ASEAN Customs Transit System
Find out how the ASEAN Customs Transit System allows authorised traders to move goods across participating ASEAN Member States with a single customs declaration.
Last updated 23 February 2026
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What is the ASEAN Customs Transit System and Who Can Apply?
The ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) is a computerised customs transit management system that allows authorised traders to move goods freely across participating ASEAN Member States* using a single customs declaration and guarantee, eliminating the need for repeated declarations or cargo transfers at each border.
*Participating Member States include Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Eligible traders include importers, exporters, transporters, freight forwarders, and Customs agents. To participate, traders must first register as ACTS traders, either as Authorised Transit Traders (ATTs) or non-ATTs.
ATT Status and Benefits
What is it?
As ATT is a trader who frequently transits goods through participating ASEAN Member States (AMS) and meets the stipulated requirements. With ATT status, traders could enjoy simplified procedures and certain privileges under the ACTS.
Benefits of ATT
Traders qualified as ATTs will be given certain privileges by the competent authorities, subject to national criteria:
Loading of goods at own premises: ATTs are allowed to start movement of goods under ACTS from the designated trader’s premises (pre-approved by Customs), eliminating the need to present the goods and means of transport for inspection at the Customs office of Departure.
Simplified border procedures: In Singapore, all ACTS border clearance will still occur at Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint. Upon approval of the ACTS declaration, ATTs may affix pre-approved seals on trucks at their premises before proceeding to the checkpoint, where domestic clearance procedures continue to apply.
How to Qualify?
To qualify for the ATT status, the company must meet the following requirements:
Have a valid Customs Account.
Conduct frequent transit movements and lodge a full Banker’s Guarantee.
Self-declare and meet all the criteria in the ATT application form.
Maintain good compliance records with Singapore Customs.
Maintain adequate pre-employment screening of staff in sensitive areas and security measures to ensure the safety of business and the supply chain.
How to Apply?
Qualified traders who wish to obtain ATT status, please submit the ATT application form.
We will contact you to follow up on your application.
For further assistance, kindly contact us at customs_schemes@customs.gov.sg.
Vehicle Requirements
Vehicles used to transport goods under ACTS must hold a valid ASEAN Goods Vehicle Cross-Border Permit (AGVCBP).
For information on eligibility and application procedures, refer to the AGVCBP webpage or contact the Land Transport Authority (LTA) via its online feedback form.
Steps to Participate in ACTS
Step 1: Register as ACTS Trader
Before importing or exporting goods in Singapore, you must register with Singapore Customs as an ACTS trader.
Complete and submit the following application forms to Singapore Customs:
Once approved, you will be issued:
A Trader Identification Number (TIN) for the ACTS Trader (also known as Principal)
A Personal ID for each registered employee who will submit declarations
If needed, you may also authorise another legal entity to submit declarations on your behalf by providing a Broker/Declarant Authorisation Letter. Both your authorised employees and your appointed broker/representative may submit declarations in ACTS.
Applications are processed within 3 working days upon receipt of complete supporting documents.
Step 2: Obtain a Guarantee
Before your goods are transited, you must lodge a guarantee in the country of departure:
Single Journey Guarantee – covers one transit operation for the full amount of duties, taxes and other applicable charges.
Multiple Journey Guarantee – covers multiple transit operations up to a set Reference Amount, equal to 100% of the duties and charges that may arise from the Principal’s transit operations over at least one week.
This guarantee ensures all potential duties and charges are protected during the movement of goods.
You may obtain the relevant forms from the ACTS webpage and submit the completed forms to the participating banks for the lodgement of the guarantee.
Step 3: Apply for Customs Permit
For goods moving into or out of Singapore under ACTS, standard domestic customs procedures still apply. Refer to the Quick Guide for Importers and Exporters for an overview of these requirements.
In addition to your ACTS declaration, you must submit a customs permit through TradeNet to account for the import, export or transhipment of your goods.
When applying, remember to include “ACTS Movement” in the Trader’s Remark field.
All usual TradeNet controls and requirements, such as the necessary licences and authorisations from Competent Authorities, will continue to apply.
Step 4: Make an ACTS Declaration through ACTS
Registered traders must submit a declaration in the ACTS to initiate a transit movement.
Step 5: Prepare Documents for Cargo Clearance
All incoming and outgoing ACTS trucks must be physically present at the land checkpoints for clearance.
The truck driver will need to present the following documents:
Physical copy of Transit Accompanying Document (TAD)TAD
Corresponding customs permit
Supporting documents for cargo clearance
Note: Existing domestic clearance procedures would still apply.
Amendment and Cancellation of ACTS Declaration
Amendment: After an ACTS declaration has been accepted (i.e., an ACTS Reference Number has been allocated), you may amend the declaration any number of times before it is released for transit. All declaration details may be amended, except for the Principal TIN and the Customs Office of Departure.
Cancellation: After an ACTS declaration has been accepted (i.e., an ACTS Reference Number has been allocated), you are allowed to submit a request for cancellation of the declaration before it is released for transit.This should be done if the declaration is not utilised for transit movement due to reasons such as but not limiting to:
Cancellation of shipment; and
TAD could not be printed / used etc.
FAQs
What type of goods are allowed to be moved under the ACTS?
Each AMS maintains its own list of prohibited, excluded, and restricted goods based on security and safety requirements. If your goods fall under any prohibited or excluded category in any country along the transit route, they cannot be moved under ACTS.
In Singapore, dutiable goods are not allowed under ACTS. Always check with the Customs authorities of the relevant AMS for the latest requirements.
How do I declare an outgoing ACTS movement from Singapore?
It depends on whether you are exporting as a non-ATT or ATT trader:
For Non-ATT (Normal Procedures)
Choose either Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint as your Office of Departure. The truck must be physically presented at your selected checkpoint. The Office of Transit and the Office of Destination will be the Customs offices in other ASEAN countries, depending on your planned route.For ATT (Simplified Procedures)
Choose Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint as both your Office of Departure and Office of Transit. E.g. if Woodlands is your Office of Departure, it must also be your Office of Transit (same for Tuas). The Office of Destination will be a Customs office in another ASEAN country.
After approval, you will receive a TAD, a single barcoded transit document. Print and pass it to the truck driver for clearance at land checkpoints.
How do I declare an incoming ACTS movement into Singapore?
For both non-ATT and ATT imports, the overseas trader must select Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint as the Office of Destination in the ACTS declaration.
For full details, refer to the Procedures Manual for Principals and Transporters.