CARGOKAKI

Your kaki for the cargo side of Changi

A reference, not operational or compliance advice. It never tells you a shipment is cleared.

CAC at a glance

24/7

Free Trade Zone for air cargo

CAG · checked 11 Nov 2026

47 ha

Size of CAC itself

CAG · checked 11 Nov 2026

26+ ha

ALPS, the separate logistics park next door

CAG · checked 11 Nov 2026

1980s

When CAC began. Redevelopment comes after the new cargo zone opens, mid-2030s

Air Cargo News · 6 May 2026

Who's here

Ground handling terminals: SATS and dnata. Also present: FedEx, UPS, SF Express and DHL.

Air Cargo News, quoting CAG · 6 May 2026

SingPost runs its Airmail Transit Centre inside the CAC Free Trade Zone. Since 1 Jun 2026, all its inbound post is handled there.

Singapore Customs Circular 08/2026 · checked 11 Nov 2026

CAPQ · the animal vets

The Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine Station, run by AVS (NParks), inspects every animal and bird entering or leaving Singapore through Changi. It's at 113A Airport Cargo Road.

Mon–Tue9am to 5pmWed–Fri9am to 8pmSat–Sunclosed, and PH

Animals landing after hours wait in the ground handler's animal holding area until the next working day. Since 1 Apr 2026, pet owners can't enter CAC; AVS-recognised pet agents do the clearance.

1800 476 1600Tel

Open in Google Maps

AVS, CAPQ · AVS, changes from 1 Apr 2026 · checked 11 Nov 2026

CAFHI · the jet fuel

Changi Airport Fuel Hydrant Installation stores and distributes the aviation fuel for Changi through an underground hydrant system, so aircraft are fuelled at the stand instead of by road tanker.

  • Formed on 11 Dec 1976 as a consortium of oil companies, when the airport moved from Paya Lebar to Changi.
  • In 2025, blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) went into Changi's hydrant system for the first time, for Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights.
  • In Aug 2026, Aster agreed to buy a stake, joining the energy majors that own CAFHI.

National Archives, 1986 speech · CAG, Apr 2025 · S&P Global, 28 Aug 2026

Did you know

The BUP Handling Centre

SATS opened it on 5 Aug 2025, next to Terminal 1. SATS calls it the first dedicated facility of its kind, and it's a testbed for Terminal 5.

6cargo lanes 2 hmin. processing, was 2.5 300+units a day, room for 600 ~35%of SATS cargo is BUP

SATS · CNA · ST · 5 Aug 2025

Keeping it cold

SATS Coolport has 18 cold rooms in three temperature bands, with airside access.

Payload Asia · Sep 2025

dnata runs a 1,400 sqm pharma and perishables centre.

dnata · checked 11 Nov 2026

Getting in

CAC entrance

Turn off Nicoll Drive into Changi Airfreight Centre. The ICA checkpoint is at 6 Airline Road, open 24 hours, and the Pass Office is at the entrance.

Open in Google Maps

ICA · updated 3 Nov 2026 · NParks directions to CAC · checked 11 Nov 2026

ALPS entrance

Access is from Changi Coast Road. ICA's ALPS checkpoint is at 111 Alps Avenue, Mon to Sat 7.30am to 7pm.

Open in Google Maps

Wikipedia: Airport Logistics Park · ICA · checked 11 Nov 2026

Tenant list · internal, pending employer approval

Shipper to aircraft · tap a step

01Book itAir waybill is issued

The shipper (consignor) hands cargo to a forwarder or airline. The air waybill names the consignor, consignee, airports and goods.

Maersk · Dec 2024

02Check controlsIs the item controlled?

Imports, exports and transhipments need the relevant permits. Controlled goods must meet the Competent Authority's requirements before the permit application. Check with the HS/CA Product Code Checker.

Singapore Customs · checked 11 Nov 2026

03Declare on TradeNetTrader or declaring agent files

TradeNet is Singapore's national single window for permits.

Singapore Customs · updated 29 Jun 2026

04Into the FTZDuty and GST suspended
  • Air arrivals go into an FTZ or Customs-approved premises first.
  • Duty and GST are suspended while stored. Transhipment isn't subject to duty or GST.
  • Goods that don't meet the transhipment criteria still need import and export permits, even in the FTZ.
  • Dutiable liquor and tobacco can wait up to 30 days, unless on a through airway bill.

Singapore Customs · checked 11 Nov 2026

05Security screeningKnown cargo gets lighter checks
  • Cargo must be secured before loading and protected until loaded (RACA regime since 2008, Known Consignor since 2021).
  • Known consignor via a regulated agent: random screening.
  • Unregistered agent or consignor: full measures at the terminal, at their cost.

SPF RACA · SPF KC · checked 11 Nov 2026

06Moving between zonesWhen a movement permit is needed
  • Between FTZs
  • Between an FTZ and a land checkpoint
  • Within an FTZ, if the goods are controlled
  • Between licensed or zero-GST warehouses

Singapore Customs · checked 11 Nov 2026

07The BUP shortcutForwarder builds the unit
  • The shipper or forwarder builds the ULD and hands it over ready to fly (code BUP).
  • At SATS it goes through acceptance (documents, weighing, contour check) and can be towed straight airside.
  • The air waybill lists each ULD as a piece, with its number and piece count.
  • Build quality stays the forwarder's responsibility. Common rejections: wrong contour, damaged ULD, bad restraint, undeclared dangerous goods, weight mismatch.
  • Singapore allows BUP; not all countries do.

IATA · CNA · 5 Aug 2025

General public description only. Internal procedures · internal, pending employer approval

Glossary · 25 terms

AWBAir waybill

The airline's receipt for the goods and proof of the contract to carry them. It is not a document of title and can't be traded. Its 11-digit number is a 3-digit airline prefix, a 7-digit serial and a check digit.

Wikipedia: Air waybill · checked 11 Nov 2026

MAWB · HAWBMaster and house waybills

A master AWB is issued by the airline for a consolidated load. Inside it, each customer's shipment gets its own house AWB from the forwarder.

Wikipedia: Air waybill · checked 11 Nov 2026

e-AWBElectronic air waybill

IATA's e-AWB programme lets the air waybill be electronic instead of paper.

Wikipedia: Air waybill · checked 11 Nov 2026

Consignor

The sender or shipper named on the air waybill.

Air Navigation Regulations 2017 · checked 11 Nov 2026

Consignee

The receiver named on the air waybill. Because the AWB isn't a document of title, holding the paper doesn't make you the owner.

Wikipedia: Waybill, Air waybill · checked 11 Nov 2026

Consignment

A shipment moving under one waybill, from the consignor to the consignee.

Wikipedia: Waybill · checked 11 Nov 2026

Cargo manifest

The list of cargo on board an aircraft, ship or vehicle, used by customs and other officials.

Wikipedia: Manifest · checked 11 Nov 2026

DGDShipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods

The form where the shipper certifies that dangerous goods are packed, labelled and declared to IATA rules. The shipper is responsible for it.

IATA · checked 11 Nov 2026

NOTOCNotification to Captain

The form that tells the pilot what dangerous goods are on board.

SKYbrary · checked 11 Nov 2026

Freight forwarder

Arranges the move but usually doesn't fly or truck the goods itself: consolidation, rates, tracking, customs and paperwork. FIATA calls forwarders the "architects of transport".

Wikipedia: Freight forwarder · checked 11 Nov 2026

Consolidation

Grouping shipments from different customers into one bigger shipment to save cost. The consolidated load travels under one master AWB.

Wikipedia: Freight rate, Air waybill · checked 11 Nov 2026

Integrator

The big express companies, FedEx, UPS and DHL, which Wikipedia singles out from the rest of air cargo.

Wikipedia: Air cargo · checked 11 Nov 2026

RACAKnown Consignor

Cargo agents and shippers on police-kept lists. They get lighter screening.

SPF · checked 11 Nov 2026

ULDUnit Load Device

An aircraft container, or a pallet and net, that groups and restrains cargo.

IATA · checked 11 Nov 2026

BUPBulk Unitization Programme

A ULD built by the shipper or forwarder, handed over ready to load. Also called a shipper-built unit.

IATA · checked 11 Nov 2026

Chargeable weight

Airlines charge on actual weight or volume weight, whichever is higher. Volume weight is the volume in cm³ divided by 6,000.

IATA Knowledge Hub · checked 11 Nov 2026

SHCSpecial handling codes

Three-letter IATA codes flagging how cargo must be handled. A few: PER perishables, PIL pharma, AVI live animals, VAL valuables, HUM human remains, ICE dry ice, CAO cargo aircraft only.

IATA code list via Amerijet · checked 11 Nov 2026

DGDangerous goods

Articles or substances that can harm health, safety, property or the environment, as listed or classified in IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulations.

IATA Knowledge Hub · checked 11 Nov 2026

Strategic goods

Military and dual-use items under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act. Whether a permit applies depends on the goods, deal and destination; exemptions exist. Permits: Individual (XO or XP) or Bulk.

Singapore Customs · updated 8 Jun 2026

CEIV Pharma

IATA's certification for handling temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals, covering facilities, equipment, operations and staff. Created in 2014.

IATA · checked 11 Nov 2026

Transhipment

Goods that arrive and leave without entering the local market. Meeting the transhipment criteria decides which permits apply.

Source not yet verified

Belly cargo

Cargo carried in the hold of a passenger plane, under the cabin. Roughly half of all air freight travels this way.

Wikipedia: Cargo airline, Air cargo · checked 11 Nov 2026

Freighter

An aircraft built or converted to carry cargo instead of passengers, usually with a large cargo door.

Wikipedia: Cargo aircraft · checked 11 Nov 2026

Combi

An aircraft carrying passengers and cargo on the same main deck, plus cargo in the belly.

Wikipedia: Air cargo · checked 11 Nov 2026

Preighter

A passenger plane flown temporarily as a freighter, with cargo in the cabin. The word took off during COVID-19.

Wikipedia: Preighter · checked 11 Nov 2026

A lookup is not clearance. No match never means cleared to ship. Compliance staff decide. Lists change, so this app links to them instead of copying.

Three separate checks · tap one

AControlled goodsAllowed with approval

No match is not clearance. Compliance decides. Use the official links.

Need advance notice, a licence or a certificate from the Competent Authority before import, export or transhipment. Check by description, HS code or CA product code.

Strategic goods (military, dual-use) are controlled for export, transhipment and transit. Whether a permit applies depends on goods, deal and destination.

BProhibited goodsNot allowed

No match is not clearance. Compliance decides. Use the official links.

Separate lists for import and export. Example on the export list: rhinoceros horn.

CSanctionsDestinations, companies, people

No match is not clearance. Compliance decides. Use the official links.

  • Destinations: Singapore applies UN Security Council sanctions. Customs lists banned items by country and direction.
  • Companies and people: MAS says screen clients against the UN designated lists.
  • Other countries' sanctions: Singapore doesn't enforce them, but has its own controls on some Russia-related items. Airline, bank or customer rules: ask compliance.

Offences at cargo · tap one

Common offences linked to air cargo, from official sources. Penalties shown are the maximum on first conviction. Reference only, not legal advice.

01Wrong or missing declarationCustoms Act s128, s128B
  • Making an incorrect declaration, or not declaring goods imported, exported or transhipped.
  • Saying it was a mistake is no defence under the Act.

Up to $10,000 or the duty/GST involved (whichever is higher), or 12 months jail, or both.

Singapore Customs · Customs Act, Part 15 · checked 11 Nov 2026

02Moving goods without a permitImport and export regulations
  • Importing, exporting or transhipping without the right permit.
  • Customs gives an example: moving goods between two FTZs without a transhipment permit.

Up to $100,000 or 3 times the value of the goods (whichever is higher), or 2 years jail, or both.

Singapore Customs, transhipment · checked 11 Nov 2026

03False declaration on a permitRIEA s28
  • Making a false declaration, such as the wrong value or wrong country of origin.

Up to $10,000, or 2 years jail, or both.

Singapore Customs, export procedures · checked 11 Nov 2026

04Strategic goods without a permitStrategic Goods (Control) Act
  • Exporting, transhipping or bringing strategic goods in transit without a strategic goods permit, or breaking the permit's conditions.
  • Real case: a freight forwarder exported military electronic connectors declared as ordinary connectors, and was prosecuted and fined.
  • In 2023 a Singapore company was fined over $1.1 million for exporting strategic goods to Myanmar without permits.

Up to $100,000 or 3 times the value (whichever is higher), or 2 years jail, or both. Breaking permit conditions: up to $50,000 or 12 months.

Singapore Customs, strategic goods · Customs media release, 21 Sep 2023 · checked 11 Nov 2026

05Smuggling and hiding goodsCases caught at CAC
  • 2015: ICA found contraband cigarettes hidden inside boxes declared as air filters, on lorries arriving at CAC.
  • 2019: e-vaporisers, which are banned in Singapore, found in parcels at CAC.
  • 2021: 200 vials of fentanyl in a parcel declared as "medicine".
  • 2021: meat declared as "assorted foodstuff" and imported without a permit; the company was fined $18,500.
  • Importing drugs falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act. For large amounts, the death penalty can apply.

ICA 2015 · ICA 2019 · ICA 2021 · ICA, ACD Logistics · ICA, Apr 2026

06Taking goods out of customs controlCustoms Act s27
  • Not following the conditions for removing goods from customs control.

Up to $5,000.

Singapore Customs · checked 11 Nov 2026

07Undeclared dangerous goodsIATA rules and the law
  • The shipper must declare dangerous goods on a Shipper's Declaration. IATA's form warns that not complying may break the law and lead to penalties.
  • Undeclared dangerous goods are also a common reason BUP units get rejected.

IATA Shipper's Declaration · IATA BUP paper · checked 11 Nov 2026

08Photos and videosInfrastructure Protection Act 2017
  • Changi Airport is protected under the Act. Unauthorised photography, filming and live streaming in and around the airport is prohibited without CAG's permission.
  • CAC is part of the airport under the CAAS by-laws.

CAG filming and photography · CAAS (Changi Airport) By-laws · checked 11 Nov 2026

Customs may settle minor offences with a composition fine of up to $5,000 each; serious cases go to court.

Singapore Customs · checked 11 Nov 2026

Company blocked-party lists · internal, pending employer approval

Emergency999Police

SPF · checked 11 Nov 2026

Police

Airport Police Division

6546 000024 hours

35 Airport Boulevard, 819645. Covers Changi and Seletar airports, CAC and ALPS.

SPF contact page · SPF, APD role · checked 11 Nov 2026