Plants and plant materials, products of live animals and birds, and ornamental fish
- 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 National Parks Board (NParks) regulates the importation of plants and plant materials; products of live animals and birds; and ornamental fish.
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.
The products subject to NParks’ import licensing scheme are listed the following table.
| Product | Laws/Regulations |
|---|---|
| Plants and propagatable plant parts including genetically modified plants and cuttings, cut flowers, foliages, seeds, tubers, soil, bulbs, peat moss, wood bark and other potting media, organic fertilisers of plant origin and mushroom spawn. Live insects including eggs, larvae and pupae, microorganisms of agricultural importance and biocontrol agents | Control of Plants (Plant Importation) Rules |
| Endangered animals, species of wild fauna and flora (CITES live specimens, parts and products) | Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act |
| Live animals (including ornamental fish), live birds, products of animals/birds, shell eggs for research purposes and veterinary biologics/vaccines | Animals and Birds Act |
| Veterinary medicaments (containing controlled substances such as Schedule Poison under the Poisons Act or Controlled Drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations) | Medicines Act |
Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?
The licensing requirements apply 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?
The licensing requirements are maintained for the protection of plant life and health, and to discharge Singapore's obligations under international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and International Plant Protection Convention.
For animals, The Animals and Birds Act is an Act for preventing the introduction into, and the spreading within, Singapore of diseases of animals, birds or fish; for the control of the movement of animals, birds or fish into, within and from Singapore; for the prevention of cruelty to animals, birds or fish; for measures pertaining to the general welfare and improvement of animals, birds or fish in Singapore and for purposes incidental thereto.
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 under question 2. All import licensing procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes. While NParks administers the licensing system, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of any 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):
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?
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?
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.)
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?
Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?
Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?
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)?
Applications should be made in advance of arrival of the goods. Importer's licence (ornamental fish) will be processed upon receipt of the completed application form and required information/documents as well as successful on-site inspection. There is no importer's licence required for import of plants & plant products.
After successfully obtaining a licence to import/export ornamental fish, each import consignment must be accompanied with a valid ornamental fish import permit. Similarly, applications must be submitted in advance of arrival of the consignment.
For animals and birds, a licence is required to import any animal, bird or veterinary biologics. As such it is necessary for a licence to be obtained prior to the arrivals in Singapore. The licence is valid 30 days from the date of issue.
Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
The licence applicant would still have to submit the application with complete information and supporting documents prior to licence approval.
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 applications are effected by a single administrative body (i.e. NParks). 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. NParks will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence.
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 for licences. Applicants for the importation of the following products must meet additional criteria:
(a) only certain institutions or organisations such as zoos, museums and research institutions may apply for a licence to import certain CITES endangered species, mainly species listed in CITES Appendix I;
(b) only licensed personnel with relevant qualification and experience may import veterinary biologics. A key criterion for the issuance of the dealer’s licence for veterinary biologics is the suitability of the facilities/ premises; applicants dealing in ornamental fish import or export activities must have approved premises with facilities for holding, quarantining, and packing of ornamental fish;
(c) only institutions or importers who are granted approval after import risk assessment may apply for a licence to import microorganisms (plant pest), insects, organic fertilisers, biocontrol agents and plant pathogens for research purposes.
(d) for animals, all persons may apply for the import licence. However for commercial consignments, only the Animal and Veterinary Services (AVS) licensees e.g. pet shops, pet farms, research facilities may apply.
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 following information is required in applications for import licences: particulars of importer, company registration certificate issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, floorplan, GIRO application form, TradeNet activation form, and tenancy agreement, if applicable.
For animals, supporting documents such as rabies vaccination records, serology test reports, quarantine reservation may be required.
In addition, for applications of CITES permits to import CITES specimens (live, parts or products), they would require the CITES export or re-export permits issued by the CITES Management Authority of the exporting or re-exporting country. Importation of plants and plant products would also require phytosanitary certificate from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) country of origin or export in accordance to Singapore's import requirements.
Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, most 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. Additional requirements for the importation of certain products include:
- For live animals/birds/ornamental fish, products of live animals/birds and veterinary biologics, importers are required to show the import licence issued by the NParks together with relevant documents (such as veterinary health certificate, QC report, vaccination records, serology test report) from the exporting country. All ornamental fish and live animals imported must be healthy and free from any clinical signs of disease at the time of import. Sources may need to be approved by the NParks prior to import application, depending on the type of product. Endangered species must be accompanied by CITES permits.
- For plants and plant products, importers are required to produce the relevant documents (such as phytosanitary certificate, CITES permit for endangered plant species, and post entry inspection form). In addition, a letter of approval for import issued by NParks is also required for the import of microorganisms (plant pest), insects, organic fertilisers, and plant pathogens for research purposes.
Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?
Licensing fees are required for the following classes of licences:
(a) Import Permits (for actual imports)
• A permit fee of S$11 per consignment of plants and plant products. Other fees for and incidental to any inspection or examination activities are also specified under the Control of Plants (Plant Importation) Rules.
• A permit fee of S$3.50 per consignment applies for ornamental fish.
• A permit fee of S$50 per permit for pet animals/birds; and S$22 per permit for veterinary biologics.
• A permit fee of S$12 per scheduled CITES endangered species or parts/derivatives, subject to a minimum amount of S$60 per consignment, depending on the species. Each permit is valid for three months and may be extended for another three months.
• A permit fee of $50 (personal) and $87 (commercial) per consignment of live animals.
• A permit fee of $62 per consignment of live birds.
(b) Dealers’ licences:
• An annual licence fee of S$350 for ornamental fish.
• An annual licence fee of S$45 for the licence to possess veterinary biologics.
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?
For the import of animals, the licence is valid 30 days from the date of issue. The licence could be extended to a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue by submitting through the online system.
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 without the approval in writing from the relevant authority.
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?
For the import of plants and plant products, there is no importer's licence required, but NParks would conduct post-entry inspection on the consignment. Importer is required to comply with the conditions stipulated (e.g. transport and storage condition) in the approval letter for consignments that require import risk analysis.
For the import of animals and birds, all consignments are subjected to post-arrival inspections. Importers are required to comply with the all the conditions and submit all the original supporting documents as stipulated on the import licence.
Other Procedural Requirements
Q18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
For the import of plants and plant products, there is no importer’s licence required. Institutions or importers are required to submit relevant documents (e.g. production process, list of species, list of ingredients, etc.) prior to importation. These documents would be required by NParks to conduct import risk analysis on the consignment such as microorganisms (plant pest), insects, organic fertilisers, biocontrol agents and plant pathogens for research purposes. The result of risk analysis would determine if the importation would be allowed.
For the import of animals for commercial purposes, only AVS licensees are allowed to import (e.g. pet shops, pet farms, research facilities).