Decision

2 May 2024: UK-Singapore Committee on Goods, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, and Customs first meeting minutes

Updated 24 October 2024

The first meeting of the UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (UKSGFTA) trade in goods, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and customs cluster subcommittee was held on 2 May 2024 via video conference. The UK was represented by the Head of South East Asia from the Department for Business and Trade as co-chair and Singapore was represented by the Director for the International Trade Cluster from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as co-chair.  

Venue: Video conference

Time: 9:15am to 11:15am BST / 4:15pm to 6:15pm SGT

1. Agenda

1.1 Greetings and opening remarks  

The UK chair opened the meeting and welcomed attendees to the inaugural sub-committee on goods, SPS and customs under the UK-Singapore FTA for the first time. Both chairs noted that it has been nearly 3 years since the FTA entered into force (EIF), which is a testament to the UK and Singapore’s strong economic relationship.

1.2 Approval of the agenda

Singapore thanked the UK for proposing the agenda and agreed to it with no amendments.

1.3 A discussion of preference utilisation data exchange and next steps

The UK presented its preference utilisation data (PUD) and considered utilisation of preferences a necessary condition for businesses to make the most of the UK-Singapore FTA. The UK provided a summary of its methodology in calculating preference utilisation rates (PUR), before presenting high-level figures from the import regime. The UK then presented a sectoral breakdown, noting that chemical products and machinery had the highest PURs for imports into the UK.

Singapore highlighted broader trade in goods trends, such as positive growth despite pandemic recovery, noting increases in trade since 2021. Citing few examples, Singapore noted that there has been an increase in use notwithstanding seasonal fluctuations. Food and drink exports to the UK stand out for Singapore as having high preference utilisation, similar to the UK’s exports of drink to Singapore.

Both parties agreed in-principle to exchange utilisation data on an annual basis.

1.4 Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS)

Policy exchange on respective SPS regimes

UK officials outlined the UK’s SPS framework, including central competent authorities, enforcing competent authorities and agri-food business operators. The UK explained the devolved nature of SPS policy in relation to trade negotiations. The UK described the roles of the central competent authorities and key contact points for different types of SPS query.

Singapore outlined their competent authorities for food safety and animal and plant health. National Parks Board Singapore explained their vision and mission: to create Singapore a ‘city in nature’.

Presentation on the UK’s border target operating model (BTOM)

Emphasising the global risk-based approach, new certificates and trust as 3 central characteristics, the UK explained the rationale behind the BTOM and explained how it would affect export health certificates (EHCs), prenotification, ID check and physical checks for different products. The UK also acknowledged that the old paper certificates could be time consuming, prone to administrative errors, and subject to regular change; whereas the new certificates are significantly shorter, and regular changes will only be made on a quarterly basis.

Singapore asked for clarification on the requirements for importers to issue EHCs, which the UK confirmed. Singapore also asked whether the UK issues certifications to re-export goods, which the UK confirmed. Both parties agreed to follow up in more detail on a working-level.

Policy exchange on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

The UK signalled strong interest in AMR policy, collaborating with partners, and set out the UK’s 20-year vision for AMR and the 5-year national action plans (NAPs) underneath this, including that the next NAP was due to be published shortly. The UK emphasised commitment to tackling AMR and outlined nine ambitions under the 20-year plan and the 2019 to 2024 NAP, including improving access to vaccines and highlighted the reduced use of antibiotics in animal agriculture by 59% as a key success. The UK concluded by summarising international ambitions, including establishing an independent science panel at UN General Assembly to discuss AMR.

Singapore presented their National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP), launched in 2017, covering core strategic objectives. They explained the governance structure for ongoing AMR efforts. As well as progress and attempts to raise awareness through World AMR Awareness Week, sharing of AMR data and responsible usage of antimicrobials with stakeholders. Singapore explained how they monitor antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in food and animal sectors, as well as data collection across sectors. Singapore concluded by outlining work at ASEAN and other international collaboration. A ban on antibiotic growth promoters, national guidelines, risk assessments of AMR, the advancement of countries AMR surveillance capacity and regional capacity building were highlighted as key successes.

The UK asked how Singapore sets its targets, which the UK has done on a voluntary basis with stakeholders, and whether they would support moves for an international ban on the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in food animals.

Singapore noted that data is obtained through sales of antimicrobials and can set targets once they understand actual antimicrobial usage, and welcomed a discussion on international action regarding growth promoters.

UKSGFTA Implementation

UK chair handed to the Singapore chair to lead this section of the agenda. Discussions centred on the implementation of the national treatment and market access for goods, SPS measures, and customs and trade facilitation chapters under the UKSGFTA. This included the identification of possible areas for future review and discussion, to ensure that the chapters’ provisions are up-to-date and relevant for businesses’ use.

Closing remarks

The UK and Singapore chairs closed the meeting, noting detailed and productive discussions. The UK offered to share draft minutes with Singapore for comment and approval. Further actions included officials agreeing to discuss the rules of procedure via written correspondence, as well as the UK continuing discussions on all points raised in agenda item 5.