SINGAPORE: A company was fined a total of S$22,000 for exporting a consignment of controlled military electronic connectors without authorisation.

The consignment, which was valued at S$13,599, was intended to be shipped from Switzerland via Singapore to a consignee in Iran.

Singapore Customs said World Freight Pte Ltd admitted to exporting items categorised as "strategic goods" without the required permit.

This is in violation of the Strategic Goods (Control) Act.

It also pleaded guilty to one count each of importing and exporting goods without a permit under the Regulation of Imports and Exports Regulations.

The offences were committed in August last year.

Under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act, Singapore Customs controls the export, transhipment, transit and brokering of strategic goods, as well as the transmission of any strategic goods technology.

These include items that can contribute towards the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and missiles capable of delivering these weapons.

Anyone who wants to engage in any such activities must obtain the necessary permit.

Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to S$100,000 or three times the value of the goods or technology. Offenders can also be jailed for two years.

For subsequent offences, they may be fined S$200,000 or four times the value of the goods or technology. They can also be jailed for three years.


- CNA/so