National Environment Agency (NEA)
The import, export and transhipment of hazardous wastes, certain non-hazardous wastes, recyclables, used items, hazardous substances and chemicals (including PIC chemicals), ozone-depleting substances, hydrofluorocarbons, radioactive materials, and irradiating apparatus are regulated by NEA.
Last updated on 6 November 2026
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 (opens in new tab).
You may access the Harmonised System (HS) or Competent Authorities (CA) Product Code Checker (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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:
Please submit any query through NEA Online Feedback/Enquiry Form (opens in new tab).
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 contain 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 in 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 (opens in new tab).
For the permit application to be processed smoothly, the declarant is advised to take note of the following:
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 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 the 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 symbol (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 (opens in new tab) (click on “All HS/CA Product Code” under the download tab).
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.
Comply with the Storage Location and Consignee Declaration Requirements
From 5 November 2026, traders must declare the storage location and consignee details in accordance with the requirements outlined in the circular Ref: NEA/HS/6.6 dated 22 October 2026 in this link (opens in new tab). Permit applications that do not meet these requirements will be rejected.
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:
A customs permit must be obtained through TradeNet before the goods arrive in/depart from Singapore.
The list of chemicals controlled by CCMD and the corresponding exclusions can be found in 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.
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 (opens in new tab) and/or calling NEA hotline at 6225 5632 for advice.
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 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 (opens in new tab).
For more information on the control of ODS/HFC in Singapore, please visit NEA website (opens in new tab).
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;
[Note: Please add character “R” after the last digit of the Licence No. (e.g. A0123L040123R, B0123L040123R, C0234L050345R).]The net weight under the ‘Item Quantity’ column; and
The corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS Codes.
Declarant will 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 net quantity and the corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS Codes in the import permit application.
Please email the invoice, BL/AWB and the Customs import permit 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;
[Note: Please added character “R” after the last digit of the Licence No. (e.g. A0123L040123R, B0123L040123R, C0234L050345R).]The net weight under the Item Quantity column; and
The corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS codes
Declarant will 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 net quantity and the corresponding Product Codes to the correct HS Codes in the export permit application.
Please email the invoice, BL/AWB and the Customs export permit 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:
Please note that import/export clearances for controlled ODS/HFC shall be obtained from CCMD in advance if the importing/exporting countries require Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure.
If the importers or exporters do not have the required Hazardous Substances Licence, please contact CCMD officer (darren_tay@nea.gov.sg) for advice.
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 will only be considered complete when the trader holds a valid Hazardous Substances Licence and all relevant supporting documents have been submitted.
Permit applications submitted without the required supporting documents (as listed above) will be rejected.
Use the HS/CA Product Code Checker (opens in new tab) 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.
Import permit applications for PIC chemicals on the TradeNet
All import permit applications containing PIC chemicals will continue to be auto processed.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 (opens in new tab).
For the list of PIC chemicals, please visit Rotterdam Convention’s website (opens in new tab).
Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group (RPNSG)
Under Section 6(1)(a) and 7(1)(a) of the Radiation Protection Act 2007, you must not import into, or export out of, Singapore any irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials without a licence. Any person who contravenes these provisions shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both.
You must obtain the relevant import or export licence before conducting any import or export.
From 5 November 2026, traders must declare the storage location and consignee details in accordance with the requirements outlined in the circular Ref: RPNSG/IRCD/2026/001 dated 22 October 2026 in this link (opens in new tab). Permit applications that do not meet this declaration requirements will be rejected.
Licences Required
To import or export controlled irradiating apparatus or radioactive materials, you must hold two types of licences issued by RPNSG:
An Import (IR4A, IR5A or N4A) or Export (IR4B, IR5B or N4B) licence, as listed in the table below. This licence is typically issued as part of the Customs permit upon approval of permit application submitted by your Declaring Agent (DA) through TradeNet, except under special circumstances (see Special Circumstances below).
Table
Licence Type | Description | Application Fee |
IR4A/B | To import (A) or export (B) a consignment of ionising irradiating apparatus | $40 per consignment |
IR5A/B | To import (A) or export (B) a consignment of radioactive materials | |
N4A/B | To import (A) or export (B) a consignment of non-ionising irradiating apparatus |
A Dealer Licence (N1 or IR1) or a Possession Licence (N2 or IR2). For the import of irradiating apparatus, Possession Licences are specific to each individual apparatus, and all apparatus must be listed within the Possession Licence.
Duly completed permit applications with all required information will be processed within 3 working days. If further information is needed for assessment, RPNSG will inform your DA accordingly.
Controlled Items Classified under RPNSG Controlled HS codes
Auto-approval of your permit application on TradeNet will only be granted if you hold a valid Dealer Licence and have the Establishment Code (or Product Code) of the item. To obtain auto-approval, ensure that the following information is provided in the respective fields before submitting your permit application:
Import or Export with Valid IR/N1 Licence
Name and Unique Entity Number (UEN) of the importer or exporter (information declared should correspond with the IR1/N1 licence information)
Appropriate RPNSG Controlled HS Code1
IR1/N1 licence number and controlled item’s corresponding product code (as stated in the IR1/N1 licence) in the Licence No. and Product Code fields respectively.
[For radioactive material] CA/SC Product Code²
Details pertaining the item to be imported or exported must be provided in the Item Description field, including the following:
Details of controlled item, such as manufacturer, model and serial number
Radionuclide(s) present and its respective radioactivity (if applicable)
Please ensure that all relevant shipping and supporting documents are provided in your permit application, including:
Details of controlled item (e.g. brochure, data sheet, user manual, CE (Conformité Européenne) certificate and test report)
Packing list
Airway bill/Bill of lading
Invoice
Source certificate and approved packaging design (if applicable)
Source leakage test certificate (if applicable)
For importers and exporters without a valid dealer licence (e.g. end-users importing or exporting directly to overseas counterpart without a local entity or trader currently in the process of including the item into their dealer licence), please ensure that the following information are provided within your permit application:
Import or Export without IR1/N1 Licence
Name and Unique Entity Number (UEN) of the importer or exporter (information declared should correspond with the IR1/N1 licence information)
Licence No. Field and RPNSG Establishment Code (or Product Code) must be left blank.
Appropriate RPNSG Controlled HS Code1
[For radioactive material] CA/SC Product Code²
Details pertaining to the item to be imported or exported must be provided in the Item Description field, including the following:
Details of controlled item, such as manufacturer, model and serial number
Radionuclide(s) present and its respective radioactivity (if applicable)
Licence application number
Please ensure that all relevant shipping and supporting documents are provided in your permit application, including:
Details of controlled item (e.g. brochure, data sheet, user manual, CE (Conformité Européenne) certificate and test report)
Packing list
Air Waybill/Bill of lading
Invoice
Source certificate and approved packaging design (if applicable)
Source leakage test certificate (if applicable)
Do not use default or generic item descriptions when declaring information for permit application. Please use the exact descriptions provided on the invoice.
¹ Refer to the HS/CA Product Code Checker (opens in new tab) for the List of HS Codes for Controlled Irradiating Apparatus and Radioactive Materials (opens in new tab).
² For permit applications involving radioactive materials, declare the category of every radioactive source (based on the IAEA Safety Guide for Categorisation of Radioactive Sources) in the CA/SC Code 1 field. For more information, refer to Additional Licensing Information, SN25 (opens in new tab).
Non-Controlled Items Classified under RPNSG Controlled HS code
If the item is a non-controlled item (e.g. industrial vacuum cleaner) but falls under a controlled HS code administered by RPNSG (e.g. 84798939), you must declare “MISC” in the “CA/SC Product Code” field. This allows for your permit application to be processed on TradeNet without referral to RPNSG. Do not declare the Establishment Code (or Product Code) and Licence Number if the item is not controlled or licensed by RPNSG.
Please check if your items are controlled by RPNSG using the HS/CA Product Code Checker (opens in new tab).
Import or Export of Spare Parts (excluding X-ray tubes)
For the import or export of spare parts of an irradiating apparatus, excluding the radiation source or the x-ray tube, please declare “RADSPARE” int both the “Licence Number” and “Product Code” fields.
Special Circumstances
In the following special circumstances, you are not required to declare through TradeNet and must instead apply directly for an import or export licence with RPNSG:
The controlled goods are covered under an ATA Carnet; or
The controlled goods are hand-carried into or out of Singapore and do not require a Customs permit (please provide email correspondence with Singapore Customs for verification)
If either of the above applies, submit your licence application via the GoBusiness Singapore Portal (opens in new tab) with all relevant shipping and supporting documents (e.g. invoice, packing list, air waybill or bill of lading), the ATA Carnet Certificate, and email correspondence with Singapore Customs confirming that a Customs permit is not required (if applicable).
Approval of the licence is subject to NEA's assessment. You are strongly advised to seek clarification from NEA before committing to any import or export transaction with overseas vendors.
Adding New Items to Your Dealer Licence
To add new radioactive materials or new irradiating apparatus into a Dealer Licence (N1 or IR1) so that a new Product Code can be generated for TradeNet auto-processing, please submit an amendment application through GoBusiness Singapore Portal (opens in new tab).
For more information on licence amendment, please visit NEA’s website (opens in new tab).
Items Controlled by RPNSG and Other Competent Authority
In the event that the items to be imported or exported are controlled by RPNSG and other competent authorities, (e.g. medical irradiating apparatus, which is also controlled by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA)), the importer or exporter must also consult and seek approval(s) from other competent authorities before proceeding with the import or export.
The importer or exporter must ensure that the imported or exported items comply with all applicable regulatory requirements stated by the regulatory bodies in Singapore.