Export is any good or commodity, transported from one country to another country in a legitimate fashion, typically for use in trade. Export goods or services are provided to foreign consumers by domestic producers. The Singapore economy is a well developed state capitalist mixed economy. Exports particularly in electronics, chemicals and servics are the main source of revenue for the economy.
Procedure for Exporting Goods from Singapore
- Non Controlled goods may be exported from Singapore, without the need for Licenses.
- The export of certain goods is subject to control by the relevant Competent Authorities ("controlled goods") while the export of certain other goods is strictly prohibited.
- Traders of controlled goods must have the necessary licenses & permits before they can export the goods.
- Special permits are needed for exporting, re-exporting, transshipping and transporting of strategic goods such as munitions or biochemical’s.
- Strategic goods are regulated by the Strategic Goods (Control) Act. The Act covers all goods and technology that are intended or likely to be used for weapons of mass destruction.
For further details, please visit:
Trade Xchange was launched in October 2007, TradeXchange provides seamless inter connectivity among commercial and regulatory systems for the Singapore trade and logistics community. It also offers a single electronic window for integrated workflow, submissions and enquiries to the Sea Ports, Airports, Maritime Authorities, Customs and Controlling Agencies.
TradeXchange® is a multi-agency initiative led by Singapore Customs, Economic Development Board and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore.
Strategic Goods Control List contains descriptions of items and technology that are subject to control under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act. Goods and technology that fall into any of the descriptions in the Control List are known as strategic goods and strategic goods technology. For any export, transship or bring in transit any strategic goods or technology one can apply for a strategic goods permit.
What Permits are Needed to Export Goods
- For each shipment of goods, one must apply for an Export Permit through either Trade Net. or freight forwarder or cargo agent.
- For some goods an Export permit would not be required .e.g. exporting trade samples that are worth less than S$400.
Non Controlled Goods
By Rail or Road
- One must apply for the Export Permit before exporting.
By Air or Sea
- One has up to 3 days after the plane or ship has left Singapore to apply for the Export Permit.
Controlled Goods
If one is exporting controlled goods, the Export Permit will be routed to the Competent Authorities (CAs) for approval first. CAs are Government agencies that regulate controlled goods.
Strategic Goods
- If the exporter is exporting Strategic Goods, then the exporter must obtain a Strategic Goods Control (SGC) Trade Net Permit before exporting the goods.
- If they are controlled goods, then the application would be routed to the CAs for approval before going to Singapore customs for final approval.
Does the Country Being Exported to Need More Paperwork
- Usually the importer takes care of the import permits required.
- But some goods like textiles and clothing are subject to quotas and restrictions in some nations.
- Before any exports to such countries, the exporter must obtain special documentation such as a Certificate of Origin.
For further information please visit Certificate of Origin for Local Goods. The Certificate of Origin is a very important document. It establishes where a product is made and determines whether the product qualifies for benefits under Free Trade Agreements and Schemes of Preferences. It is a certificate that proves that the goods are made in Singapore.
