Basic information
Outline of the system
The import of petroleum and flammable materials is regulated by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Any person who is to import any scheduled products above the exemption quantities is required to obtain an import licence from SCDF.
Product coverage
The list of scheduled petroleum and flammable materials is divided into the following three groups:
(a) Petroleum – SCDF only regulates diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and any petroleum products having a flashpoint of 60°C and below.
(b) Flammable materials – there are 366 groups of chemicals in the current list which is accessible on SCDF’s website.
(c) Mixtures that contain component of petroleum and/or flammable materials and have a flashpoint of 60°C and below.
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 Fire Safety Act, and Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) 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 SCDF, 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 SCDF, 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 Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The applicant is required to declare the following for the import licence:
• EI (Entity Identifier) number and information.
• Type & quantities of petroleum & flammable materials.
The applicant will proceed to make payment after submitting the application. The import licence will be approved and sent to the applicant via email after the payment has been deducted successfully. The import licence number and importer information will be updated in TradeNet.
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?
Applications should be made in advance of arrival of the goods.
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?
Request for immediate granting of licence will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The import licence will be approved and sent to the applicant via email after the payment has been deducted successfully within 1 working day. The import licence number and importer information will be updated in TradeNet.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of licence applications 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?
Applicants of the import licence are required to have a valid Petroleum & Flammable Materials (P&FM) Storage Licence, which licenses premises to store the imported flammable products. In addition, an import licence granted is subject to the provisions of Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (P&FM) Regulations, including the following conditions:
• Importer must ensure that the imported goods are stored in P&FM-licensed premises.
• Importer must ensure that the imported goods shall not cause the fire safety requirements of the licensed storage premises to be compromised in any manner such as exceeding the licensed storage quantity or not in accordance to approved storage licence.
• Importers using third party licensed storage premises must ensure that the necessary authorization must be obtained from the licensed storage premises. The use of unauthorized storage licences will render the licence holder/company liable for prosecution.
• Importer must ensure that the imported goods are transported by a P&FM-licensed vehicle.
• Flammable materials in packaging such as drums, carboys etc. are to be kept in a sheltered store with adequate security, ventilation and control facilities to contain spillage or leakage.
• For the import of flammable material controlled by SCDF, you are to ensure that your company or your declaring agent declares the appropriate HS codes & product codes when submitting the inward / outward permit applications. Misuse of the HS codes & product code will render the licence holder / company liable to prosecution.
• Import of LPG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in cylinder is not allowed apart from the exemption quantity.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Licensing fees are required.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
SCDF charges a licensing fee of S$70.
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?
SCDF 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?
The applicant is allowed to submit a new application online after the applicant has met the stipulated criteria.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The applicant is allowed to submit a new application online after the applicant has met the stipulated criteria.
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, most 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?
Importers can apply for an import licence duration that lasts up to 3 years.
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.