Singapore Updates List of Controlled Goods

On 4 September 2015, Singapore issued the Strategic Goods (Control) Order 2015 (2015 SGCO) to update the list of strategic goods that are subject to the Strategic Goods (Control) Act (SGCA).  The 2015 SGCO took effect on 2 November 2015.

The SGCA (together with the 2015 SGCO, the Strategic Goods (Control) Regulations (SGCR), and the Strategic Goods (Control) (Brokering) Order (SGCBO)) regulates the export, transhipment, transit and intangible transfer of strategic goods, i.e., items, software and technology that may be used for military and/or civil purposes.  A strategic goods permit is required for the export, transhipment, transit and intangible transfer of:

(a) strategic goods listed in the 2015 SGCO and SGCR, unless an exemption applies; or

(b) other goods and technology, if the person transferring the same has been notified, is aware, or has reasonable ground to suspect that such goods or technology are intended to be used for purposes related to weapons of mass destruction.

The 2015 SGCO added and deleted controls on certain strategic goods, re-categorised particular strategic goods, and revised definitions for clarity.  The changes affect military-use goods and a broad range of dual-use goods, including those under the following categories:

(a) nuclear materials, facilities and equipment;

(b) special materials and related equipment;

(c) materials processing;

(d) electronics;

(e) computers;

(f) telecommunications and information security;

(g) sensors and lasers;

(h) navigation and avionics; and

(i) aerospace and propulsion.

The current amendments align Singapore’s strategic goods control list with the 2014 Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List and the 2014 European Union’s List of Dual-Use Items, the latter of which is based on the export control regimes under the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, and the Australia Group.

Consequent changes were also made to the SGCR to update the list of strategic goods which require a strategic goods permit for their transhipment or transit.  In addition, the SGCBO was amended to re-categorise the codes of certain military-use goods which are subject to brokering controls.  The changes to the SCGR and SGCBO also took effect on 2 November 2015.