Basic information
Outline of the system
The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) regulates the import of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. Importers of telecommunication equipment require a Telecommunication Dealer’s Licence from IMDA, and an import permit from Singapore Customs.
Product coverage
The licensing system applies to telecommunication equipment.
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Product |
Licensing System |
|---|---|
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Telecommunication Equipment
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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. The purpose is to ensure compatibility and non-interference with authorised telecommunication networks and systems.
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 Telecommunications (Dealers) 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 the relevant licensing authorities, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing requires legislative approval and is not left to the discretion of the administration.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Similarly, legislative approval must be obtained before the government abolishes any licensing system.
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 the import licences. For telecommunications equipment, applicants must be a company incorporated under the Singapore Companies Act, a Limited Liability Partnership under the Singapore Limited Liability Partnerships Act, or a business registered with the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore.
In addition, for a licence to deal in telecommunications equipment, applicants should have knowledge of their products and IMDA’s-equipment registration requirements in order to advise and guide consumers. There are two categories of licences for dealing in telecommunications equipment:
• A Telecommunication Dealer’s Class licensee can only deal with telecoms equipment that has been approved / registered by IMDA and equipment exempted from needing approval.
• A Telecomminication Dealer’s Individual Licence can, in addition to equipment covered under the Class Licence, also deal in non-approved telecoms equipment. Non-approved telecoms equipment (e.g. CDMA phones that are not compatible with domestic networks and may cause interference) is not allowed to be sold for use in Singapore.
Prohibited telecommunication equipment (e.g. radio frequency jammers, military equipment) are not allowed for use in Singapore. Neither the Class licensee nor the Individual licensee is allowed to deal in prohibited equipment unless prior approval is granted by IMDA.
Small quantities of selected telecommunication equipment may be imported for an individual’s personal use of his/her company’s use without a Telecommunication Dealer’s License (e.g. mobile phones, standalone GPS equipment, radio remote control apparatus and broadcasting radio equipment).
IMDA charges a one-time registration fee of S$50 for the Dealer’s Class Licence; and a licensing fee of S$250 for the Telecommunication Dealer’s Individual Licence, which is valid for up to five years.
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
Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
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 Singapore Registry of Companies and Businesses, product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport, product brand/serial number/model/make and country of origin.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
For applications to deal in telecommunication equipment, documents on the technical specifications of the products are required.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Applications for import permit and Telecommunication Dealer’s Licence should be made in advance of the 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?
Both the import permit and Telecommunication Dealer’s licence can be granted immediately on application through TradeNet and GoBusiness Licensing.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Both can be obtained immediately on application through online systems, i.e. TradeNet and GoBusiness Licensing respectively.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of importer’s 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?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
IMDA does not impose import permit fees.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
IMDA charges a one-time registration fee of S$50 for the Telecommunication Dealer’s Class Licence and a licensing fee of S$250 for the Telecommunication Dealer’s Individual Licence, which is valid for up to five years.
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 Dealer’s licences to sell telecommunications equipment or 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 or licence 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 issue a licence or approve the permit.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act 1999, unsuccessful applicants may make a request for IMDA to reconsider the application or appeal to the Minister.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act 1999, unsuccessful applicants may make a request for IMDA to reconsider the application or appeal to the Minister.
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.
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 import permit ceases to be valid once the importation of the concerned telecommunications equipment is effected. The validity of Telecommunication Dealer’s Individual licence is 5 years and 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 the import permit or Telecommunication Dealer’s 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.