World Trade Organization

Import Licensing Procedures

Arms, explosives and explosives precursors

Document symbol
G/LIC/N/3/SGP/20
Original language
English
Published on
16/10/2024

Outline of Systems

Q1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as appropriate when elements which have already been described are also present in another system.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) regulates the import of arms, explosives and explosives precursors, and other controlled items such as replica guns / explosives, bulletproof vest, handcuffs, etc.

Purposes and Coverage of Licensing

Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.

The products subject to SPF’s import licensing scheme are listed the following table.

ProductLaws/Regulations

"Arms" are defined as:

  • Firearms, air-guns, air-pistols, stun guns, electronic dart guns, automatic guns, automatic pistols, guns or any other kind of gun from which any shot, bullet or other missiles can be discharged or noxious fumes or noxious substance can be emitted, and any component part of any such arms;
  • bayonets, swords, daggers, spears and spearheads; and
  • An arrow with (a) a broadhead tip; (b) a field arrow tip; (c) a blunt arrow tip; (d) a grabbing arrow tip; (e) a fishing arrow tip;
  • Heavy Bows such as (a) an arbalest; (b) a device (commonly called a crossbow) consisting of a bow fitted transversely on a stock that has a groove or barrel, designed to direct an arrow or a bolt; (c) a bow with a draw weight of more than 27.215 kilograms;
  • such weapon, accessory, or other article or thing, as the Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, specify to be arms for the purposes of this Act or any part thereof.

"Explosives" are defined as:

  • Gunpowder, nitro-glycerine, dynamite, gun-cotton, blasting powder, fulminate of mercury or of other metals, coloured fires and every other substance, whether similar to those abovementioned or not, used or manufactured with a view to produce a practical effect by explosion or a pyrotechnic effect;
  • includes fog signals, fireworks, fuses, rockets, percussion-caps, detonators, cartridges and ammunition of all descriptions, and every adaptation of preparation of an explosive as above defined; and
  • includes sand crackers, and any substance declared to be deemed an explosive by notification under section 10(1)(a) of the Arms and Explosives Act.

The definition of "explosive precursors" are defined as any substance specified in the Second Schedule of the Arms and Explosives Act.

Arms and Explosives Act, 1913

Other controlled items include:

  • Articles of clothing intended as protection against attack, including bullet-proof vest
  • Helmets intended as protection in military combat
  • Toy or replica guns
  • Toy or replica explosives, grenades, ammunitions or improvised explosive devices (IED)
  • Handcuffs  
Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations

Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?

The licensing system applies to products originating in and coming from all countries.

Q4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?

SPF's import licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. They are maintained for public safety and security reasons.

Q5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is maintained. Is the licensing statutorily required? Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion? Is it possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval?

The laws, regulations and/or administrative orders under which the licensing procedures are maintained are listed in Question 2. All import licensing procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes. While the administration of the licensing system is undertaken by SPF, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of the licensing system require legislative approval.

Procedures

Q6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):

N/A

Q6.I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of filing applications for licences? If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible importers? Of governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and their trade representatives? Is the overall amount published? The amount allocated to goods from each country? The maximum amount allocated to each importer? How to request any exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement?

N/A

Q6.II. How is the size of the quotas determined: on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly basis? Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licences are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis? In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?

N/A

Q6.III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like goods? What steps are taken to ensure that licences allocated are actually used for imports? Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period? Are the names of importers to whom licences have been allocated made known to governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request? If not, for what reason? (Indicate products to which replies relate.)

N/A

Q6.IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?

N/A

Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?

N/A

Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?

N/A

Q6.VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

N/A

Q6.VIII. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to applicants made? First come, first served? Past performance? Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined? What provision is made for new importers? Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt?

N/A

Q6.IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, are licences issued automatically?

N/A

Q6.X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries?

N/A

Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?

N/A

Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:

Q7.a. How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?

All permit applications received will be processed on first come, first serve basis. Importers of arms, explosives and explosive precursors are encouraged to submit their declarations early (at least five working days before the import) to avoid delay in the permit approval.

Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

A licence cannot be granted immediately on request. Any application for an import licence has to be duly assessed before a decision is taken approve or reject the application by the Licensing Officer.

Q7.c. Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.

There are no limitations on the period of the year during which applications for licence and/or importation may be made.

Q7.d. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?

Consideration of licence application under the Arms and Explosives Act is effected by a single administrative body, i.e. SPF. The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative body.

Q8. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria? Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant? Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

An application for an import licence is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria and the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the licence. SPF will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence. Under Sec. 21H of the Arms and Explosives Act, any person who is dissatisfied with any refusal by the Licensing Officer to issue him a licence under this Act may within 14 days of the decision appeal in writing to the Minister whose decision shall be final and conclusive.

Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence

Q9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences: (If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation? What persons or firms are eligible? Is there a registration fee? Is there a published list of authorized importers?) a) under restrictive licensing systems? b) under non-restrictive systems?

Generally, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply under the licensing system.

For the import of arms or explosives or explosive precursors, the applicant must hold a dealer's licence before he can apply for an import licence. The following criteria for dealer's licence applies:

  • Criteria for applicant, who is an individual, directors/partners and staff:

The applicant must be:

  • A Singaporean or Permanent Resident of Singapore;
  • At least 21 years old at the time of application;

The applicant, directors/partners and staff who will be directly involved in the handling of arms or explosives must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Be a "fit and proper person" – the criteria and requirements for a person to be considered fit and proper are (but not limited to) whether the person has honesty, integrity, a good reputation, competence and capability; and
  • Have the relevant experience and knowledge in the handling of arms or explosives.

In addition, the criteria for company:

  • The company must be registered with the Registry of Companies and Businesses.

Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence

Q10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

The applicant is required to submit the following documents to SPF following the submission of an application for an import licence for arms or explosives or explosive precursors:

(a) A catalogue or brochure or Safety Data Sheet showing the type of arms or explosives or explosive precursors to be imported;
(b) The Purchase Order or End User Certificate (EUC) from the government department that is making the purchase;
(c) Export Licence / approval from the country of origin;
(d) Bill of Lading or Airway Bill; and
(e) Invoice from the supplier.

For the application for dealer’s licence, the following documents are required:

(a) A catalogue or brochure showing the type of arms or explosives that he intends to deal in/ manufacture/ repair; and
(b) Documentary proof showing his experience in handling arms or explosives.

Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?

Upon actual importation, importers are required to make an Inward Declaration showing the correct description and quantities of each consignment made electronically through TradeNet. Shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill and invoice are also required. For arms, explosives and explosive precursors, imported goods may have to be produced for further inspection at the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department immediately after customs clearance.

Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?

SPF charges a licence fee of S$22 per consignment for import of arms, explosives and explosive precursors; and a maximum duration of two-year dealer's licence fee ranging from S$285 - S$1,850 for arms, explosives and explosive precursors.

Q13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement.

There are no deposit or advance payment requirements associated with the issuance of licences.

Conditions of Licensing

Q14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be extended? How?

Import Licences are valid for 30 days. The validity of a licence cannot be extended. A new import licence can be applied by the importer.

Q15. Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

There is no penalty for the non-utilisation of licence or a portion of it.

Q16. Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

Licences are not transferable.

Q17. Are any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence? a) for products subject to quantitative restriction? b) for products not subject to quantitative restriction?

The following conditions are attached to the issuance of a licence:

(a) For the import of arms or explosives, the licence is issued subject to all the provisions of the Arms and Explosives Act 1913 and of the Rules made thereunder. For transportation of firearms and explosives, armed escort by Auxiliary Police Officers will be required.

(b) For the import of explosive precursors, it shall be for the supply to licensed companies only. Upon import, all consignment shall be immediately delivered to approved storage facilities. The licensee shall ensure that the container security seal is intact upon discharge from the vessel/aircraft. The licensee shall also ensure that the transportation of explosive precursors meets all of SPF’s conditions and the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s requirements on Road Transportation of Hazardous Materials (HazMat).

(c) For dealer’s licence for arms or explosives, the licensee is required to maintain stock books/ records that meets SPF’s requirements. The licensee is also required to make prior notification to SPF of any change of address, employment of new employees and cessation of employment.

Other Procedural Requirements

Q18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

There are no other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation.

Q19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported? Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange? Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued? What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

N/A