Import of essential construction materials

What is the Importers’ Licensing Scheme?

The Importers' Licensing Scheme requires importers of sand and granite to ensure imported construction aggregates are of acceptable quality. Any firm/person importing sand and granite for commercial purposes must have valid BCA licence.

Importers' Licence Applications

Who must apply for a licence?

Anyone importing sand and granite requires a valid BCA Importers' Licence.

Licence is exempted for the following import types: 

• Any import of ECM with total gross weight of 50kg and below

• Any consignment solely for use in coastal or land reclamation works along the coast of Singapore and in any ship or vessel without landing in Singapore

You need to seek BCA’s licence exemptions.

How to apply for an Importers' Licence?

Submit your application or renewal for an Importers' Licence here: Importers' Licence (Application / Renewal).

Testing and evaluation requirements

Testing requirements 

Licensed importers who want to import from any source shall note the following:

Pre-import Test Stage 1 (S1)*

• To submit relevant documents such as details of quarry, export permits and test reports to ascertain quality of quarry source can meet BCA’s testing requirements.

Test on First Consignment Stage 2 (S2)* 

• BCA will collect samples for testing to confirm quality of aggregates is consistent with what was declared in S1 test reports.

• Importers will need to apply for Storage Permit if the consignment is subject to isolation.  

*Only applicable to new source. If you are importing from an existing source, you may add as joint importers under existing source.  

Electronic forms

• S1 Submission

• S2 Storage Permit

• Adding of Joint Importers to Existing Source

Evaluation requirements

The aggregates submitted to BCA’s Authorised Analysts for testing should be at least 50kg and conform to the following checks for the four tests listed below: 

List of Authorised Analysts

BCA Authorised Analysts [PDF, 84 KB] (AA) are qualified to conduct testing according to BCA testing requirements. Please refer to the link for list of Authorised Analysts.

Import permits and documentation

Import permit requirements

All import permit applications for sand and granite require BCA approval. The Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP) issued by Singapore Customs' TradeNet will be deemed to be the BCA Import Permit upon approval.

For more information on import permit applications, visit TradeNet.

Required Documentation

Importers must prepare and submit the required documentation for each consignment. For information on Tradenet Permit Application and list of BCA product codes, please refer to Singapore Customs – Competent Authorities Requirements for BCA in this link: Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

Licensed importers and directory

Current Licensed Importers

View the complete directory of licensed importers [PDF, 198 KB] operating in Singapore. This public directory provides transparency and enables industry professionals to verify licensed status.

The directory includes:

• Company names and contact details

• License status and validity period

• Approved materials for import

Contact information and support