Basic information
Outline of the system
The Singapore Customs maintains an import licensing system for optical disc mastering and replication equipment. Importers of optical disc mastering and replication equipment must apply for a Manufacturer Number from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Product coverage
The licensing system applies to mastering equipment and replication equipment for any of the following:
• CD (compact disc);
• CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory);
• VCD (video compact disc);
• DVD (digital video disc); and
• DVD-ROM (digital video disc-read only memory).
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
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 prevent illegal trade of pirated goods.
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 and the Manufacture of Optical Disc Act. 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 the relevant agencies, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The abolishment of the licensing system requires legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
Interested parties must first obtain a Manufacturer Number from EDB, before applying for an import permit from Singapore Customs.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Generally, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences and no registration fee is required
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 Customs (SC)
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/region 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?
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?
A licence cannot be granted immediately on request.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
A license issued by the EDB is required prior to the import of mastering equipment and replication equipment for use in Singapore. Only approved manufacturers who have been issued a "Manufacturer Number" by EDB will be allowed to import such goods.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of license application is effected by a single administrative body.
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 license is location specific, which means that the manufacturer may only manufacture optical discs in the premises stated in the license.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
There is a fee of $10 for the application to EDB to be an approved manufacturer.
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 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) for the rejection of a licence.
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 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?
The MODA licence is valid for five years. The validity of the licence 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 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.