Special import licenses are required for certain goods, including strategic items, hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, films and videos, video games, arms and ammunition, agricultural biotechnology products, food derived from agricultural biotechnology products, medical devices, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins with very high dosages of certain nutrients, and cosmetics and skin care products.  The import of items such as lighters in the shape of pistols or revolvers, firecrackers, handcuffs, shell casings, and silencers is prohibited.

Generally, the import of goods that the government determines as posing a threat to health, security, safety and social decency is controlled. A full list of prohibited products and controlled goods, HS Codes, and their corresponding controlling agencies can be obtained from the Singapore Customs website.

Companies must make an outward declaration to export or re-export goods out of Singapore.  Selected items are subjected to controls on exports of goods from Singapore.  Items such as rubber, timber, granite, satellite dishes and receivers, and chlorofluorocarbons are subjected to export control and licensing.  Items under export control must be endorsed or licensed by the appropriate government agencies before they can be exported.  More information may be obtained via Singapore Customs.

The Strategic Trade Scheme (STS) is an enhanced permit regime that seeks to promote effective internal export control compliance and provide legitimate traders with greater facilitation in permit declarations involving transactions of strategic goods for non-WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) related end-use.  The STS comprises 3 tiers whereby the level of facilitation and flexibility accorded to a company will be contingent upon the quality of their internal export control compliance program.  More information may be obtained in the Strategic Trade Scheme Handbook.