Tobacco Import and Wholesale Licence
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Singapore Tobacco License Details
In Singapore, any company or business intending to import and wholesale tobacco products must obtain a Tobacco Import/Wholesale License from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This is mandated under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act and its regulations.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
1. What it covers:
Importing tobacco products into Singapore.
Wholesaling tobacco products within Singapore.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
The company must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
The applicant (director, partner, or sole proprietor) must be a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or possess a FIN issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) (e.g., EntrePass or Employment Pass holder).
3. Application Process and Required Documents:
Applications are typically made through the electronic application service on the HSA Portal (e.g., PRISM).
Documents usually required:
Copy of the applicant's NRIC.
Copy of the Business Registration Certificate (ACRA).
Photocopy of tenancy agreement for the warehouse and office where tobacco products will be stored.
Letter of authorisation from the manufacturer of the tobacco product (if applying for an import and wholesale license).
Tar and nicotine testing results for the tobacco products.
GIRO form for annual license fees.
4. Fees:
New license application fee: S$2,720 (inclusive of a S$100 application fee).
Renewal fee for each subsequent year: S$2,400.
Amendment fee: S$60 (for changes like company name, registered address).
Duplicate license fee: S$100.
5. Validity and Renewal:
Licenses are generally valid for 1 year from the date of approval.
Renewal is typically done automatically via GIRO for account holders, with fees deducted within one month before expiry. You must ensure sufficient funds in your bank account.
If you wish to let your license expire, you need to notify HSA at least 45 days before the expiry date to avoid a cancellation fee.
6. Responsibilities and Regulations:
Licensees are only allowed to store tobacco products at the premises specified in the license and must provide proof of legal right to use those premises for storage.
Any additional variant or new tobacco product intended for import must be notified to HSA in writing at least 14 days prior to import, along with samples.
Advertisement of tobacco products and imitation tobacco products is prohibited in Singapore.
All tobacco products must carry mandatory health-warning labels.
The Minimum Legal Age (MLA) for purchase, use, possession, sale, and supply of tobacco products is 21 years old (effective from January 1, 2021).
Nicotine and tar yield limits are 1.0 mg and 10.0 mg respectively.
Cigarillos must contain no less than 20 sticks per pack.
Failure to comply with regulations can lead to imprisonment, fines, and/or suspension or revocation of the license.
7. Processing Time:
The normal processing time for a new application is approximately 14 working days from the receipt of the application and all necessary supporting documents.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Health Sciences Authority (HSA) website in Singapore.
Apply for Tobacco Import and Wholesale Licence
To apply for a Tobacco Import and Wholesale Licence in Singapore, you need to go through the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This process is primarily done online via their PRISM e-service.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
1. Ensure Eligibility:
Company Registration: Your company must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore.
Applicant Status: The individual applying for the license (director, partner, or sole proprietor) must be a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or hold a valid FIN issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) (e.g., EntrePass or Employment Pass holder).
Designated Premises: You must have a designated warehouse and office for storing tobacco products, and be able to provide proof of your legal right to use these premises.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents:
Gather the following documents, typically in English:
Photocopy of the NRIC of the applicant.
Photocopy of your Business Registration Certificate (from ACRA).
Photocopy of the tenancy agreement for the warehouse and office where tobacco products will be stored.
Letter of authorisation from the manufacturer of the tobacco products you intend to import (if you are the importer and wholesaler). If you are only wholesaling, you would need a letter of authorisation from the importer.
Tar and nicotine testing results for the tobacco products you plan to import/wholesale.
A completed GIRO Form for subsequent annual license fee deductions (highly recommended, as renewal is often automatic via GIRO).
3. Access the HSA PRISM e-service:
The application for a tobacco import and wholesale license is made through the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Information System (PRISM), an HSA e-service for tobacco importers and wholesalers.
You will need a CRIS company account and a Corppass to access PRISM. If you don't have a CRIS account, you'll need to register your company first.
4. Complete the Online Application:
Log in to PRISM using your Corppass.
Navigate to the section for "Apply for tobacco import and wholesale licence."
Fill in all the required information accurately on the electronic application form.
Upload all the prepared supporting documents. Ensure that each document does not exceed the maximum file size (typically 2MB).
5. Make Payment:
The new license application fee is S$2,720, which includes a non-refundable S$100 application fee.
Payment can typically be made via GIRO or online (credit card/direct debit). It's advisable to set up GIRO for seamless future renewals.
6. Await Processing:
HSA will process your application upon receipt of a complete application and all necessary supporting documents, along with the initial payment.
The normal processing time is approximately 14 working days. HSA may request additional documents or information during their review.
Important Notes:
Do NOT commence any import or wholesale activities of tobacco products before your license is officially approved and issued. It is an offense to do so while the application is being processed.
Standardised Packaging: From July 1, 2020, all tobacco products imported, sold, or distributed in Singapore must comply with standardised packaging specifications (no tobacco-related logo or branding, graphic health warning, drab brown color).
Minimum Legal Age (MLA): The MLA for purchasing, using, possessing, selling, and supplying tobacco products in Singapore is 21 years old (effective January 1, 2021).
Prohibited Advertisements: Advertisement of tobacco products and imitation tobacco products is strictly prohibited in Singapore.
Renewal: Licenses are generally valid for 12 months. If you are on GIRO, renewals are usually automatic. Otherwise, you'll need to manually renew before expiry.
For the most precise and up-to-date details, always refer directly to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) website or contact their Tobacco Regulation Branch.
How Bestar can Help
Navigating the regulatory landscape for a tobacco import and wholesale license in Singapore can be complex due to the stringent controls and specific requirements set by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This is where engaging Bestar can be highly beneficial.
Here's how Bestar can help with your HSA Tobacco Import and Wholesale Licence application:
1. Expert Guidance and Regulatory Knowledge:
Understanding Specific Requirements: Bestar is well-versed in the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act and its regulations. We can accurately interpret the specific requirements for import and wholesale licenses, which differ from retail licenses.
Eligibility Assessment: We can assess your company's eligibility, ensuring you meet all the criteria before you even begin the application process. This includes verifying ACRA registration, applicant's residency/pass status, and suitability of premises.
Staying Updated: Regulations can change. Bestar stays updated on the latest amendments, ensuring your application aligns with the most current requirements, including those related to standardised packaging and minimum legal age.
2. Streamlined Application Process:
Document Preparation and Review: One of the most critical aspects is the meticulous preparation of supporting documents. Bestar can assist in:
Identifying all required documents: Ensuring you don't miss anything.
Reviewing existing documents: Checking for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to HSA's format requirements (e.g., tenancy agreements, manufacturer authorization letters, tar and nicotine test results).
Drafting necessary letters or statements: Ensuring they are professionally written and meet legal standards.
PRISM e-service Navigation: The HSA PRISM e-service can be daunting for first-time applicants. Bestar can guide you through the online portal, ensuring correct data entry and proper document uploads, minimizing errors that could lead to delays.
Liaison with HSA: We can act as a liaison between your company and HSA, handling queries from the Authority, providing timely responses, and clarifying any issues that may arise during the application review. This can significantly expedite the processing time.
3. Compliance and Risk Mitigation:
Pre-application Due Diligence: We can conduct a thorough review of your proposed operations to identify any potential compliance gaps before submitting the application. This proactive approach helps prevent rejections and costly delays.
Understanding Ongoing Responsibilities: Beyond just obtaining the license, Bestar can advise on the ongoing responsibilities and terms and conditions of the license. This includes regulations around storage, notification of new product variants, advertising prohibitions, and age verification, helping you avoid penalties, fines, or license suspension/revocation.
Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Compliance (if applicable): While not explicitly stated for tobacco, for other regulated health products, HSA often requires compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards. Bestar can advise on whether similar principles apply to your tobacco operations and help you establish the necessary quality management systems.
4. Time and Resource Savings:
Efficiency: By handling the intricate details and administrative burden, Bestar frees up your time and internal resources, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.
Reduced Delays: Our expertise minimizes common application errors or omissions, leading to a smoother process and quicker approval. This is especially valuable in a time-sensitive business environment.
When to consider professional help:
First-time applicants: If you have no prior experience with HSA licensing.
Complex business structures: If your company has multiple entities or intricate operational setups.
Time constraints: If you need the license urgently and cannot afford delays.
Limited internal resources: If your team lacks the dedicated personnel or expertise for regulatory compliance.
International businesses: If you are an overseas company setting up operations in Singapore.
In essence, Bestar acts as your guide and expert partner, helping you navigate the complexities of HSA regulations to secure your Tobacco Import and Wholesale Licence efficiently and ensure ongoing compliance.
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