General Information
Singapore always intends to maintain and develop itself as regional trading and transhipment hub in the region of South East Asia. Therefore, principally, there are no policies concerning customs or excise duties applicable against importation of goods in Singapore, save for certain goods subject to the following categories (which also known as dutiable goods):
- Automotive vehicles;
- Alcoholic liquors/beverages;
- Tobacco products;
- Petroleum/Motor-Engine products.
Details of applicable rates for importation of the dutiable goods can be found at the following links:
http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/tr...able+Goods.htm
Other than the aforementioned dutiable goods, Singapore does not regulate any classification and/or categorization of imported goods.
All About GST
The underlying tax consideration applicable against importation of goods by Singaporean is Goods & Services Tax (GST), which is stipulated at the
flat rate of
7%.
The calculation of 7% GST shall be based on the “
CIF Value” (Cost, Insurance & Freight) of the imported goods.
Please note that if the invoice value of the goods does not include Insurance and Freight components, then the postage charge paid for the goods is to be taken as replacement for the absence of such Insurance and Freight components. Accordingly, the calculation of GST shall consist of (A) the invoice value of the goods, and (B) the postage charge.
Relief of GST
GST relief may be granted in favour of goods imported by post with the cumulative CIF Value not exceeding S$400.00.
[
approximately equal to US$308.00 or ¥24,000 or Rp.2,750,000.00]
It would be advisable for the buyer/importer to arrange/to cause the seller/exporter of the goods attaching the relevant invoice containing the value of such goods within the package. This is intended to facilitate and to expedite the clearance process and delivery to the registered beneficiary/addressee of such goods.
Examination by ICA
If the CIF Value of the imported goods exceeds S$400, then the buyer/importer shall be subject to 7% GST.
All imported goods are always subject to clearance by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of the Singapore Post Centre (SPC). Their headquarters is located at #01-04, 10 Eunos Road 8, Singapore 408600 (nearby the MRT Station of Paya Lebar).
Method of Payment of GST
Payment of GST can be made by means of CashCard, Visa/Master or IBG at the ICA’s counter at SPC.
Alternatively, if the package/parcel is delivered by SPC, then payment could be made by means of Cash, Cheque or Giro (provided that the addressee must have firstly signed up for the SPC Giro Scheme).