Brokering

Scope of Brokering Controls

Brokering refers to arranging, negotiating, or facilitating a contract for the acquisition or disposal of controlled goods or technology, when you have reason to believe the contract will, or is likely to, result in the removal of these goods or technology from one foreign country to another. This applies even if the goods or technology do not pass through or are not transmitted from Singapore.

Brokering controls apply to goods and technology specified under the following categories of the Strategic Goods Control List:

• ML1 to ML4

• ML8

• ML21 and ML22

You should assess whether the goods or technology involved in your brokering activities fall within the scope of the above categories.

If you intend to engage in brokering activities involving goods or technology that fall within these categories, you are required to register as a broker with Singapore Customs at least 14 working days before starting the brokering activities.

Registering as a Broker

Step 1: Complete the Application Form for Registration to Broker Goods. (opens in new tab)

Step 2: Prepare and attach the required supporting documents, such as:

• Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Bizfile business profile

• Technical specifications (manuals, brochures, data sheets, operating instructions)

• Any other relevant document

Step 3: Submit your completed form and supporting documents

After You Register

Registered brokers must submit a half-yearly report of all brokering activities (opens in new tab) that have been carried out during that period:

• By 30 June (for activities from January to June)

• By 30 December (for activities from July to December)

Singapore Customs may also request audits or verification of your records at any time.

Processing time: Typically 7 working days, but complex transactions, depending on the nature of item, destination or parties involved in the transaction, may take longer.

Submit your registration 2 months in advance to avoid delays.

Applying for a Brokering Permit

You will need a brokering permit if you:

• are formally notified by an authorised officer, or

• know, or

• have reasonable grounds to suspect

that the goods or technology you are brokering are intended or likely to be used, wholly or in part, for or in connection with:

Nuclear, Chemical, or Biological Weapons

Activities such as:

• Development

• Production

• Handling

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Storage

• Detection

• Identification

• Dissemination

OR

Missiles capable of delivering such weapons

Activities such as:

• Development

• Production

• Maintenance

• Storage

This applies even if the items are not classified as strategic goods.

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the Application Form for Permit to Broker Goods (opens in new tab)

Step 2: Attached relevant supporting documents, such as:

• ACRA Bizfile business profile

• Company profiles/websites of other parties

• End-User Statement (opens in new tab) from the receiving party

• Export licence (and English translation) from the supplying country or confirmation that re-transfer is not controlled

• Import authorisation from the importing country

• Technical specifications of the items (manuals, brochures, data sheets)

• Business transaction documents (contracts, invoices, order forms, correspondence)

• Any other relevant supporting documents

Step 3: Submit your application and supporting documents

Processing time: Typically 7 working days, but complex transactions, depending on the nature of the item, destination or parties involved in the transaction, may take longer.

Submit your application 2 months before starting brokering activities to avoid delays.