Rice
- 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.
In Singapore, rice of all descriptions is a controlled item. Companies are required to apply for a valid licence to import, re-export and conduct wholesale dealings in rice. They are also required to apply for permits and obtain approvals for every import and re-export consignment of rice. This licensing system generally divides rice imports into 2 categories, requiring (i) a stockpile licence; and (ii) non-stockpile licence. For imports of stockpile grade rice, companies will need to participate in the Rice Stockpile Scheme (RSS).
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.
Under the RSS, all white rice, basmati rice, ponni rice and parboiled rice are classified as stockpile grade rice. Other types of rice such as husked rice and glutinous rice are classified as non-stockpile grade rice.
Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?
The licensing system applies to rice 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?
RSS ensures that there should be an adequate supply of rice in the market. Rice is an important staple food for Singapore and there is no domestic production.
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 RSS is currently operated under the legal framework for the Price Control Act (Cap 244) and the Price Control (Rice) Order 1990. The licensing requirements are statutorily required and published in government gazettes. While the administration of the licensing requirements is undertaken by Singapore Food Agency (SFA), 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?
There is no maximum quota for the importation of rice. All stockpile licensees who import stockpile grade rice for local distribution are required to participate in the RSS. Under this scheme, licensees shall keep a rice stockpile quantity, which is derived from their import quantities. Information is available at https://rice.sfa.gov.sg.
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?
Stockpile licensees who import white rice have to pre-commit the Monthly Import Quantity (MIQ), which is the quantity that they wish to import every month for local distribution. The minimum MIQ is 50 tonnes. The licensees can adjust their MIQ under certain conditions and notice period.
Stockpile licensees who import basmati rice, ponni rice and parboiled rice are not subject to MIQ. They need to pre-commit the import quantity for local distribution for a 6-month period and can adjust their Max Import Quantity under certain conditions and notice period.
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.)
The import licensing system applies to all types of rice and rice imported from all countries. All stockpile licensees are required to participate in the RSS.
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?
There are no limitations on the period of the year during which applications for licence may be made.
Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?
Generally, it would take three working days to process the application, upon receiving all necessary documents.
Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?
There are no limitations on the period of the year during which importation may be made.
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?
Rice licence applications are processed by SFA. The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative body.
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?
The licenses are processed and issued on a first come, first serve basis. There is no maximum amount allocated per applicant.
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?
Rice imported into Singapore's Free Trade Zone under licence to import rice for re-export 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)?
Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
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.
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?
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. SFA will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence. Unsuccessful applicants can appeal by contacting SFA.
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?
Singapore-registered companies are eligible to apply for rice licence. The lists of licensees are published at https://rice.sfa.gov.sg.
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?
Information required in the licence application includes information such as the type of licence, types of rice, applicant’s particulars, organisation’s details, MIQ, import starting date, country of import, details of rice supplier and warehousing details. Applicants are also required to submit their business profile obtainable from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
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?
SFA charges a fee of S$50 for a lifetime licence.
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?
The licence has a lifetime period of validity.
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. Non-fulfilment of licensing conditions may result in revocation of licence.
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?
The licensing conditions are attached to the issuance of the licence.
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.