Basic information
Outline of the system
The Singapore Customs, as the National Authority (Chemical Weapons Convention), maintains an import licensing system for scheduled chemicals under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Product coverage
The licensing system applies to scheduled chemicals under the CWC.
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 licensing system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to discharge Singapore's obligations under the CWC.
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 Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act and its Regulations. The 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 Singapore Customs, 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 Singapore Customs, 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 for licences.
Is there a registration fee?
No registration fee is necessary.
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
National Authority (Chemical Weapons Convention) (NA(CWC))
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The following information is required in applications for import licences: particulars of importer, company registration certificate issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport, and country of origin. In addition, a Safety Data Sheet needs to be submitted for each scheduled chemical to be imported.
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?
In accordance with the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Regulations, licence applications for Scheduled chemicals must be received by the National Authority (CWC) at least 14 working days prior to the import.
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
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Applications may be expedited, if licensing requirements are fulfilled.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Singapore Customs will assess and verify the application based on criteria such as the intended source of importing country and the intended destined country for export. Generally, applications will be processed within seven working days upon receipt of the completed application form and full set of supporting documents.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of licence application is effected by a single administrative body – Singapore Customs.
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?
The Terms & Conditions of a CWC licence are listed below:
(a) Licensees shall not develop, produce, stockpile, acquire, retain, or use Schedule 1, 2, 3 chemicals or unscheduled Discrete Organic Chemicals (DOCs) for purposes prohibited under the CWC;
(b) Licensees shall apply for the necessary permits prior to any import of CWC Scheduled chemicals;
(c) Licensees shall not transfer any Schedule 1 chemical to or from any CWC non-States Parties;
(d) Licensees shall implement such security measures on or for premises storing or handling Schedule 1, 2 or 3 chemicals as are required from time to time by inspectors or authorized persons;
(e) Licensees shall not import any Schedule 2 chemicals from a CWC non-States Party, unless the items are:
• Products containing 1% or less by weight of a Schedule 2A or 2A* chemical;
• Products containing 10% or less by weight of a Schedule 2B chemical; or
• Products identified as consumer goods packaged for retail sale for personal use or packaged for individual use.
(f) Licensees shall declare to the National Authority (CWC) before and after any import of any Schedule 1 chemical;
(g) Licensees shall declare in the prescribed forms, not later than 31 January, of any CWC scheduled chemical in the preceding year;
(h) Licensees shall notify National Authority (CWC) immediately if the company has reached or exceeded the maximum approved aggregate for the specific scheduled chemical;
(i) Licensees shall notify National Authority (CWC) immediately if there is any change in the licence information;
(j) Licensees shall apply for an amendment to the licence at least 14 working days in advance for the:
• Addition of new chemical(s);
• Addition of new product(s) containing any licensed chemical;
• Addition of new activity(ies) involving any licensed chemical; or
• Increase in the maximum aggregate allowed for the specified activity(ies) of any licensed chemical;
(k) Licensees shall provide the necessary documents to validate any permitted activities within the licence period upon request;
(l) Licensees shall comply with all applicable written laws in Singapore, including the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act, Chapter 37B and the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Regulations 2007.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There are no licensing fees or administrative charges for a CWC licence currently.
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 the licence.
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 import licence is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Singapore Customs will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Regulations, Singapore Customs may refuse to grant a CWC licence to an applicant if he/she has made any false or fraudulent declaration or has been convicted of an offence under the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act, among others.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
An applicant who is aggrieved by a decision of Singapore Customs not to grant a CWC licence to him may appeal to the Minister within 30 days of the decision.
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 licence 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?
An issued CWC Licence is valid until the end of the calendar year regardless of the date of application. The validity of these licences may be extended by renewal on an annual basis.
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 without the approval in writing from the relevant authority.
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.