Intangible Transfer of Technology (ITT)

In addition to controls on the physical transfer of strategic goods, the Strategic Goods (Control) Act (SGCA) also controls the intangible transfer of technology.

Singapore needs to have controls over ITT because of our high internet connectivity and a fairly significant industry and research presence in high-technology areas. Considering that sensitive strategic goods technology can be easily transmitted via electronic means (e.g. fax, email, internet), controlling ITT would help prevent a person from sending out such information and technology to foreign parties that are engaged in the development or production of weapons of mass destruction.

ITT refers to any transmission of controlled strategic goods technology carried out in Singapore by electronic means (e.g. email, fax), or the act of making the controlled strategic goods technology available in Singapore on a computer or server, so that it becomes accessible to a person in a foreign country.

ITT Permit Requirement

Any person who wishes to transmit any strategic goods software or technology must first obtain an ITT permit from Singapore Customs prior to carrying out any electronic transmission.

Under the ‘catch-all’ provision in the SGCA, a permit is also required if a person:

has been notified by an authorised officer,
knows, or
has reasonable grounds to suspect,

that the software or technology to be transmitted electronically, is intended or likely to be used, wholly or in part, for or in connection with the development, production, handling, operation, maintenance, storage, detection, identification or dissemination of any nuclear, chemical or biological weapon; or the development, production, maintenance or storage of missiles which are capable of delivering any such weapons.

ITT Permit Application Procedures

Complete Form C - Application for Permit to Transmit Strategic Goods Related Technology

Attach supporting documents, if applicable:

Detailed technical specifications or write-up of the software/technology;
Export Licence from the originating country of the software/technology; and/or
End-User Certificate (EUC) (DOC 40KB) from the party that you are transmitting the software/technology to.

(Upon receiving your application, Singapore Customs may also request for additional supporting documents other than those listed above.)

Submit the completed Form C together with the supporting documents by email, fax, or by hand to the Strategic Goods Control Branch, Singapore Customs.

(See contact details on the form)

The average processing time for ITT permit application is 7 working days. However, it is advisable that you submit your permit applications as early as possible to avoid possible delays. Once approved, the ITT will be valid for a period of 1 year.