Singapore charges no customs duty on most goods; only liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products are dutiable. You pay 9% GST on the import value. Every import needs a permit through TradeNet, for which you need a Unique Entity Number (UEN) and an activated customs account, and food importers must be licensed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
Who can import into Singapore
A company registered in Singapore with a UEN activates its customs account with Singapore Customs and then declares each shipment through TradeNet, either directly or through a declaring agent. Goods are released once the permit is approved and GST is paid.
Duty and GST
Singapore is close to a free port. Customs duty applies only to intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles and petroleum products. GST of 9% is charged on the CIF value plus any duty. The India-Singapore CECA matters less for duty than for faster recognition of standards in some sectors, and it helps when your Singapore company re-exports Indian goods into ASEAN.
| Item | What applies |
|---|---|
| Customs duty | 0% for most goods |
| Dutiable goods | Liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles, petroleum |
| GST on import | 9% of CIF value plus duty |
| Permit | TradeNet permit for every shipment |
Food, health and controlled goods
Food importers need a licence or registration from the Singapore Food Agency, and each food consignment is declared with SFA details on the permit. Medicines, health supplements and cosmetics fall under the Health Sciences Authority. Check the controlled goods list before ordering anything chemical, electrical or medical.
Documents to ask the Indian exporter for
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of Origin under CECA if you plan to re-export into ASEAN
- Health certificate for food, and product test reports where SFA or HSA require them
- The exporter's IEC and GST details
What Singapore buys most from India
Rice, spices, ready-to-eat food and snacks, fresh vegetables, engineering goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and garments. Many Singapore buyers are regional distributors, so ask for documents that also work for onward shipments.
Frequently asked questions
Is there import duty from India to Singapore?
Not for most goods. Only liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products carry customs duty. GST of 9% applies to all imports.
Do I need a licence to import food from India to Singapore?
Yes. Food importers need a licence or registration from the Singapore Food Agency, and each consignment is declared through a TradeNet permit.
How do I find genuine Indian suppliers for Singapore?
Post your requirement on BuyGenix for free. Our team reviews it and shares it with at most 5 matching Indian exporters, and you can check each supplier's IEC and GST.
How BuyGenix helps buyers in Singapore
Post what you want to buy, with quantity and target price, for free. Our team reviews every requirement and shares it with at most 5 matching Indian exporters, so you get a few serious quotes instead of a flood of messages. We check that the supplier holds an active IEC and GST registration and help them prepare the Certificate of Origin and the documents your customs needs. See live demand from your market on buyers in Singapore.
Sourcing from India? Post your requirement, free
BuyGenix Solutions verifies Indian suppliers, prepares compliant export documentation, and helps businesses in Singapore source from India with confidence. Tell us the product and quantity you need, and our team connects you with suitable Indian suppliers.
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