🇸🇬 Singapore · Import & Export
Customs procedures, duties, de minimis thresholds, EORI/registration, and restricted goods.
Quick answer
Singapore's trade is run by Singapore Customs through the TradeNet single window. You register a UEN and activate a Customs Account, then apply for import/export permits. Most goods are duty-free — only liquor, tobacco, vehicles and petroleum are dutiable — but GST applies on imports. Controlled and strategic goods need competent-authority approval.
Trade is administered by Singapore Customs through the TradeNet single-window platform. Most goods are duty-free, though GST applies on import and some goods need permits.
- Import and export declarations are filed through TradeNet.
- Most goods are duty-free; duties apply mainly to liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum.
- Controlled and high-technology goods may require permits or licences.
Step-by-step
- 1
Register and activate a Customs Account
Get a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and activate a Customs Account with Singapore Customs to trade.
- 2
Check tariffs and GST
Singapore is largely a free port; only liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products carry duty, but GST applies on the CIF value plus duty of imports.
- 3
Check controls and permits
Check whether your goods are controlled and need approval from a competent authority, or fall under strategic-goods control.
- 4
Apply for permits via TradeNet
Apply for import, export or transhipment permits through TradeNet, the national single window.
- 5
Clear the goods
Present the permit and supporting documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill) at clearance; Customs releases the cargo.
- 6
Get rulings or resolve disputes
Apply for an official classification or valuation ruling for certainty, and use Customs' review channels for disputes.
Checklist
- UEN + activated Customs Account
- Tariff check (only 4 dutiable categories) + GST on imports
- Controlled/strategic goods approval (competent authority)
- Import/export/transhipment permit (TradeNet)
- Clearance documents (invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB)
- GST on CIF + duty value
- Classification/valuation ruling
- Customs review route
Official authorities
- Singapore Customs
Customs — TradeNet, duties and permits.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay duty in Singapore?
Most goods are duty-free; only liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products are dutiable, though GST applies to imports.
What is TradeNet?
Singapore's national single-window system for submitting trade declarations and permit applications to Customs and controlling agencies.
Do I need a permit for every shipment?
Yes — an import, export or transhipment permit via TradeNet is generally required for goods moving across the border.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Singapore Government — Singapore's integrated government services portal — unified Singpass identity login
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, PR and citizenship applications in Singapore
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore — Personal and corporate income tax, GST filing, and tax incentive lookup