International Standards

Singapore is a small, but wealthy city-state with an open and trade driven economy. It is a leading global business hub, located where the major east and west shipping lanes converge. The country has a stable government, strong rule of law and effective regulatory system. It is ranked by the World Bank as the easiest place in the world to start, run and do business. 

Singapore is generally a free port and an open economy. More than 99% of all imports into Singapore enter the country duty-free. For social and/or environmental reasons, Singapore levies high excise taxes on distilled spirits and wine, tobacco products, motor vehicles and petroleum products.

1. Export Controls

Companies wanting to export controlled items to Singapore must apply for licenses from the appropriate government agencies in their home country, goods being re-exported from intermediary consignees in Singapore to ultimate consignees in third countries require specific licensing. Singapore is a major transshipment hub for the Asian market. While many items may not initially require an export license, exporters need to be aware that more than half of items exported to Singapore are re-exported to third countries that may have more stringent licensing requirements that require additional export licenses.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and re-export of certain commercial items. In order to export in Singapore, every manufacturer, seller or shipper needs to be informed about the export restrictions in order to avoid trade conflicts between the parties. 

2. Import Requirements And Documentation

Companies must make an inward declaration for all goods imported into Singapore. All imports require an import permit although this is largely a statistical requirement for most goods. Details can be found at http://www.customs.gov.sg/ 

3. Bona Fide Trade Samples

Bona fide trade samples (excluding liquors and tobacco) may be imported for the following purposes: solely for the purpose of soliciting orders for goods to be supplied from abroad; for demonstration in Singapore to enable manufacturers in Singapore to produce such articles to fulfill orders from abroad or by a manufacturer for the purpose of copying; and for testing or experimenting before producing such articles in Singapore. More information can be found at http://www.customs.gov.sg/  

4. Medical and Medicinal Products Import Regulations

All medical devices and medicinal products, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals imported or sold in Singapore are required to be licensed by the Health Sciences Authority. The onus of applying for a product license rests with the license holder, a locally registered company that is responsible for the safety, quality and efficacy of the product. If the export country’s companies have concerns regarding product licensing, they should contact the Health Sciences Authority http://www.hsa.gov.sg or ask a potential distributor to submit samples to the Health Sciences Authority.

5. Labeling And Marking Requirements

Labels are required on imported food, drugs, liquors, paints and solvents and must specify the country of origin.

A food label should contain core information such as the prescribed food name, list of ingredients, mandatory warning, advisory statements or allergens declarations, net weight or volume, date mark, nutritional information panel, instructions for use or storage, country of origin, the name and address of the business, manufacturer and importer. 

The main requirements:

- epackaged foods must be labeled to show (in English) the appropriate designation of food content printed in capital letters at least 1/16 inch;

- whether foods are compounded, mixed or blended;

- the minimum quantity stated in metric net weight or measure;

- the name and address of the manufacturer or seller;

- country of origin.

Illustrations must accurately describe the true nature or origin of the food. Foods having defined standards must be labeled to conform to those standards and be free from added foreign substances. Packages of food described as “enriched”, “fortified”, “vitaminized” or in any other way that implies that the article contains added vitamins or minerals must show the quantity of vitamins or minerals added per metric unit. More information can be found at : http://www.ava.gov.sg/  

There are two levels of labeling requirements for medicinal products. Administrative labeling requirements are not statutory requirements and are specified in the Health Sciences Authority’s Guidance on Medicinal Product Registration in Singapore. Compliance is checked during the product registration process, prior to granting of marketing approval. For legal labeling requirements, these are stipulated in the legislation related to medicinal products regulation in Singapore and are subject to the Health Sciences Authority’s surveillance program. The labeling requirements include the name of the active ingredient, quantitative particulars, product license number and name and address of the dealer. More information may be obtained at http://www.hsa.gov.sg/  

6. Customs Regulations

In Singapore, valuation for customs purposes is based on the Customs Valuation Code (CVC). The primary basis for customs value is the transaction value of the imported goods when sold for export to Singapore. Where goods are dutiable, ad valorem or specific rates may be applied. An ad valorem rate, which is most commonly applied, is a percentage of the Customs value of the imported goods. A specific rate is a specified amount per unit of weight of other quantity.

Cost, insurance, freight, handling charges and all other charges incidental to the sale and delivery of the goods are taken into account when the duty is assessed. Exporters are required to ensure that the declared values of goods have not been undervalued or the Customs and Excise Department will increase the values declared. Severe penalties may be imposed on traders attempting to evade duty.

CONTACTS

Ms. CHANG Kwei Fern

Director, Accreditation Division

Email: sac@spring.gov.sg 

Mr. CHEONG Tak Leong

Director, Standards Division

Email: standards@spring.gov.sg 

Ms. LIM Lee Fang

Deputy Director, Consumer Protection, Weights & Measures Division

Email: safety@spring.gov.sg