An import license is a document issued by a national government authorizing the importation of certain goods into its territory. Import licenses are considered to be non-tariff barriers to trade when used as a way to discriminate against another country's goods in order to protect a domestic industry from foreign competition. Each license specifies the volume of imports allowed, and the total volume allowed should not exceed the quota.
Filling up the Import License Application Form
- Fill in the applicant's full name, address, telephone/fax number and email address.
- Fill in the Unique Entity No (UEN), you may visit <http://www.uen.gov.sg> for more information.
- Fill in the exporter's full name and address.
- Fill in the end-user's full name and address.
- Indicate whether the goods are for use in Singapore or for re-export. If the goods are for re-export, state the country/countries where the goods will be re-exported to.
- A maximum of 5 items can be filled in on one page. Use another page to fill in the items if there is insufficient space. A maximum of 10 items is permitted in one set of IC.
- Description of goods refers to the exact name of the items. The description must match the particulars in the end-user and foreign exporter's declarations, including brand, model number and technical specifications.
- The HS codes are obtainable from the Singapore Trade Classification, Customs and Excise Duties, 2007 publication. The full 8-digit HS Code should be given.
- For each item, state the quantity in numbers and the Unit of Quantity to be imported, e.g. 12 TONNES, 5 PIECES, etc.
- For each item, state the CIF value in S$.
- The Declaration must be signed by an authorized person, giving his full name and designation.
- When the Import Certificate (IC) is approved, it will be signed by an authorized Customs officer on behalf of Singapore Customs. An IC number and the validity period will be indicated on the form.
- You are advised to submit a draft copy of your application for our pre-clearance and comments.
- The application and supporting documents can be submitted by email to customs_stgc@customs.gov.sg, by fax to (65) 6337 5212 or dropped off at Box No. 3 Strategic Goods Control Branch located on 7th floor, Revenue House.
- Refer to How to Apply for Delivery Verification.
Approval of Import License
- On approval of Import License, Singapore Customs will have one copy of the IL and return two copies to the importer.
- The importer has to retain one copy and send one copy of the IL to the exporter in the exporting country.
Validity of Import License
The Import License is valid for one year from the date of issue. It means once an IL is received, goods must be imported within one year. But an import license can be extended, but a request for extension must be made 14 days before the expiry date of the import license. Any extension would not be for more than one year.
