Import Containers
There are two types of containers viz
full container load (FCL) and less than full container load
(LCL).
FCL containers are normally not unstuffed
in the FTZ. They are sealed by Customs at the FTZ Out-Gates
or examined/released without being sealed. Sealed containers
should only be unstuffed under Customs supervision. Unsealed
containers, however, may be unstuffed at any time without
Customs supervision.
LCL containers are unstuffed in the FTZ
and cleared through the FTZ Out-Gates as conventional cargoes.
No Customs supervision is required for the unstuffing of
such containers in the FTZ.
For cargo entering Customs territory as
containerised cargo, the trader must declare the container
number and the place of unstuffing in his import declaration.
Prior to the removal of containers out
of the FTZ, the trader should obtain the relevant Customs
permits or Joint Customs/IESGP permits. The approved Customs
or Joint Customs/IESGP permits and supporting commercial
documents however need not be produced at the time Customs
clearance of the containers.
Containers requiring Customs examination
will be sealed at the respective FTZ Out-gates. After the
sealed containers have been trucked out of the FTZ, consignees
or their transport agents should make arrangements with
Customs for supervision of unstuffing of the containers.
Customs seals placed on containers at
the time of import should not be broken without the supervision
or written permission of Customs.
Containers not requiring Customs examination
will be given SNR (ie Sealing Not Required) facilitation
and released without being sealed. Unsealed containers may
be unstuffed at any time without Customs supervision.
Transhipment Containers
The trader is required to obtain Customs
or Joint Customs/IESGP permit for transhipment or inter
gateway movement of containerised cargo. Upon approval of
the permit, the container should be produced at the first
and second Customs checkpoint for clearance. However, the
Cargo Clearance Permit need not accompany the container
at the time of Customs clearance at both checkpoints. After
the container has been sealed at the first checkpoint, a
'Notice to Importer/Haulier' duly endorsed by the Checkpoint
Officer will be issued to the driver. The container and
this notice should be produced at the second checkpoint
for Customs clearance.
Appropriate action will be taken against the declarant of
the Customs, or Joint Customs/IESGP permits should Customs
at the second checkpoint find that the Customs seal affixed
at the first checkpoint has been tampered with.
Export Containers
Prior to movement of dutiable or controlled
goods for export, the trader will have to obtain a Cargo
Clearance Permit from Customs or the Controlling Authority.
Upon approval of the permit, the container will have to
be produced at the Customs checkpoint for clearance. However,
the Cargo Clearance Permit need not accompany the container
at the time of clearance. For goods released from licensed
or bonded warehouses, the container should be produced together
with the Release Notes at the FTZ In-Gate for Customs clearance.
Dangerous Cargoes in Containers
Immediate removal of containers carrying
dangerous cargoes is required by the Maritime and Port Authority
when such containers are discharged from the vessel direct
into a FTZ. If handling agents are not in possession of
the relevant documents for the preparation of Customs or
Joint Customs/IESGP declarations, they should obtain blanket
Customs Inward Permits for movement of the containers for
storage in any of the approved container Class II yards
in Customs territory.
Upon approval of the permits, the containers should be produced
at the FTZ Out Gates for sealing by Customs. However, the
Cargo Clearance Permit need not accompany the container
at the time of Customs clearance. Thereafter, the containers
will be unstuffed under Customs supervision and goods released
under the relevant Customs or Joint Customs/IESGP permits.
Cargo Manifests
A container vessel normally carries containers
for more than one container agent/operator. Cargo manifests
should therefore be submitted by the respective agent/operator
through the agent of the vessel concerned to the
Compliance Audit & TI Unit, Permits Compliance Branch.
COMMON OFFENCES/MISTAKES
- Late submission of inward manifest
- Submission of incorrect/incomplete inward manifests
- Opening, breaking or altering lock, seal or mark without
the consent of the proper officer of Customs
