Declaring Agent Account
Find out how to apply, renew, update or terminate a Declaring Agent Account, as well as assessment criteria, banding outcomes, renewal periods, and exemptions under the TradeFIRST framework.
Last updated 23 February 2026
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A Declaring Agent (DA) Account allows an entity to lodge declarations via TradeNet®. Key Personnel or Authorised Personnel can log in to apply, renew, update or terminate the account.
Who Can Apply or Manage the DA Account
Key Personnel are individuals whose details are registered with ACRA or the relevant Unique Entity Number issuance agency.
Authorised Personnel are individuals appointed by the entity’s Key Personnel to manage the Customs Account or DA Account, including Declarant details.
Key Personnel or Authorised Personnel must log in to submit the application or renewal.
Application and Renewal Process
Singapore Customs will notify the Key Personnel of the application outcome and validity period. Processing takes 3 working days for straightforward cases once all supporting documents are provided. Complex cases may take longer.
All DAs must maintain a valid Inter-Bank GIRO (IBG) arrangement with Singapore Customs. The bank approval typically takes 3–4 weeks. Refer to the Inter-Bank GIRO application procedures for instructions.
DA Account renewals depend on the validity assigned at registration, and the renewal period may be every 1, 2 or 3 years.
The Key Personnel and Primary Contact Person are required to submit the renewal application at least 1 month before the expiry date.
Update or Terminate a DA Account
If you need to update your entity’s particulars or contact details, log in to make the changes.
To stop operating as a DA, you may choose to terminate the account.
When a DA Account is terminated:
All registered Declarants under the DA will also be terminated.
All associated TradeNet® IDs will be invalidated.
Assessment Criteria
When you apply for or renew a DA Account, we assess your company using the DA Governance Framework illustrated below.
The five assessment areas used to evaluate declaring agents under the DA Governance Framework.
How the Assessment Works
You should answer “Yes” if you can fulfil and demonstrate the requirement.
You should answer “No” if you do not meet, or only partially meet, the requirement.
Basic qualities (shown in red) represent the minimum expectations.
Desirable qualities (shown in black) indicate stronger governance practices.
The assessment is not prescriptive, allowing flexibility for businesses to align with the framework based on their operations.
You may refer to the Assessment Criteria Guide for detailed explanations.
Singapore Customs may conduct validation checks at your premises and may request internal documents, such as procedures and control records when necessary.
Assessment Results and Banding
Your final score will place your company into one of five DA bandings. The banding determines:
Validity period of 1 to 3 years
Security requirement, from full security to partial or full waiver for most transactions
The five DA bandings and their corresponding renewal validity and security requirements
Exemptions under TradeFIRST
If your company is accredited under TradeFIRST, you are exempted from the DA Governance Framework assessment.
However, you must still apply for a DA Account to submit TradeNet® applications.
Your DA Account validity and benefits will follow your TradeFIRST banding.
Apply or renew your DA Account
Make a new application or renew your existing DA Account.