Import Procedures

Import Procedures Overview

Learn about the key requirements, duties, permits, errors, and penalties for importing goods into Singapore.

Authorised Piers and Places

Find out which piers and places are authorised for the import, export and transhipment of goods in Singapore.

Claiming Preferential Tariff Treatment for Dutiable Imports

Find out how to claim reduced or zero duties for qualifying imports, and the conditions that must be met to receive preferential tariff treatment.

Controlled and Prohibited Goods for Imports

Understand the requirements for importing controlled goods and goods prohibited from importing to Singapore.

Depositing Goods in Free Trade Zones

Find out how Singapore’s Free Trade Zones facilitate trade through tax suspensions, permitted activities, and specific storage regulations for dutiable goods.

Depositing Goods in Licensed or Zero-GST Warehouses

Learn how licensed and zero-GST warehouses allow businesses to defer duty and GST until goods are removed for local use.

Documents for Clearance of Goods

Check the documents required for clearance of containerised, conventional, hand-carried, and air cargo, including GST relief rules at Singapore checkpoints.

Importing by Postal or Courier Service

Learn about importing goods by postal or courier service, including GST, duty, and CIF value rules for online and low-value purchases.

Importing Investment Precious Metals

Learn the requirements, permits, and GST exemption criteria for importing investment precious metals into Singapore

Importing of Pets for Commercial Purposes

Learn the procedures for importing pets for commercial purposes in Singapore, including GST, NParks licensing, and required permits.

Importing Trade Samples

Learn the procedures for importing trade samples, including GST, duty requirements, permits, and documentation based on the commercial value and control status of the goods.

Importing Ethyl Alcohol

Learn about importing ethyl alcohol, including GST, duty rates, exemptions, and required permits.

Importing Empty Freight Containers, Pallets and Packing

Learn the GST rules and permit requirements for importing empty freight containers, pallets and packing.

Importing Medicinal Products and Therapeutic Products for Clinical Trials

Learn how to apply for GST relief on clinical trial materials for importing medicinal and therapeutic products, including required approvals, permits, and supporting documentation.

Importing Goods for Destruction or Recycling

Learn the requirements and permit declarations for importing controlled, non-controlled, dutiable and non-dutiable goods for destruction or recycling.

Obtain a Customs Import Permit

Learn how to obtain a Customs Import Permit by registering for a Unique Entity Number, activating your Customs account, and applying through TradeNet.

Permit Validity and Error Messages

Learn how long transhipment permits remain valid, how to extend their validity in TradeNet, and what DCS Error and CA/SC Reject messages mean when submitting a permit application.

Permit Amendment and Cancellation

Learn when you can amend, extend or cancel an import permit in TradeNet, which fields are non-amendable, how payment timelines affect validity extension, and when voluntary disclosure to Singapore Customs is required.

Paying Duty and GST

Learn how to pay duties and GST on imported goods via Apply For Inter-Bank GIRO or Declaring Agent, along with the related payment codes and conditions.

Retaining Your Trade Documents

Learn about the requirement to retain trade documents for at least 5 years, including what to keep and when to submit them to Singapore Customs.

Re-importing of Goods Sent Overseas for Activities

Learn how to re-import goods sent overseas for repair, exhibitions, FTZ use, or returns, and understand when GST and duty apply and which permits are required.

Re-importing Shut-out Goods

Learn how to re-import shut-out goods into Singapore, including steps for dutiable and non-dutiable goods and applicable GST relief.

Return of Permit

Learn when to return your import permit to your shipping or airline agent for manifest reconciliation and comply with legislated requirements.

Sealing and Customs Supervision for Unstuffing

Find out about Customs sealing and supervised unstuffing procedures, including when sealing occurs and the responsibilities of importers, freight forwarders, and declaring agents.

Types of Import Permits

Find out about the types of import permits in Singapore, including in-payment, in-non-payment, and temporary permits, along with their requirements.

Importing Dutiable Motor Vehicles

Understand the requirements for importing motor vehicles into Singapore, including permits, duties, documentation, vehicle standards and clearance procedures.

Hand-carried Temporary Imported Goods

Find out how to present hand-carried exhibition goods and temporary import permits at checkpoints for verification and endorsement.

Overlanded and Shortlanded Goods

Find out how to manage discrepancies in inward manifests, and understand the import restrictions for controlled, prohibited, and sanctioned goods entering Singapore.