Basic information
Outline of the system
The import of electricity is regulated by the EMA, and requires a valid Electricity Importer Licence, unless otherwise exempted by the EMA.
Product coverage
The licensing system applies to electricity imports.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing scheme is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. EMA's import licences are maintained to ensure energy security and promote competitively priced supply. Under the Electricity Act, the import of electricity requires a licence, and licences facilitate the regulation of importers by ensuring that the importers meet requirements to ensure supply reliability, and to manage the impact of electricity imports on Singapore's national power grid.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Singapore intends to procure 4GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) exercise. Interested importers may register their interest with EMA by submitting an Expression of Interest. Import capacity is competitively allocated through the RFP process, and will be subject to further policy deliberations, to address national concerns on energy security, reliability, and affordability. More information can be found on https://www.ema.gov.sg/Electricity.aspx.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The licensing system applies to products originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing procedures are maintained under the Electricity Act. All import licensing procedures are statutorily required and published in government gazettes.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
While the administration of the licensing system is undertaken by EMA, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of the licensing system require legislative approval.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
While the administration of the licensing system is undertaken by EMA, the designation of products to be subjected to licensing and the abolishment of the licensing system require legislative approval.
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Singapore intends to procure 4GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) exercise. Interested importers may register their interest with the EMA by submitting an Expression of Interest. Import capacity is competitively and exclusively allocated by EMA through the RFP process. All entities keen to import electricity must participate in the RFP.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
The list of successful importers would be published online.
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
For application of the Electricity Importer Licence, the required information includes particulars of the applicant and the applicant's directors, and details of the electricity importation business (e.g. commencement date of electricity importing, quantities of electricity to be imported, and purpose of the electricity).
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
The submission of the following documents is required:
(a) Certified true copies of the Applicant's Certificate of Incorporation;
(b) Certified true copies of relevant ownership documents;
(c) Audited past profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements, credit statements or credit rating (if any), including any history of bankruptcy or financial distress of the Applicant or the significant shareholders for the last 2 full financial years or since incorporation;
(d) Organisation chart including resume and curriculum vitae (CV) of key appointment holders; and
(e) Description of the business plan, including details such as the purpose of importing such electricity, the source of electricity, customers, volumes to be imported on a daily and annual basis and the import duration.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
Import licences would be pegged to project or contract lifespan.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
EMA will use reasonable endeavours to expedite licence requests if requested.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The import capacity is a negotiated outcome and agreement from both EMA and the successful importer. In the importer licence, the "approved" maximum import limit would be specified in detail.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of the Electricity Importer Licence application is effected by EMA.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Applicants do not have to approach more than one administrative body.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Licensees are required to declare annually whether they have complied with all the conditions set out in the licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Licence fees will apply.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Importers may obtain information by contacting EMA directly.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Importer licensees are required to pay annual licensing fees. There are no deposits or advance payments required.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
The issuance of an importer licence is subject to the importers meeting a list of Condition Precedents set out by the EMA. Failure to meet these Conditional Precedents would be one reason for EMA's refusal to issue an importer licence in the first place. In addition, the importer licence would also stipulate a list of requirements (conditions) that an importer would need to adhere to. Consistent failure to meet the conditions set out in the importer licence may also led to revocation of the importer licence.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
EMA will ensure that we would provide importers with sufficient notice period to correct non-compliance before taking remediation actions.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
Import licences would be pegged to project or contract lifespan.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Documents required upon actual importation are specified in the RFP document found in https://www.ema.gov.sg/electricity-imports-rfp1.aspx and https://www.ema.gov.sg/electricity-imports-rfp2.aspx.
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.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Import licences would be pegged to project or contract lifespan.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
The import licence underpins other technical requirements viz. performance standards. Failure to meet such performance standards may be penalisable.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable without prior approval in writing from the relevant authority.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.