28 November, 2017
Effective from 8 November 2017, there is a prohibition on the import, export, transshipment and in transit movement of all commercially traded goods through Singapore including sanctioned goods under United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSC) 2371 (2017) and 2375 (2017). Permits are required for non-commercial transactions that are imported, exported, re-exported, transshipped or in transit from or to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
The non-commercial transactions of sanctioned goods is prohibited under UNSC Resolutions 2371 (2017) and 2375 (2017) as published in the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2017 (Regulations). Under the Regulations, prohibited imports include North Korean coal, iron, iron ore, seafood, lead, lead ore and textiles. Prohibited exports to North Korea include condensates and natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products and crude oil.
Penalties
Fines of up to three times the value of the goods or SGD 100,000 (whichever is greater) and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years is possible for the first conviction for the first violation. Subsequent convictions include fines up to SGD 200,000 or four times the value of the goods, (whichever is greater) and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.
Non-commercial Transaction Permit Requirements
For non-commercial transactions where no sanctions are applicable, traders are required to obtain a TradeNet® for goods which are imported from, exported or re-exported to, or transshipped or brought in transit from or to North Korea through Singapore. The TradeNet® permit should be submitted to Customs at least 3 working days before the intended date of shipment, and traders should comply with all conditions stipulated in their permits.
More information may be found in Circular No. 14/2017 issued on 7 November 2017 to traders and declaring agents.
For further information, please contact:
Steven R. Sieker Partner, Baker & McKenzie
steven.sieker@bakermckenzie.com
