The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore recently expanded the list of wireless and telecommunications products that require permits prior to importation.  

To facilitate smooth customs clearance, both the shipper and consignee must now provide additional information when shipping such products, including laptops, with wireless capability and router switches.

Examples of items affected are:

• Antenna & Network Equipment
• Satellite Dishes and Communication Equipment
• Wireless Devices (Audio Video Set-Top Boxes, Access Point Systems, Headsets, Microphones)
• Bluetooth Devices/Headsets
• Routers
• Mobile Phone Parts and Internet Protocol (IP) Phones
• Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) and GPS Systems
• Telephones and Fax Machines
• Transmitters and Receivers including VHF/HF Transceivers
   

The following information should be provided based on their respective usage purpose:

1. Shipments containing wireless and/or telecommunication products for personal or internal company use

• The Shipper is required to provide the brand name and model description of the imported items (preferably the technical specifications) on the air waybill and/or Commercial Invoice (e.g., “YYY laptop (without wireless)” if the laptop does not have a wireless connection function).
• The Consignee is required to provide a letter with his/her personal name and IC number as stated in his/her Singapore Citizenship Identification Card, and declare that the imported item/s are for personal use or gift. If the item is for internal company use, a declaration letter with the consignee’s company letterhead specifying that the item is “NOT FOR SALE AND ONLY FOR INTERNAL COMPANY/PERSONAL USE” is required.

2. Shipments containing wireless and/or telecommunication products for commercial use.

(i) The Shipper is required to provide on the air waybill and Commercial Invoice:

• Information on the purpose of this importation (for sale, hire, whether is it a re-import, repair-and-return, etc.)
• The brand name and model description of the item including the manufacturer’s technical specifications (as stated in the user’s manual) and its operating frequency and output power.     

(ii) The Consignee is required to provide his/her IDA dealer license number; if the consignee does not have a valid license, s/he should apply for one from IDA prior to the item’s importation. 

3.  Shipments containing wireless and/or telecommunication products for use as replacement parts

If the imported items are for use as replacement parts, a dealer license may not be necessary. However, the Shipper must explain with a written document how the items will be used.