Country profile
Singapore
SG · SGPAs of: 7/18/2026Global transshipment and re-export hub for Southeast Asia
Singapore is Southeast Asia's leading maritime transshipment and re-export hub and one of the world's largest container ports. As a free port it levies customs duty on only four categories (liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles, petroleum); all other imports carry only the 9 percent GST. Foreign trade is handled electronically through Singapore Customs' National Single Window TradeNet and the Networked Trade Platform. The Port of Singapore (PSA) passed 40 million TEU for the first time in 2024, around 90 percent of it transshipment; the new Tuas Port will lift capacity beyond 65 million TEU. Changi is one of Asia's leading air cargo hubs. A dense network of free trade agreements (ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP, RCEP, EU and EFTA FTAs) makes Singapore the preferred distribution centre for the region.
Overview
Singapore (SG) is a city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, on the shipping route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and one of the world's foremost trade and logistics hubs. As a free port it charges customs duty on only four categories of goods (liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products); all other imports carry only the 9 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST), levied by Singapore Customs and IRAS. Foreign trade is cleared electronically through the National Single Window TradeNet and the Networked Trade Platform, with permits typically approved in under ten minutes. The Port of Singapore, operated by PSA, is the world's largest container transshipment hub and surpassed 40 million TEU for the first time in 2024, while the new Tuas Port is being built towards a capacity of more than 65 million TEU. Changi Airport, with the Changi Airfreight Centre free trade zone, is among Asia's leading air cargo gateways. A dense network of free trade agreements (ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP, RCEP and agreements with the EU and EFTA) and strong export controls under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act underpin Singapore's role as a reliable regional distribution centre. The currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Singapore CustomsImport system
Electronic declaration via the National Single Window TradeNet (increasingly the Networked Trade Platform NTP); approval usually within 10 minutes. Singapore is a free port; only 4 product groups are subject to customs duty.
Export system
Export and re-export likewise require authorization via TradeNet/NTP through Singapore Customs. Strategic goods require a separate permit under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act.
Import VAT
- GST 9 percent since 1.1.2024 (previously 8) on CIF value plus customs duty/excise, levied by Singapore Customs/IRAS. Imports over 400 SGD are subject to GST.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- TradeNet import permit
- If applicable: preference certificate
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- TradeNet export permit
- Bill of lading / AWB
- If applicable: certificate of origin / Strategic Goods Permit
Origin proofs / FTA
Preference certificates per agreement: Form D (ATIGA), EUR.1/origin declaration (EFTA and EU), self-certification under CPTPP/RCEP. Application and issuance via TradeNet.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibited include chewing gum (medical exception), e-vaporizers, fireworks, controlled drugs. Controlled: weapons, pharmaceuticals (HSA), food (SFA), animals/plants (NParks).
Export controls & sanctions
Export control under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act 2002 (Singapore Customs as national authority, catch-all clause for WMD goods). UN sanctions are implemented.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Singapore) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to Singapore. As a logistics hub, clearance can be fast—provided descriptions, HS codes, and documents are clean and complete.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: additional permits/product documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (consistent data, HS code, values)
- Import clearance (agent/broker) and possible checks
- Release and delivery
Common pitfalls
- Missing HS codes/vague description → queries
- Incoterms unclear → who clears/pays charges?
- Product-specific requirements not checked
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- SIN - Singapore Changi Airport (Changi Airfreight Centre)
Seaports / access ports
- Port of Singapore / PSA (Tuas, Pasir Panjang, Brani, Keppel)
- Jurong Port
Road corridors & border crossings
- Johor-Singapore Causeway (Woodlands)
- Second Link (Tuas - Malaysia)
Top trade lanes
- Singapore - China
- Singapore - Malaysia
- Singapore - USA
- Singapore - EU
- Intra-ASEAN
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Politically very stable, top ranks in logistics indices. In 2024 port congestion temporarily due to diversions around the Red Sea, eased by reactivated berths and the Tuas expansion.
Seasonal & weather risks
Equatorial climate, hot and humid all year round. The northeast monsoon (Nov-Jan) brings heavy rain and occasionally regional haze caused by fires in neighboring countries.
Current logistics notes
Port operations stable according to MPA/MOT; early 2026 temporarily higher yard utilization (85–90 percent) and vessel waiting times of 1–1,5 days. Tuas Port still under expansion (final capacity over 65 million TEU); record throughput of 44,66 million TEU in 2025. (As of 2026-07-18)
As of: 2026-07-18
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Feb 17, 2026 | Chinese New Year (Day 1) | National | Expect regional cargo surge and capacity pressure across East Asia before and during Chinese New Year; book early. | ||
| Feb 18, 2026 | Chinese New Year (Day 2) | National | Second day of Chinese New Year; regional capacity constraints possible. | ||
| Mar 21, 2026 | Hari Raya Puasa | National | |||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| May 27, 2026 | Hari Raya Haji | National | |||
| May 31, 2026observed on Jun 1, 2026 | Vesak Day | National | Falls on a Sunday; Monday 1 June 2026 is the substitute public holiday. | ||
| Aug 9, 2026observed on Aug 10, 2026 | National Day | National | Falls on a Sunday; Monday 10 August 2026 is the substitute public holiday. | ||
| Nov 8, 2026observed on Nov 9, 2026 | Deepavali | National | Falls on a Sunday; Monday 9 November 2026 is the substitute public holiday. | ||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Chinese New Year (Day 1)
Feb 17, 2026
Expect regional cargo surge and capacity pressure across East Asia before and during Chinese New Year; book early.
Chinese New Year (Day 2)
Feb 18, 2026
Second day of Chinese New Year; regional capacity constraints possible.
Hari Raya Puasa
Mar 21, 2026
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Hari Raya Haji
May 27, 2026
Vesak Day
May 31, 2026 · observed on Jun 1, 2026
Falls on a Sunday; Monday 1 June 2026 is the substitute public holiday.
National Day
Aug 9, 2026 · observed on Aug 10, 2026
Falls on a Sunday; Monday 10 August 2026 is the substitute public holiday.
Deepavali
Nov 8, 2026 · observed on Nov 9, 2026
Falls on a Sunday; Monday 9 November 2026 is the substitute public holiday.
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Sources: Ministry of Manpower Singapore · Ministry of Manpower Singapore
Tolls & charges
ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) / ERP 2.0
City chargeOperator: Land Transport Authority (LTA)
truck, articulated, all
Electronic congestion pricing in the city centre and on expressways: charges are deducted per passage at ERP gantries, rates vary by vehicle class, location and time of day (peak hours cost more). An on-board unit (IU/OBU) is mandatory; migration to the GNSS-based ERP 2.0 is under way. There is no nationwide distance-based truck toll.
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import tax (GST) in Singapore?
The GST (Goods and Services Tax) has been 9 percent since 1 January 2024 (previously 8 percent) and is levied on the CIF value plus any customs duties and excise duties. It is collected by Singapore Customs or the IRAS. Imports with a value above 400 SGD are subject to GST.
Do I have to pay customs duties in Singapore?
Singapore is a free port. Customs duties apply only to four product groups: spirits, tobacco products, motor vehicles and mineral oil products. All other goods are duty-free and are subject only to the 9 percent GST.
Which system does Singapore use for customs declarations?
Declarations are submitted electronically via the National Single Window TradeNet, which is increasingly being replaced by the Networked Trade Platform (NTP). Approvals are usually granted within ten minutes. The system is operated by Singapore Customs.
Which goods are prohibited or controlled in Singapore?
Prohibited items include chewing gum (except for medical use), e-vaporizers, fireworks and controlled drugs. Controlled items requiring authorization include weapons, pharmaceuticals (HSA), food (SFA) as well as animals and plants (NParks).
Which free trade agreements matter for Swiss and EU exporters?
Switzerland and the EFTA states are covered by the EFTA-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and the EU by the EUSFTA (in force since 21 November 2019). Singapore is also part of ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP and RCEP. Preference proofs are issued via TradeNet.
Why is Singapore such an important logistics hub?
Singapore operates the world's largest container transshipment port (over 40 million TEU in 2024, around 90 percent transshipment) and, with Changi, one of Asia's leading air cargo hubs. Combined with a dense free trade network, it serves as a central distribution hub for Southeast Asia.
What import GST applies in Singapore?
Since 1 January 2024 the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 9 percent (previously 8 percent), charged on the CIF value plus any duty and excise. It is collected by Singapore Customs and IRAS. Imports valued above SGD 400 are subject to GST.
Do I have to pay customs duty in Singapore?
Singapore is a free port. Customs duty applies to only four categories of goods: intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles and petroleum products. All other goods are duty-free and carry only the 9 percent GST.
Which system does Singapore use for customs declarations?
Declarations are filed electronically through the National Single Window TradeNet, which is increasingly being replaced by the Networked Trade Platform (NTP). Permits are usually approved within ten minutes. The system is operated by Singapore Customs.
Which goods are prohibited or controlled in Singapore?
Prohibited items include chewing gum (except therapeutic), e-vaporisers, firecrackers and controlled drugs. Controlled and permit-bound goods include weapons, pharmaceuticals (HSA), food (SFA) and animals and plants (NParks).
Which free trade agreements matter for Swiss and EU exporters?
Swiss and EFTA exporters benefit from the EFTA-Singapore FTA, while the EU is covered by the EUSFTA (in force since 21 November 2019). Singapore is also part of ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP and RCEP. Preference proofs are issued via TradeNet.
Why is Singapore such an important logistics hub?
Singapore runs the world's largest container transshipment port (over 40 million TEU in 2024, around 90 percent transshipment) and, with Changi, one of Asia's leading air cargo hubs. Combined with a dense free trade network, it serves as the central distribution centre for Southeast Asia.
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