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Health Sciences Authority

Permit (Import/Transhipment)

Learn more about applications for Permits under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act.

Last updated on 31 October 2026

General

Importation is the act of bringing into Singapore any goods other than goods in transit or goods which are to be transhipped. The importer (the organisation or facility that is the end-receiver and/or user of the imported good or product) is responsible to secure a valid import permit before importation of any goods.

Transhipment is the act of bringing any goods into Singapore solely for the purpose of taking them out of Singapore, whether on the same conveyance on which they were brought into Singapore or on another conveyance, where the goods have landed and are kept at any place in Singapore pending their being taken out of Singapore. The transhipper (the organisation or facility that receives the transhipped good or product pending its onward transfer) is responsible to secure a valid transhipment permit before transhipping any goods.

Scope

  • Importation of all scheduled biological agents and toxins, including inactivated* First and Second Schedule biological agents, requires an import permit under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (opens in new tab) (BATA).

  • Transhipment permits apply to biological agents and toxins listed in the First, Second and Fifth Schedules of the BATA.

View the List of Biological Agents and Toxins (opens in new tab).

For biological agents or toxins harmful to humans but not listed in the Schedules, consult Health Sciences Authority (HSA) if a permit is required.

*Inactivated, in relation to a biological agent, refers to biological agent which has been rendered non-infectious and unable to replicate itself under any condition.

Requirements

  • Biological agents affecting humans are regulated by HSA.

  • Biological agents affecting animals are regulated by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) of National Parks Board.

  • Biological agents affecting both humans and animals (zoonotic pathogens) are regulated by both HSA and AVS.

Approval to Possess is a prerequisite for importing First and Second Schedule biological agents and Fifth Schedule toxins. For transhipment, consult HSA regarding the requirements.

For zoonotic or pure animal pathogens, consult AVS directly.

Application

Submit application via the Singapore Customs' Tradenet Portal (opens in new tab).

Fees

Currently, HSA does not charge fees for applications of import/transhipment permit.

Processing Time

Processing time depends on the accuracy and completeness of the submission. If all requirements are met, applications are typically processed within 3 working days. Importers/transhippers are advised to submit applications at least 3 working days before the scheduled arrival of the goods so to avoid any unforeseen delay.

Validity

  • Import permit is valid for 9 working days.

  • Transhipment permit is valid for 21 working days.

Refer to Singapore Custom's website (opens in new tab) for any updates on the validity of the issued permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common queries on the FAQ page.

Related Information

  1. Approval to Possess

  2. Inactivation

  3. Transportation

  4. Notification

  5. Carrier

  6. Failure of Receipt

  7. Incident