Singapore Information

Importing Goods to Singapore:
Customs, censorship, banned Publications, prohibited goods

Goods Import

When moving to Singapore and actually transferring your residence to Singapore you have to research the list of dutiable, prohibited and controlled goods before your pack your household goods.

Note: before moving to Singapore you have to explore the below mentioned web site on the censorship procedure to find out which type of video, CD, DVD, etc. you may be permitted to import. There are some exemptions from censorship regarding personal use (e.g. educational, cartoons for children and documentaries) and personal recordings like wedding, family gatherings, private function etc.

Proceed to Laws in the menu in the chapter Risk Investigation for information about censored books and magazines! Not exempted are all materials containing violence, sex and nudity, drug abuse or dialogues with four-letter words and themes objectionable on morale, social, religious grounds or detrimental to national interest.

Prohibited Goods

	Obscene articles, publications, videotapes, disks and software
	Reproductions of copyright publications, videotapes, disks, records and cassettes
	Cigarettes and liquors with Singapore duty not paid.
	Imitation tobacco products
	Chewing gum
	Toy currency
	Psychotropic substances and drugs
	Firecrackers
	Endangered species of wildlife and their byproducts
	The tax for alcohol less than 15% in content is S$9.00 per liter. Inquire with your moving consultant.

Websites

Banned books & magazines

Censorship procedure

Customs

Ministry of the Arts, Films & Publication Department

Goods Controlled

	Imitation tobacco products
	Chewing gum
	Toy currency
	Firecrackers
	Endangered species of wildlife and their by products
	Psychotropic substances and drugs
	Medicines
	Pharmaceuticals
	Poisons
	Endangered species of wildlife and their by products
	Telecommunication and Radio
	Communication Equipment
	Toy Walkie-Talkies

Website:

Arms & Explosives Branch of the Singapore Police Forces

Ministry of Health, Drug Administration Division Pharmaceutical Dept.

Transfer of Residence to Singapore

Prohibited Goods List and Controlled Goods (Guide for Travelers)

e-Government

Dutiable Goods

	Arms and explosives
	Bulletproof clothing
	Toy guns, pistols and revolvers
	Weapons, Kris, spears and swords

There is a 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on all goods imported into Singapore. GST is calculated based on the CIF value of the goods plus all customs duties payable.

Websites

Customs Site for Travelers

Advertorial

Masterpiece® Insurance
INSURE YOUR VALUABLES WHEN LIVING IN SINGAPORE

Congratulations on your new job posting in Singapore. You must be looking forward to the new lease of life in a foreign country, experiencing a different culture, leading a different lifestyle and forming new friendships.

In the midst of settling down, the least of your worries should be whether your valuable possessions will be damaged, lost or stolen.

Find out more about a worldwide and all-risk insurance for your home (be it condominium or stand-alone house), contents, valuable possessions (e.g. jewelry, fine paintings, watches) and car.
Wecan customise a package to meet your specific needs at surprisingly affordable premiums. You will be the one to decide on the type and amount of coverage .
Click here to find out more

(65) 6510 7372

Why furniture leasing is a reasonable option to moving your household goods

Shipping the furniture from origin country to Singapore, then back to origin country after the end of the assignment term can be a taxing process for the expatriates and the family. In addition, the costs involved, i.e. shipping costs, insurance, repair costs due to damage during shipment or due to wear and tear may be quite high.

Finally, other costs should be taken into account, i.e. waiting time for the shipment to arrive and costs of temporary accommodation at hotel or service apartment. Contact us for your furniture leasing needs.

Goods to Bring and Not to Bring (Expat Advice)

To Bring

	Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs with medical certification from your doctor
	Clothes
	Larger sized shoes for men (>US 32) and women (> US 10) and youth sizes
	Underwear large sizes, unpadded bras (D-Cups)
	Fashionable swim wear and larger sizes swim wear (D-Cups)
	Baby supplies: diapers and ready to mix formula (very expensive locally)
	Bed linen to fit your mattresses
	Greeting cards (expensive)
	Wrapping paper (expensive)
	Special diet food
	Extra pads for your ironing board (sizes here are smaller)
	Feminine hygiene products (limited choice of brands)
	Cosmetics (do not stock up too much as your skin care may change due to the climate) Watch import duty regulations!
	Barbecue Pit/Grill
	Children's costumes for Halloween
	Corrective Footwear
	Party Decorations
	Sewing Patterns
	Craft Kits
	Western Cookbooks (especially Seafood recipes)
	High Quality Crystal
	China in Western Design
	Musical Instruments
	Music Books/Sheets
	Alcohol as even with duties paid this may be cheaper than local purchase

Not To Bring

	Photo-albums
	Slides
	Electrical appliances other than 220 V
	TV with formatting Standard other than PAL
	Video recorders which are not "multi-system" (get a new DVD here in Singapore)
	PC older than 5 years - the new ones are really cheap here!
	Pianos if you do not intend to keep them in air-conditioning at all times
	Drugs of any kind without a letter from your doctor
	Stuffed animals on the endangered species list

Websites

Converting Appliances and Electronics

Phone Plugs Round the World

Global Computer and Modem Use

Plug Adapters & Voltage to Order on the Internet

Worldwide TV and Video Standards

Your browser doesn't support IFRAMEs

Importing Goods to Singapore: Customs, censorship, banned Publications, prohibited goods

Importing Goods to Singapore:
Customs, censorship, banned Publications, prohibited goods