Activate customs, then declare
Import / Export Business Setup in Singapore
Singapore is a free port for most goods, but every shipment needs a permit declaration. Customs activation comes first.
GCC business setup specialists
Free trade, declared
Most goods enter Singapore free of duty, with duty confined to a short list. What does apply universally is the permit system: your company must activate its customs account and declare shipments, and controlled goods need the relevant agency’s clearance.
- Customs account activated with incorporation
- Controlled goods identified before you ship
- Free trade zone model explained where relevant
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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What trading involves
Beyond incorporation
Lighter on duty than most places, stricter on declarations.
| Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Customs account activation | Required before you can declare shipments. |
| Permit declarations | Every import and export requires a permit declaration. |
| Duty | Confined to a short list including liquor, tobacco, petroleum and motor vehicles. |
| GST on imports | Generally payable at import unless a relief scheme applies. |
| Controlled goods | Require the relevant agency’s clearance. |
| Free trade zones | Allow goods to be held without duty or GST until they enter the market. |
Customs procedures, controlled goods lists and relief schemes are set by the Singapore authorities and change. Yours are confirmed before the first shipment.
How it works
Getting trade-ready
Activation first, then declarations.
01
Goods and route
What you move, from where and to whom, and whether anything is controlled or dutiable.
02
Incorporate and activate
Company incorporated and the customs account activated so you can declare in your own name.
03
Permits and first shipment
Agency clearances obtained where goods are controlled, declarations set up and the first shipment supported.
Before you ship
What trading requires
Classification errors are the usual cause of problems.
- Business profile and UEN
- Customs account activation
- Product list with HS classifications
- Whether any goods are controlled
- Whether any goods are dutiable
- Agency clearances where required
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificates of origin where claimed
- GST position and any relief scheme
- Freight forwarder or declaring agent
- Storage arrangements
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Structure recommendation for a trading business
- Incorporation and customs account activation
- Identification of controlled or dutiable goods
- Co-ordination of agency clearances
- Guidance on permit declarations
- Advice on GST at import and relief schemes
- Free trade zone options explained
- Corporate bank account introduction
Not included, quoted separately
- Duty, GST and government charges, paid at cost
- Freight, shipping and insurance
- Warehousing and storage
- Declaring agent and brokerage fees
- Product testing and certification
- Per-shipment declarations, quoted separately
- Licence application fees
- Regulated filings, made by the registered filing agent
Verify independently
Official Singapore authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)Ministry of ManpowerCentral Provident Fund BoardSingapore CustomsSingapore Food Agency
Questions
Singapore import and export — FAQs
Do I pay import duty in Singapore?
Only on a short list of dutiable goods. Most goods are duty free, though GST generally applies at import unless a relief scheme is available.
Do I need a permit for every shipment?
Yes. Import and export declarations are required, which is why the customs account must be activated before you trade.
What are free trade zones?
Designated areas where goods can be held without duty or GST until they enter the local market, which suits re-export and regional distribution.
Which goods are controlled?
Pharmaceuticals, food, telecommunications equipment and others, each with a controlling agency. We check your specific product list.
Can I use a freight forwarder to declare?
Yes, many businesses do. You remain responsible for the accuracy of what is declared on your behalf.
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