Basic information
Outline of the system
Tobacco products are subject to licensing/approval requirements of the Health Science Authority (HSA) of Singapore before an import and wholesale licence can issued for their entry into Singapore.
Product coverage
The licensing system applies to tobacco products.
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 purpose for the licensing of tobacco importers/wholesalers is to better regulate the supply and distribution of tobacco products in the Singapore market and to ensure greater accountability and compliance by these importers.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
HSA’s licensing requirements 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 the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act and its Regulations. The licensing requirements 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 requirements is undertaken by HSA, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of any licensing system require legislative approval.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
While the administration of the licensing requirements is undertaken by HSA, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of any 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?
All registered firms are eligible to apply for the licence.
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
Health Science Authority (HSA)
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, applicant details, warehouse details and responsible person.
The following information is required in applications for a tobacco import and wholesale licence: particulars of the licence applicant/company, warehouse and office details, manufacturer details and brands/types of tobacco products 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?
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?
Processing time will be required as per indicated in 29.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The import and wholesale licence for tobacco products will be issued within 14 working days from the date of completion of the necessary inspection (excluding any time incurred by the applicant’s request for clarifications and additional information).
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of importer’s licence is effected by a single administrative body.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
The importer / wholesaler do not have to approach more than one administrative body.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
The licensing conditions attached to the issuance of the import and wholesale licence can be found on HSA’s website.
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?
The various fees related to the import and wholesale licence are published on HSA’s website.
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 and wholesale licence is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In the event of a refusal for issuance, the reason(s) is/are generally provided.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Applicant who is refused a licence may appeal against the decision in writing for reconsideration.
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 import and wholesale licence for tobacco products is issued with one-year validity. The validity 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.
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.