World Trade Organization

Import Licensing Procedures

Fruit machines

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 Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) regulates the import of fruit machines ("FMs"). GRA's approval for the import of the FMs is required before an import permit can be issued for the FMs' entry into Singapore.

Purposes and Coverage of Licensing

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

The system for the approval of FMs’ import covers all types of fruit machines, jackpot machines or electronic gaming machines.

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

The system applies to FMs 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?

The import licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. They are maintained for public safety 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 approval procedures are stipulated in the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations. All import permit procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes. While the administration of the permit issuance is undertaken by GRA, the designation of FMs/jackpot machines, as controlled imports to be subjected for approval before an import permit can be granted, and the abolishment of the approval of these controlled imports 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):

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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?

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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?

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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.)

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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?

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

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

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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

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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 applications received will be processed on first come, first serve basis. Importers are required to submit their applications before the arrival of the goods in Singapore.

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

An approval cannot be granted immediately on request. Any application has to be duly reviewed and assessed by GRA before it undertakes the decision to approve or reject the application.

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 approval 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 approval application is effected by a single administrative body, i.e. GRA. 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 approval is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria. GRA may provide the reason for refusal for a permit, which may be reviewed by GRA should the importer provide new or additional relevant information.

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 permit system.

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?

Application for GRA's approval must be supported with any prior approvals from GRA for (1) FM usages in Casinos and Gaming Machine Room within the clubhouse, (2) FM usage for compliance testing and certification purposes, and (3) FMs meant as exhibits for tradeshows or showrooms of the manufacturers/suppliers. Import request for purposes not for such permit holders will have to seek GRA's approval, with relevant supporting documents for GRA's considerations on a case-by-case basis.

For applications for import permits, the following information is required: particulars of importer, company registration certificate issued by the Singapore Registry of Companies and Businesses (if applicable), product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport, product brand/serial number/model/make and country of origin.

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.

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

GRA does not charge any licensing or administrative fees for the importation of FMs.

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 import permits.

Conditions of Licensing

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

The import permit ceases to be valid once the importation of the concerned FM is completed. The validity of the permit may be extended by renewal.

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?

Import permits are not transferrable.

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?

Applicants must ensure that these FMs are to be used in Singapore for the purpose stated in the permit application (i.e., usage in Casinos, Gaming Machine Room of a clubhouse and exhibits for tradeshows or showrooms of the manufacturers/suppliers).

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?

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