Fertilisers regulated because of national security

ST Online
28 Jan 2010

WE REFER to Ms Grace Lin's Forum Online letter on Jan 18, 'Is it illegal to bring fertilisers into Singapore?' The importation of fertiliser is regulated in Singapore. This is because many types of fertilisers contain nitrates, which are oxidisers and can be used as ingredients to make explosives.

One common explosive ingredient found in a fertiliser is ammonium nitrate, which is considered an explosive precursor if it is of a certain composition. The use and movement of such explosive precursors are monitored and regulated by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) under the Arms and Explosives Act.

In addition, the importation of organic fertiliser made from materials of plant or animal origin is regulated under the Animals and Birds Act and the Control of Plants Act. An import permit is required from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) in order to bring in organic fertilisers.

Travellers may refer to the SPF website at www.spf.gov.sg or the AVA website at www.ava.gov.sg for more information.

As the border security agency, it is the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) role to ensure the security of Singapore's borders against the entry of undesirable persons, goods and conveyances through our land, air and sea checkpoints. Regulating the entry of items of security concern is crucial to Singapore's safety and security.

In the current security environment, precaution must be taken to ensure that such items, including fertilisers, are brought into Singapore with authorisation and for legitimate use.

We seek Ms Lin's understanding and cooperation in keeping Singapore a safe and secure home for everyone.


Chia Hui Keng (Ms)

Head, Public and Internal Communications Branch

Corporate Communications Division

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority


Goh Shih Yong

Assistant Director

Corporate Communications Division

Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore


Is it illegal to bring fertilisers into Singapore?

ST Online
18 Jan 2010

MY FATHER recently brought fertilisers for flowers from Malaysia into Singapore, but was stopped by Singapore Customs, which said he was not allowed to do so as the fertilisers can be used to make bombs.

Customs not only confiscated the fertilisers, but also required my father to leave his details.

I have checked the websites of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Customs, and nowhere is it stated that fertilisers cannot be brought into Singapore.

Fertilisers are sold in Singapore. Does that mean people can buy them and make bombs out of them?

I hope the ICA can provide an explanation.

Grace Lin (Ms)