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 24 February 2026
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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:
Company commitment
Appointment of Strategic Goods Control Officer(s) (SGCOs)
Product screening
End-user screening
Record keeping
Awareness and training
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:
Complete the Bulk Permit application form
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.