On September 1, 2014, Singapore Customs issued circular #12/2014 announcing changes to its permit exemptions under regulation 13(2) of the Strategic Goods Control Regulations (SGCR) to exclude exemptions for transshipments and transit strategic goods, effective January 1, 2015.

Furthermore, Singapore Customs explains that, “the current requirement for a strategic goods permit for the transhipment and bringing in transit of items intended to be used, wholly or in part, for or in connection with the production or development of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) remains unchanged. In addition, the controls and prohibitions made under other domestic legislations remain unchanged.”

The amendments for the transshipment of strategic goods are as follows:

• The Fourth Schedule to the SGCR will be expanded. A strategic goods transhipment permit is required for the transhipment of items listed in this Schedule, with no exemptions.
  • New items include lithium isotope separation facilities, chlorine trifluoride, certain machine tools and their software, and certain pressure sensors
• Information security systems, equipment and their specially designed inspection and production equipment will be removed from the Fourth Schedule.
• The permit application should be submitted 5 working days before the loading of goods onto the conveyance on which the goods are to be brought out of Singapore.

Changes for the transit of strategic goods include:

• A new Fifth Schedule will be added to the SGCR. A strategic goods transit permit is required for the bringing in transit of items listed in this Schedule, with no exemptions.
• Items in this Schedule include military items and more sensitive dual-use items such as arms, ammunitions, military vehicles, special fissile materials, certain pumps and valves, as well as their related software and technology.
• The permit application should be submitted at least 5 working days before the arrival of the conveyance on which the goods are to be brought in transit into Singapore.

The circular can be accessed here