Enterprise Financing Scheme - Trade Loan (EFS-TL)
· Last verified 23 Oct 2026Risk-shared trade financing (for example import and export financing, inventory, and bank guarantees) through Participating Financial Institutions.
- Support
- Up to S$50m per borrower group across all EFS facilities. The maximum tenure is 1 year, or 2 years for bank guarantees. EnterpriseSG shares 50% of the risk, or 70% for young enterprises or those in challenged markets.
- Maximum funding
- S$50,000,000
- How to apply
- Participating Financial Institution or ESIMS
- Apply before starting?
- No
Recent changes
From 1 Apr 2026 (Business Refresh Package), the separate per-borrower and borrower-group caps for the Trade Loan were removed and replaced by the combined S$50m EFS limit per borrower group.
Who is eligible
- Registered and operating in Singapore
- At least 30% local shareholding
- Group annual turnover of S$500,000,000 or less (for SME support rates)
- Subject to the bank's credit assessment
Quick eligibility check
- 1. Is your business registered with ACRA and operating in Singapore?
- 2. Do Singapore citizens and/or PRs own at least 30% of your business?
- 3. Is your group annual turnover S$500m or less?
- 4. Do you need short-term financing (12 months or less) for trade transactions?
- 5. Do you have purchase orders or invoices to support the facility?
0 of 5 answered.
What it covers
- Import/export financing
- Inventory / stock financing
- Bank guarantees
- Receivables financing
How to apply
- Approach a participating bank or financial institution
- Submit trade documents and financials
- The bank grants the trade line
Processing time: Depends on the bank
Claims: Not applicable.
Documents you need
- Bank application form
- ACRA bizfile business profile
- Financial statements
- Trade documents (purchase orders, invoices, bills of lading)
- Bank statements
Frequently asked questions
What is the Enterprise Financing Scheme - Trade Loan?
Risk-shared trade financing (for example import and export financing, inventory, and bank guarantees) through Participating Financial Institutions.
How much funding does EFS-TL give?
Up to S$50m per borrower group across all EFS facilities. The maximum tenure is 1 year, or 2 years for bank guarantees. EnterpriseSG shares 50% of the risk, or 70% for young enterprises or those in challenged markets.
Who is eligible for EFS-TL?
Applicants must be registered and operating in Singapore, have at least 30% local shareholding, have group annual turnover of S$500,000,000 or less (for SME rates). Subject to the bank's credit assessment
How do I apply for EFS-TL?
Apply through Participating Financial Institution or ESIMS. Processing time: Depends on the bank.
What documents do I need for EFS-TL?
Bank application form; ACRA bizfile business profile; Financial statements; Trade documents (purchase orders, invoices, bills of lading); Bank statements.
Sources
- Official page: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-support/enterprise-financing-scheme---trade-loan
- https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/resources/media-centre/media-releases/2026/march/mr00826_business-refresh-package
Information last verified on 23 Oct 2026. Grant rules change often. Always confirm with Enterprise Singapore before you apply.
