Permit and Registration Requirements Overview
Singapore Customs requires permits or registrations for the export, transhipment, transit, or brokering of strategic goods and related technology. The Strategic Trade Scheme (STS) streamlines compliance with individual, bulk, and brokering permits, ensuring safe and lawful trade.
Last updated 11 March 2026
Permit and Registration Requirements
To ensure compliance with the Strategic Goods (Control) Act (SGCA), a permit is required for:
Any transfer of strategic goods and related technology listed in the Strategic Goods Control List. This includes export, transhipment, transit, and intangible transfer.
Any transfer of goods or technology intended, or likely, to be used in connection with weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Export, Transhipment, Transit and Intangible Transfer of Technology (ITT)
Singapore Customs has introduced the Strategic Trade Scheme (STS) to streamline permit procedures and support internal export control compliance. The STS applies to all businesses that export, tranship, transit, or transmit strategic goods, or transmit related software or technology.
Permit or Registration Types under the Strategic Trade Scheme
Permit Type | Purpose | Application Timeline |
Required for each export, re-export, transhipment, or transit of strategic goods. | At least five working days before shipment | |
Required for transmission of strategic goods software or technology. | At least seven working days before transmission | |
Bulk Permit | Provides pre-approval for multiple shipments or ITT over a period set by Singapore Customs. Apply before: For TradeNet declarations: must be declared before cargo is lodged with sea/air operators or brought into Singapore for transhipment. | Permit applications will be processed only after all required supporting documents are submitted |
Brokering Registration | Required for brokering strategic goods or technology listed under the Strategic Goods (Control) (Brokering) (Amendment) Order 2025. | Registration: at least 14 working days before brokering. A brokering permit may also be required in certain cases |
For detailed information, including procedures and document requirements, refer to the Strategic Trade Scheme Handbook.