From 28 June 2021, under the Small Motorised Vehicles (Safety) Act 2020 (SMVA), all importers of Power-Assisted Bicycles (PABs) and motorised Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) are required to obtain approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) before importing these devices into Singapore. This applies to devices imported under Harmonised System (HS) codes 87116092, 87116094 and 87116095.
The import control regime is a key upstream measure to stem the inflow of non-compliant PABs and motorised PMDs into Singapore. It reinforces the government’s existing efforts to promote public path and fire safety in the use of active mobility devices.
Under the SMVA, it is an offence (see penalties below) to:
- Import PABs and/or motorised PMDs without an import permit
- Provide false or misleading information in an import permit application
- Fail to comply with the conditions of an import approval
To import PABs and/or motorised PMDs, importers must apply for an import permit and pay the permit fee via TradeNet, Singapore’s National Single Window for trade declaration.
The import control regime also applies to individuals bringing in PABs or motorised PMDs for personal use (e.g. residents returning to Singapore or travellers entering Singapore). Individuals who attempt to bring in PABs or motorised PMDs without a valid import permit may be asked to return to their port of origin (if they wish to keep their device) or dispose of their device on the spot for a fee, or may face penalties and have their device seized.