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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.

 

See also e-relocation Singapore: Step 4 Items to bring or not to bring

 



Goods Controlled


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

 


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

 



Dutiable Goods


Intoxicating Liquors
Tobacco Products
Motor Vehicles
Petroleum Products


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.

 

Advertorial
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.
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Goods Not to Bring (Expat Advice)


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

 

 


Goods to Bring (Expat Advice)

 

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