Frequently Asked Questions

Access support schemes, advisory services and tools for your trade operations.

General

  • What is the aim of the JS-SEZ?

    The JS-SEZ aims to improve cross-border goods connectivity between Singapore and Johor, enable freer movement of people, and strengthen the business ecosystem within the region.

  • How does a company set up in the JS-SEZ?

    Setting up operations in the JS-SEZ follows standard Malaysian business establishment procedures, as the zone falls within Malaysian jurisdiction. The process involves:

    • Incorporating a local entity
    • Opening a local bank account
    • Applying for tax registrations
    • Obtaining relevant licences and permits (specific requirements depend on location and business activities)

    The IMFC-J will streamline and expedite processes for companies setting up in the JS-SEZ, and provide priority handling of Singapore and Singapore-based companies.

  • Where is the JS-SEZ? Does it cover the whole of Johor?

    The JS-SEZ is located in the south of Johor state, encompassing the Iskandar Development Region (including Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Kulai, and parts of Pontian) and Pengerang. While its name suggests a joint zone, the JS-SEZ is situated entirely within Johor, covering an area of over 3,500km2. The JS-SEZ is a broad contiguous area and not a single industrial park.

  • How will the JS-SEZ benefit our businesses?

    The JS-SEZ is a win-win initiative that will benefit businesses and communities in both Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore businesses stand to benefit through:

    • Twinning opportunities to establish complementary operations in Johor.
    • Gateway for Singapore businesses to better serve their clients in Malaysia.
    • Ability to move goods and talent across the border in a shorter time, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • What initiatives have been launched?

    Singapore and Malaysia have launched several early initiatives based on business feedback to build towards the JS-SEZ.

    Movement of people and goods

    • Passport-free QR code clearance at Singapore’s land checkpoints with Malaysia. Since its implementation in March 2024, congestion has reduced.
    • Streamlined customs procedures for land intermodal transhipments. From 1 January 2025, traders only need to apply for a single transshipment permit with Singapore Customs for land intermodal transhipments, instead of two separate permits required previously. This new procedure helps businesses save costs and improve efficiency.

    Ease of doing business

    • Malaysia has established the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor (IMFC-J), a one-stop investment facilitation centre that will streamline and expedite the process for companies setting up in the JS-SEZ.

    Talent development

    • Partnerships to strengthen cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) initiatives to meet industry demands. Examples of such TVET partnerships include MOUs between Singapore Polytechnic and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), and Singapore’s ITE Education Services (ITEES) and the Johor Skills Development Centre (JSDC), as well as the signing of a Cooperation Note on Talent Development between Republic Polytechnic and the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC).
  • What initiatives will there be in future?

    To achieve the goals and ambitions of the JS-SEZ, Singapore and Malaysia agree to cooperate on the following initiatives.

    Economic cooperation

    • Facilitate development of renewable energy projects to accelerate renewable energy trading between Malaysia and Singapore.
    • Consider development of new areas for Free Zones and facilitating application for Licensed Manufacturing Warehouses in the JS-SEZ.

    Movement of people and goods

    • Enhance Malaysia’s existing passes (e.g. the DE Rantau Nomad Pass) to encourage vibrancy in the JS-SEZ.
    • Enhance the movement of people and goods in phases by increasing clearance capacity, implementing automated immigration lanes, and implementing paperless clearance for goods.
    • Work on developing seamless connectivity by strengthening local transport links in Singapore and Malaysia to support the JS-SEZ.
    • Study the feasibility of encouraging more commercial vehicles to use the Second Link.
    • Explore potential data sharing to enhance customs processes in facilitating the cross-border movement of goods, subject to requirements and regulations of both countries.

    Talent development

    • Attract talents aligned with industry needs to work in the JS-SEZ, including enhancing industry-ready skills training and education programmes, and to pursue these initiatives in collaboration with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) and other relevant institutions.
  • What is the support available for Singapore companies expanding into the JS-SEZ?

    Financial support for companies expanding into the JS-SEZ is available from both countries:

    Singapore companies can tap existing internationalisation schemes such as:


    Malaysian incentives include:


    Companies with existing operations in the JS-SEZ may also qualify for these Malaysian incentives, subject to the nature of their investments.

  • What are the eligibility criteria for Malaysia’s JS-SEZ tax incentives?

    A company must (a) be in one of the designated sectors in the particular flagship zone, and (b) meet minimum capital/operating expenditure and local employment requirements. A company that does not meet these criteria would not be eligible for the JS-SEZ incentives, but may still be eligible for the existing incentives (e.g. Pioneer Status, Investment Tax Allowance).

    More details can be found on MIDA’s website: https://www.mida.gov.my/forms-and-guidelines/js-sez-tax-incentive-package.

    The JS-SEZ tax incentives existing MIDA incentives are mutually exclusive. Companies may apply for one or the other, but not both at the same time.

  • What other forms of support are available for Singapore companies interested in the JS-SEZ?

    The JS-SEZ Joint Project Office set up by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board provides advisory and guidance to Singapore companies interested in expanding into the JS-SEZ, complementing Malaysia’s IMFC-J. Companies interested in JS-SEZ opportunities may reach out to the JS-SEZ Joint Project Office here.


For Manufacturers

  • Can products manufactured in the JS-SEZ be considered "Made in Singapore"?

    Under WTO rules of origin, it is not possible for products wholly manufactured in Johor to qualify as “Made in Singapore”.

    To qualify as “Made in Singapore”, products have to be manufactured in Singapore with at least 25% local content (ordinary certificate of origin), or undergo substantial transformation in Singapore (preferential certificate of origin).

    If required, companies can approach SBF’s Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment (CFOTI) for advisory.

  • I am a food manufacturer. Can meat and meat products produced in the JS-SEZ be imported into Singapore?

    SFA’s prevailing requirements for the import of meat and meat products from Malaysia apply to the JS-SEZ as well.

    Type of facility in Malaysia SFA’s requirements
    Meat slaughterhouse Accreditation is required.
    Processed meat factory (e.g. chicken nuggets) Accreditation is required. In addition, the raw meat must be from SFA-accredited sources from any SFA-approved country (i.e. either Malaysia or a third country).
    Processed food factory that uses raw meat in products (e.g. fish balls with meat fillings)

    If meat content is less than 5%, accreditation is not required. However, the products must meet the following requirements before they are allowed to be imported into Singapore:

    • The meat source (i.e. farm/establishment) must be regulated by Malaysia's Competent Authority, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
    • The products must be approved by SFA before import to Singapore

    If meat content is 5% and above, the factory would be considered a processed meat factory (per above), and accreditation is required.

    Processed food factory that uses processed meat in products (e.g. pizzas, ready meals)

    If required, companies can approach SFA for advisory. The information can also be found on SFA’s website here.

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