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Singapore Customs

Bulk Permit: Export, Transhipment and Transit

Learn how Bulk Permits support high-volume or time-sensitive strategic goods transactions, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and compliance responsibilities.

Last updated 11 March 2026

A Bulk Permit is a single approval that allows you to export, re-export, tranship or transmit strategic goods, or their related technology, over a specified period. 

Singapore Customs determines the validity period of each Bulk Permit. 

Bulk Permits are suited for businesses with: 

  • High transaction volumes; or 

  • Short lead-times for order fulfilment.

How a Bulk Permit Helps your Business 

If your transaction falls within the approved scope of your Bulk Permit, you can apply for a TradeNet permit just before cargo lodgement with port operators or air cargo handling agents. 

You do not need to apply for an Individual Permit 5 working days in advance. 

This provides greater certainty and more efficient operations.

Types of Bulk Permits

Type of permit 

Permit sub-type 

Types of trade 

Scope of approval 

Bulk permit 

Approval by specific entities 

Export, re-export, transhipment, and intangible transfer of technology 

Pre-approved multiple products to multiple consignees or end-users 

Bulk permit 

Approval by destination countries 

Export, re-export, and intangible transfer of technology 

Pre-approved multiple products to multiple destination countries 

Who Can Qualify for a Bulk Permit 

You must meet all of the following requirements: 

  • Be a registered trader with Singapore Customs 

  • Have good compliance records 

  • Achieve at least an Enhanced band under TradeFIRST 

  • Implement an effective Internal Compliance Programme (ICP) 

Internal Compliance Programme (ICP) requirements 

Your ICP must cover these seven elements: 

  1. Company commitment 

  2. Appointment of Strategic Goods Control Officer(s) (SGCOs) 

  3. Product screening 

  4. End-user screening 

  5. Record keeping 

  6. Awareness and training 

  7. Audits

Important 

Your appointed SGCOs or administrators must: 

  • Be based in Singapore, or contactable via a Singapore contact 

  • Be familiar with the Strategic Goods (Control) Act, its Regulations, and related legislation 

For detailed guidance, refer to Annex A of the Strategic Trade Scheme Handbook.

How to Apply for A Bulk Permit 

To apply: 

  1. Complete the Bulk Permit application form

  2. Submit the form and required supporting documents using the contact details stated in the form

After submission:

  • Singapore Customs will assign an officer as your main contact point

  • We will conduct a TradeFIRST assessment, including a site validation to assess the effectiveness of your ICP

  • You will be informed of:

    • The application outcome

    • Your TradeFIRST banding

    • The TradeFIRST assessment report
       

Applying for TradeNet permits under a bulk permit

If your strategic goods transactions are pre-approved under your Bulk Permit, you must still apply for a TradeNet permit before cargo lodgement.

For strategic goods that are also regulated by other Competent Authorities (CAs), such as arms and munitions, or chemical weapons precursors, you only need to submit one TradeNet application. The system will route your application to the relevant CAs automatically.

Responsibilities of a Bulk Permit holder 

As a Bulk Permit holder, you must:

  • Inform Singapore Customs within 14 days of any changes to your: 

    • ICP

    • Company structure

    • Internal processes

    • Trade compliance team or SGCOs

  • Ensure all transactions fall within the approved scope of your Bulk Permit

  • Ensure goods, technology, or documents are not intended for use in:

    • Nuclear, chemical or biological weapons activities, or

    • Missile delivery systems for such weapons 

  • Ensure no transfer is made to United Nations Security Council–sanctioned countries or entities

  • Keep records of all strategic goods transactions for at least 5 years

For full details, refer to Section 4.9 of the Strategic Trade Scheme Handbook.