Moving to Singapore

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:

• CUSTOMER’S PRESENCE IN SINGAPORE MAY BE REQUIRED FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
• Household goods and personal effects must arrive within six months of Customer
• All shipments 100% inspected, each carton opened
• Only one AIR and one SURFACE shipment allowed
• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free if possessions have been used for at least six months abroad, are for the continued use of the owner for at least three months, and Customer is to reside in Singapore for more than 12 months

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• Copy of letter applying for Residence Permit/Employment Pass
• Passport (original or copy with photograph)
• Residence Visa
• Residence Permit
• Inventory (two legible copies) detailing contents of cartons
• Customs Declaration signed by customer, stating goods have been owned and used by customer for at least six months
• Contact information (address and telephone) of customer
• Copy of acknowledgment card from Immigration
• Proof of Employment (letter from Customer’s employer to Director of Customs and Excise, stating employee’s designation and anticipated stay in Singapore)

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
• Pornographic or politically controversial materials
• Hand-held radio transmitting devices
• All live and stuffed animals on the Endangered Species List
• Counterfeit currency, toy coins and toy currency notes
• Plants and vegetable products
• Chewing gum
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
• Guns (including toy guns), weapons, ammunition and firecrackers – violation punishable by death
• The following weapons may be imported, but require permission from the authorities: Swords and knives, spear guns, blow pipes and bows and arrows
• Radio transmitters

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS:

• New furniture subject to duty (supply invoices)
• Only one of each major electrical item allowed duty-free
• Refrigerators
• Antiques are duty-free, but require a detailed inventory and a certificate of antiquity (age)
• Video tapes, laser discs, cassettes and films are highly discouraged, and if imported are subject to censorship (Screening charges are for the Customer’s account)
  • Provide a list of the name of the video films
  • Videos that are exempt from censorship are children’s cartoon videos in their original packaging and personal recordings of family events.
• Certain types of stuffed birds, animals and agricultural products require an import license
• Prescription drugs (valid prescription must be provided)
• Alcohol and tobacco products (highly discouraged)
  • Alcoholic beverages are subject to very high duties
  • Document exact number of bottles and type of alcoholic beverages
  • Load in container for easy access
• Book and magazine publications examined randomly

PETS:

• Health and Vaccination Certificate required (must show proof that vaccination was administered between 30 – 180 days prior to the flight)
• Destination Agent should be provided with the following information:
  • Breed, name, age, weight, sex and color
  • Owner’s name and delivery address
  • Flight schedule and Air Waybill number
• Animal must be a minimum of four months old upon entry into Singapore
• One month quarantine required for pets
• Import Permit required at least 14 days before importation of the pet
• No more than three dogs permitted per household

MOTOR VEHICLES:

• Autos and motorcycles subject to very high duty and registration fees – import highly discouraged
• Must be registered in Customer’s name for his continued use and not for re-sale
• Boats duty-free, but must be for the owner’s use and not for re-sale
• Documents required:
  • Certificate of Compliance from Exhaust Emission Control Standard required for ALL vehicles new or used
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Temporary Certificate of Entitlement
  • Manufacturers letter confirming date automobile was manufactured
  • Insurance Papers
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate
  • Owner’s Passport
  • Inward Declaration Permit
  • Customs duty payment receipt
• Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited
• Vehicles more than three years old can not be imported
• Dismantled vehicles are not permitted

NOTE: Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers.
Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, we cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.
Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.