Specifically:
Singapore issues Circular amending export procedures for processed meat and egg products from accredited processing establishments overseas
The Singapore Food Authority (SFA) has revised its export procedures for processed meat and egg products from approved processing establishments. These revisions will take effect from 1 December 2024. Some of the key changes include:
- SPA moves from product-based approval to one based on: (i) form of goods; (ii) type of goods of processed products used for export;
- Overseas competent authorities are not required to submit export applications for other processed meat and egg products, from SFA approved processing establishments, if these products are of the same form and type of goods as approved;
- Require the form of goods to be clearly stated (e.g. heat treated or not) on each exported product;
- Expand the definition of poultry to include chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail, pigeons, pheasants, and pheasants.
Although Vietnam is not currently allowed to officially export these products to Singapore, Singapore is considering recognizing processing facilities in Vietnam.
Details can be found at: Trade Circular on Revised Procedures for Export of Additional Processed Meat and Egg Products from Overseas Accredited Processing Establishments
https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/27/87d68792-90a1-4043-9848-f409369613d3/241128rie(amend)bill-(v01-03).pdf
Circular on amending import licensing fees for frozen, chilled and processed meat products
From 18 November 2024, the SFA will increase the import permit fee for frozen, chilled and processed meat products to SGD300 per permit (previous permit fee was SGD4.60/100kg or part thereof).
Details can be found at: https://www.sfa.gov.sg/news-publications/circulars-and-notices/circulars/trade-circular-on-revision-to-the-fee-for-permit-to-import-frozen--chilled-and-processed-meat-products
Although these products are not yet allowed to be imported into Singapore, Singapore is considering importing this group of products from Vietnam.
Public consultation on the Import and Export Regulation Bill (amended)
From 9 December 2024 to 7 February 2025, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Singapore Customs are conducting a public consultation on the Import and Export Regulations Amendment Bill. The amendment bill aims to establish a framework for the issue of “trade information certificates”, which certify matters relating to any goods, namely: (i) goods imported into, exported from, transshipped into or transited through Singapore; and (ii) goods assembled, processed or manufactured in Singapore. In addition, the amendment bill will expand the scope of search warrant issuance to improve the efficiency of Customs operations.
Some main contents of this amended Bill are as follows:
- The amendments provide a framework for the issuance of trade information certificates by authorised certification bodies. Customs may impose and amend any conditions on the issuance of a licence to an authorised certification body. Customs may also cancel or suspend the licence of an authorised certification body, in the event that the organisation fails to comply with the relevant conditions or provisions. The amendments clarify the process that Customs must follow (e.g. by providing written notice) before amending the conditions of a licence and taking regulatory action against an authorised certification body. Existing authorised origin certification bodies will retain their licences after the Bill comes into force without the need to apply for a new licence.
- Propose a new offence provision to prevent an authorised certificate issuer from knowingly issuing a trade information certificate containing false or misleading information, or from falsifying a trade information certificate. This will protect the integrity of Singapore’s exports from fraudulent customs evasion and misrepresentation of product safety or authenticity. The penalties are consistent with similar offences under the Import and Export Regulation Act.
- Proposes a new violation provision to clarify that any manufacturer or exporter issuing a preferential certificate of origin must maintain appropriate and accurate records of the issuance of the preferential certificate of origin. Such records include copies of the documents used to issue the preferential certificate of origin, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, delivery receipt, or bill of lading. Records must be retained for the period specified in the agreement, or preferential tariff arrangement. Penalties are provided consistent with similar violations provided under the Import and Export Regulation Act.
- Amendments to protect the privacy and confidentiality of details, information or documents provided for the application for a commercial information certificate. Penalties are provided for violators in accordance with similar violations prescribed under the Import and Export Regulation Act.
- Propose a framework or method of appeal to the Minister against Customs decisions, consistent with existing mechanisms under the Import and Export Regulation Act. The amendments would allow the Minister to delegate the hearing of appeals to the Second Minister, the Minister of State or the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Details can be found at: https://www.reach.gov.sg/latest-happenings/public-consultation-pages/2024/public-consultation-on-the-regulation-of-imports-and-exports-(amendment)-bill
The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore recommends that industry associations, import-export enterprises, and processing enterprises pay close attention to local regulations before conducting import-export activities to avoid being sanctioned by Singaporean authorities for violating regulations.
Source: https://moit.gov.vn/tin-tuc/thi-truong-nuoc-ngoai/mot-so-quy-dinh-moi-cua-singapore.html
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