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Singapore Customs

Competent Authorities’ Requirements for Controlled Items Overview

Learn how to comply with Competent Authorities’ requirements for controlled items, including identifying the correct Harmonised System code and Competent Authorities for your goods, and meeting their regulatory requirements for TradeNet permit applications.

Last updated 20 February 2026

All imports, exports, and transhipments must be covered by the relevant permits.

If your goods are subject to control by one or more Competent Authorities (CAs), you must comply with the specific requirements of the relevant CA(s) when preparing and submitting your permit application through TradeNet.

Before submitting a permit application for controlled items, follow these three steps:

Step 1: Identify the Harmonised System code and relevant CA(s)

Classify your product(s) into the correct Harmonised System (HS) code and base on the HS code as a guide to identify whether the product(s) is/are controlled and if controlled, who the possible CA(s) is/are regulating it/them.

You can use the HS /CA Product Code Checker to:

  • Identify the HS code for your item

  • Check if your item is controlled

  • Find the applicable CA product code(s)

  • Identify the relevant CA(s) controlling your item

  • Access the CA(s) contact details

Examples

  • Controlled Item
    HS Code: 19059030
    HS Description: Cakes
    CA Product Code: ZEP0DA000R7
    CA Product Description: Cake, not elsewhere specified, not ready to eat
    Controlled by: Singapore Food Agency (Processed Food) for import

  • Non-Controlled item
    HS Code: 42021110 
    HS Description: Suitcases or briefcases with outer surface of leather or composition leather with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm
    Not controlled for import, export, and transhipment.
    CA Product Code: -
    CA Product Description: -

Step 2: Check if Multiple CAs’ Requirements Applies

Use the downloadable lists in the HS/CA Product Code Checker to check if the item is controlled by more than one CA:

  • All HS/CA Product Code

  • All Product Code Pair

If your item is found in the product code pair list, you must declare both CA product codes in your TradeNet permit application. Missing or incomplete product codes may delay or result in rejection of your application.

Step 3: Comply with CA Requirements and Obtain Approval

Each CA has specific regulatory requirements.

Before submitting your application:

  • Review the specific CA’s requirements

  • Obtain the necessary approval from the CA, where applicable

  • Upload all required supporting documents in your TradeNet permit application

Incomplete information or missing documents may delay processing of your application.

Competent Authorities’ Specific Requirements

  1. Building and Construction Authority (BCA)

  2. Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

  3. Enterprise Singapore (ESG)

  4. Health Sciences Authority (HSA)

  5. Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)

    1. Controller of Undesirable Publications (CUP)

    2. Radiocomm & Dealer Licensing

  6. Land Transport Authority (LTA)

  7. Ministry of Health (MOH)

    1. Biosafety Branch

  8. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

    1. Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)

  9. National Environment Agency (NEA)

  10. National Parks Board (NParks)

  11. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

  12. Singapore Customs (Customs)

  13. Singapore Food Agency (SFA)

  14. Singapore Police Force (SPF)

    1. Guns, Explosives and Weapons

    2. Public Entertainment & Liquor Licensing