Measures to Prevent Unauthorised Arms Sales and Transfers from Taking Place through Singapore
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the measures to prevent unauthorized arms sales and transfers through Singapore, as raised by Ms He Ting Ru. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong stated that the Strategic Goods (Control) Act 2002 and the Arms and Explosives Act regulate the movement of strategic goods and arms via mandatory permits and licensing. He highlighted that the Inter-Ministry Committee on Export Controls ensures Singapore’s compliance with international obligations and United Nations sanctions. Additionally, government agencies provide advisories and outreach to ensure that Singapore-based businesses and shipping companies adhere to all regulatory requirements. These comprehensive measures aim to deter unauthorized activities and maintain robust oversight of strategic goods transfers.
Transcript
85 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what are the current measures to prevent unauthorised arms sales and transfers from taking place through Singapore; and (b) what steps are being taken to review and improve such efforts.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore adopts a comprehensive approach to prevent and deter unauthorised arms sales and transfers from taking place through Singapore.
Firstly, the Strategic Goods (Control) Act 2002 (SGCA) regulates the export, transshipment, transit, intangible transfer of technology and brokering of strategic goods and strategic goods technology. Any person or entity engaged in activities involving strategic goods or strategic goods technology must abide by the permit and registration requirements under SGCA. These include applying for a permit prior to the export, transshipment and transit of strategic goods and/or intangible transfer of technology listed in the Strategic Goods Control List, as well as for goods or technology which are intended or likely to be used for weapons of mass destruction purposes. In addition, persons who import, export or transship arms through Singapore must apply for a licence from the Singapore Police Force under the Arms and Explosives Act and must be assessed to be a "fit and proper" person as part of the licensing criteria.
Secondly, the Inter-Ministry Committee on Export Controls coordinates across various Government agencies to ensure that Singapore complies strictly with our international obligations on international arms sales and transfers, as well as the United Nations' sanctions and embargoes against any country.
Thirdly, the relevant agencies raise awareness through advisories and regular outreach programmes to ensure that Singapore-based businesses and shipping companies are aware of the latest regulatory requirements which they must comply with.