What is the use of government regulations to limit the import of goods and services?
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IMPORT TARIFFS Singapore is generally a free port and an open economy. More than 99% of all imports into Singapore enter the country duty-free. For social and/or environmental reasons, Singapore levies high excise taxes on distilled spirits and wine, tobacco products, motor vehicles and petroleum products. Singapore levies a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST). For dutiable goods, the taxable value for GST is calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value plus all duties and other charges. In the case of non-dutiable goods, GST will be based on the CIF value plus any commission and other incidental charges whether or not shown on the invoice. If the goods are dutiable, the GST will be collected simultaneously with the duties. Special provisions pertain to goods stored in licensed warehouses and free trade zones. See http://www.iras.gov.sg and http://www.customs.gov.sg for more information. Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore Comptroller of Goods & Service Tax 55 Newton Road Revenue House Singapore 307987 Tel: +65 1800 356 8633 (General Helpline) Fax: +65 6351 3553 Website: http://www.iras.gov.sg Singapore Customs 55 Newton Road #10-01 Revenue House Singapore 307987 Tel: +65 6355 2000 Fax: +65 6250 8663 Email: Website: http://www.customs.gov.sg Return to Top TRADE BARRIERS Singapore maintains one of the most liberal trading regimes in the world, but U.S. companies face several trade barriers. Singapore maintains a tiered motorcycle operator licensing system based on engine displacement, which, along with a road tax based on engine size, adversely affects U.S. exports of large motorcycles. In 2017, Singapore further discouraged motorcycle imports by introducing a tiered system of additional registration fees, which serve as a de facto additional tax on motorcycles and significantly increases their price. Compared to the previous flat rate of 15 percent, motorcycle owners must now pay a rate of 50 percent on excess value above approximately $3800 and a rate of 100 percent on excess value above approximately $7600. Singapore also restricts the import and sale of non-medicinal chewing gum. For social and/or environmental reasons, it levies high excise taxes on distilled spirits and wine, tobacco products, and motor vehicles. Services barriers include sectors such as pay TV, audiovisual and media services, licensing of online news websites, legal services, banking, and cloud computing services for financial institutions. Details can be found in the USTR Report on Foreign Trade Barriers that is available online. While Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) follows OIE and Codex guidelines, AVA can be overly strict and risk averse. This has generated several ongoing trade barriers issues- mostly SPS - with the United States. AVA requires health certification for a wide range of uncooked meats, poultry and shellfish; food inspectors regularly pull samples off the shelves of retail stores for laboratory testing of preservative and additives; and all meat imports are visually inspected and subjected to regular testing for a range of food hazards such as chemical contaminants (e.g. pesticide residues and drug residues such as antibiotics), and microbial contaminants (e.g. harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria). Regarding Pathogen Reduction Treatments (PRTs), AVA now allows nine instead of eight out of the 41 antimicrobial washes currently allowed in the United States. FAS Singapore is working on approval of additional PRTs into Singapore. As for U.S. pork and pork products, AVA requires U.S. fresh and chilled pork products to be tested for trichinae even though Trichinella spiralis in U.S. commercial swine rarely shows up as U.S. pork producers practice stringent biosecurity protocols. The Trichinella testing is both expensive and time consuming, and thus creates a barrier to international trade. AVA also imposes strict shelf life requirements on chilled, frozen, and processed meat and poultry products that limit the time after slaughter/ manufacture that a product must enter Singapore. The USDA and AVA had concluded discussions on U.S. beef that allows for a greater market access and range of U.S. beef products to Singapore. As of June 2015, these include bone-in, fillets and a diverse variety of processed beef products. Prior to this, Singapore restricted U.S. beef to only boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age. The U.S. was officially categorized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as negligible risk for BSE in 2013. For beef offal and processed products, added requirements and some restrictions still apply; and thus, establishments are required to register and send pre-approval documentation to AVA first prior to export. After the recent successful discussion between APHIS and AVA, temporary bans of U.S. poultry due to HPAI and LPAI outbreaks have been reduced from State/county levels to 10 km radius around the affected premises. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of business in Singapore, except for national security reasons and in particular areas such as air transportation, public utilities, newspaper publishing, and shipping. Singapore is an open economy and encourages trade and investment into the country. Restrictions on Selling to the Government of the Country Singapore is a signatory to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. The U.S.-Singapore FTA provides increased access for U.S. firms to Singapore’s central government procurement. U.S. firms generally find Singapore to be a receptive, open, and lucrative market. The Singaporean government procurement system is considered by many American firms to be fair and transparent. However, some U.S. and local firms have expressed concerns that government-owned and government-linked companies (GLCs) may receive preferential treatment in the government procurement process. Singapore denies that it gives any preferences to GLCs or that GLCs give preferences to other GLCs. Procurement recommendations are made at the technical level and then forwarded to management for concurrence. Bidders should work closely with the project manager to determine the relative importance of decision criteria such as technical capability and price. Bidders must meet the specifications set out in the tender. Post mortem hearings or meetings for losing bidders are not required or common. Government procurement regulations are contained in Instruction Manual 3, available from the Ministry of Finance. The Singapore Government also advertises its tenders on its website. IMPORT REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION Companies must make an inward declaration for all goods imported into Singapore. All imports require an import permit although this is largely a statistical requirement for most goods. Details can be found at http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/quick-guide-for-importers Bona Fide Trade Samples The import of trade samples that is below $295 is not subject to payment of duty and/or GST. In addition, no permit is required for their import. Bona fide trade samples (excluding liquors and tobacco) may be imported for the following purposes: solely for the purpose of soliciting orders for goods to be supplied from abroad; for demonstration in Singapore to enable manufacturers in Singapore to produce such articles to fulfill orders from abroad or by a manufacturer for the purpose of copying; and for testing or experimenting before producing such articles in Singapore. More information can be found at http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/import-procedures/types-of-import-permits Medical and Medicinal Products Import Regulations All medical devices and medicinal products, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals imported or sold in Singapore are required to be licensed by the Health Sciences Authority. The onus of applying for a product license rests with the license holder, i.e., a locally registered company that is responsible for the safety, quality and efficacy of the product. If U.S. companies have concerns regarding product licensing, they should contact the Health Sciences Authority (http://www.hsa.gov.sg) or ask a potential distributor to submit samples to the Health Sciences Authority. U.S. Export Controls Companies wanting to export controlled items to Singapore must apply for licenses from the appropriate government agencies in the United States. U.S. goods being re-exported from intermediary consignees in Singapore to ultimate consignees in third countries require specific licensing. Singapore is a major transshipment hub for the Asian market. While many items may not initially require an export license, exporters need to be aware that more than half of items exported to Singapore are re-exported to third countries that may have more stringent licensing requirements that require additional export licenses. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which regulate the export and re-export of certain commercial items while other U.S government agencies regulate more specialized exports. For example, the U.S. Department of State has authority over defense articles and defense services. A list of agencies involved in export controls can be found at www.bis.doc.gov or in Supplement No. 3 Part 730 of the EAR which is available on BI Website at www.gpo.gov. If you have any questions or would like information on export controls, please contact our Regional Export Control Officer at http://export.gov/singapore/contactus. To find out more about Export Control Reform, please visit http://www.export.gov/ecr/. A list that consolidates eleven export screening lists of the Departments of Commerce, State and the Treasury into a single search as an aid to industry in conducting electronic screens of potential parties to regulated transactions is available here: http://export.gov/ecr/eg_main_023148.asp. Return to Top U.S. EXPORTS CONTROLS The United States imposes export controls to protect national security interests and promote foreign policy objectives. The United States also participates in various multilateral export control regimes to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent destabilizing accumulations of conventional weapons and related material. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers U.S. laws, regulations and policies governing the export and reexport of commodities, software, and technology (collectively “items”) falling under the jurisdiction of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The primary goal of BIS is to advance national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives by ensuring an effective export control and treaty compliance system and promoting continued U.S. strategic technology leadership. BIS also enforces anti-boycott laws and coordinates with U.S. agencies and other countries on export control, nonproliferation and strategic trade issues. BIS is responsible for implementing and enforcing the EAR, which regulate the export and reexport of items with chiefly commercial uses that can also be used in conventional arms, weapons of mass destruction, terrorist activities, or human rights abuses; and less sensitive military items; including “production” and “development” technology. BIS’s Export Administration reviews license applications for exports, reexports and deemed exports (technology transfers to foreign nationals in the United States) subject to the EAR. Through its Office of Exporter Services, Export Administration also provides information on BIS programs, conducts seminars on complying with the EAR, provides guidance on licensing requirements and procedures, and presents an annual Update Conference on Export Controls and Policy as an outreach program to industry. EA’s Office of Technology Evaluation analyzes U.S. export data on items subject to the EAR, BIS license application data, and global trade information to assess data trends. OTE’s data portal provides excerpts from statistical reports, along with data sets to enable the public to perform analyses of exports and licensing on its own. U.S. exporters should consult the EAR for information on how export license requirements may apply to the sale of their goods. If necessary, a commodity classification request may be submitted in order to obtain BIS assistance in determining how an item is controlled (i.e., the item’s classification) and the applicable licensing policy. Exporters may also request a written advisory opinion from BIS about application of the EAR to a specific situation. Information on commodity classifications, advisory opinions, and export licenses can be obtained through the BIS website at www.bis.doc.gov or by contacting the Office of Exporter Services at the following numbers: Washington, D.C. Tel: (202) 482-4811 Fax: (202) 482-3322 Western Regional Office Tel: (949) 660-0144 Fax: (949) 660-9347 Further information on export controls is available at: Commerce Control List BIS has developed a list of "red flags," or warning signs, intended to discover possible violations of the EAR. Also, BIS has "Know Your Customer" guidance BIS provides a variety of training sessions to U.S. exporters throughout the year. These sessions range from one to two day seminars and focus on the basics of exporting as well as more advanced topics. A list of upcoming seminars can be found here. The EAR does not control all goods, services, and technologies. Other U.S. Government agencies regulate more specialized exports. For example, the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has authority over defense articles and services. A list of other agencies involved in export control can be found on the BIS Website or in Supplement No. 3 to Part 730 of the EAR, which is available on the Government Printing Office Website. A list that consolidates eleven export screening lists of the Departments of Commerce, State and the Treasury into a single search as an aid to industry in conducting electronic screens of potential parties to regulated transactions is available here: Consolidated Screening List Return to Top TEMPORARY ENTRY Goods may be temporarily imported under the Temporary Import Scheme for a period of six months and for purposes such as repairs, testing and stage performances, auctions, displays, exhibitions or other similar events without the payment of duty and/or GST. A banker’s guarantee is required under the Temporary Import Scheme. The temporary imports are covered by a Customs Inward Permit or a Carnet. Goods temporarily imported must be re-exported within the prescribed period using a Customs Outward permit. GST has to be paid if the goods are not subsequently re-exported. The procedures governing such importation can be found at http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/temporary-import-scheme Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet A foreign exhibitor may import exhibition goods into Singapore using an ATA carnet. When the exhibitor arrives in Singapore, the carnet must be produced together with the goods to Customs at the entry point for verification and endorsement. When goods covered by a carnet are taken out of Singapore, the foreign exhibitor must produce the carnet together with the goods to Customs at the exit point for verification and endorsement. GST will be recovered from the carnet holder on any item that is unaccounted for. For more information on Temporary Importation for Exhibition, Auction & Fairs or Temporary Import Scheme, please contact the following or visit http://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/temporary-import-scheme. Return to Top LABELING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS The Labels are required on imported food, drugs, liquors, paints and solvents and must specify the country of origin. A food label should contain core information such as the prescribed food name, list of ingredients, mandatory warning, advisory statements or allergens declarations, net weight or volume, date mark, nutritional information panel, instructions for use or storage, country of origin, the name and address of the business and manufacturer and importer. Repackaged foods must be labeled to show (in English) the appropriate designation of food content printed in capital letters at least 1/16 inch; whether foods are compounded, mixed or blended; the minimum quantity stated in metric net weight or measure; the name and address of the manufacturer or seller; and the country of origin. Illustrations must accurately describe the true nature or origin of the food. Foods having defined standards must be labeled to conform to those standards and be free from added foreign substances. Packages of food described as “enriched”, “fortified”, “vitaminized” or in any other way that implies that the article contains added vitamins or minerals must show the quantity of vitamins or minerals added per metric unit. More information can be found at the website of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore. There are two levels of labeling requirements for medicinal products. Administrative labeling requirements are not statutory requirements and are specified in the Health Sciences Authority’s Guidance on Medicinal Product Registration in Singapore. Compliance is checked during the product registration process, prior to granting of marketing approval. For legal labeling requirements, these are stipulated in the legislation related to medicinal products regulation in Singapore and are subject to the Health Sciences Authority’s surveillance program. The labeling requirements include the name of the active ingredient, quantitative particulars, product license number and name and address of the dealer. More information may be found in Chapter 176 Section 44 of the Medicines Act. Labeling and advertising legislation also applies to the sale of vitamins and dietary supplements. Generally, labeling laws require that: 1) the composition of the products is disclosed in English, 2) labels/packaging materials not contain any references to diseases/conditions as specified in the schedule to the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act; and 3) the advertising/sale promotion of the product in the public media be approved by the Health Sciences Authority. As the national Safety Authority for 33 categories of Controlled Goods as well as the Weights and Measures Authority, Enterprise Singapore administers two marks, namely, the SAFETY Mark and the ACCURACY Label. The “SAFETY Mark” is intended for selected electrical and electronic products as well as gas appliances which are sold to consumers for use in Singapore households. The “SAFETY Mark” helps consumers to identify registered Controlled Goods. All registered Controlled Goods must be tested to specific international and national safety standards and certified safe by designated product certification bodies. The products are individually marked with the “SAFETY Mark” either on the product or the packaging. The “SAFETY Mark” is unique and traceable to the registrant and the registered models. More information on the registration for the SAFETY Mark can be obtained from via Enterprise Singapore. Enterprise Singapore administers the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations (CGSR) to enhance the safety of general consumer goods in the household. Such consumer goods include toys, children’s products, apparel and furniture. These regulations bring the safety of Singapore’s consumer goods in line with internationally accepted standards. There is no approval needed from the Safety Authority. The authority carries out regular market surveillance to protect consumers against unsafe consumer goods. The “ACCURACY Label” covers weighing and measuring instruments intended for trade use. In Singapore, all weighing and measuring instruments used for trade purposes (like price computing scales in supermarkets, baggage weighing machines at airports and seaports as well as fuel dispensers at petrol stations) are regulated under the Singapore Weights and Measures Act and Regulations. Before an ACCURACY Label can be affixed on the instrument, it will first need to be pattern registered with Enterprise Singapore. Thereafter, every individual weighing or measuring instrument will need to be verified fit for trade use and affixed with a tamper-proof seal and the ACCURACY Label by Enterprise Singapore-appointed Authorized Verifiers (AVs). Competent private sector bodies such as manufacturers, installers, suppliers and repairers of weighing and measuring instruments may apply to be designated by Enterprise Singapore to handle the verification of weighing and measuring instruments for trade use. More information on the ACCURACY Label can be obtained from Enterprise Singapore. Telecommunication equipment imported for use in Singapore is subject to “Type Approval” by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore. For the construction industry, the Building and Construction Authority uses the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) to objectively rate building works. Return to Top PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED IMPORTS Special import licenses are required for certain goods, including strategic items, hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, films and videos, video games, arms and ammunition, agricultural biotechnology products, food derived from agricultural biotechnology products, medical devices, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins with very high dosages of certain nutrients, and cosmetics and skin care products. The import of items such as lighters in the shape of pistols or revolvers, firecrackers, handcuffs, shell casings, and silencers is prohibited. Generally, the import of goods that the government determines as posing a threat to health, security, safety and social decency is controlled. A full list of prohibited products and controlled goods and their corresponding controlling agencies can be obtained from the Singapore Customs website at http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/TradeNet/List+Of+Controlled+Goods+-+Imports.html and http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trav/Controlled+and+Prohibited+Goods.html. Companies must make an outward declaration to export or re-export goods out of Singapore. Selected items are subjected to controls on exports of goods from Singapore. Items such as rubber, timber, granite, satellite dishes and receivers, and chlorofluorocarbons are subjected to export control and licensing. Items under export control must be endorsed or licensed by the appropriate government agencies before they can be exported. More information may be obtained at http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/TradeNet/List+Of+Controlled+Goods+-+Exports.html. The Strategic Trade Scheme (STS) is an enhanced permit regime that seeks to promote effective internal export control compliance and provide legitimate traders with greater facilitation in permit declarations involving transactions of strategic goods for non-WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) related end-use. The STS comprises 3 tiers whereby the level of facilitation and flexibility accorded to a company will be contingent upon the quality of their internal export control compliance program. More information may be obtained at http://www.customs.gov.sg/~/media/cus/files/business/strategic%20goods%20control/2016-02-04%20sts%20handbook.pdf?la=en. Return to Top CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION Customs Regulations In Singapore, valuation for customs purposes is based on the Customs Valuation Code (CVC). The primary basis for customs value is the transaction value of the imported goods when sold for export to Singapore. Where goods are dutiable, ad valorem or specific rates may be applied. An ad valorem rate, which is most commonly applied, is a percentage of the Customs value of the imported goods. A specific rate is a specified amount per unit of weight of other quantity. Cost, insurance, freight, handling charges and all other charges incidental to the sale and delivery of the goods are taken into account when the duty is assessed. Exporters are required to ensure that the declared values of goods have not been undervalued or the Customs and Excise Department will increase the values declared. Severe penalties may be imposed on traders attempting to evade duty. Free Trade Zone/Warehouses Singapore has three Free Trade Zone (FTZ) authorities, namely PSA Corporation Ltd, Jurong Port Pte Ltd and the Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd. The eight FTZs are Brani Terminal, Keppel Distripark, Pasir Panjang Terminal, Sembawang Wharves, Tanjong Pagar Terminal, Keppel Terminal, Jurong Port, Airport Logistics Park of Singapore and the Changi Airport Cargo Terminal Complex. They provide a wide range of facilities and services for storage and re-export of dutiable and controlled goods. Goods can be stored within the zones without any customs documentation until they are released in the market and they can also be processed and re-exported with minimum customs formalities. More information can be found at http://www.customs.gov.sg. GST is suspended for imported goods deposited in a FTZ and will only be payable upon removal from the FTZ for local consumption. GST is not payable on supply made in FTZ if the goods supplied are meant for transshipment or re-export. The FTZs at the port facilitate entrepot trade and promote the handling of transshipment cargo. They offer free 72-hour storage for import/export of conventional and containerized cargo and 140-day free storage for transshipment/re-export cargo. There are many warehouse space options available in Singapore. Some of the more popular ones are located close to the port and within easy reach of the airport and the Jurong industrial hub. These include the Tanjong Pagar, Alexandra and Pasir Panjang distriparks which are home to many established multinationals. The distriparks, in varying designs and sizes cater to Central Distribution Center operators, manufacturers, traders, freight forwarders and others. The Singapore Customs website maintains a list. Return to top STANDARDS Overview International Enterprise Singapore and SPRING Singapore came together on 1 April 2018 as a single agency to form Enterprise Singapore. Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. We work with committed companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalize. We also support the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and start-ups. As the national standards and accreditation body, we continue to build trust in Singapore’s products and services through quality and standards (Q&S). Enterprise Singapore develops and promotes a robust and internationally-recognized Q&S ecosystem in Singapore. This ecosystem enables enterprises to become more efficient, productive and globally competitive. This ecosystem is a key pillar of Singapore’s future economy helping to transform industries, support emerging areas, enable internationalization and promote good jobs and skills. Enterprise Singapore participates in a number of international or regional fora such as the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Sub-Committee on Standards & Conformance (APEC SCSC), ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards & Quality (ACCSQ), and Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC). To facilitate trade with Singapore’s trading partners, we have signed bilateral and multilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with a number of agencies and governments around the world. Enterprise Singapore also administers the Business Excellence (BE) initiative which helps organizations enhance their management systems and processes to improve performance. By adopting the internationally-benchmarked BE framework, organizations achieve key certification milestones and can also vie for the prestigious BE awards. Standards The Singapore Standardization Programme is administered by Enterprise Singapore to develop and promote Singapore Standards and International Standards which are important to Singapore. We publish Singapore Standards by announcement in the Government Gazette. Enterprise Singapore is a member body of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and also a member body of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) through the Singapore National Committee of the IEC. Enterprise Singapore facilitates the participation of industry in standards development work through the industry-led Singapore Standards Council. To strengthen its linkages with industry, the Council comprises standards partners or experts from the private and public sectors. The Standards Council approves the publication and withdrawal of Singapore Standards (SS) and Technical References. It also oversees Singapore’s participation in the development or monitoring of ISO and IEC international standards that are important to Singapore. The Council has 10 Standards Committees (SCs) to lead the development and promotion of standards in various industries or technical fields such as biomedical, building & construction, chemical, electrical & electronic, food, services and management systems. Under the various SCs; Technical Committees and Working Groups are established to undertake the development and promotion of standards. More information can be obtained at https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/quality-standards/standards Enterprise Singapore promotes the use of international standards. SSs are developed when there are no suitable international standards. Where relevant, we will also adopt standards developed by regional organizations such as the European Committee for Standardization, standards developed by national standards bodies such as the British Standards Institution and standards developed by other standards development organizations such as ASTM (Amercian Society for Testing Materials) International. Testing, Inspection and Certification The Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) is the national authority for the independent accreditation of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) in Singapore. Operating under Enterprise Singapore, SAC builds trust in Singapore products and services by strengthening Singapore’s technical infrastructure for conformity assessments (testing, calibration, inspection and certification) and forging mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with our economic partners. The SAC had signed a number of accreditation-related multilateral mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs/MLAs). These include:
Accredited test reports or certificates from foreign CABs are recognized locally if they bear the marks of the above organizations as well as the accreditation body mark of the originating country. In addition, SAC has appointed as the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Compliance Monitoring Authority in Singapore. In January 2010, Singapore became a Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) adherent member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This means that GLP studies conducted in Singapore for the health and safety assessment of chemicals will be accepted in more than 30 OECD and non-OECD member countries. Singapore operates a MRA on telecom equipment certification with the United States. The MRA provides for direct entry of telecommunications into either market without the need for additional testing and certification. Under the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Telecommunications MRA implemented between the U.S. and Singapore, products can be tested and certified in the United States for conformance with Singapore's technical requirements. A list of the recognized U.S. testing and certification agencies can be found at: https://www.imda.gov.sg/regulations-licensing-and-consultations/licensing/licences/licence-for-the-sale-of-telecommunication-equipment/equipment-registration-framework/testing-laboratories-and-certification-bodies-recognised-by-ida Publication of Technical Regulations Technical regulations are developed by the relevant government bodies regulating a specific sector or area. For example, for certain categories of household electrical and gas appliances, it will be under Enterprise Singapore, for medical devices, the Health Sciences Authority, for building and construction, the Building & Construction Authority and for telecommunications, the Info-communications Media Development Authority. U.S. companies are advised to approach these agencies to participate in the consultation process in the development of technical regulations. A list of these agencies can be found on www.sgdi.gov.sg Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to notify to the WTO proposed technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures that could affect trade. Notify U.S. is a free, web-based e-mail registration service that captures and makes available for review and comment key information on draft regulations and conformity assessment procedures. Users receive customized e-mail alerts when new notifications are added by selected country(ies) and industry sector(s) of interest, and can also request full texts of regulations. This service and its associated web site are managed and operated by the USA WTO TBT Inquiry Point housed within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Contact Information Enterprise Singapore 2 Fusionopolis Way #15-01 Innovis Singapore 138634 Tel: (65) 6278 6666 Fax: (65) 6250 1096 Website: www.enterprisesg.gov.sg Mr. CHEONG Tak Leong, Director, Standards Division Email: Ms. CHANG Kwei Fern, Director, Accreditation Division Email: Mr. SIM Choon Siong, Executive Director, Consumer Protection, Weights & Measures Division Email: Mr. Patrick LIM, Director, Business & Service Excellence Division Email: Ms. LOH Soi Min, Director, Policy & Promotion Division Email: Standards contact at Commercial Service, Singapore Mr. CHAN Y K, Commercial Specialist Email: Return to Top Trade Agreements As a nation with a small domestic market that depends on imports for food, energy and industrial raw materials, Singapore places the highest priority on the multilateral trading system embodied by the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a member of the WTO, Singapore believes that the WTO can provide a stable framework for developing sound multilateral rules that ensure that goods and services can flow freely with minimum impediment. The primary objective of Singapore’s trade policy is to guard its trading interest by ensuring a free and open international trading environment. In tandem with its support of the WTO, Singapore advocates that trade efforts are undertaken in the regional context such as APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation), ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as well as bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to accelerate the momentum of trade liberalization and strengthen the multilateral trading system. It has actively pursued a number of legally binding arrangements with trading partners. ASEAN is preparing a roadmap for an ASEAN Economic Community by 2020 that aims to create a single enlarged market of 600 million people. The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been in effect since 2004. Singapore also has many bilateral and regional FTAs including with Australia, China, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Panama, Peru, Sri Lanka and Turkey. Singapore is a participant in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership regional trade negotiations, which include the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries plus Australia, China, Japan, Korea, India and New Zealand, and it is also a participant in the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Singapore has also concluded an FTA with the European Union which has yet to be entered into force. Return to top Which is the use of government regulations to limit the import of goods and services and to protect US industries against foreign competition?protectionism, policy of protecting domestic industries against foreign competition by means of tariffs, subsidies, import quotas, or other restrictions or handicaps placed on the imports of foreign competitors.
Why do governments restrict imports?Trade restrictions are typically undertaken in an effort to protect companies and workers in the home economy from competition by foreign firms. A protectionist policy is one in which a country restricts the importation of goods and services produced in foreign countries.
Do government regulations limit the import of goods and services such as import tariffs and quotas?Answer and Explanation: Trade protectionism refers to an economic policy mainly used by the government to prevent or reduce imports from other countries. This policy normally involves trade regulations like tariffs, import quotas, and embargoes.
What is the effect of import restrictions by the government?Trade barriers such as tariffs raise prices and reduce available quantities of goods and services for U.S. businesses and consumers, which results in lower income, reduced employment, and lower economic output.
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