Import Containers

There are two types of containers viz full container load (FCL) and less than full container load (LCL).

FCL containers are normally not unstuffed in the FTZ. They are sealed by Customs at the FTZ Out-Gates or examined/released without being sealed. Sealed containers should only be unstuffed under Customs supervision. Unsealed containers, however, may be unstuffed at any time without Customs supervision.

LCL containers are unstuffed in the FTZ and cleared through the FTZ Out-Gates as conventional cargoes. No Customs supervision is required for the unstuffing of such containers in the FTZ.

For cargo entering Customs territory as containerised cargo, the trader must declare the container number and the place of unstuffing in his import declaration.

Prior to the removal of containers out of the FTZ, the trader should obtain the relevant Customs permits or Joint Customs/IESGP permits. The approved Customs or Joint Customs/IESGP permits and supporting commercial documents however need not be produced at the time Customs clearance of the containers.

Containers requiring Customs examination will be sealed at the respective FTZ Out-gates. After the sealed containers have been trucked out of the FTZ, consignees or their transport agents should make arrangements with Customs for supervision of unstuffing of the containers.

Customs seals placed on containers at the time of import should not be broken without the supervision or written permission of Customs.

Containers not requiring Customs examination will be given SNR (ie Sealing Not Required) facilitation and released without being sealed. Unsealed containers may be unstuffed at any time without Customs supervision.

Transhipment Containers

The trader is required to obtain Customs or Joint Customs/IESGP permit for transhipment or inter gateway movement of containerised cargo. Upon approval of the permit, the container should be produced at the first and second Customs checkpoint for clearance. However, the Cargo Clearance Permit need not accompany the container at the time of Customs clearance at both checkpoints. After the container has been sealed at the first checkpoint, a 'Notice to Importer/Haulier' duly endorsed by the Checkpoint Officer will be issued to the driver. The container and this notice should be produced at the second checkpoint for Customs clearance.

Appropriate action will be taken against the declarant of the Customs, or Joint Customs/IESGP permits should Customs at the second checkpoint find that the Customs seal affixed at the first checkpoint has been tampered with.

Export Containers

Prior to movement of dutiable or controlled goods for export, the trader will have to obtain a Cargo Clearance Permit from Customs or the Controlling Authority. Upon approval of the permit, the container will have to be produced at the Customs checkpoint for clearance. However, the Cargo Clearance Permit need not accompany the container at the time of clearance. For goods released from licensed or bonded warehouses, the container should be produced together with the Release Notes at the FTZ In-Gate for Customs clearance.

Dangerous Cargoes in Containers

Immediate removal of containers carrying dangerous cargoes is required by the Maritime and Port Authority when such containers are discharged from the vessel direct into a FTZ. If handling agents are not in possession of the relevant documents for the preparation of Customs or Joint Customs/IESGP declarations, they should obtain blanket Customs Inward Permits for movement of the containers for storage in any of the approved container Class II yards in Customs territory.

Upon approval of the permits, the containers should be produced at the FTZ Out Gates for sealing by Customs. However, the Cargo Clearance Permit need not accompany the container at the time of Customs clearance. Thereafter, the containers will be unstuffed under Customs supervision and goods released under the relevant Customs or Joint Customs/IESGP permits.

Cargo Manifests

A container vessel normally carries containers for more than one container agent/operator. Cargo manifests should therefore be submitted by the respective agent/operator through the agent of the vessel concerned to the Procedures & Compliance Section, Documentation Branch.

COMMON OFFENCES/MISTAKES

• Late submission of inward manifest
• Submission of incorrect/incomplete inward manifests
• Opening, breaking or altering lock, seal or mark without the consent of the proper officer of Customs