Overview of Singapore Customs Registration and Licensing

TradeFIRST Assessment

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:

1. Company Profile
2. Procedures and Processes
3. Security
4. Inventory Management
5. Compliance
6. 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 Schemes and Licences

For Companies Dealing with Dutiable Goods

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.

For Companies Dealing with Dutiable Goods

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 Free Trade Zones (FTZ).

For Companies Handling Both Dutiable and Non-Dutiable Goods

a) Apex Licence

For existing Singapore Customs licensees holding multiple licences to support their 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.

For Companies Dealing with Controlled or Sensitive Goods

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.

For Companies Handling Time-Sensitive Goods

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.

Other Customs-Administered Schemes

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; (iii) Import GST Deferment Scheme; and (iv) Overseas Vendor Registration Regime