A General Overview on Trading Licenses and Permits in Singapore

If you are looking to set up a trading company in Singapore, one of the first things you will need to do is apply for a trading license.

This document is required by law and outlines the specific activities that your company is allowed to conduct. In this article, we will provide an overview of trading licenses and permits in Singapore, as well as guide you through the process of obtaining one. Let’s get started!

Import-export licensing requirements

Importing goods into Singapore means having proper licenses and permits in place. Depending on the type of goods you are importing, you may need to apply for a license from the relevant government agency.

For example, if you are importing/exporting food products, you will need to apply for a license from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

The process of applying for a trading license in Singapore is relatively straightforward. You will first need to submit an application form to the relevant government agencies, along with supporting documents such as your business plan and financial statements.

Once your application has been approved, you will be issued with a trading license which must be renewed on an annual basis.

Controlled & prohibited goods

The Competent Authorities (CA) govern the influx of goods into Singapore, requiring importers to acquire proper authorization in the forms of advance notification and license/certificate approval.

If you’re not in the know what category – controlled or prohibited – your goods are under, a quick search through the HS/CA Product Code Search Engine will reveal the Harmonized System (HS) or CA product code.

If you wish to trade in any of these controlled goods, you will need to obtain a license or permit from the relevant authority prior to doing so. The process for applying for a license or permit and/or attaining advance notification varies depending on the type of controlled good involved.

Strategic Goods:

The Strategic Goods (Control) Act requires anyone trading in strategic goods to have a valid license permit issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). These goods include, but are not limited to arms and ammunition, military hardware, nuclear technology-related goods and dual-use goods.

Controlled Drugs:

The Misuse of Drugs Act requires anyone trading in controlled drugs to have a valid license issued by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). These include both prescription and non-prescription drugs.

For import of high-technology Items:

On top of applying for the Economic Development Board (EDB), high-tech importers will need to acquire the Import Certificate and Delivery Verification (ICDV) from Singapore Customs. This is due to the potential restriction imposed on the products in the countries from which they came.

As such, an ICDV is needed when the exporter of the high-tech products initiate with a Singapore importer. If your high-tech products are covered under this, it’s not allowed to be shipped to anywhere else besides Singapore.

For export, transshipment, or transit of Strategic Goods:

Under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act, a special permit – JNTDEC3 – is required for any exporting, re-exporting, transshipping and transporting of goods that fall under the provision: Goods and technology that are manufactured with the intention of being used for military purposes.

Controlled & Prohibited Goods for Export:

The first step to trading internationally is understanding the regulations of the country you wish to export to. In Singapore, the majority of exporters have to obtain relevant exporting permits from the Customs Act and the Strategic Goods (Control) Act.

Controlled goods require an export permit issued by Singapore Customs before the goods can be exported. Prohibited goods cannot be exported from Singapore without a license or permission from the relevant authorities.

Strategic Goods (SG) refer to those items which could contribute to Singapore’s military capability. The transfer of these goods is therefore carefully controlled in order to safeguard Singapore’s national security interests as well as our international obligations under various non-proliferation regimes.

Penalties for non-compliance

If a trading company in Singapore does not comply with the licensing requirements, it may be liable for a fine of up to S$100,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both. In addition, the company may have its trading license revoked. Non-compliance with the licensing requirements is a serious offense and trading companies should ensure that they are familiar with the requirements before starting their business.

Import-export licensing application

There are a few steps that need to be completed in order to get a trading license in Singapore. The first step is to submit an application form which can be obtained from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Once the form has been submitted, businesses will need to provide supporting documents such as their company’s business profile, details of the shareholders and directors, and other relevant information.

The next step is to attend an interview with ACRA, during which they will assess the applicant’s business plans and decide whether or not to grant a trading license. If the application is successful, businesses will then need to obtain a permit from Singapore Customs and check if their goods are under any CA’s provisions before they can start trading.

Overall, the process of getting a trading license in Singapore is relatively straightforward and can be completed within a few weeks. However, it is important to make sure that all the necessary steps are followed in order to avoid any delays or problems.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in providing some understanding of trading licenses and permits in Singapore. If you’re interested in setting up a trading company in Singapore, get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help you navigate the process. We offer a wide range of services designed to help businesses get started quickly and efficiently. Contact us!