Updates on Implementation of Revised Free Trade Zones Regime Relating to Submission of Bill of Lading Data for Sea Cargo

On 1 March 2024, the revised Free Trade Zones (“FTZ“) regime took effect. Singapore Customs has now issued Circular No: 03/2024:  Updates on the Implementation of the Revised Free Trade Zones (FTZ) Regime (“Circular“) which provides updates and more information on the submission requirements of Bill of Lading (“BL“) data for both containerised and non-containerised sea cargo, and clarifications to frequently asked questions (“FAQs“) pertaining to the submission of BL data.

The Circular is to be read in conjunction with Circular No. 02/2024: Implementation of the Revised Free Trade Zones (FTZ) Regime from 1 March 2024.

Summary of Adjustment Period

The adjustment periods for submission of BL data by shipping agents to two specified FTZ cargo handlers, namely Jurong Port Pte Ltd and PSA Corporation Ltd, are:

BL Data to be Submitted for Containerised and Non-Containerised Cargo

The Circular includes a table summarising the information to be provided by shipping agents from the BLs for both non-containerised and containerised cargo.

Prescribed shipping agents submitting the specified BL data may reach out respectively to Jurong Port Pte Ltd or PSA Corporation Ltd on the various means to submit the required data to ensure compliance with the requirements under the revised FTZ regime.

Clarifications to FAQs Pertaining to Submission of BL Data

Annex A of the Circular includes a set of FAQs pertaining to the submission of BL data and the revised FTZ regime. Questions include the following:

(a)       Who is the prescribed class of shipping agents who are required to submit BL data to the specified FTZ Cargo Handlers (i.e. Jurong Port Pte Ltd and/or PSA Corporation Ltd)?

(b)       Are the submission requirements applicable on weekends and public holidays?

(c)       What are the requirements for the submission of the required data fields from the BL, as detailed in Annex B of the Circular?

(d)       Is BL data required to be submitted for transit cargoes?

Click on the following links for more information:

Available on the Singapore Statutes Online website at www.sso.agc.gov.sg:

• Free Trade Zone Act 1966
• Free Trade Zones Act 1966 – Free Trade Zones (Amendment) Regulations 2024
• Free Trade Zones Act 1966 – Free Trade Zones Regulations

 Rajah & Tann publications:

• Consultation on Bill to Enhance Oversight of Goods Passing through Free Trade Zones
• Bill Passed to Enhance Oversight of Goods Passing through Free Trade Zones