🇸🇬 Import Customs & Duties: Singapore
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$300
Packages under $300, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
9%
CIF value. No duty on most goods so GST is on CIF only. Vendor-collected for B2C low-value goods under the OVR scheme.
Clearance Time
1-2 days
typical processing
Note: Most goods duty-free; GST applies
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 0% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 0% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $300 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Singapore Customs uses TradeNet electronic system. Singapore is a free port, virtually zero import duties (except alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, petroleum). GST applies to all imports. Goods under S$400 are GST-exempt.
What to Actually Expect
One of the most efficient customs systems in the world. TradeNet processes declarations in minutes. As a free port, virtually all goods are duty-free. Only GST at 9% (raised from 8% in 2024) applies. Express and postal shipments clear rapidly.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Most goods imported freely. Controlled goods (pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, media content, weapons, wildlife) require permits from respective agencies (HSA, NEA, IMDA).
Certificate of Origin
Singapore Customs or authorized bodies issue certificates. Preferential certificates under RCEP, CPTPP, ASEAN FTA, Singapore-US FTA, Singapore-EU FTA. Electronic certificates via EODES.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Singapore:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $500 | $0 | $45 | $45 |
| $1000 | $0 | $90 | $90 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Singapore?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Singapore is $300. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Singapore?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Singapore is 9%. VAT applies to: CIF value. No duty on most goods so GST is on CIF only. Vendor-collected for B2C low-value goods under the OVR scheme.
How long does customs clearance take in Singapore?
Typical customs clearance in Singapore takes 1-2 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Singapore?
To import into Singapore, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Singapore?
Singapore prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.