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Singapore Customs

Manage Declaring Agent (DA) Account and Declarant

Learn how to apply, update, renew or terminate a Declaring Agent Account or Declarant registration, and understand the requirements under the Declaring Agent Governance Framework.

Last updated on 24 February 2026

If your business submits trade declarations through TradeNet®, you may need to manage a Declaring Agent Account, appoint Declarants, and understand the responsibilities associated with these roles.

Key Terms Explained

Below are the definitions of key terms related to Declaring Agents and Declarants.

Definitions of Key Roles

Term

Description

Declaring Agent (DA)

An entity making applications for permit, certificate, licence or approval applications—through a Declarant—on behalf of a Declaring Entity (DE)
(including where the Declaring Entity is concurrently registered as that DA).

Declaring Entity (DE)

Any importer, exporter, shipping agent, air cargo agent, freight forwarder, common carrier, or organisation seeking a permit, certificate, licence or other approval.

Declarant

An individual authorised by a DA to apply for permits on the DA’s behalf
(including where the Declaring Entity is concurrently registered as that DA).

Requirements Under the Governance Framework

The Declaring Agent Governance Framework (opens in new tab) aims to raise the proficiency and professionalism of DAs and Declarants by incentivizing good internal controls, processes, and compliance records in trade declarations.

To ensure accurate and compliant submissions through TradeNet®, the Framework sets the following expectations:

  • DAs undergo an assessment at registration and each renewal.

  • Individuals have to take and pass the Customs Competency Test for Declarants (SC401) before they can be registered as Declarants.

  • Existing Declarants with poor compliance records or insufficient knowledge may be required to re-take and pass SC 401.

  • Declarants must keep their User IDs and passwords confidential.

  • DAs must comply with all conditions issued in Customs permits.

These requirements ensure the professionalism and reliability of trade declarations.

Related Actions

DA Account

Apply for, renew, update or terminate a DA Account.

Declarant

Register a Declarant, prepare for the SC 401 test, and update or terminate Declarant records.

Compliance to Registration

Requirements Understand the compliance obligations for DAs and Declarants.

Terms and Conditions for DAs and Declarants

Read the official terms and conditions that apply to DAs and Declarants.