Your international move to Singapore will undoubtedly bring a lot of exciting lifestyle changes for you and your family. However, the stress of an overseas relocation can be less than exciting - which is why you'll need to be properly prepared with the correct information and documentation before you begin your trek across the globe.
Read on for more information on what to expect when clearing customs in Singapore!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
Singapore requires all foreign immigrants to fill out and submit the proper paperwork when moving to the country. These
important documents should be received well in advance your shipment's arrival to avoid any additional charges of demurrage. It is best to hire a professional customs brokering service for assistance preparing these documents by their particular deadline.
When moving to Singapore, you will need:
- Valid passport (original or copy with photograph)
- Residence visa
- Residence permit
- Copy of letter applying for Residence permit/Employee pass
- Copy of acknowledgment card from Immigration
- Proof of Employment (letter from your employer to Director or Customs and Excise, stating your designation and anticipated stay in Singapore)
- Customs Declaration (signed, stating you have owned and used the goods for at least six months)
- Detailed inventory (two legible copies)
- Contact information (address and telephone number)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
To successfully clear customs in Singapore, you must adhere to specific rules and regulations when it comes to any personal effects and household goods shipments.
The rules in Singapore are:
- You may be required to be present in Singapore at the time of customs clearance
- Household goods and personal effects must arrive within six months of your arrival
- Used household goods and personal effects are duty free provided they have been used for at least six months abroad, are for your continued use for at least three months, and you are going to reside in Singapore for more than 12 months
- All shipments are 100 percent inspected
- Only one air shipment and one surface shipment allowed
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed for import at all. In Singapore, you cannot import the following items under any circumstance:
- Drugs and narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
- Chewing gum
- Guns (including toy replicas), weapons, ammunition and firecrackers - violation punishable by death
- Pornographic or politically controversial materials
- Hand-held radios or transmitters
- Cigarette lighters shaped like pistol revolvers
- Plants and vegetable products
- All live and stuffed animals on the Endangered Species list
- Counterfeit currency, toy coins and toy currency notes
RESTRICTED ITEMS
There are some you will only be allowed to import into Singapore if they are of limited quantities, have proper additional documentation, and you have paid all required duties and taxes. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- New furniture (subject to duty - supply invoices)
- Only one of each major electrical item allowed duty free
- Refrigerators
- Antiques (require detailed inventory and certificate of antiquity to be duty free)
- Prescription drugs (require valid prescription)
- Alcohol and tobacco:
- Alcohol is subject to very high duty and taxes, must have exact number of bottles and type of alcohol documented
- Load by container doors for easy access
- Books and magazines (examined randomly)
- Video tapes, laser discs, cassettes and films are discouraged (subject to censorship and screening charges if imported)
- Provide a list of video film titles
- Videos that are exempt from censorship are children's cartoon videos in original packing and personal recordings of family events
- Certain types of stuffed birds, animals and agricultural products (require import license)
- Certain weapons require permission from authorities:
- Swords
- Knives
- Spear guns
- Blow pipes
- Bows and arrows
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're considering importing your automobile into Singapore, ensure you have the proper documents, and pay any duties or taxes that may be required (please keep in mind that duty and registration fees for auto import in Singapore is very high, and is therefore not advised). General rules for importation into Singapore for most private vehicles are:
- Vehicle must be registered in your (the owner's) name for continued use, and not for re-sale
- Left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited
- Vehicles cannot be imported if they are more than three years old
- Dismantled vehicles are not permitted
If you plan on
shipping your vehicle, you will need the following documents:
- Certificate of Compliance from Exhaust Emission Control Standard (required for all vehicles)
- Original Commercial Invoice
- Insurance papers
- Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Passport
- Inward Declaration Permit
- Customs duty payment receipt
- Temporary Certificate of Entitlement
- Manufacturers letter confirming date the auto was manufactured
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
If you own a pet, you probably wouldn't want to leave it behind when relocating to Singapore. If you plan on bringing your furry, feathered or scaled companion with you, here are the general regulations:
- Health and Vaccination Certificate required (must show proof vaccination was administered between 30 to 180 days prior to travel)
- Animal must be at least for months old upon entry into Singapore
- Import Permit required at least 14 days before importation
- One month quarantine required
- No more than three dogs permitted per household
- Destination Agent should have the following information:
- Breed, name, age, weight, sex and color of each animal
- Owner's name and delivery address
- Flight schedule and Air Waybill number
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves can be exhausting physically, mentally and financially. The most important part of your move will be finding a trustworthy international moving service or freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance, so you can relocate to Singapore stress-free.
Need help finding international moving companies in your area for your move to Singapore? You can get started here at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form, which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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