Basic information
Outline of the system
The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) regulates the distribution of publications in Singapore using the Undesirable Publications Act (UPA). Importation of publications require an import permit from Singapore Customs. There are no further licensing requirements from IMDA to import publications.
Product coverage
An import permit is required for the import of publications, including books, magazines, newspapers, other printed materials and audio recordings.
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, but for culture preservation and social cohesion.
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 Undesirable Publications Act to ensure that objectionable and prohibited publications are not distributed in Singapore. The administration of the UPA is undertaken by the relevant licensing authorities.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without 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?
For import permits, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply for the import licences.
Is there a registration fee?
No registration fee is required.
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
Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The following information is required in applications for import permits: 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, country of origin, the title and number of copies of the publication.
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 for import permit 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?
The import permit can be granted on the same working day upon receipt of a complete submission of required information and documents.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
An import permit can be obtained immediately on application through online systems.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Import permit applications for publications are routed to IMDA for approval. Nonetheless, Singapore Customs will give the final approval after reviewing the document against Customs’ other import requirements.
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?
There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of the import permit.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There are no import permit fees.
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 import permit.
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 import permit is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
IMDA will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to approve the permit.
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 provide the import permit showing the correct description and quantities of each consignment made electronically through TradeNet.
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 applying for the import permit.
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 publications is effected.
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 the import permit or a portion of it.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Import permits 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.