Learn more about various Singapore Customs schemes that are designed to facilitate the efficient clearance of goods while ensuring compliance with trade laws and regulations.
The strategic geographical location of Singapore at the crossroads of East and West contributes to its growth as a key trading hub. In order to facilitate trading business that is currently making significant contributions to the country’s economy, Singapore Customs has implemented various schemes and licences that meet different needs and requirements of traders.
As a starting point, traders who wish to apply for any schemes or licences under Singapore Customs have to pass the Trade Facilitation & Integrated Risk-based System (TradeFIRST) assessment with a certain band. The level of facilitation that traders can enjoy and the type of schemes they are eligible to apply depend on which band one is able to achieve. This could be a Basic, Standard, Intermediate, Enhanced or Premium Band. Customs will assess the applicants based on the following 6 aspects:
- Company Profile.
- Procedures and Processes.
- Security.
- Inventory Management.
- Compliance.
- Other scheme-specific requirements.
Therefore, the company needs to demonstrate the accountability and robustness of its internal control systems with adequate board and organisational oversight and governance in order to be qualified for a higher band.
Types of Singapore Customs Permit.
a) Air Store Bond Scheme
- For storage of dutiable goods (i.e. liquor) to be supplied to various airlines operating out of Changi Airport terminals with duty and GST suspended.
b) Duty Free Shop Scheme
- For sale of dutiable goods with exempted taxes and duties.
c) Licensed Warehouse (LW) Scheme
- For storage of imported dutiable goods with duty and GST suspended while they are in the warehouse.
d) Excise Factory Scheme
- For manufacturing and storage of dutiable goods with excise duty and GST suspended.
a) Zero-GST Warehouse Scheme (ZGS)
- For storage of imported non-dutiable goods with duty and GST suspended.
b) Container Freight Warehouse Licence
- Allowing bulk breaking and consolidation operations on cargoes with Less Than Full Container Load outside a FTZ.
If your company is dealing with both non-dutiable & dutiable goods, you might want to consider the application of…
a) Apex Licence
- Supporting diverse warehouse operations.
b) Industrial Exemption Factory Scheme
- Manufacturing of non-dutiable finished goods using dutiable goods (except diesel products and biodiesel blends) as raw materials.
If your company is dealing with sensitive, controlled goods, you might want to consider the application of…
a) Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Licence
Handling scheduled chemicals or unscheduled discrete organic chemicals (DOCs).
b) Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
For importing or exporting rough diamonds.
c) Petroleum and Biodiesel Blends Licences
Manufacturing of dutiable petroleum products and biodiesel blends.
d) Strategic Trade Scheme (STS)
Engaging in any relevant activities that involve strategic goods or related technology.
If your company is dealing with sensitive, controlled goods, you might want to consider the application of…
a) Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Licence
Handling scheduled chemicals or unscheduled discrete organic chemicals (DOCs).
b) Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
For importing or exporting rough diamonds.
c) Petroleum and Biodiesel Blends Licences
Manufacturing of dutiable petroleum products and biodiesel blends.
d) Strategic Trade Scheme (STS)
Engaging in any relevant activities that involve strategic goods or related technology.
If your company is dealing with time-sensitive goods, you might want to consider the application of…
a) Bonded Truck Scheme
For transhipment of time sensitive, non-dutiable goods between the land checkpoints and Free Trade Zones (FTZs).
b) Consolidated Declaration
For consolidation of multiple air express shipments that are time-sensitive.
If your company is dealing with other business activities subject to the administration of Singapore Customs, you might want to consider the application of…
a) Cargo Agent’s Import Authorisation Scheme
Delivery of air cargoes from ground handling agents before obtaining the relevant customs permits.
b) Company Declaration Scheme
For removal of local goods/ goods with GST paid from Airport Logistics Park of Singapore (ALPS).
c) Secure Trade Partnership (STP) and STP-Plus
Voluntary certification programme that helps to enhance efficiency in supply chain management and promote trade facilitation.
d) IRAS Schemes
- (i) Major Exporter Scheme;
- (ii) Approved Import GST Suspension Scheme; and
- (iii) Import GST Deferment Scheme.
Looking to apply for a Singapore Customs Scheme/Licence? Let Hub help you with that.
