IMDA regulations provide clear guidelines for the importation of telecommunication equipment and prohibited telecommunication equipment
Declarations for the importation of telecommunication equipment via TradeNet will be processed automatically. Guidelines for the importation of telecommunication equipment and prohibited telecommunication equipment are as follows:
Guidelines for the Importation of Telecommunication Equipment
- Importation of telecommunication equipment declared via TradeNet application will be auto processed. The procedures for import of telecommunication equipment and the list of AHTN and product codes are attached herein.
- Under the Telecommunications (Dealers) Regulations (the "Regulations"), the following telecommunication equipment/devices are prohibited from import into Singapore unless prior approval by IMDA has been obtained:
- Scanning Receivers
- Military Communication Equipment
- Telephone Voice Changing Equipment
- Radio-communication Equipment operating in frequency band 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1900-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz, except Cellular Mobile Phone or such other equipment approved by the Authority
- Radio-communication Jamming Devices operating in any frequency band
Prohibited Telecommunication Equipment
Please refer to examples of prohibited telecommunication equipment at List of Prohibited Telecommunication Equipment. Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing of Prohibited Telecommunication Equipment. The AHTN Codes and Product Codes for import declaration of such equipment in TradeNet are as follows:
| Type of Prohibited Equipment | AHTN Code | Product Code |
|---|---|---|
| Line telephone sets with cordless handsets equipment operating in frequency bands of 880 - 915 MHz, 925 - 960 MHz, 1900 - 1980 MHz and 2110 - 2170 MHz (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85171100 | IDACOTCDP |
| Other transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus for radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy - Military communication equipment (line) (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85176253 | IDAMLCCDP |
| Other transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus for radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy - Telephone voice changing equipment (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85176253 | IDATVCCDP |
| Other transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus - Military communication equipment (radio) (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85176259 | IDAMRCCDP |
| Other wireless transmission device (incorporating reception apparatus) [except for radio-communication equipment approved by IMDA, operating in frequency bands of 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1900-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz] (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85176259 | IDAWIDCDP |
| Scanning receivers (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85176259 | IDASCRCDP |
| Radio-communication jamming equipment in any frequency (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85176259 | IDARCJCDP |
| Wireless microphones system operating in frequency bands 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1900-1980 MHz, 2110-2170 MHz (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85181019 | IDAWIDCDP |
| Wireless electrical signalling, safety or traffic control equipment for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfield (e.g., car park auto gate barrier system) operating in frequency bands of 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1900-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85308000 | IDAWIDCDP |
| Wireless electrical device having individual function not elsewhere specified in Chapter 85 (e.g., RFID integrated reader system for carraige of audio/video, RFID tag reader for reading clothes tags) operating in frequency bands of 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1900-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz (prohibited telecommunication equipment) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment) | 85437090 | IDAWIDCDP |
Restriction on Importation of Drone Operating in Cellular Network
On 8 August 2022, IMDA sent out a circular to all declaring agents on the restriction of import of drone operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, or drone comes with cellular capability or ability to insert cellular radio module).
Declaring agents must declare in the permit using the correct HS and product code (i.e., IDADRNSIM) for drone operating using cellular network. For drone not operating with cellular network, declaring agents can use the product code of IDAMISC to declare the item.
| Proposed HS Code (AHTN 2022) | Product Code (new) | Product Code Qty (UOM) | Product Code Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88062100 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft for remote-controlled flight only with maximum take-off weight not more than 250g. |
| 88062100 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB |
Unmanned aircraft (not more than 250g) for remote-controlled flight only, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88062200 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft for remote-controlled flight only with maximum take-off weight above 250g but not over 7KG. |
| 88062200 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (more than 250g but not more than 7kg) for remote-controlled flight only, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88062300 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft for remote-controlled flight only with maximum take-off weight above 7KG but not over 25KG. |
| 88062300 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (more than 7kg but not more than 25kg) for remote-controlled flight only, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88062400 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft for remote-controlled flight only with maximum take-off weight above 25KG but not over 150KG. |
| 88062400 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (more than 25kg but not more than 150kg) for remote-controlled flight only, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88062900 |
IDAMISC |
NMB |
Unmanned aircraft for remote-controlled flight only with maximum take-off weight over 150KG. |
| 88062900 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (more than 150kg) for remote-controlled flight only, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88069100 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft not for remote-controlled flight with maximum take-off weight not more than 250g. |
| 88069100 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (not more than 250g) for other than remote-controlled flight, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88069200 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | IMDA: Unmanned aircraft not for remote-controlled flight with maximum take-off weight above 250g but not over 7KG. |
| 88069200 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (more than 250g but not more than 7kg) for other than remote-controlled flight, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88069300 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft not for remote-controlled flight with maximum take-off weight above 7KG but not over 25KG. |
| 88069300 |
IDADRNSIM |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft (more than 7kg but not more than 25kg) for other than remote-controlled flight, operating in cellular network (i.e., operating using SIM card, eSIM, comes with cellular capability, or ability to insert cellular radio module) (Importer shall seek prior approval from IMDA for importing the equipment). |
| 88069400 |
IDAMISC |
NMB | Unmanned aircraft not for remote-controlled flight with maximum take-off weight above 25KG but not over 150KG. |
Guide to Import of Telecommunication Equipment for Own / Company Use (Without Dealer's Licence)
Small quantities (one or two sets) of following types of telecommunication equipment can be imported (Auto Processing of Import Declaration in TradeNet) for an individual's own use without a Dealer's Licence. Importers of such equipment are to ensure that the equipment technical parameters comply with IMDA technical standards.
Individual / company importing telecommunication equipment for own use shall ensure that the equipment complies with the relevant IMDA technical specifications before use.
Please note that the operation of radio-communication equipment in Singapore is subject to licensing, except for equipment exempted under the Telecommunications (Exemption from Sections 33, 34(1)(b) and 35) Notification.
| Type of Equipment | AHTN Code | Product Code |
|---|---|---|
| Telecommunication Equipment such as standard fixed line telephones, faxes, security alarm systems and modems. | (Depend on the type of equipment) | (Depend on the type of equipment) |
| Mobile phones or telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks – Declaration of RoHS Non-Compliance with valid licence | 85171300 | Joint controlled PCDMPH211 |
| Mobile phones or telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks – Declaration of RoHS Compliance | 85171300 | Joint controlled PCDMPH311 |
| Other mobile phones or telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks not covered under PCDMPH211 and PCDMPH311 | 85171300 | Joint controlled PCDMIS902 |
| Standalone GPS equipment (air/maritime) [e.g., GPS receiver], Equipment for Gobal Positioning System, GPS, Differential GPS (Air/Maritime) and Radio Navigational aid apparatus (only for civil aircraft and seagoing vessel) | 85269110 | IDAMISC |
| Standalone GPS equipment (land) [e.g., GPS receiver] and Equipment for Gobal Positioning System - (Land) [E.g., GPS receiver] | 85269190 | IDAMISC |
| Radio remote control apparatus, Radio Remote control for toys [e.g., remote control for toy car) and Modelling Radio remote control for flying models other than remote control toy [e.g., remote control for aircraft model] | 85269200 | IDAMISC |
| *Normal broadcasting radio equipment [e.g., AM/FM broadcast radio], Radio amplifer or tuner (Broadcast bands only) | 85279920 | IDAMISC |
| Infrared remote control for audio, TV, air-condition etc | 85437021 | IDAMISC |
* There are no restrictions on the quantity imported.
Import by Licensed Dealer
For import of telecommunication equipment, the following details need to be provided for automated permit processing:
- Valid Dealer's licence
Importer shall apply / register for the appropriate dealer's licence from IMDA if the telecommunication equipment imported is for the purpose of sale / offer for sale / letting for hire in Singapore or export. Please declare the appropriate valid IMDA Dealer's Individual or Class licence in the import declarations. If you do not have any dealer's licence, you can apply for a Dealer's licence via GoBusiness Licensing. The licence number should be declared in Licence Field of the Tradenet declaration.
- Appropriate Licence Type
DEALER'S CLASS LICENCE holder is allowed to import:
- Registered Equipment and Equipment set out in the First Schedule of the Regulations.
DEALER'S INDIVIDUAL LICENCE holder is allowed to import:
- Registered Equipment: Equipment set out in the First Schedule of the Regulations; and Non approved equipment for re-export purpose.
- CR number [Central Registration number issued by Singapore Customs]
Be sure your CR number is registered together with Dealer's Individual/Class licence. If you have not registered your CR number with IMDA, you can notify IMDA (Email @ info@imda.gov.sg) with your company name, Dealer's licence number, CR number and contact details.
- AHTN code and Product code
Please use the appropriate AHTN code and Product code for equipment type imported. The AHTN code and Product code can be found at the Tradenet Search.
If any of the details are not provided, incorrect or are invalid, the declaration will be rejected or routed to IMDA for further checks.
For CARNET and DP permit, please submit the permit to IMDA via email for IMDA's information.
Contact
For more information, you may contact:
Mr Nelson Yap
Tel: +65 6019 3810
Email: nelson_yap@imda.gov.sg
Mr Lim Chee Gee
Tel: +65 6982 2027
Email: Chee_Gee_Lim@imda.gov.sg
Operating Hours
Monday to Thursday - 8:30am to 5:30pm,
Friday - 8:30am to 5:00pm
(excluding weekends and public holidays)
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