National Environment Agency (NEA)

Chemical Control and Management Department (Basel Convention)

Hazardous Wastes under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal

The import, export and transit of hazardous wastes, certain non-hazardous waste, recyclables and used items are subject to control by the Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD). Under the Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) Act and its Regulations, any person who wish to export, import or transit hazardous waste must obtain a Basel permit from CCMD. CCMD adopts the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure of the Basel Convention in granting any permit for the export, import or transit of hazardous wastes. For more information on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes in Singapore, please visit CCMD website.

You may access the Harmonised System (HS) or Competent Authorities (CA) Product Code Checker to determine if the HS Codes are controlled by CCMD (Basel Convention). Alternatively, you may download the list of HS/CA Product Code to identify the HS Codes and Product Codes for hazardous waste, certain non-hazardous waste, recyclables and used items under the purview of NEA-CCMD. CCMD (Basel Convention) is known as NEA(MTV) in TradeNet.

Export, Import and Transit of Hazardous Wastes, Certain Non-hazardous Wastes, Recyclables and Used Items

1. For hazardous wastes classified under the Basel Convention

• Declarant must declare the following in the export, import or transhipment TradeNet permit application:

  • Basel export, import or transit Permit No. in the ‘CA Licence Number’ field. The Basel permit must be obtained from NEA(CCMD) prior to the shipment and submission of the TradeNet permit application

  • Item description and item quantity in the ‘HS Quantity’, ‘HS Quantity Unit’, ‘CA/SC Product Quantity’ and ‘CA/SC Product Quantity Unit’ fields

  • The corresponding Product Code to the appropriate HS Code in the ‘CA/SC Product Code’ and ‘HS Code’ fields respectively

  • Container Number and Container Seal Number in the ‘Container Number’ and ‘Shipper Seal Number’ fields respectively

• Declarant is required to upload the following documents to the TradeNet permit application:

  • Invoice/packing list

  • Bill of Lading (BL) / Air Waybill (AWB)

  • Copy of Basel export, import or transit permit

  • Any other supporting documents relevant to the export, import or transit shipments

2. For certain non-hazardous wastes, recyclables and used items (e.g. copper scrap, single and homogeneous plastic waste of a specific type, used electrical and electronic equipment)

• Declarant must declare the following in the export, import or transhipment TradeNet permit application:

  • Purpose of import, export or transit in the ‘General Remarks’ field

  • Item description and item quantity in the ‘HS Quantity’, ‘HS Quantity Unit’, ‘CA/SC Product Quantity’ and ‘CA/SC Product Quantity Unit’ fields

  • The corresponding Product Code to the appropriate HS Code in the ‘CA/SC Product Code’ and ‘HS Code’ fields respectively

  • Container Number and Container Seal Number in the ‘Container Number’ and ‘Shipper Seal Number’ fields respectively

• Declarant is required to upload the following documents to the TradeNet permit application:

  • Invoice/packing list

  • Bill of Lading (BL)/Air Waybill (AWB)

  • Additional supporting documents required for the specific HS Code/CA/SC Product Code.

Note:
Approval of a TradeNet permit application must be obtained prior to the export, import and transit of all items controlled under CCMD(Basel).

Additional Notes:

1. Supporting documents required for HS Codes and Product Codes under the purview of NEA-CCMD.

2. CECWG guidance on country requirements for transboundary movement of plastic waste for recycling within ASEAN.

3. Please submit any query through NEA Online Feedback/Enquiry Form.

Chemical Control and Management Department (Hazardous Substances)

Before submission of import/export permit application to TradeNet for auto-processing, the Declarant needs to verify whether the items under CCMD-controlled HS Codes contains any ingredients which are listed in Part I of the Second Schedule of the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA). If so, the importer/exporter must possess a valid Hazardous Substances Licence from NEA. The Declarant must declare the Hazardous Substances Licence Number under the ‘Licence Number’ field. For more information on the list of controlled hazardous substances and control of hazardous substances in Singapore, please visit NEA website.

For the permit application to be processed smoothly, the declarant is advised to take note of the following:

1. Determine the appropriate Product Code

   • Sort out the import/export items having HS codes that are controlled by CCMD. Then check the detailed chemical composition of these items to look out for ingredients that are listed in the Part I of the Second Schedule of the EPMA. Items having such chemical ingredients controlled under the EPMA are to be declared using a CCMD product code.

   • Example:
     The composition of your product is:
     Emulsifiers 30%
     Xylene 15%
     Fenthion 55%
     
     In this example, Fenthion is controlled under the EPMA and the product code to be declared is PCDFEN115. The Declarant is also required to provide the product code quantity and its unit of quantity in KGM.
     
     In addition, the Declarant needs to declare the composition of Fenthion, i.e. 55, in the “CA/SC Code 1” field found at the item level of the Import/Export Permit application. The Declarant does not need to declare the percentage sign (i.e. %) in the “CA/SC Code 1” field.
     
     The list of HS codes and Product codes for CCMD controlled items can be downloaded from the HS/CA Product Code Checker (click on “All HS/CA Product Code” under the download tab).

2. Declare the Maximum Quantity Per Trip

   • For controlled hazardous substances found in the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations [EPM(HS) Reg], the Declarant is required to declare the maximum quantity of hazardous substances chemicals to be transported per trip (computed in “KGM”) in the “CA/SC Code 2” field found at the “item” level in the Import Permit application. It is not necessary to key in the unit of quantity “KGM” in the “CA/SC Code 2” field. For quantities per trip exceeding the limits in The Schedule of the EPM(HS) Reg, the importer or exporter is required to have a transport approval from CCMD for the permit application to be processed smoothly.

   • Example:
     If the maximum quantity per trip is 1 TNE, the Declarant is required to key in “1000” for 1000 kilograms in the “CA/SC Code 2” field.

3. Comply with the messages from TradeNet

   • The Declarant is required to email the requested documents to CCMD for verification only when prompted by TradeNet.

Note:

1. A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in/depart from Singapore.

2. The list of chemicals controlled by CCMD and the corresponding exclusions can be found in the Part I of the Second Schedule of the Environmental Protection And Management Act (EPMA). General Exemptions can be found in Part II of the same Schedule. Both the EPMA and its Regulations can be found on the NEA or AGC website.

3. If importers or exporters do not have the required Hazardous Substances Licence, please contact Development Control and Licensing Division (DCLD) by filling in the online feedback form and/or calling NEA hotline at 6225 5632 for advice.

4. Permit applications are processed within five working days upon receipt of all required documents. Declarants are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure all submissions in TradeNet (including supporting documents) are complete and accurate to avoid delays. Permit applications are considered complete when the trader has a valid Hazardous Substance licence and/or Hazardous Substance Transport Approval and all relevant supporting documents are provided.

Chemical Control and Management Department (Ozone Depleting Substances)

The import and export of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) are subject to control by the Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD). With effect from 1 Jan 2019, CCMD has also implemented licensing control for 18 types of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) (inclusive of blends and mixtures). You are required to obtain a Hazardous Substances Licence for the import and/ or export of ODS/HFC listed under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA).

The import and/ or export of controlled ODS are not allowed with non-parties to the Montreal Protocol as stipulated under the Environmental Protection and Management (ODS) Regulations. The status of ratification of countries to the Montreal Protocol and its amendments may be viewed at https://ozone.unep.org/all-ratifications.

For more information on the control of ODS/HFC in Singapore, please visit NEA website.

Import of ODS/HFC

• For controlled ODS/HFC

  • Declarant must declare the following in the import permit application:

    • Import Licence No under the ‘Licence Details’ column
      Please note that all ODS Licence Nos. are to be added with character “R” at last digit, such as A0123L040123R, B0123L040123R, C0234L050345R etc for declaration purpose.

    • The nett weight under the ‘Item Quantity’ column; and

    • The corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS Codes

  • Declarant would have to email the following documents stating the Unique Reference No. to CCMD after sending the import permit application through TradeNet:

    • Invoice;

    • Bill of Lading (BL)/Air waybill (AWB); and

    • Any other supporting documents relevant to the import permit.

  • Note: Prior approval via TradeNet shall be obtained for the import of all controlled ODS/HFC.
    

• For Non-controlled ODS/HFC
  Import permit applications for non-controlled ODS are auto-processed by TradeNet.

  • Declarant must declare the nett quantity and the corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS Codes in the import permit application.

  • Please email the invoice, BL/AWB and the Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) to CCMD for verification only when prompted by TradeNet.

  • Note: A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in Singapore.

Export of ODS/HFC

• For controlled ODS/HFC

  • Declarant must declare the following in the export permit application:

    • Export Licence No. under the ‘Licence Details’ column;
      Please note that all ODS Licence Nos. are to be added with character “R” at last digit, such as A0123L040123R, B0123L040123R, C0234L050345R etc for declaration purpose.

    • The nett weight under the Item quantity level; and

    • The corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS codes
      

  • Declarant would have to submit the following documents duly completed and stating the Unique Reference No. to CCMD after submitting the export permit application through TradeNet:

    • Original copy of the ODS Re-export Debit Authorisation Form (RDA);

    • Declaration by Licensed Exporter Form; and

    • Invoice and BL/AWB.

  • Note: Prior approval via TradeNet shall be obtained for the export of all controlled ODS/HFC.
    

• For Non-controlled ODS/HFC
  Export permit applications for non-controlled ODS are auto-processed by TradeNet.

  • Declarant must declare the nett quantity and the corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS Codes in the export permit application.

  • Please email the invoice, BL/AWB and the Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) to CCMD for verification only when prompted by TradeNet.

  • Note: A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods depart from Singapore.
    

Additional Notes:

1. Please note that import/ export clearances for controlled ODS/HFC shall be obtained from CCMD in advance if the importing/ exporting countries requires Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure.

2. If the importers or exporters do not have the required Hazardous Substances Licence, please contact CCMD officer (darren_tay@nea.gov.sg) for advice.

3. Permit applications are processed within five working days upon receipt of all required documents. Declarants are encouraged to submit their applications early and ensure all submissions in TradeNet (including supporting documents) are complete and accurate to avoid delays. Permit applications are considered complete when the trader has a valid Hazardous Substance licence and all relevant supporting documents are provided.

Use the HS/CA Product Code Checker to search for product codes.

Chemical Control and Management Department (Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure)

On 24 May 2005, Singapore deposited its instruments of ratification and accession with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York. The Convention has entered into force for Singapore on 21 Aug 2005 (i.e. the 90th day after the date of deposit of the instruments). The Chemical Control and Management Department (CCMD) of the National Environment Agency (NEA) is Singapore’s Designated National Authority (DNA) under the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.

With effect from 21 Aug 2005, international trade of hazardous chemicals that are listed under the Convention are subject to the PIC procedure. Under the PIC procedure, countries exporting hazardous chemicals identified in the Convention are only allowed to export to Parties that consent to the import of these PIC chemicals. A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in/depart from Singapore.

1. Import permit applications for PIC chemicals on the TradeNet
   All import permit applications containing PIC chemicals will continue to be auto processed.

2. Export permit applications for PIC chemicals on the TradeNet
   To avoid unnecessary delays, all export applications shall be made to CCMD at least 2 weeks before submitting the export permit applications through TradeNet. Please ensure that the receiving country has no objection to the import of the PIC chemical. All export permit applications will be routed to CCMD for on-line processing.

Procedures for import/export permit applications for PIC chemicals are similar to that of the other Hazardous Substances controlled by CCMD.

Note:
For more information and updates, please visit NEA website.

For the list of PIC chemicals, please visit Rotterdam Convention’s website.

Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Division (RPNSD)

A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in/depart from Singapore.

Controlled items classified under RPNSD Controlled HS codes

Before you prepare the import/export permit application for controlled items under the purview of RPNSD, please note that the importer/exporter must have either a Dealer Licence (N1, L1 or L2) or a Possession Licence (N2, L3 or L4) issued by RPNSD. In the case of irradiating apparatus covered by Possession Licence (i.e. N2 or L3), each irradiating apparatus must have its individual Possession Licence.

Auto-approval of permit application on TradeNet will only be given to an importer or exporter with a valid Dealer Licence and the Establishment Code (or Product Code) of the item.

To obtain auto-approval on TradeNet, please ensure that the following information is provided in the respective fields before you submit the permit application:

• Name and Entity Identifier Number of the importer or exporter

• Dealer Licence number of the importer or exporter is to be entered at Licence No. Field

• HS Code (please check with Singapore Customs’ helpdesk to verify or obtain the HS Code)

• RPNSD Establishment Code (or Product Code) to be entered at the CA/SC Product Code field. (Please ensure that the code provided on the invoice aligns with the code on the Dealer’s Licence (eg. N1, L1 or L2). Alternatively, you may lease refer to the “Import or Export of New Items control by RPNSD”)

• CA/SC Product Code

• CA/SC Product Code Quantity and Unit

Do not use default or generic item descriptions when declaring information for permit application. Please use the exact descriptions provided on the invoice.

Non-Controlled items classified under RPNSD Controlled HS code

These refer to items classified under a controlled HS code marked with “*” in Appendix C.

If the item is a non-controlled item (eg. industrial vacuum cleaner) but is classified under a controlled HS code administered by RPNSD (e.g. 84798939), you must declare MISC in the “CA/SC Product Code” field for your permit application to be auto-processed on TradeNet without routing to RPNSD. Do not declare the Establishment Code (or Product Code) and Licence Number if the item is not controlled or licensed by RPNSD.

However, if the item is controlled by RPNSD (e.g. ultrasonic cleaning apparatus), then you must declare the RPSND Establishment Code (or Product Code) in the CA/SC Product Code field as explained in the earlier paragraphs.

Please check if your items are controlled by RPNSD using the HS/CA Product Code Search Engine.

Import/Export of Spare Parts (excluding X-ray tubes)

For the import/export of spare parts of a radiation (irradiating) equipment which do not include the source of radiation or the x-ray tube, please declare RADSPARE at both the Licence Number and Product Code fields.

Import of New Items control by RPNSD

A written request by the importer/exporter, together with the relevant documents is required to be submitted to RPNSD for the inclusion of new radioactive materials or new irradiating apparatus into a Dealer Licence so that a new Product Code can be generated for TradeNet auto-processing. Please inform RPNSD at least ten working days in advance to prevent any delay of approval. For more information on RPNSD, please visit NEA’s website.

Import/Export items controlled by RPNSD and other competent authority

In the event that the items to be imported or exported are controlled by RPNSD and other competent authorities, (e.g. medical irradiating apparatus, which is also controlled by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA)), the importer or exporter must consult and seek approval(s) from other competent authorities before proceeding with the import or export.

The importer or exporter has to ensure that the imported or exported items comply with all applicable regulatory requirements stated by the regulatory bodies in Singapore.