Documentation for Clearance of Goods
Find out the documents you must present at checkpoints when exporting containerised cargo, conventional cargo, or hand-carried goods.
Last updated 11 February 2026
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When exporting goods from Singapore, you must present your goods, the approved Customs export permit, and any supporting documents at the checkpoint if:
The permit conditions require it, or
The goods are dutiable or controlled
Please have your permit number ready when lodging your cargo for verification.
Documents Required for Containerised Cargo
You must present:
The containerised cargo
Approved Customs export permit
Supporting documents such as commercial invoices and Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB)
This applies when:
The permit conditions require Customs clearance; or
The goods are dutiable or controlled
Example of permit conditions requiring document presentation:
Condition code | Description |
A2 | The goods and this permit with invoices, BL/AWB, etc must be produced for Customs clearance / endorsement at a Free Trade Zone 'Out' Gate unless it is directed to the 'Green Lane' at the time of clearance. |
H1 | The goods and this permit with invoices, BL/AWB, etc must be produced for Customs clearance at Woodlands Checkpoint / Tuas Checkpoint. |
A3 | The goods must be produced with this permit, invoices, BL/AWB, etc for Customs endorsement at an Airport Customs checkpoint or designated Customs office or station as required. |
Documents Required for Conventional Cargo and Hand-carried Goods
The same requirements apply to conventional cargo and hand-carried goods.
You must present:
The goods
Approved Customs export permit
Supporting documents such as commercial invoices, BL/AWB
This applies when:
The permit conditions require Customs clearance; or
The goods are dutiable or controlled.
Example of permit conditions requiring document presentation:
A2 | The goods and this permit with invoices, BL/AWB, etc must be produced for Customs clearance / endorsement at a Free Trade Zone 'Out' Gate unless it is directed to the 'Green Lane' at the time of clearance. |
H1 | The goods and this permit with invoices, BL/AWB, etc must be produced for Customs clearance at Woodlands Checkpoint / Tuas Checkpoint. |
A3 | The goods must be produced with this permit, invoices, BL/AWB, etc for Customs endorsement at an Airport Customs checkpoint or designated Customs office or station as required. |
Important Note
Partial clearance is not allowed for goods departing Singapore via Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints.
Submit one permit application per container or per vehicle.
A Customs export permit is not required if:
The goods are non-controlled and non-dutiable, and
The value does not exceed S$1,000, and
The goods are exported by air
You still need a Customs permit if:
The goods are controlled; or
The goods are removed from licensed premises, regardless of value
Hand-Carried Export Scheme (Changi Airport)
Under the Hand-Carried Export Scheme, passengers departing from Changi Airport must present:
The hand-carried goods
Approved Customs export permit
Commercial invoice
Boarding pass or confirmed air ticket
Singapore Customs will inspect the goods before departure.