US, Hong Kong, Singapore – BIS posts foreign import/export license requirements (Hong Kong and Singapore)

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently posted information of foreign import/export license requirements (Hong Kong and Singapore) which advises exporters that they should be aware that their foreign customers may be required to obtain import and reexport licenses from their own government whether or not an individually validated US export license is required. BIS strongly encourages US exporters to know whether foreign customers are obligated to obtain licenses. As a best practice, prior to shipment, BIS recommends US exporters provide foreign customers with the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) of items to be exported and request a copy of any required licenses.

Failure of a foreign customer to honor a request to provide a copy of any required licenses would present a “red flag” that indicates an export may be destined for an inappropriate end use, end user or destination. (For “red flag” guidance, see Supplement No. 3 to Part 732 of the EAR.)

Officials of Hong Kong’s and Singapore’s trade agencies recently requested that BIS remind US exporters of their licensing requirements. Information on those requirements may be found at:

• Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department website
• Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department website
• Singapore Customs website