Singapore Police Force (SPF)

Guns Explosives and Weapons Division (GEWD)

TradeNet Permit Applications for Guns, Explosives and Weapons (GEW)

What You Need to Know

The Guns Explosives and Weapons Division (GEWD) of the Police Regulatory Department (PRD) regulates the import, export and transhipment of guns, explosives, explosive precursors, weapons and noxious substances (collectively known as GEW) under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA). GEWD also regulates the following items under the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations:

• Articles of clothing intended as protection against attack, including bullet-proof vests

• Helmets intended as protection in military combat

• Toy or replica guns

• Toy or replica explosives, grenades, ammunitions or improvised explosive devices (IED)

• Handcuffs

For details of the regulatory regime, please visit Overview of Gun Explosive Weapon Licences.

A Customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet prior to the import, export or transhipment of goods regulated by GEWD.

How to Apply for a Customs permit for GEWD-regulated goods

• Check if you need a licence

  • Import/Export/Transhipment of GEWCA items: Obtain a licence from GEWD.

  • Import/Export/Transhipment of non-GEWCA items: No licence is required from GEWD.

• Prepare the required supporting documents:

  • For Import: Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Invoice, Packing list and End-User Certificate.

  • For Export: Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Invoice, End-User Certificate and Import Licence from the authorities of the final destination.

  • For Transhipment: Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Invoice, Import Licence or End-User Certificate from the authorities of final destination.

• Expedited Process for Imports and Exports of GEWCA Items
  For faster processing:

  • Download the official “TradeNet Declaration Item List Template” from the GEWD webpage under the “Expedited Clearance Process for Import or Export TradeNet Permit Application” section.

  • Complete the template with the following information for each item, up to 50 items:

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  • Ensure all details match the corresponding items in your TradeNet permit application.

  • Upload the completed Excel file as one of the supporting documents for your TradeNet permit application.

Important: Use only the official “TradeNet Declaration Item List Template”  without any alterations.

• Mandatory information for TradeNet Permit Application:

  • Importer UEN and Name

  • Exporter UEN and Name

  • CA Licence Number (enter the relevant Licence Number issued by GEWD for import/export of GEWCA items or “NA” for transhipment or import/export of non-GEWCA items)

  • Place of Receipt Code and Name/Address

  • Place of Release Code and Name/Address

  • Country/Region of Origin

  • Country/Region of Final Destination

  • Port of Loading

  • Port of Discharge

  • Mode of Transport

  • Date of Arrival

  • Date of Departure

  • Goods Description (enter the Product Description required by GEWD)

  • Harmonised System (HS) Code

  • CA/SC Product Code

  • CA/SC Product Quantity

  • CA/SC Product Quantity Unit

Important: Please ensure that the declared CA/SC Product Code Quantity and Quantity Unit match the HS Quantity and HS Quantity Unit.

For non-GEWD regulated goods: When importing, exporting or transhipping goods which are classified under GEWD’s regulated HS Codes but are not regulated by GEWD, declare the relevant CA Product Code if the goods are regulated by another CA, or declare “MISC” if the goods are not regulated by any CA.

Refer to the GEWD-regulated HS and Product Codes list for the full listing.

Application Processing

How applications are processed:

• All permit applications containing GEWD-regulated items are routed to GEWD for online processing.

• Applications are processed in the order received.

• GEWD is unable to expedite processing upon request.

• Generally, GEWD will process all permit applications within 5 working days.

• Processing may be faster for imports and exports of GEWCA items under the expedited process.

To avoid delays:

• Submit applications with all mandatory fields completed and required documents uploaded.

• Submit permit applications promptly (at least 5 working days before the intended import, export or transhipment date).

• Track your application status in TradeNet.

• Respond promptly to any queries from GEWD in TradeNet.

• Do not contact GEWD to fast-track processing or check application status.

Important: Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected and result in unnecessary delays.

Note: GEWD will not approve permit applications submitted for any regulated  goods that have already arrived in or departed from Singapore. Violations will be investigated.

Penalties: Unlicensed activities may result in imprisonment of up to 5 years and fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and up to $100,000 for companies.

After Permit Application Approval

1. The declarant must forward copies of the Customs permit and the GEWCA Licence to the importer/exporter.

2. The importer/exporter shall comply with all requirements and conditions stated in these documents.

Public Entertainment and Liquor Licensing Division (PELLD)

Police Regulatory Department (PRD) regulates the importation and use of amusement game machines in Singapore. Before an amusement game machine is imported into Singapore, an approval to import and operate such machines is required. Importers of the game machines are required to submit their applications to PRD for approval at least 6 weeks before the arrival of the goods in Singapore. The application must be supported with as much information about the item as possible e.g. brochures (in English) with pictures of game machines and describing the objectives and modes of play. PRD will assess the application and will inform the importer / applicant of the result. Such application is to be submitted to PRD via spf_licensing_feedback@spf.gov.sg. A Customs permit must also be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in Singapore.

Operators of such game machines will have to obtain a separate public entertainment licence from PRD to allow public to access such games. The operators can apply for Public Entertainment licence online via GoBusiness Licensing webpage.

Refer to the list of PRD Harmonised System Codes and Product Codes.