Import Export Documentation in Singapore

Imports Documentation in Singapore

Certain items like drugs, chemicals, animals, food products etc have been classified as Controlled Goods while others are non – controlled goods. Some items are strictly prohibited for imports. For importing controlled goods it is essential to obtain a license from the competent authority. So before you import the goods into Singapore, it is important to identify if the goods fall under controlled items and ensure item specific Licensing requirements are met. If the importer is doubtful about the classification of the product, then a Classification certificate may be obtained from the Singapore Customs by submitting an application online with relevant supporting documents.

In general import of all goods, irrespective of whether they are classified as controlled or non controlled items requires an Import Permit, which can be obtained online via TradeNet®. The Import Permit has to be secured before the goods are imported into Singapore. The container number(s), place of release, place of unstuffing, place of receipt, place of application for unstuffing and type of premises for unstuffing must be declared in the import permit applications. Certain special scenarios such as importing of trade samples of uncontrolled items of a total value not exceeding $400/- on the CIF (Costs, Insurance and Freight) value may be imported without a permit.

Some high technology items are subjected to restriction in the countries from where they are imported. In order to obtain approval from the country of origin the importer is required to submit an Import Certificate and Delivery Verification (ICDV) duly obtained from Singapore Customs. Items covered by an ICDV must be imported into Singapore directly, and are not to be diverted to other countries.

Apart from the import permits and License the following declarations are required for movement of goods in relevant scenarios • Inward declaration – fro removal of goods from arrival point to licensed warehouse or approved storage • Transshipment declaration – for removal of goods -from anchored vessels to storage in FTZ, From FTZ storage to another point for rexport, from one arrival point to another for re-export, • Removal declaration – For movement of goods from one licensed or approved storage premises to another • Payment declaration – For duty/GST payable for goods consumed in Singapore • Outward declaration – for movement of Goods from the customs territory • Duty Exemption/GST Relief Certificate – To cover Goods exempted from payment of Duty/GST • Duty Exemption/GST Payment declaration – To cover movement of duty exempted but GST payable goods

Such declaration and permits can be made and obtained via TradeNet. You may either appoint a freight forwarder or cargo Agent to do all the documentation via TradeNet or may choose to do it yourself but you should be familiar with all the documentation procedure. But appointing an agent will enable you to focus on your business. Also you may approach the TradeNet service centers.

Exports Documentation in Singapore

Goods that are not classified as controlled or prohibited goods can be exported without any licenses. For non-controlled and non-dutiable items exported by sea or air, you may export your goods first and obtain the Export Permits within 3 days after export. For controlled goods or for foods exported via road or rail transport you will be required to apply for export permit from the competent authorities for processing and approval first before you can export your goods. An outward permit is required for removal of • Dutiable goods from a licensed warehouse for export; • Non-dutiable goods from a Zero-GST warehouse, and goods under the Major Exporter Scheme for export; • Goods for re-export originally imported under the Temporary Import Scheme; • Goods for temporary export abroad which are intended to be re-imported.

You also need special permit called JNTDEC3 before exporting, re-exporting, transhipping and transporting of goods that are governed by Strategic Goods (Control) Act. The Act covers all goods and technology that are intended or likely to be used for weapons of mass destruction. For your buyers in the FTA partner countries and those in preferential tariff territories, to be entitled for the privileges a Certificate of Origin (CO) obtained fro the Singapore Customs or other authorized agencies will be required to prove the nationality of the goods