Household Goods Logistics

Singapore Customs Information – HHGlogistics

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Original passport or copy with photograph
• Residence permit
• Residence visa
• Copy of letter applying for employment pass/residence permit
• Copy of acknowledgment card from immigration
• Proof of employment – letter from employer to Director of Customs and Excise stating employment and dates of employment
• 2 legible copies of inventory with detailed contents of cartons
• Customs declaration with your signature, indicating goods have been used and owned by you for a minimum of 6 months
• Provide contact information (telephone number and address)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• YOUR PRESENCE MAY BE REQUIRED FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN SINGAPORE
• Household goods and personal effects required to arrive within 6 months of your arrival
• May import used household goods and personal effects duty-free if they have been used for a minimum of 6 months abroad, are for your personal use (for at least 3 months), and if you are going to live in Singapore for more than 12 months
• All shipments are 100% inspected and each carton is opened
• Only allowed 1 air and 1 surface shipment

RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE

• New furniture is subject to duty – must supply invoices
• May import only 1 of each major electrical item duty-free
• Refrigerators
• May import antiques duty-free, but must provide a detailed inventory and a certificate of antiquity
• Prescription drugs – must provide a valid prescription
• Alcohol and tobacco products (highly discouraged):
  • Alcoholic beverages subject to very high duties
  • Must document exact number of bottles and type of alcoholic beverages
  • Load near container doors for easy access
• Magazine publications and books are examined at random
• Highly discouraged to import laser discs, video tapes and films; if imported are subject to censorship. To import must:
  • Provide a list of the names of video films
  • Children’s cartoon videos in their original packaging and personal recordings of family events are exempt from censorship
• An import license is required for certain types of stuffed birds, animals and agricultural products

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Psychotropic substances, non-branded drugs and narcotics
• Chewing gum
• Weapons, ammunition, guns (including toy guns) and firecrackers **violations are punishable by death**
• May import the following weapons, but require permission from the authorities:
  • Knives and swords
  • Spear guns
  • Blow pipes and bow and arrows
• Politically controversial or pornographic materials
• Hand-held radio transmitting devices and radio transmitters
• All stuffed and live animals on the endangered species list
• Counterfeit currency, toy coins and toy currency notes
• Vegetable and plant products
• Cigarette lighters in shape of a pistol or revolver

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Vehicles and motorcycles subject to very high duty and registration fees – highly discouraged to import
• Vehicle must be registered in your name, and for your continuous use, not for re-sale
• Left-hand drive vehicles prohibited
• Cannot import vehicles more than 3 years old
• Not permitted to import dismantled vehicles
• The following documents are required:
  • All vehicles, used or new, require a certificate of compliance from Exhaust Emission Control Standard
  • Original commercial invoice
  • Insurance papers
  • Owner’s passport
  • Registration certificate for vehicle
  • Inward declaration permit
  • Customs duty payment receipt
  • Temporary certificate of entitlement
  • Manufacturers letter confirming date vehicle was manufactured

PETS

• Requires a health and vaccination certificate – must show proof vaccination was administered between 30-180 days before import
• Must be a minimum of 4 months old
• Requires an import permit issued at least 14 days before import of pet
• Requires a 1 month quarantine period
• Can import no more than 3 dogs per household
• Provide destination agent with the following information:
  • Name, age, breed, weight, sex and color
  • Owner’s name and delivery address
  • Air waybill number and flight schedule

**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Singapore customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. HHGlogistics is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **