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Singapore Customs

Permit Validity and Error Messages

Find out how long transhipment permits remain valid and what error messages you may encounter when submitting permit applications in TradeNet.

Last updated 24 February 2026

Permit Validity

The validity period of a transhipment permit depends on the type and/or movement of goods.

Generally, the validity periods for the different types of transhipment permits are as follow:

The table summarises the typical validity periods for transhipment permits using the OUT message type.

Transhipment / Movement Permit (Message Type)

Validity Period*

Transhipment / Movement

Approval date + 21 working days for goods covered by Through Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

Approval date + 22 working days for strategic goods covered by Through Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

*Note: Please refer to the specific validity periods for each permit. If you are unable to utilise the permit within the stipulated period, please extend the validity period of the permit via TradeNet before it expires.

Error Messages

If a permit application is incomplete or erroneous, you will be prompted with an error code, ‘DCS Error’ generated via TradeNet.

For permit applications that do not meet Singapore Customs’ or other Competent Authorities’ requirements, you will receive a rejection message via TradeNet with the code, ‘CA/SC Reject’.

Please submit a new transhipment permit application after rectifying the errors or omissions. A new Unique Reference Number (URN) will be provided for the new permit application.