Country Customs Information

View Customs Rules


View HS Codes on Singapore's customs official site



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have a Company Registration number from Inland Revenue Authority
  • The imported goods must conform to activities licensed to the importing company
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, an Original Commercial Invoice, a Certificate of Origin, and a Packing List
  • HS Codes must be stated clearly on Commercial Invoice. If the HS Codes are not stated, Customs will determine proper HS Codes based on the goods based on the stated description


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Import Duties and Fees
  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to Singapore
  • Customs duties at 7% is levied on CIF value
  • Goods and Service Tax (GST) will be imposed on imported goods is 7%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below SGD 400 are duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than a SGD 400 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance

The following are trade agreements with Singapore that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
  • World Trade Organization (WTO)


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Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties and GST. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Raw materials for manufacturing in Singapore destined for companies holding industrial license
  • Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
  • Diplomatic goods

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Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into Singapore. The below documents are required:
  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)


Re-Export

Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into Singapore for purpose of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into Singapore on temporary basis for the purposes of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties has to be made for the benefit Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)

When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


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Exports

When exporting goods from Singapore some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting


Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:

  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Customs Declaration if goods' value is above SGD 400 or commercial quantities
  3. For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. Example where these licenses are needed include: military, dual-use, chemicals, medication, and agricultural goods. For more information
  4. click here to check if your goods require an export license
Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page)



Important Notes

  • All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
  • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Singapore
  • For more information on exporting from the Singapore click here


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Transiting Goods

Transiting Goods through Singapore can only remain in for 30 days from the date of arrival into the country

To process Transiting Goods, the following documents are needed:

  • Original Waybills
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin approved by Chamber of Commerce
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • Transit permit


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Prohibited / Restricted Goods

Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Singapore

In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:
  • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
  • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
  • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
  • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
  • Fireworks*
  • Ivory and ivory products*
  • Furs*
  • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
  • Bullion*
  • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
  • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
  • Ammunitions*
  • Human remains, including ashes*
  • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*
  • Chewing gum
  • Electronic cigarettes

* Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into Singapore. Some examples are shown below:


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Aramex Clearance Service

Aramex offers clearance service covering the following Customs Ports:

  • Changi Free Trade Zone
  • Jurong Free Trade Zone
  • Keppel Free Trade Zone
  • Pasir Panjang Free Trade Zone
  • Sembawang Free Trade Zone

Aramex offers a wide range of customs clearance services (starting with Delivery Order collection up to delivery of goods). In addition, Aramex offers storage in Aramex warehouses when needed.

In key locations, Aramex employees are certified and supported by a customer service team to keep customers updated, and address all inquiries


Aramex Logo Request a Customs Clearance Offer here


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References

  1. Singapore Customs
  2. Singapore HS Codes
  3. Customs Terminologies