Basic information
Outline of the system
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) regulates the import of amusement gaming machines. SPF’s approval to import and operate such machines is required before an import permit can issued for their entry into Singapore.
Product coverage
The import licensing scheme covers amusement machines, coin or disc operated, including pin-tables, shooting galleries and cinematography machines.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The import licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. They are maintained for public safety reasons.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The licensing system applies to products originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing procedures are maintained under the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations. All import licensing procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
While the administration of the licensing system is undertaken by SPF, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of the licensing system require legislative approval.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
While the administration of the licensing system is undertaken by SPF, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of the licensing system require legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Generally, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply under the licensing system.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Singapore Police Force (SPF)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Application for SPF’s approval must be supported with as much information about the item as possible, e.g. brochures (in English) with pictures of game machines, description of the objectives and modes of play.
For applications for import permits, the following information is required: particulars of importer, company registration certificate issued by the Singapore Registry of Companies and Businesses, product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport, product brand/serial number /model /make and country of origin.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Importers are required to submit their applications for approval at least six weeks before the arrival of the goods in Singapore.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations on the period of the year during which applications for approval and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
An approval cannot be granted immediately on request. Any application has to be duly assessed by SPF before it undertakes the decision to approve or reject the application.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
All applications received will be processed on first come, first serve basis.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of approval application is effected by a single administrative body, i.e. SPF.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative body.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Applicants dealing in fruit/jackpot machines must ensure that these machines are to be used in licensed clubs.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
SPF does not charge any licensing or administrative fees for the importation of amusement machines.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There are no deposit or advance payment requirements associated with the issuance of licences.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
An application for an approval is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
SPF will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue an approval.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations on the period of the year during which applications for approval and/or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, importers are required to make an Inward Declaration showing the correct description and quantities of each consignment made electronically through TradeNet. Shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill and invoice are also required.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The import permit ceases to be valid once the importation of the concerned amusement gaming machine is effected. The validity of the permit may be extended by renewal.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of licence or a portion of it.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.