Preparation for importing into Singapore
Activate the Customs Account and Register for Inter-Bank GIRO (IBG) Service
Customs declarants (including importers, exporters, carriers, freight forwarders, etc.) must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to obtain a Unique Entity Number (UEN). The importer must then activate a Customs Account linked to the UEN through Singapore's national single window for trade declarations (TradeNet).
In addition, the importer must set up an Inter-Bank GIRO (IBG) service with Singapore Customs in order to pay duties, fees, charges, fines, and other amounts directly from the enterprise's bank account to Singapore Customs.
Determine Whether the Goods Fall under Import Controls
Not all goods are permitted to be imported into Singapore. The country also imposes prohibitions (goods that may not be imported) and import controls (goods that may only be imported with a permit from the competent authority before importation) on certain products.
Importers may check whether goods are subject to import controls through the product code search tool by HS code or CA code (https://hscodechecker.gobusiness.gov.sg/). If the imported goods are controlled items, the importer may contact the relevant competent authority directly to learn the specific licensing requirements applicable to those goods.
Table: Some Goods Prohibited from Import into Singapore
|
No. |
Product Name |
Competent Authorities |
|
1 |
Chewing gum (excluding dental gum and medical gum approved by the Health Sciences Authority) |
Singapore Customs |
|
2 |
Rhino horns |
National Parks Board Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore |
|
3 |
Endangered wildlife and products thereof |
|
|
4 |
Telecommunications equipment |
Tobacco Regulation Branch, Health Sciences Authority |
|
5 |
- Scanning receivers |
Health Products Regulation Group, Health Sciences Authority |
|
6 |
- Military communication equipment |
Competent Authorities |
Source: WTO Center compilation based on the website of Singapore Customs
Enterprises may find detailed information on the list of goods prohibited from import and goods subject to import control into Singapore on the Singapore Customs website at the following link: https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/controlled-and-prohibited-goods-for-import/
Source: Center for WTO and International Trade - VCCI
