Singapore Cargo : Singapore  

Singapore Cargo - Travel guide

Singapore

Singapore Cargo Clearance Info Guide

Documents Required for Clearance of Cargoes
The following documents should be produced to the checkpoint officers when goods are cleared from the free trade zones in the port and airport areas, and when imported by road from the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints:

• Customs permits or Joint Customs permits as appropriate; and
• Invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/airway bills, and any other supporting documents.

Importers must ensure the validity of the permits presented for goods clearance. It is an offence to use expired or invalid permits for cargo clearance at the checkpoints.

The customs seal affixed onto the container must not be broken without prior permission.

Dangerous Cargoes in Containers
Immediate removal of containers carrying dangerous cargoes is required by the Port of Singapore Authority when such containers are discharged from the vessel direct into a free trade zone. If handling agents are not in possession of the relevant documents for declaration purposes, they should obtain the relevant permits for movement of the containers for storage in any of the approved container Class II yards in Customs territory.

Upon approval of the permits, the containers should be produced at the FTZ Out Gates for sealing by checkpoint officers. However, the permit need not accompany the container at the time of cargo clearance. Thereafter, the containers will be unstuffed under supervision and goods released if no discrepancy is detected.

For more information on permit types, declaration and documentation procedures, please visit Singapore Customs website: www.customs.gov.sg.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cargo Clearance

What are the supporting commercial documents required for cargo clearance?
The supporting documents required for cargo clearance include:
a. Relevant Customs Cargo Clearance Permit (CCP)*; and
b. Commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/airway bill, and any other trade supporting documents.
(* Note: CCP with permit prefix IM cannot be used for cargo clearance as GST has not been paid)

The above documents need not be presented when clearing containerised cargo but should be made readily available if required by the officers.

Can photocopied permits be used to clear our shipments?
Yes, you may use photocopies of approved permits together with supporting documents to clear your cargoes at the checkpoint.

My cargo clearance permit has expired. What should I do?
It is an offence to use an expired or invalid permit to clear cargo. You should apply to Singapore Customs for an extension of the permit validity period before clearing the cargo.

My company has overpaid the GST by declaring the same permit twice. What are the procedures to claim back the overpaid GST?
You can submit an application for refund of the GST overpaid to Singapore Customs via e-filing. For further information on e-filing applications, please visit the Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg

How can I get the list of exchange rates for the purpose of declaring permits?
You may wish to visit the Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg to retrieve the exchange rate, which is published on a weekly basis.

What are the range of dutiable items?
You can visit the Singapore Customs website at www.customs.gov.sg to view the list of dutiable items.

How do I know whether my cargo is among the Controlled/Restricted items?
You can refer to the list in the Related Links http://app.ica.gov.sg/related_links/index.asp or contact the relevant controlling agencies.

When the container is delivered to my warehouse, I noticed that the original shipper's seal has been replaced with a green seal bearing the words "Singapore Customs". What does it means?
The original shipper's seal has been broken by ICA officer at the checkpoint for inspection of the container and its contents. After inspection, ICA reseals the container with a Customs Green seal to safeguard the integrity of the container. Every Customs Green Seal carry a serial number. You may call ICA at the respective checkpoint for confirmation.