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| Republic
of Singapore |
| Market
Access |
Import Policy
Singapore maintains one of the most liberal trading regimes in the
world. It pursues a free and fair trade policy. You may import and
export goods in and out of Singapore freely. Other than a goods and
services that was introduced on 1st April 1994 for imports of goods,
very few goods are dutiable or under control.
Singapore imposes tariffs on only four categories of imported goods,
namely cigarettes, alcoholic, automobiles and petrol for revenue purposes
and for public policy and environment reasons. The amount of imports
that enter duty free is 99%.
Import Licenses/Controls
Companies must make an inward declaration for all goods imported into
Singapore. Most goods can be imported freely without licenses. Import
licenses are required for pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, firearms
and ammunition. Generally the import of goods that pose a threat to
health, security, safety and social decency is controlled. Companies
that want to import controlled items into Singapore must apply for
licenses from the appropriate government agencies. The Trade Development
Board of the Ministry of Trade and Industry administers import controls.
Prohibited Imports
Singapore prohibits the import of chewing gum, firecrackers, horns,
sirens, silencers, toy coins/currencies and lighters in the shape
of revolvers or pistols. A full list of prohibited products can be
obtained from the Trade Development Board.
Tariffs
The trade classification system for imports is based on the Harmonized
Commodity Description and Coding System. Valuation for Customs purposes
is based on the Brussels Definition of Value (BDV). The basic principle
of the BDV is that dutiable value is the normal price or import price
of goods at the place of importation. It pre-supposes that the sale
has taken place in the open market between an independent buyer and
seller.
Where goods are dutiable, ad valorem or specific rates may be applied
and are payable in Singapore dollars at the time goods are cleared
through customs. An ad percentage of the assessed value of the imported
goods. A specific rate is a particular amount per unit of weight or
other quantity.
When duty is assessed, factors such as cost, insurance, freight, handling
charges and all other charges incidental to the sale and delivery
of the goods are taken into account.
Exporters are required to endure that the value of goods declared
for customs purposes are correct. If the goods have been under valued,
the Customs and Excise Department will increase the value declared.
Severe penalties may be imposed on traders attempting to evade duty.
Preferential duties
Since January 1993, Singapore has participated in the ASEAN Common
Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) programme for the ASEAN Free
Trade Area (AFTA). The programme involves the application of preferential
tariffs to goods of ASEAN origin as defined under the rules of origin
of CEPT. Under the rules, a product is of ASEAN origin if it is wholly
produced or obtained in an ASWAN country. The product can also be
deemed to originate from ASEAN member states if at least 40% of its
content originates from any member states. The 40% local content requirement
refers to both single country and cumulative ASEAN content.
Special Import Provisions
Dutiable goods can be imported for repair without payment of duty
on the condition that they are re-exported within three months of
the date of importation. If the goods are not re-exported after the
expiry of the given period, duty will become payable. This facility
is also extended to dutiable goods that are imported for trade exhibitions,
displays and fashion shows.
Bona fide trade samples may be imported without payment of duty if
they are imported solely:
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For the purpose of soliciting
orders |
| b) |
For demonstration in Singapore to
enable manufacturers to produce such articles in order to fulfil
orders from abroad. |
| c) |
By a manufacturer for the purpose
of copying, testing or experimenting before producing such articles
in Singapore. |
Foreign Exchange Controls
There are no exchange control formalities but the Monetary Authority
of Singapore retains responsibility for exchange control matters.
Labelling and Marking
Labels are required on imported food, drugs, liquor, paints and solvents
and they must specify the country of origin. Repackaged foods must
be labelled to show (in English) the appropriate designation of the
food content printed in capital letters at least 1/16 inch high, whether
foods are compounded, mixed or blended, the minimum quantity stated
in metric net weight or measure, the country of origin and the name
and address of the manufacturer or seller. A description (in English)
of the contents of the package may be added to the face of the label,
provided the additional language is not contrary to, or a modification
of any statement on the label. Any pictorial illustrations must not
mislead the true nature or origin of the food. Foods having defined
standards must be labelled to conform to those standards and be free
from added foreign substances. Packages of food described as 'enriched',
'fortified', 'vitamins added' or in any other description that implies
that the article contains added vitamins or minerals, must show the
quantity of vitamins or minerals added per metric unit.
Certain foods, medicines and goods such as edible animal fat as well
as paints and solvents require special labels. Processed foods and
pharmaceuticals must be inspected and approved by the Ministry of
Health. The Public Utilities Board must check electrical goods before
they can be installed, while paints and solvents are the responsibility
of the Chief Inspector of Factories, Ministry of Labour.
Quality Standards
Singapore uses the metric system. The productivity and Standards Board
(PSB) has developed standards for certain electrical, building and
sanitary products. PSB is the national standards and certification
authority.
PSB also administers the Good Manufacturing Practice Scheme and the
PSB Certification Mark Scheme. They are awarded to manufacturers whose
quality assurance systems and products comply with the ISO 9000 series
of quality systems or relevant Singapore Standards.
Under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations of
1991, there are 17 products that are potentially hazardous to consumers,
which must be registered and declared "safe", before they
can be sold in Singapore. These products include LPG systems, cooking
ranges, electric irons, gas cookers, hair dryers, microwave ovens,
televisions, video display units, video cassette recorders, table
fans, high-fidelity equipment, immersion water heaters, kettles, refrigerators,
rice cookers, room air-conditioners, vacuum cleaners and washing machines.
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) mark is a compulsory stamp of approval
given by PSB to ensure that consumers are safe from hazards such as
fire, explosion and electrical shock when using these appliances.
Test reports issued by accredited testing laboratories and national
certification bodies are recognized by PSB. A list of accredited laboratories
and national certification bodies can be obtained from PSB.
Similarly, telecommunications equipment imported for use in Singapore
is subject to "Type-Approval" by the Telecommunications
Authority of Singapore. For the construction industry, the Construction
Industry Development Board (CIDB) has introduced the Construction
Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS). |
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