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Singapore Customs

Individual Permit: Export, Transhipment and Transit

A strategic goods Individual Permit is required for exports, transhipment, transit or suspected use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

Last updated on 8 June 2026

You must obtain an Individual Permit (prefixed XO or XP) for the export, transhipment, or transit of any strategic goods or related technology.

You may be exempted from applying for a permit only when the goods are not listed in the Fourth or Fifth Schedules of the Schedules of the Strategic Goods (Control) Regulations (SGCR) and the relevant criteria below are fully met.  

Permit Exemptions at a Glance 

Summary of Permit Exemption Conditions Based on Activity and Transit Duration

Activity 

Criteria for Permit Exemption 

Transhipment of strategic goods not listed in the Fourth Schedule to the SGCR (opens in new tab) 

  1. Goods are brought directly into a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) upon arrival in Singapore

  1. Goods remain within FTZs at all times (except when transferred between FTZs) before leaving Singapore

  2. Goods remain in FTZs for no more than: 

  • 45 days if arriving by sea

  • 21 days if arriving by air

Note: The initial mode of transport into Singapore determines the applicable time limit.  

Transit of strategic goods not listed in the Fifth Schedule to the SGCR (opens in new tab) 

Goods remain in transit for no more than: 

  • 45 days if arriving by sea 

  • 21 days if arriving by air 

Even when a permit is not required, authorities may request documents or notifications for verification.

Catch-All Provision 

You must apply for an Individual Permit if: 

  • An authorised officer has notified you, or 

  • You know, or have reasonable grounds to suspect, that the goods or technology are intended or likely to be used, wholly or partly, for any of the following: 

    • Activities related to the development, production, handling, operation, maintenance, storage, detection, identification or dissemination of: 

      • Nuclear weapons 

      • Chemical weapons 

      • Biological weapons 

    • Activities related to the development, production, maintenance, or storage of: 

      • Missiles capable of delivering any nuclear, chemical or biological weapons

This “catch-all” provision applies even if the items are not listed as strategic goods.

How to Apply for an Individual Permit 

Step 1: Complete the Application

Submit your individual permit application (opens in new tab) at least 5 working days in advance: 

  • Before loading goods for export, re-export, or transhipment 

  • Before the arrival of the conveyance carrying goods transiting through Singapore

Step 2: Prepare and attach supporting documents (if applicable):

Step 3: Submt your completed form and documents

Most applications are processed within five working days after complete forms and supporting documents are received. However, processing time may vary depending on: 

  • Product type 

  • Destination country 

  • Parties involved in the transaction 

Submit your application early to prevent further delays.  

Contact Us 

If you have questions on permit requirements or processing procedures, we are here to help.  

Email: customs_stgc@customs.gov.sg