Destination: Singapore

Background: Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined Malaysia in 1963, but withdrew two years later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest) and with per capita GDP above that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Economy - overview: Singapore is blessed with a highly developed and successful free-market economy, a remarkably open and corruption-free business environment, stable prices, and the fifth highest per capita GDP in the world. Exports, particularly in electronics and chemicals, and services are the main drivers of the economy. The government promotes high levels of savings and investment through a mandatory savings scheme and spends heavily in education and technology. It also owns government-linked companies (GLCs) - particularly in manufacturing - that operate as commercial entities and account for 60% of GDP. As Singapore looks to a future increasingly marked by globalization, the country is positioning itself as the region's financial and high-tech hub.

Customs Clearance : When you are notified of the forthcoming arrival of your shipment at Singapore, our office will fax or mail the forms you need to complete for your goods to clear Customs. On the 'Declaration of Dutiable, Restricted and Prohibited Imports.' form you will be required to declare the value of your shipment for Customs purposes; whether you have any restricted or prohibited goods in your shipment, and if you have any dutiable goods such as alcohol or tobacco. Also on this form, you will be asked if you intend to claim relief of GST. If you are eligible for relief of GST, you will then have to complete the 'Declaration of Facts.' form on which you give details about yourself and your shipment. To substantiate these details, you will be asked to supply a copy of the pages of your passport which show your personal details, photo, passport number and relevant immigration stamps. If you are not a Singapore citizen, you will also have to send in a copy of your Employment Pass (work permit). If you have not yet received this, you should send in a copy of the 'Acknowledgement of Receipt' which the Immigration Department will give you to show that they have received your application for the Pass, and a letter of sponsorship from your company or organisation. The Declaration of Facts form has an attachment sheet, on which you must list any alcohol or tobacco in your shipment. If you do intend to ship either of these products, please contact us and we will forward you a copy of the form and its attachment sheet. Since a detailed valued breakdown of these products is required, it will be very helpful to you if you prepare your own record in the required format before you complete the form in Singapore. A fine can be levied if Customs discover non-declared alcohol in your shipment.

Prohibited, Restricted and dutiable items : Used personal and household effects may be imported free of duty on the following conditions; they have been owned and used for at least three months; they are being imported within six months of the importer's arrival in Singapore; they will not be disposed of in the first three months after import; and the importer intends to remain in the country for twelve months. For alcohol and tobacco products duty and tax will be charged at the prevailing rates. Cars are also dutiable, and the duty and registration fees come to over 220% of the value. Contact us first if you intend to ship any vehicles. Restricted or Prohibited items include politically sensitive publications, pornography, narcotics, weapons, counterfeit currencies, endangered species of wildlife or their by-products, corrosive or explosive substances etc. This list is not exhaustive, and if you require further advice about the import of any particular item, we will be happy to make enquiries for you.

Information is as a guide only – Quarantine and Customs conditions may change without notice
Please contact us for updated information