves designated by the Port of 
Singapore Authority (PSA); 
  high explosives can only be loaded or unloaded at Tuas Explosives Jetty; 
 
(iii) for applications of CITES permits to import CITES specimens (live, parts or 
products), they would require the CITES export or re-export permits issued by the 
CITES Management Authority of the exporting or re-exporting country; 
 
(iv) for applications to import merchandise/product containing a photograph, drawing 
or design or part thereof used in or on any Singapore currency note or coin, visuals 
or samples of the merchandise/product;   
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  (v) for pharmaceuticals (chemical & biologic drugs), the criteria taken into 
consideration for product licensing are quality, safety and efficacy of the product.  Technical dossier comprising clinical data, quality and safety data as well as product information and packaging are to be submitted.  For products to be 
evaluated through an abridge evaluation route, a documentary evidence that the 
product has been approved by a Drug Regulatory Agency such as Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) is required to be submitted.  For a product   to be 
evaluated through a Full Evaluation Route, documentary evidence like the CPP is 
not required.  Products manufactured from manufacturing facilities which have not been inspected and certified by the competent authorities recognized by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will be subject to HSA's GMP audit requirement. 
Medicinal product registration requirements and guidelines are published on HSA’s 
website;     
  
(vi) for Chinese Proprietary Medicines, full  product formula, a set of labels/package 
insert, product sample, manufacturer’s licence/certificate, certificate of free sale or 
equivalent and test reports containing test results for toxic heavy metals and 
microbial contamination; 
  (vii) for plants, live insects, micro-organism s, growing medium such as soil, peat moss 
and fertilizer of plant origin, import permits are valid for two weeks and each 
permit is for one consignment only; and when required, accompanied by 
phytosanitary certificates/ CITES permit or similar official statement issued not m o r e  t h a n  1 4  d a y s  p r i o r  t o  d a t e  o f  s h i p m e n t  o f  c o n s i g n m e n t  b y  a  c o m p e t e n t  
government agency or agricultural authority.  Imports of the above listed items are 
also subject to plant quarantine inspection requirements; 
 
(viii) for ODS, a valid Hazardous Substances licence must first be obtained from NEA to 
import ODS into Singapore.  During importation, bill of lading and invoices must be 
submitted to NEA for approval; 
 
(ix) for a licence to import petroleum and flammable materials, applicants are required 
to have a valid Petroleum & Flammable Materials (P&FM) Storage Licence, where 
the premises are licensed to store the imported flammable products;  
 
(x) for gas import licenses, information required for such applications can be found on 
http://www.ema.gov.sg /page/102/id:116/ ; 
 
(xi) for applications to import high risk biological agents and microbial toxins, the 
applicants must have prior approvals to possess the biological agents or toxins from the MOH;  
 
(xii) for applications to import hazardous waste, any person who wishes to export, 
import or transit hazardous wastes shall obtain a permit from NEA. NEA adopts the 
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure of  the Basel Convention in granting any 
permit for the export, import or transit of hazardous wastes; 
 
(xiii) for applications to import radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus, the 
applicants should furnish documentations showing the type approval and compliance with international standards. 
 
11.  Upon actual importation, most importers are required to make an Inward Declaration showing 
the correct description and quantities of ea ch consignment made electronically through 
TradeNet®. Shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill and invoice are also 
required.  Additional requirements for the importation of certain products include: 
 
(i) for publications, the language, title and num ber of copies of the publication have to 
be specified; 
(ii) for arms and explosives, imports must be produced for inspection at the Arms and 
Explosives Branch immediately after customs clearance; 
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  (iii) for meat and meat products, imports must be derived from sources approved by 
the licensing authority i.e. the AVA.  They must be accompanied by a veterinary 
health certificate issued by the approved sources in the exporting country and inspected upon importation; for selected fish or fish products, additional product 
quality and quarantine requirements apply; 
 (iv) for live animals/birds/ornamental fish, products of live animals/birds and 
veterinary biologics, importers are required to show the import permits issued by 
the AVA together with relevant documents (s uch as veterinary health certificate, 
QC report) from the exporting country. All ornamental fish imported must be healthy and free from any clinical signs of disease at the time of import. Sources 
may need to be approved by the AVA prior to import application, depending on the 
type of product. Endangered species must be accompanied by CITES permits;  
 
(v) for fresh fruit and vegetables, each cons ignment must be subject to inspection and 
sampling upon importation; meet the sanitary standards prescribed under Rule 9 
of the Control of Plants (Import and Transhipment of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables) 
Rules; and be in containers which, at the time of importation, must bear the name 
and address of the producer.  In addition to the requirements above, the date and 
time of arrival of each consignment must be indicated; 
 
(vi) for plants, live insects, micro-organisms, growing medium such as soil, peat moss 
and fertilizer of plant origin, importers are required to produce the relevant 
documents (such as phytosanitary certificate, CITES permit for endangered plant species, and   post entry inspection form); 
 (vii) for rough diamonds, presentation of the shipment together with valid Kimberley 
Process certificate issued by the overseas exporting Kimberley Process authority to a proper officer of customs at the customs station is required at the point of import; 
 (viii) Gas importers are required to submit their upstream and downstream gas 
contracts, as well as monthly imported quantities to EMA. Licensees are also required to declare bi-annually whether they have complied with all the conditions set out in the license; 
 
(ix) For radioactive materials, each consignment must produce the radioactive source 
certificate and shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods.  For consignments of 
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs), each consignment must 
produce the Analysis Certificate from competent laboratories on the NORMs. 
 12.  Licensing fees are required for the following classes of licences: 
 
(i) Product licences 
 
-  a permit fee of S$11 per consignment of plants, live insects, plant micro-
organisms, growing medium such as soil, peat moss and fertilizer of plant origin.  Other fees for and incidental to any inspection or examination activities are also 
specified under the Control of Plants (Plant Importation) Rules;  
 -  a permit fee of S$4.60 per 100 kilogramme s applies for chilled, frozen meat and 
processed meat, and S$77 per consignment of meat packed in cans; 
 
-  a permit fee of S$3.50 per consignment applies for ornamental fish, and S$3 per 
consignment for food fish and fish products  as well as fresh fr uits and vegetables; 
 
- a permit fee of S$87 per consignment of live animals imported for commercial 
purposes; S$62 per consignment of live birds and eggs imported for commercial 
purposes; S$50 per permit for pet animals/birds; and S$22 per permit for 
veterinary biologics.  The import licences for the above products are valid for 30 days; extension may be granted with valid reason given by the importers; 
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  - a permit fee of S$12 per scheduled CITES endangered species or parts/derivatives, 
subject to a minimum amount of S$60 per consignment, depending on the species.  Each permit is valid for three months and may be extended for another three months; 
 
- a licence fee of S$40 per consignment applies to radioactive materials and 
irradiating apparatus. Each import licence is valid for one month or until the 
shipment is cleared, whichever is shorter.  Validity can be extended if the 
consignee can prove that the shipment was delayed; 
 - a licence fee of S$16 per consignment applies to arms and explosives; 
 
licence fees for Western medicines, Chinese proprietary medicines, Cosmetic products, and controlled drugs as stipulated in 
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en /health_products_r egulation/licences_
fees.html; 
 
-  for registered western medicines, the a nnual licence fee is S$300 per product.  It 
is to be paid annually on renewal.  For new products, there will be application screening fee and evaluation fees charged depending on the route of evaluation.  
The fees are published on HSA's website; 
 
- for registration of medical devices, various fees are published on HSA’s website;  
- licence fees for tobacco products is stipulated in: 
 http://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/hsa/en/Heal th_Products_Regulation/Tobacco_Cont
rol/Application_and_Registration/Fees.html ; 
 
- a licensing fee of $50 per annum is required for Kimberley Process licenses for 
import and export of rough diamonds; 
 
- a licensing fee of $70 per annum is required for petroleum & flammable materials.  
 
(ii) Dealers’ licences 
 
- an annual licence fee of S$378 for fresh fruit and vegetables;  
- a 2-year licence fee ranging from S$300 - S$3,700 for arms and explosives;  
 - an annual licence fee of S$84 for meat and fish products;  
- an annual licence fee of S$350 for ornamental fish;  
 - an annual licence fee of S$45 for veterinary biologics; 
 
- An annual licence fee of $210 to manufacture, possess for sale or deal in 
irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials.  An annual licence fee of $155 to 
keep or possess radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus other than for sale 
(note: each unit of irradiating apparatus requires individual licence).  An annual licence fee of $145 to use radioactive materials or irradiating apparatus. An annual licence fee of $155 to handle and transport radioactive materials; 
 
- a lifetime licence fee of S$50 for rice (with effect from 1 Oct 2009);  
- an annual licence fee of S$180 for operations of fruit/jackpot machines, renewable 
at  S$30 per annum;  
 
- a registration fee of S$50 (one time only) for dealing in IDA approved/registered 
equipment under the Dealer’s Class Licence, and a licence fee of S$250 for five years for dealing in approved/registered as well as non-approved types of telecommunication equipment under the Dealer’s Individual Licence; 
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
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  - a bank guarantee of S$200,000 for publishers to circulate offshore newspapers in 
Singapore; 
 -  an annual licence fee of $500 is applicable to importers of western medicines, and 
Chinese proprietary medicines;  
 - an import/export licence fee of S$100 per consignment is applicable for controlled 
drugs; 
 - a licence fee of $250 per consignment is applicable to parallel imports of western 
medicines; 
   
- licence fees relevant to importers of medical devices are published on HSA’s 
website; 
 
- an annual licence fee of S$180 to manufacture, possess for sale or deal in 
irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials; an annual fee of S$130 to keep or 
possess radioactive materials or irradiating apparatus other than for sale; an 
annual fee of S$120 to use radioactive materials or irradiating apparatus; and an annual fee of S$130 to handle and transport radioactive materials; 
 
- An annual licence fee of S$525 for the import, export, sale, storage and transport 
of hazardous substances; an annual permit fee of S$115 for the purchase, use and storage of hazardous substances for end-users; 
 
- An annual Basel permit fee of S$335 for th e export, import or transit of hazardous 
waste, a 3 month Basel permit fee of S$125 for the export, import or transit of 
hazardous waste. 
 
13.  There are no deposit or advance payment requ irements associated with the issue of licences. 
 
Conditions of licensing 
14.   The period of the validity of a dealer’s licenc e is as specified in the response to Question 12.  
The approved product licences cease to be valid on ce the importation of the concerned products is 
effected (except for biological agents and toxins regulated under the Biological Agents and Toxins 
Act). The NA (CWC) License issued is valid until th e end of the calendar year regardless of the date 
of application. The validity of these licences may be extended by renewal. 
 A Gas Importer Licence is valid up to the expiry of all gas sales agreements entered into between the licensee and a gas supplier under which the licensee imports or has the right to import natural gas into Singapore. The existing Gas Importer Licence (LNG) is valid up till the 20
th anniversary of the 
date of commercial operations of the Singapore LNG terminal or such later date as contained in any gas sales agreement approved by the EMA. The licensee may, no later than two years prior to the expiry of the licence, apply for a renewal of the licence.  
 15.   There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of licence or a portion of it. 
 
16.   Licences are not transferable without the ap proval in writing from the relevant authority. 
 
17.   For products subject to quantitative restrict ion, in addition to the requirements listed in the 
responses to Questions 10 and 11, the following conditions are applicable:  
(i)  Applicants importing CWC Schedule 1 chemicals are subject to the following 
conditions: 
 
- the licensee must inform the NA(CWC) not less than 45 days before the import 
from CWC State Party; 
- the licensee must also inform the NA (CWC) upon receipt of the chemical; 
 G/LIC/N/3/SGP/11 
 
- 12 - 
 
  - the licensee must inform the NA(CWC) not less than 5 days before the import from 
CWC State Party, if the import is Saxitoxin, not exceeding 5 milligrams, for medical/diagnostic purposes, and also in form the NA(CWC) after receipt of the 
chemical; 
 
- the licensee must not import from a CWC Non-State Party;  
- the licensee must not re-export the CWC Schedule 1 chemical. 
 
(ii)      Applicants for licenses to import CWC Schedule 1, 2 or 3 chemicals have to 
implement such security measures on or for premises storing or handling these 
chemicals as are required from time to time by inspectors or authorised persons as 
are required from time to time. 
 
(iii)  There are no other conditions attached to the issue of a license for a product 
subject to quantitative restriction. For products not subject to quantitative restriction, in addition to the requiremen ts listed in the responses to Questions 10 
and 11, the following conditions are applicable:  
 
- applicants dealing in fruit/jackpot machines must ensure that these machines are 
to be used in licensed clubs; 
 
- applications for licenses deal in radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus are 
subject to the following conditions: 
 
 the company must possess a licence to handle and transport radioactive 
materials if it undertakes its own transportation.  In addition, the importer must 
ensure that the vehicle transporting radioactive materials displays a proper 
placard showing the radiation sign and that it is not left unattended; 
  for radioactive materials, if the importer is the end-user (individual), he must 
have (a) a possession licence that specifies the type, quantity and serial number 
(for sealed sources) and quantity of radioactive materials that may be possessed and (b) a licence to use, handle and transport radioactive materials. 
The disposal of unwanted, defective or decayed sources shall be the 
responsibility of the licensee who shall follow an approved method of disposal, (e.g. Return to the manufacturer); 
 
 for irradiating apparatus, if the importer is the end-user (individual), he must 
have (a) licence for each individual machine he possess and (b) licence to use these machines; 
 
 existing Radiation Protection Act and regulations have the provisions to impose 
licensing conditions and other administrative controls over the import or usage 
of radioactive materials and irradiat ing apparatus. Irradiating apparatus 
classified as medical devices are also su bject to evaluation and approval by HSA 
before they can be imported for use in Singapore. 
 
(iv)  Existing NEA regulations do have the provisions to licensing conditions and other 
administrative controls over the import or usage of radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus. Irradiating apparatus classified as medical devices are also 
subject to evaluation and approval by HSA before they can be imported for use in 
Singapore.  
 
Other procedural requirement 
18.  There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation.   
 
19.  Foreign exchange issues are not applicable to import licensing for Singapore, as only 
Singapore-registered importers are able to obtain licences. 
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