Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)
TradeNet permit requirements for publications and telecommunication equipment imports.
Last updated 23 February 2026
Controller of Undesirable Publications (CUP)
A Customs import permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in Singapore. When preparing the import permit applications, please take note of the following:
Declare the correct HS Code and the corresponding Product Code for the respective type of product (e.g. comics, books, audio materials etc.) and type of consignment (e.g. exempted categories, non-exempted categories, offshore, languages etc.). Please refer to the HS/CA Product Code Checker for the list of HS Codes and Product Codes.
Provide under the “CA/SC Product Quantity” field the number of titles imported based on the invoices submitted.
Indicate “NMB” under the “CA/SC Product Quantity Unit” field.
For permit applications submitted to import Malaysian newspapers and periodicals, offshore newspapers as well as publications published in Singapore but printed outside Singapore and Malaysia, enter the numeric portion of the MCI permit number in the “CA Licence No.” field. For example, if the MCI permit number is “MCIP999012004”, declaring agents and traders should enter “999012004” in the “CA Licence No.” field.
Relevant supporting documents should be attached and submitted together with the permit application.
Radiocomm & Dealer Licensing
Guidelines on Declaration of Importation of Telecommunication Equipment
Every imported telecommunication equipment should be declared through TradeNet to the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) for processing. A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in Singapore. Please refer to the procedures for the import of telecommunication equipment and the list of AHTN and product codes. All dealers or importers are requested to comply with the procedures.
Selected telecommunication equipment may require prior approval by IMDA before it is granted entry into Singapore (e.g. military equipment, scanning receivers and transmitters that are used for unlawful transmissions, interception and jamming of signals).
Guide for Auto Processing of Import Permits (eg. Import of Telecommunication Equipment for Own Use Without a Dealer's Licence)
Small quantities (eg. one or two sets) of the following types of telecommunication equipment may be imported for an individual's personal use or his/her company’s use without a Dealer's Licence.
Examples of telecommunication and radio equipment with corresponding HS Codes and Product Codes for TradeNet declaration
Type of Equipment | HS Code | Product Code |
|---|---|---|
Telecommunication equipment such as standard fixed line telephones, faxes, security alarm systems, modems | (Depend on the type of equipment) | (Depend on the type of equipment) |
Mobile phones or telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks – Declaration of RoHS Non-Compliance with valid license | 85171200 | Joint controlled PCDMPH211 |
Mobile phones or telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks – Declaration of RoHS Compliance | 85171200 | Joint controlled PCDMPH311 |
Other mobile phones or telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks not covered under PCDMPH211 and PCDMPH311 | 85171200 | Joint controlled PCDMIS902 |
Standalone GPS equipment (air/maritime) [e.g., GPS receiver], Equipment for Global Positioning System, GPS, Differential GPS (air/maritime) and Radio Navigational aid apparatus (only for civil aircraft and seagoing vessel) | 85269110 | IDAMISC |
Standalone GPS equipment (land) [e.g., GPS receiver] and Equipment for Global Positioning System - (land) [e.g., GPS receiver] | 85269190 | IDAMISC |
Radio remote control apparatus, Radio Remote control for toys [e.g., remote control for toy car] and Modelling Radio remote control for flying models other than remote control toy [e.g., remote control for aircraft model] | 85269200 | IDAMISC |
Normal broadcasting radio equipment [e.g., AM/FM broadcast radio], Radio amplifier or tuner (Broadcast bands only) | 85279920 | IDAMISC |
*There is no restriction on the quantity of equipment imported.
Import by Licensed Dealers
For import of telecommunication equipment by licensed dealers, the following details shall be declared in the TradeNet permit application:
a) Valid Telecommunication Dealer's licence
Please declare a valid IMDA Telecommunication Dealer's Individual or Class Licence in the permit application. If you do not have a Telecommunication Dealer's Licence, please apply for one on the GoBusiness Portal. The Telecommunication Dealer's Licence number should be declared in the “CA Licence Number” field in the permit application.
Telecommunication Dealer's Licence Types
i. A Dealer’s Class Licence holder may import the following:
Registered or approved telecommunication equipment (under the "Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)", “Simplified Equipment Registration (SER)” or “General Equipment Registration (GER)” scheme)
Telecommunication equipment set out in the First Schedule of the Telecommunications (Dealers) Regulations
ii. A Dealer's Individual Licence holder may import the following:
Registered or approved telecommunication equipment (under the “ESER”, “SER” or ”GER” scheme)
Telecommunication equipment set out in the First Schedule of the Telecommunications (Dealers) Regulations
Non-registered telecommunication equipment for re-export purposes
b) HS Code and Product Code
Please declare the appropriate HS Code and Product Code in the permit application. The Product Code and registration number of the equipment should be declared in the “CA/SC Product Code” field and the "CA/SC Code" field respectively under the “Item Details” section.
For any import queries, please contact Mr Nelson Yap (Nelson_YAP@imda.gov.sg or Mr Yeo Yong Siah (YEO_Yong_Siah@imda.gov.sg).