The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Multimodal Transport (AFAMT) aims to regulate and streamline the multimodal transport of goods (i.e. more than one mode of transport across land, air and sea in a single contract) within ASEAN, through:
a. Setting minimum standards for Multimodal Transport Operators (MTOs); and
b. Harmonising the rules for legal liability for multimodal transport contracts fulfilled by MTOs.
Following Singapore’s enactment of the Multimodal Transport Act (MTA) on 5 February 2021 and subsequent ratification of the AFAMT on 29 October 2021, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has established the Singapore AFAMT Registry of Multimodal Transport Operators (Singapore AFAMT Registry) on 28 November 2021. For all multimodal transport operations that begin or end in an ASEAN Member State (AMS), members of the Singapore AFAMT Registry are required to issue a Multimodal Transport Document (MTD) as proof of the multimodal transport contract, and have to align their contract terms with the MTA.
As provided under the AFAMT, MTOs which are members of the Singapore AFAMT Registry will be authorised to operate in all AMSes that have ratified the AFAMT, thereby gaining greater access to markets and business opportunities throughout ASEAN.
Registration with the Singapore AFAMT Registry is strictly optional and MTOs which choose not to register can still continue their operations in Singapore, as well as regionally and internationally, but will not be covered under the MTA and will not enjoy the benefits of the AFAMT.
Membership Criteria
- Registered under the Companies Act (Cap. 50) or the Business Names Registration Act 2014 (Act 29 of 2014) and has a principal place of business in Singapore;
- Possess an insurance policy, a bond, a guarantee or any other financial arrangements acceptable to LTA to cover payment (in whole or in part) for any claim arising from any loss, damage or delay in the delivery of goods under a multimodal transport contract, as well as any contractual risk assumed in relation to the performance of the carriage of any goods under a multimodal transport contract; and
- Maintain minimum assets equivalent to 80,000 Special Drawing Rights or provide an equivalent guarantee.
Application
To apply to be a member of the Singapore AFAMT Registry, please complete the registration form and upload all relevant supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
An annual membership fee of $128.40 (inclusive of GST) applies to all members of the Singapore AFAMT Registry. All applicants will be notified of the application outcome via email and details on the payment procedures will be provided if the application is successful.
Issuance of registration certificate and membership renewal
A registration certificate will be issued to successful applicants and is valid for one year from the date of issue, unless it is subsequently cancelled. An application for the renewal of the registration certificate must be made at least 3 months before the expiry date of the registration certificate, using the same form above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the AFAMT?
The AFAMT is an agreement signed by all AMSes to support and facilitate trade within ASEAN and with her trade partners, through the adoption of standardised rules and liability regimes relating to the carriage of goods by MTOs. The Multimodal Transport Act (MTA), enacted on 5 February 2021, provides the legal framework required for Singapore to implement this agreement.
The full text of the MTA is available for download from the Attorney-General Chambers' Singapore Statutes Online website while the text of the AFAMT can be downloaded from the ASEAN website.
2. What is the scope of the MTA and will it apply to all logistics players in Singapore?
The Act will apply for civil claims (including claims in contract and tort) for any MTO that is registered with a Competent National Body (CNB) in an AMS, and where the origin or destination of goods is an AMS. In addition, the MTO must issue a MTD as proof of the multimodal transport contract. LTA is Singapore’s designated CNB.
The MTA will only apply to those registered with the CNB. MTOs which choose not to register can continue their operations, but will not be covered under the MTA, and will not enjoy the benefits of the AFAMT.
3. What are the benefits of joining the Singapore AFAMT Registry?
Members of the registry will enjoy the benefits of the AFAMT, which provides for a common and consistent liability regime for MTOs across ASEAN, thereby facilitating market access for members to operate in other AMSes under a set of harmonised standards. The AFAMT is also aligned with international best practices and conventions.
4. Will the AFAMT come into conflict with other international agreements on the carriage of goods, such as the Hague Visby Rules?
The AFAMT will not come into conflict with any other international agreements. Any existing or future international conventions applicable to multimodal transport contracts or any part thereof, and relevant national laws implementing such conventions, will take precedence over the AFAMT.
5. What information needs to be specified in the Multimodal Transport Document (MTD)?
The MTD must include information on the nature and condition of goods, details of the consignor and recipient of the goods, and the mode and timing of delivery. A Bill of Lading can serve as an MTD. The MTD will be recognised by all AMSes.
6. What are the existing arrangements for logistics companies involved in the multimodal transport of goods?
Currently, local logistics companies can choose to register with the Singapore Registry of Accredited Multimodal Transport Operators. This is an industry-led registry maintained by the Singapore Logistics Association that accredits Multimodal Transport Operators to issue the FIATA Bill of Lading, an internationally recognised multimodal transport document.
The Singapore AFAMT Registry is separate from, and complementary to, the Singapore Registry of Accredited Multimodal Transport Operators. Logistics operators may choose to be registered with neither, either or both of these registries depending on their individual business needs.
7. Which ASEAN member states have not yet ratified the AFAMT to-date?
As of November 2021, only Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia have not yet ratified the AFAMT. The AFAMT is currently in force among seven ASEAN member states that have ratified the agreement – namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Contact Us
If you require any assistance or further clarification, please send your queries to SGAFAMT_Registry@lta.gov.sg.
For changes to member information, please indicate your certificate number, company name and UEN number in the email.
