Arms, explosives and explosives precursors

Member: 
Singapore
Legislations
Product Category

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) regulates the import of arms, explosives and explosives precursors, and other controlled items such as replica guns / explosives, bulletproof vest, handcuffs, etc.

2

Product coverage

The products subject to SPF’s import licensing scheme are listed the following table.

Product

Laws/Regulations

"Arms" are defined as:

 

  1. Firearms, air-guns, air-pistols, stun guns, electronic dart guns, automatic guns, automatic pistols, guns or any other kind of gun from which any shot, bullet or other missiles can be discharged or noxious fumes or noxious substance can be emitted, and any component part of any such arms;

 

  1. bayonets, swords, daggers, spears and spearheads; and

 

  1. An arrow with (a) a broadhead tip; (b) a field arrow tip; (c) a blunt arrow tip; (d) a grabbing arrow tip; (e) a fishing arrow tip;

 

  1. Heavy Bows such as (a) an arbalest; (b) a device (commonly called a crossbow) consisting of a bow fitted transversely on a stock that has a groove or barrel, designed to direct an arrow or a bolt; (c) a bow with a draw weight of more than 27.215 kilograms;

 

  1. such weapon, accessory, or other article or thing, as the Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, specify to be arms for the purposes of this Act or any part thereof.

 

"Explosives" are defined as:

 

  1. Gunpowder, nitro-glycerine, dynamite, gun-cotton, blasting powder, fulminate of mercury or of other metals, coloured fires and every other substance, whether similar to those abovementioned or not, used or manufactured with a view to produce a practical effect by explosion or a pyrotechnic effect;

 

  1. includes fog signals, fireworks, fuses, rockets, percussion-caps, detonators, cartridges and ammunition of all descriptions, and every adaptation of preparation of an explosive as above defined; and

 

  1. includes sand crackers, and any substance declared to be deemed an explosive by notification under section 10(1)(a) of the Arms and Explosives Act.

 

The definition of "explosive precursors" are defined as any substance specified in the Second Schedule of the Arms and Explosives Act.

Arms and Explosives Act, 1913

Other controlled items include:

 

  1. Articles of clothing intended as protection against attack, including bullet-proof vest

 

  1. Helmets intended as protection in military combat

 

  1. Toy or replica guns

 

  1. Toy or replica explosives, grenades, ammunitions or improvised explosive devices (IED)

 

  1. Handcuffs 

Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations
 

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

5

Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

SPF's import licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. They are maintained for public safety and security reasons.

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

Not applicable.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The licensing system applies to products originating in and coming from all countries.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Legal requirements

9

Is the licensing statutorily required?

The laws, regulations and/or administrative orders under which the licensing procedures are maintained are listed in Question 2. All import licensing procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes.

10

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.

11

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

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

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.

For the import of arms or explosives or explosive precursors, the applicant must hold a dealer’s licence before he can apply for an import licence. The following criteria for dealer’s licence applies:

• Criteria for applicant, directors/partners and staff:

(a) The applicant must be:
(i) a Singaporean or Permanent Resident of Singapore;
(ii) at least 21 years old at the time of application;
(iii) must be the following business stakeholders as registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA):

• A Director - For companies
• A Partner - For Partnerships, Limited Partnerships (LP) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
• The Sole Proprietor - For Sole Proprietorships

(b) The applicant, directors/ partners and staff who will be directly involved in the handling of arms or explosives must fulfil the following criteria:
(i) be a “fit and proper person” – the criteria and requirements for a person to be considered fit and proper are (but not limited to) whether the person has honesty, integrity, a good reputation, competence and capability; and
(ii) have the relevant experience and knowledge in the handling of arms or explosives.

• Criteria for company:

(a) The company must be registered with the Registry of Companies and Businesses.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

17

Address

18

Telephone

19

Fax

20

E-mail address

21

Website

22

Contact officer

Submission of an application

23

Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Singapore Police Force (SPF)

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

25

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

The applicant is required to submit the following documents to SPF following the submission of an application for an import licence for arms or explosives or explosive precursors:

(a) A catalogue or brochure or Safety Data Sheet showing the type of arms or explosives or explosive precursors to be imported;
(b) The Purchase Order or End User Certificate (EUC) from the government department that is making the purchase;
(c) Export Licence / approval from the country of origin;
(d) Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and
(e) Invoice from the supplier.
 
For the application for dealer’s licence, the following documents are required:

(a) A catalogue or brochure showing the type of arms or explosives that he intends to deal in/ manufacture/ repair; and
(b) Documentary proof showing his experience in handling arms or explosives.

Window of submission of an application

26

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

Importers of arms, explosives and explosive precursors are encouraged to submit their declarations early (at least 5 working days before the import) to avoid delay in the permit approval.

27

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 licence and/or importation may be made.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. Any application for an import licence has to be duly assessed before a decision is taken approve or reject the application by the Licensing Officer.

29

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

All permit applications received will be processed on first come, first serve basis.

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

Consideration of licence application is effected by a single administrative body, i.e. SPF.

31

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.

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

The following conditions are attached to the issuance of a licence:

(a) For the import of arms or explosives, the licence is issued subject to all the provisions of the Arms and Explosives Act 1913 and of the Rules made thereunder. For transportation of firearms and explosives, armed escort by Auxiliary Police Officers will be required.

(b) For the import of explosive precursors, it shall be for the supply to licensed companies only. Upon import, all consignment shall be immediately delivered to approved storage facilities. The licensee shall ensure that the container security seal is intact upon discharge from the vessel/aircraft. The licensee shall also ensure that the transportation of explosive precursors meets all of SPF’s conditions and the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s requirements on Road Transportation of Hazardous Materials (HazMat).

(c) For dealer’s licence for arms or explosives, the licensee is required to maintain stock books/ records that meets SPF’s requirements. The licensee is also required to make prior notification to SPF of any change of address, employment of new employees and cessation of employment.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

Licensing fees are required.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

SPF charges a licence fee of S$22 per consignment for import of arms, explosives and explosive precursors; and a maximum duration of 2-year dealer’s licence fee ranging from S$285 - S$1,850 for arms, explosives and explosive precursors.

35

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.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

An application for an import licence is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria and the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

SPF will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence.

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

Under Sec. 21H of the Arms and Explosives Act, any person who is dissatisfied with any refusal by the Licensing Officer to issue him a licence under this Act may within 14 days of the decision appeal in writing to the Minister whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Under Sec. 21H of the Arms and Explosives Act, any person who is dissatisfied with any refusal by the Licensing Officer to issue him a licence under this Act may within 14 days of the decision appeal in writing to the Minister whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

Importation

44

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 licence and/or importation may be made.

45

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. For arms, explosives and explosive precursors, imported goods may have to be produced for further inspection at the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department immediately after customs clearance.

46

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

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

Import Licences are valid for 30 days. The validity of a licence cannot be extended. A new import licence can be applied by the importer.

48

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.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences are not transferable.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

Not applicable.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

Not applicable.

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

Not applicable.

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

Not applicable.