Importing goods and customs clearance in Singapore

If you want to ship your goods to Singapore then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

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Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into Singapore. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Travel to Singapore for a better impression

The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.

With Trip.com you can compare flights and also book your hotel.

Hotellook compares different hotel sites so you always have the best rate.

Localrent connects you to national rental car providers per country.

Importing goods into Singapore

Singapore is a global trade hub with efficient customs processes managed by the Singapore Customs authority. It is known for streamlined procedures and modern trade infrastructure. For detailed guidance, visit Singapore Customs – Importing.

General Import Process

Customs Declaration
- Submit an import declaration via the TradeNet system, Singapore’s electronic trade platform.
- Required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and certificates/licenses if applicable.
Import Duties and GST
- Singapore has minimal import duties; most goods enter duty-free. Exceptions include alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, and petroleum products.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST):
  - Standard rate: 8% (as of 2023, increasing to 9% in 2024).
  - Applies to the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value plus any duties.
Additional Non-Financial Requirements
- Certain products, like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, require approvals from agencies like the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) or Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
- Use the Singapore Customs Tariff Finder for product-specific requirements.
Inspection and Clearance
- Goods may undergo inspections. Clearance is usually quick (1-2 business days) if all documents are in order.
Release of Goods
- Cleared goods can be delivered locally or stored in bonded warehouses if needed.

Service Providers for Assistance

DHL Singapore – dhl.com
Kerry Logistics Singapore – kerrylogistics.com
DB Schenker Singapore – dbschenker.com
SATS Coolport (for perishables) – sats.com.sg
Geodis Singapore – geodis.com

Importing Small Parcels

Singapore is well-served by couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and SingPost. Shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

From the USA: SGD 25-50 for economy shipping.
From China: SGD 15-30 for economy shipping.

Express services (2-4 days) are available at higher costs. Rates depend on the courier, destination, and urgency. Check directly with providers for accurate pricing.

Customs clearance for Singapore

Getting your products imported and delivered in a specific country can be a challenge. I have good experience with Tecex, who can act as your importer of record and even physical distributor. If you leave your details, they will contact you.

Get in touch

Your first name

Last name

Your company email

Mobile number

What is your company website?

Where is your company based?

What can we do for you?

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, our privacy policy, the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Our consultants typically charge between 3.000 and 15.000 Euro on fees for market research or a partner search, depending on the complexity and country.

Frequently asked questions

How to find an importer in Singapore for your product?

The best way to find an importer in Singapore is to understand the sales channel for your product, and what parties are involved. Then find the right importers or wholesalers at the beginning of that chain. Before starting to push your product, approach a number of them to ask what they need. This way you can position your product better before you reach out to a broader group.

How to find a web shop for your product in Singapore?

First check whether your product normally is sold through web shops in Singapore or that other distribution structures are more common. Then determine the characteristics of your ideal web shop, and find a number of these, or outsource this search. When you approach the first few, you will learn what they find important and who your competitors are.

How to convince an importer in Singapore to work with you?

As in any country, convincing an importer or wholesaler to put your product in his assortment is difficult. Importers in Singapore look at the rotation of the product, how easy and often they can sell it, and multiply this with the margin they can make on it. The result should be higher than they earn now from any competing product. Only if you have proper sales data, for example from other countries, they will engage in a discussion with you.