Singapore Import Regulations

If you're a business and you plan to import products to Singapore, you need to know the import regulations. If you are a business planning to send employees to the Singapore or you are planning to visit the Singapore, knowledge of Singapore import regulations is important. This article will highlight the various import taxes, import requirements and prohibited goods list.

Import Taxes:

According to the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada "Singapore has one of the freest economies in the world and most goods and services are allowed to be imported into the country duty free." That being said "all imports into Singapore are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 7% of their CIF (cost-insurance-freight) value plus duties, if payable."

Even though most items imported into Singapore don't have the added expense of duties or taxes there are some exceptions. According to the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, alcohol, tobacco and motor vehicles are the main exceptions

Import Requirements

According to the Singapore Customs department "imports of all goods into Singapore are required to be covered by the appropriate permit."

Prohibited Goods List (Source Singapore Customs )

- Strange as it might be but chewing gum is prohibited to import into Singapore. Gum is allowed for dental or medial needs.

- "Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products" are not allowed in Singapore.

- "Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software," so it is wise to stick with G-rated items when traveling to Singapore.

- Endangered species and products made from endangered species are not allowed in Singapore. If more countries strengthened their rules on this perhaps their would be fewer endangered animals.

- Drugs are not legal to import into Singapore. Street drugs are prohibited not medication.

- "Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes" are not allowed.

- "Seditious and treasonable materials" are generally frowned on by the government. It goes without saying these items would not be alright to import into Singapore.

- Gun-shaped cigarette lighters are not allowed to be imported. Probably because the government is trying to keep gun-shaped items out of the way of the wrong people.

- Firecrackers are prohibited from Singapore. Probably because they have sparks, explode, and make noise.

-According to Singapore Customs, it is against the law to "attempt to bring any of the items listed above into Singapore."

Sources:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Singapore Customs