Country Shipping Guide

Shipping to Singapore: Customs, Documents & Ports

Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports and a premier transshipment hub connecting East-West trade routes.

Country
Singapore
Region
Asia
Currency
SGD
Major ports
SGSIN
Time zone
Asia/Singapore

Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports and a premier transshipment hub connecting East-West trade routes. The city-state offers exceptional logistics infrastructure, free port status, and efficient customs procedures. Singapore serves as a regional distribution center for Southeast Asia and beyond.

Customs in Singapore

Singapore Customs operates efficient electronic systems (TradeNet). Singapore is a largely free port with minimal duties except on alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, and petroleum. GST is 8% (increasing to 9%). Free Trade Zones offer duty suspension for transshipment and re-export.

Documents required for Singapore

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Import Permit (via TradeNet)
  • Certificate of Origin (if applicable)

Tips for shipping to Singapore

  • Excellent transshipment connections worldwide
  • Free port - minimal customs duties on most goods
  • English is business language; efficient procedures
  • Strong regional distribution capabilities

Popular routes to Singapore

  • shanghai-singapore
  • singapore-jakarta
  • singapore-melbourne

More in this directory

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to ship to Singapore?

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Import Permit (via TradeNet), Certificate of Origin (if applicable)

How does customs work in Singapore?

Singapore Customs operates efficient electronic systems (TradeNet).