Basic information
Outline of the system
The Singapore Customs maintains an import licensing system for rough diamonds.
Product coverage
The licensing system applies to rough diamonds.
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 system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, but to discharge Singapore's commitments under the KPCS.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The licensing system applies to products originating in and coming from all countries. As a participant of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), Singapore is only permitted to trade rough diamonds with fellow KPCS participants. Please refer to http://www.kimberleyprocess.com/ for a list of KPCS participants.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
While the Singapore Customs administers the licensing system, the designation of products to be licensed and the abolishment of the licensing system require legislative approval.
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The licensing system is maintained under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Kimberley Process) Regulations. The licensing system is statutorily required and published in government gazettes.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
While the Singapore Customs administers the licensing system, the designation of products to be licensed 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 Singapore Customs administers the licensing system, the designation of products to be licensed 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?
Generally, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences and no registration fee is required.
Is there a registration fee?
Generally, all persons, registered firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences and no registration fee is required.
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
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
Singapore Customs (SC)
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The following information is required in applications for import licences: particulars of importer, company registration certificate issued by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, information on their business profile, product description, product quantity, mode of transport, port of shipment/transport and country/region of origin.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
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
There are no limitations on the period of the year during which applications for licence and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Applications may be expedited, if licensing requirements are fulfilled.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Licence to import rough diamonds are generally processed within five working days upon receipt of the completed application form and full set of supporting documents. A licence would not be required if the rough diamonds are in transit or transhipment through Singapore.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of licence application is effected by a single administrative body – Singapore Customs.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
The importer does not have to approach more than one administrative body.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
The company to whom a Kimberley Process Licence has been issued, in relation to the importation and exportation of rough diamonds under the KPCS, shall abide by the following Terms and Conditions:
(a) To import and export rough diamonds only under a Kimberley Process Licence issued by the Director-General of Singapore Customs;
(b) To import and export rough diamonds from and to participants of the KPCS only;
(c) To allow Singapore Customs to submit import and export data with regard to the shipments declared under the KPCS in accordance with the provisions under Section V, Annex III of the Kimberley Process Core Document;
(d) To comply with Regulation 35F(1)(b) of the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations to keep all import and export documentation including copy of Kimberley Process certificates for a period not less than five years;
(e) To indicate the standard affirmative clause in all invoices to confirm that the shipment does not contain conflict diamonds;
(f) To export rough diamonds with the Kimberley Process Certificate issued by the Director-General of Singapore Customs;
(g) To comply with all Terms and Conditions as stated in the Kimberley Process Certificate for the export of rough diamonds.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Annual fee for a Kimberley Process Licence is S$50.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There are no deposit or advance payment requirements associated with the issuance of the licence.
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?
An application for an import licence is usually granted if it meets the stipulated criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Singapore Customs will generally provide the reason(s) in the event of a refusal to issue a licence.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
Traders may appeal to Singapore Customs against a rejection of their application for a Kimberley Process licence.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Traders may appeal to Singapore Customs against a rejection of their application for a Kimberley Process licence.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations on the period of the year during which applications for licence and/or importation may be made.
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. At the point of import, the shipment should be presented to a customs officer at the customs station along with the shipping documents (e.g. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill and invoice) and a valid Kimberley Process certificate issued by the relevant overseas KPCS participant.
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?
An issued Kimberley Process Licence is valid until the end of the calendar year regardless of the date of application. The validity of these licences may be extended by renewal on an annual basis.
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.
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.
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.