Importation

General

Importation is the act of bringing into Singapore any goods other than goods in transit or goods which are to be transhipped.

The importer (the organisation or facility that is the end-receiver and/or user of the imported good or product) is responsible for ensuring a valid import permit is secured before the importation of the good/product.

Scope/covers/list of schedules

The importation of all scheduled agents and toxins including inactivated* First and Second Schedule biological agents is subject to import permit under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA). For the importation of biological agents or toxins that are not listed in the Schedules, you are advised to check with the Ministry of Health (MOH) if you are uncertain whether an import permit is required.

View the List of Biological Agents and Toxins [PDF, 465 KB].

*Inactivated - in relation to a biological agent, means that the biological agent has been rendered non-infectious and unable to replicate itself under any condition.

Requirements

Biological agents/toxins can either be solely controlled by the MOH, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) or jointly controlled by both agencies.

Pure human pathogens are controlled by MOH while pure animal pathogens are controlled by the AVS. Zoonotic agents are jointly controlled by MOH and AVS. Hence, importers must comply with the requirements from MOH and/or AVS, where applicable.

An approval to possess is an additional requirement that applies to the importation of First and Second Schedule biological agents, and Fifth Schedule toxins. The importer must have an approval to possess the scheduled biological agent or toxin prior its importation.

Import permit application

Application for import permit is submitted via the Tradenet system. However, importation of zoonotic agents or pure animal pathogens may be subject to additional requirements by AVS. For information related to the importation of zoonotic agents or pure animal pathogens, you may refer to AVS’s website or contact AVS directly.

The following information and supporting documents are required to be submitted in the application for an import permit:

1. MOH product code [PDF, 464 KB] (the importer is responsible for securing the correct MOH product code). If the agent is a zoonotic agent, aside from the MOH product code, you also need to secure the secondary or AVS product code.

2. Unique Entity Number (UEN) or Central Registration Number (CRN) of the declarant’s company.

3. Details of the declarant and declaring agency (Name of declarant, Company name, address and contact number).

4. Name and address of the importer.

5. Commercial Invoice and Airway Bill – to be attached to the application submitted via the Tradenet.

6. For inactivated First and Second biological agents, the following information must be provided:

   1. The person who did the inactivation.

   2. The facility where the inactivation was done.

   3. The method of inactivation.

   4. The efficacy of the inactivation.

   5. A formal signed declaration letter from the end-user facility.

7. Other supporting documents deemed necessary by MOH for clearance of the item.

Processing time

The processing time for an import permit will depend on the accuracy and completeness of the information and supporting documents (including approval to possess for First, Second and Fifth Schedule biological agents and toxins, delivery or commercial invoice, supporting documents of effective inactivation of biological agents, etc.) submitted.

An import permit is usually approved within 3 working days provided that all the criteria and requirements for the import permit has been satisfied. The import permit is valid for 14 days inclusive of the approval date.

It is advisable to submit applications for import permit at least 3 working days before the item is scheduled to arrive in Singapore.

Fees

Currently, the MOH does not charge any fees for the application or processing of import permit.

FAQ

Refer to the FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.