Information on the type of licences that IDA issues and the relevant guidelines of these licences can be found here.

 

Small quantities (one or two sets) of handphones can be brought into Singapore for individual own use without a Dealer's Licence. However, a Dealer's Licence will be required when a person import telecommunication equipment such as handphones for sale in Singapore or for export sale to other countries.

The complainant can send his complaint in writing to the Licensing & Operations Department, or via e-mail through IDA's website, or fax, or through the phone with the relevant information, personal particulars such as name and contact numbers. Personal particulars are required because the complainant may be required to clarify or testify certain facts and evidence during the investigation process. In the event where there is prosecution, the complainant may be needed as a material witness of the case.

A list of IDA's Licensing Hotlines can be found here.

This is because the equipment will cause radio interference to the public cellular mobile telephone service. Such interference causes drop calls and reduces the quality of service of the network. In order to prevent occurrence of such interference incidents to the cellular mobile telephone networks, it is necessary to prohibit the import and sale of such equipment in Singapore to maintain the quality of the public cellular mobile telephone service.

Dealers are required to affix compliance labels on all the registered equipment or packaging or instruction manuals at their retail outlets. This is to enable local consumers to know whether the particular equipment is approved when it is offered for sale. There are cases where users purchase prohibited cordless phones or non-approved radio-communication equipment from overseas or use such equipment given as gifts by friends or relatives in Singapore. Such users are advised not to do so as the equipment will cause radio interference to other radio communication networks equipment.

The possession and or operation of radio-communication equipment without a licence may cause interference to wireless networks in Singapore. Please note that possession or operation of radio-communication equipment without a valid licence is an offence under the Telecommunications Act (Cap. 323). Any person guilty of such an offence shall, in addition to the forfeiture of the equipment seized, be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.

You have to cease using the equipment immediately and call IDA (contact Mr Chew at +65 6211 1932 or e-mail chew_kiong_leng@ida.gov.sg) to make arrangements for exporting or disposing of such equipment. You will have to pay your own postage charge if you want to export the equipment out of Singapore.

Owners who surrender their equipment on their own accord would not be penalised. They will have to pay their own postage charge if they wish to export the equipment to their relatives/friends overseas.

Check the equipment you are using now and if you are using a cordless phone or other equipment operating in the prohibited frequency (890-915 MHz and 935-960 MHz) bands, please call Mr Chew Kiong Leng at +65 6211 1932 or e-mail chew_kiong_leng@ida.gov.sg). He will advise you on how to dispose of or re-export it.

The following types of equipment are prohibited for local use:

• Scanning receiver;
  
• Military communication equipment;
  
• Telephone voice changing equipment;
  
• Radio communication jamming devices operating in any frequency band; and
  
• Radio communication operating in frequency bands 890-915 and 935-960 MHz except cellular mobile phones or such other equipment approved by the Authority.
  

Please refer to a list of prohibited telecommunication equipment here.

Information on list of SBO Licensees who are operating the four digit 15XX access code can be found here.