Import/Export License

Import/Export LicenseThink of an import or export license as a golden ticket from the Singapore government that lets you trade certain goods into or out of the country. The government gets to call the shots on which items you can freely trade, and sometimes they may decide to limit the import or export of certain stuff. And if you want to trade those restricted goods, you’re gonna need a license.

 

Different Types of Import/Export Licenses

Trading All Goods

Let’s say your business wants to bring in all sorts of goods, including those that are tightly controlled, you’d need what’s called an IN Permit. On the flip side, if you’re sending goods out of Singapore, you’re gonna need an OUT permit. But don’t worry, if you’re just dealing with trade samples of uncontrolled goods that are worth less than S$400, sometimes you don’t even need the permits.

Trading Controlled Goods

Now, if you’re dealing with restricted items like food and animals, petrochemicals, medicines, and tobacco, you’ll need to play by the rules set by the controlling agencies. As such, chances are you’re gonna need an OUT or IN Permit.

Trading High Tech Stuff

Some high-tech items are a bit more tricky. The area they’re exported from might limit their movement. As a Singaporean importer, you’ll have to provide the exporter a Delivery Verification as well as a Certificate of Import, which you can get from Singapore Customs. These items are specially marked and should be brought directly into the country without any detours.

Trading Locally Made Stuff

If you’re exporting goods made right here in Singapore, some buy might ask for a ‘Certificate of Origin’. This is just proof that the items were indeed made in Singapore. There are two kinds:

  1. Ordinary: Just to reassure buyers that the stuff was wholly made, produced, or purchased in Singapore.
  2. Preferential: This gives special treatment to buyers.

 

Procedure for Importing Goods into Singapore

To get started, you need to get a Unique Entity Number (UEN). This is done through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) or any agency that issues UENs. After activating your Customs Account, here’s what you can do:

  • You can appoint a Declaring Agent to do the paperwork and get the customs permits for you, or you can choose to do it on your own.
  • To get permits for your clients or shipments, apply for a TradeNet ID and sign up as a Declaring Agent.
  • All permit applications are then submitted through TradeNet.