Publications
- 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 Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) regulates the distribution of publications in Singapore using the Undesirable Publications Act (UPA). Importation of publications require an import permit from Singapore Customs. There are no further licensing requirements from IMDA to import publications.
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.
An import permit is required for the import of publications, including books, magazines, newspapers, other printed materials and audio recordings.
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?
The import licensing procedures are not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but for culture preservation and social cohesion.
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 licensing procedures are maintained under the Undesirable Publications Act to ensure that objectionable and prohibited publications are not distributed in Singapore. The administration of the UPA is undertaken by the relevant licensing authorities.
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 for import permit should be made in advance of arrival of the goods. An import permit can be obtained immediately on application through online systems.
Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
The import permit can be granted on the same working day upon receipt of a complete submission of required information and documents.
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?
Import permit applications for publications are routed to IMDA for approval. Nonetheless, Singapore Customs will give the final approval after reviewing the document against Customs' other import requirements. 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 import permit is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria. IMDA will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to approve the permit.
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?
For import permits, all persons, registered firms, and institutions are eligible to apply and no registration fee is required.
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 permits: particulars of importer, company registration certificate issued by the Singapore Registry of Companies and Businesses, product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport, product brand/serial number/model/make, country of origin, the title and number of copies of the publication.
Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, importers are required to provide the import permit showing the correct description and quantities of each consignment made electronically through TradeNet.
Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?
There are no import permit fees.
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 permit.
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 publications is effected.
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 the import permit 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 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?
There are no other conditions attached to the issuance of the import permit.
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 applying for the import permit.