World Trade Organization

Import Licensing Procedures

Radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus

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 National Environment Agency (NEA) regulates the importation of radioactive materials, ionising radiation irradiating apparatus and non-ionising radiation irradiating apparatus.

Purposes and Coverage of Licensing

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

The licensing system applies to radioactive materials, ionising radiation irradiating apparatus and non-ionising radiation irradiating apparatus.

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. They are maintained for health, safety, and environmental 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 licensing procedures are maintained under the Radiation Protection Act and its Regulations. All import licensing procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes. While NEA 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):

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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?

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)?

Application for an import licence should be submitted a week prior to the shipment arrival date. The licence processing time generally takes 1-3 working days if all required supporting documents are provided during application. A notification should be to NEA at least one month in advance, where possible, made for radioactive materials under Category 1-2 (based on the International Atomic Energy Agency's categorisation of radioactive sources) before the shipment of the radioactive source.

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

All required supporting documents must be furnished for the licence application to be expedited. However, at least 1 working day is needed to assess and process the licence.

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 is effected by a single administrative body (i.e. NEA) for most products. The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative body except for irradiating apparatus classified as medical devices that are also subject to evaluation and approval by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) before they can be imported.

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 NEA's requirements. NEA will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence. Applicants may appeal to the Minister in writing within 30 days of the communication of the rejection of the licence application.

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 in Singapore are eligible to register with NEA and apply for licences. Importers (end-user individuals) who intend to use radioactive materials/ionising radiation irradiating apparatus are required to demonstrate proof of competency by passing a proficiency test administered by the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group. They can be registered as radiation workers to engage in radiation work, including the use and handling of those items. Importers (end-user individuals), who intend to use non-ionising irradiating apparatus (high power lasers), are also required to demonstrate proof of relevant training/qualifications by passing a proficiency test administered by the Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group. Registered medical practitioners or registered dentists intending to use non-ionising irradiating apparatus (high power lasers) in healthcare institutions are excluded from this requirement.

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 & Corporate Regulatory Authority, product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport, product brand/serial number/model/make and country of origin. Applicants are also required to furnish information/documentations showing the relevant radiation licences and compliance with international standards.

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;
  • Produce shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, packing list, and invoice;
  • Produce the irradiating apparatus or radioactive material information, radioactive source certificate (where applicable), shipper's declaration for dangerous goods and type of packaging for each consignment.

For consignments of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs), each consignment must produce the Analysis Certificate from competent laboratories on the NORMs.

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 licence application fee of S$40 per consignment
  • of import or export of controlled irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials;
  • A licence application fee of S$210 and annual payment/renewal application fee of $210 (from 2nd year onwards) to manufacture, possess for sale or deal in controlled irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials;
  • A licence application and annual payment (from 2nd year onwards) fee of S$155 per ionising radiation irradiating apparatus not containing radioactive material in the licence, and $155 for at least one (a) irradiating apparatus containing radioactive material or (b) radioactive material in the licence, to keep or possess radioactive materials and ionising irradiating apparatus other than for sale.
  • A licence application fee of S$155 and an annual payment fee of S$65 (from 2nd year onwards) per non-ionising radiation irradiating apparatus in the licence, to keep or possess each controlled non-ionising irradiating apparatus for use;
  • A registration application fee of $105 and an annual payment fee of $50 (from 2nd year onwards) to register as a radiation worker to engage in radiation work;
  • A licence application and annual payment (from 2nd year onwards) fee of S$155 to handle and transport radioactive materials; and
  • An annual licence application/renewal application fee of S$105 to use high-power laser apparatus.

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?

Each import licence is valid for one month or until the shipment is cleared, whichever is shorter. Validity can be extended if the consignee can prove that the shipment was delayed.

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?

Applications for licences to deal in radioactive materials and irradiating apparatus are subject to the following conditions:

  • For radioactive materials imported by the end-user company, the company must have applied for or obtained a possession licence that specifies the details of radioactive materials that may be possessed, such as type, quantity and series number (for sealed sources). Individuals in the company handling the source must have a registration to engage in radiation work;
  • The company handling the transport of radioactive materials must possess a licence to transport radioactive materials. The transporter must ensure that the vehicle transporting radioactive materials displays proper placards showing the radiation sign and that it is not left unattended;
  • The disposal of unwanted, defective or decayed sources shall be the responsibility of the licensee who shall follow an approved method of disposal (e.g. Return to the manufacturer);
  • For irradiating apparatus imported by the end-user company, the company must have applied for or obtained a possession licence that specifies the details of the apparatus that may be possessed, such as model and serial number (excluding unsealed sources). Individuals in the company operating the apparatus must have a licence (for non-ionising radiation irradiating apparatus) or be registered as a radiation worker (for ionising radiation irradiating apparatus) to use these apparatus;
  • Irradiating apparatus classified as medical devices are also subject to evaluation and approval by HSA before they can be imported for use in Singapore;
  • NEA retains the right to impose additional licensing conditions and other administrative controls.

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