Export permits, customs procedures, tax matters, trade agreements and other resources for exporters.  

         What Goods Can I Export?

         What Permits Do I Need To Export Goods?

         Does The Country I Am Exporting To Need More Paperwork?

         How Do I Benefit From Trade Agreements?

         What Taxes And Fees Do I Need To Pay?

         Where Can I Get Help?

• In general, non-controlled goods may be exported from Singapore without the need for licences.

• The export of certain goods, however, is subject to control by the relevant Competent Authorities ("controlled goods") while the export of certain other goods is strictly prohibited.

• Traders of controlled goods must have the necessary licences & permits before they can export the goods.

See:	List of controlled goods (exports) Licences & permits

• You also need special permits for exporting, re-exporting, transhipping and transporting of strategic goods such as munitions or biochemicals.

• Strategic goods are regulated by the Strategic Goods (Control) Act. The Act covers all goods and technology that are intended or likely to be used for weapons of mass destruction.

See:	Strategic Goods Control List Overview of the Strategic Goods (Control) Act

• For each shipment of goods, you must apply for an Export Permit through TradeNet®, your freight forwarder or cargo agent.

• Under certain circumstances, you do not need to apply for an Export Permit, e.g. exporting trade samples that are worth less than S$400. A full list of exemption scenarios are available on TradeNet® Import/Export Procedures.

       see:  TradeNet® import/export procedures

• By Rail Or Road
  You must apply for the Export Permit BEFORE exporting.
  

• By Air Or Sea
  You have up to 3 days after the plane or ship has left Singapore to apply for the Export Permit.

• If you are exporting Strategic Goods, you must obtain Permit JNTDEC3 before exporting your goods.

• If they are also controlled goods, your application will be routed to the CAs for approval before going to Singapore Customs for final approval.

          see:   Strategic Goods Control List

•  Usually the importer takes care of the import permits required.

•  However, some goods, such as textiles and clothing, are subject to quotas and       restrictions  in certain countries.

•  Before you can export to these countries, you must obtain special documentation such as a Certificate of Origin.

• The country you are exporting to may impose trade tariffs (duties) on your goods. Tariffs increase the total cost of your goods and make them less attractive to your buyers. 

• The average tariffs for industrial goods are low. However, for more sensitive goods such as textiles and clothing, agricultural products, footwear, transport equipment and travel goods, the tariffs are still quite high.

• Singapore has been signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many nations to eliminate or reduce tariffs for Singapore-made goods.

• A Certificate of Origin may be needed by your buyer to prove that the goods are originating from Singapore

• You can also tap into Schemes of Preferences agreed with other nations. These agreements reduce and eliminate tariffs for goods from certain countries.

• You will need to produce a Certificate of Origin to show the goods originated from one of the countries covered under the Schemes.

• You need to pay customs & excise duties on dutiable goods manufactured in Singapore. Dutiable goods are intoxicating liquors, petroleum products, tobacco products and motor vehicles.

• You do not need to pay GST on exports. If you paid GST when you imported the goods, you can ask for a refund of the GST paid. 

• You may also need to pay fees to Singapore Customs for supervision and inspection of your goods.

• You can engage freight forwarders and cargo agents to help you export your goods. They take care of all the documentation and can provide door-to-door services.

          See:   Freight forwarders and cargo agents

• You can approach TradeNet® Service Centres to take care of the export documentation for you.

         See:   List of TradeNet® Service Centres

• You can sign up for a TradeNet® account to apply for permits on your own

•  You can also tap into these resources:

• Information for Traders at Singapore Customs

• 2-day Customs Documentation Course

• Frequently Asked Questions at Singapore Customs