Last updated: 26 June 2026

In short:

Singapore is one of Asia's most import-friendly economies — low tariffs, efficient customs via the TradeNet system, and a well-developed logistics infrastructure make it straightforward to import from China. The main cost considerations are Singapore GST (9% since January 2024), any applicable customs duties (most goods are 0% for Singapore), and freight. This guide walks Singapore-based businesses through the full import process from start to finish.

Why Do Singapore Businesses Import from China?

China is Singapore's largest trading partner. Singapore businesses import from China because:

• China manufactures at scale across virtually every product category
• Singapore's free port heritage means minimal import restrictions and one of Asia's most efficient customs systems
• Proximity (sea freight: 10–14 days from major Chinese ports) keeps transit times short
• The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) provides preferential duty rates on many product categories
• Singapore's position as a regional hub means goods imported from China can be re-exported across SEA

For a broader view of how to structure your sourcing strategy, see our guide to sourcing products from China step by step.

What Are Singapore's Import Duties from China?

Singapore has one of the world's most open trade regimes. Most goods imported into Singapore attract 0% customs duty. The main exceptions are:

• Intoxicating liquors — specific excise duty applies
• Tobacco products — excise duty applies
• Motor vehicles — additional registration fees apply
• Petroleum products — excise duty applies

For the vast majority of consumer goods, electronics, apparel, furniture, hardware, and industrial products imported from China, the customs duty rate is 0%. For detailed GST rates by product, see our companion post: import duty and GST from China to Singapore.

How Does Singapore GST Apply to Imports from China?

Singapore GST (Goods and Services Tax) applies at 9% (since 1 January 2024) on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) of imported goods. This applies to:

• All goods imported into Singapore regardless of origin
• De minimis relief: previously goods valued under SGD 400 were exempt, but this threshold was removed in January 2023 — all goods are now subject to GST

Can You Claim Back Singapore Import GST?

If your business is GST-registered (required if annual turnover exceeds SGD 1 million), you can claim the import GST back as input tax on your GST return. Effectively, GST-registered businesses don't bear the cost of import GST — it's recovered. Non-GST-registered businesses bear the 9% as a real cost.

Worked Import Duty & GST Calculation for Singapore

Note: Figures above are illustrative. Always verify current GST rates and duty classifications with Singapore Customs or a customs broker.

How Does Singapore Customs Work? (TradeNet System)

All goods imported into Singapore must be declared through TradeNet, Singapore Customs' electronic system. Here's the process:

1. Obtain a UEN (Unique Entity Number) — your company registration number, which also serves as your customs identifier
2. Activate Customs Account on the Singapore Customs portal
3. Appoint a freight forwarder or customs agent to file the import declaration on your behalf (most importers use one). Epic Sourcing can recommend vetted forwarders; see our freight forwarding services.
4. File the In-Payment (Duty & GST) permit via TradeNet before your goods arrive
5. Pay GST at the point of import (or via deferred payment scheme for high-volume importers)
6. Collect goods once permit is approved and duties/GST paid

Singapore Customs is efficient — most permits are approved within minutes to hours. Physical inspection of goods is relatively rare and risk-based.

Are There Any Controlled or Prohibited Goods When Importing from China to Singapore?

Singapore maintains a controlled goods list. The following categories from China require additional permits or licences:

• Food products — require Singapore Food Agency (SFA) import licence
• Health supplements & cosmetics — require Health Sciences Authority (HSA) notification or registration
• Electrical & electronic products — must comply with SAFETY Mark requirements under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations
• Children's toys — must meet EN71 or equivalent safety standards
• Textiles & apparel — require Textile and Apparel Trader (TAT) declaration

Your sourcing agent should flag any controlled goods categories at the product selection stage. For electronics specifically, see our guide on sourcing electronics from China.

Does the ASEAN-China FTA (ACFTA) Reduce Import Duties for Singapore?

Singapore already applies 0% duty to most goods, so the ASEAN-China FTA (ACFTA) is less critical for Singapore than for other ASEAN members like Indonesia or Thailand. However, it remains relevant for:

• Any goods that do attract duty in Singapore (alcoholic beverages, tobacco)
• Singapore businesses re-exporting to other ASEAN countries where ACFTA reduces their import duties
• Certificate of Origin (Form E) requirements: if re-exporting ACFTA-qualifying goods from Singapore to other ASEAN markets, you need a valid Form E from the Chinese exporter

What Are the Best Freight Options from China to Singapore?

Sea Freight via Port of Singapore

The Port of Singapore is the world's second-busiest container port. Sea freight options from China:

• FCL (Full Container Load) — for large shipments (20ft or 40ft containers). Transit time: 8–14 days from Shanghai/Ningbo, 6–10 days from Shenzhen/Guangzhou
• LCL (Less than Container Load) — for smaller shipments sharing container space. Transit time: 12–18 days (including consolidation time). Cost: USD 30–70 per CBM, plus handling

Sea freight is the default for regular stock replenishment, furniture, large electronics orders, and any goods where time isn't critical. See our LCL vs FCL shipping guide for help choosing the right option.

Air Freight via Changi Airport

Singapore Changi Airport is Asia's most efficient air freight hub. Air freight from China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing) to Changi takes 2–4 days at a cost of USD 3–6 per kg (plus surcharges). Use air freight for:

• High-value electronics where sea freight insurance costs are significant
• Urgent replenishment orders when you're running low on stock
• Perishable or time-sensitive goods
• First samples (always air freight samples)

Should Singapore SMEs Use a Sourcing Agent or Go Direct?

This depends on your order size and experience level:

Unsure which approach is right for you? See our guide on what to look for in a sourcing agent or learn about finding a sourcing agent in Singapore.

What Payment Methods Work for Chinese Suppliers from Singapore?

Singaporean businesses typically pay Chinese suppliers by:

• TT (Telegraphic Transfer) — the most common. Typically 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. Use Singapore DBS, OCBC, or UOB for competitive FX rates on CNY/USD payments
• Alibaba Trade Assurance — escrow-based protection for Alibaba orders. Releases payment only when you confirm receipt
• Letter of Credit (LC) — used for larger orders (USD 50,000+) where both parties want bank-backed security
• PayPal — only suitable for very small orders with established suppliers; Chinese suppliers often charge a 4–5% surcharge

For a full breakdown of payment options, see our guide on how to pay your Chinese supplier.

Common Mistakes Singapore Importers Make When Buying from China

• Not visiting or auditing the factory — what looks like a factory on Alibaba is often a trading company with higher prices and less control over quality
• Skipping the sample stage — always order samples before committing to bulk production
• Paying 100% upfront — standard payment terms are 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. 100% upfront gives you no leverage if quality is poor
• Ignoring Singapore Customs controlled goods lists — importing food supplements or electrical goods without the required permits causes delays and can result in goods being seized
• Underestimating lead times — production + sea freight + Singapore customs adds up. Budget 45–60 days from order confirmation to goods in your warehouse

See our quality control and factory audit services to protect your orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an import licence to import from China to Singapore?

Most goods don't require an import licence — just a TradeNet permit filed by your freight forwarder. However, controlled goods (food, health supplements, electrical products, etc.) require additional permits from the relevant Singapore authority (SFA, HSA, EMA). Check the Singapore Customs website for your product's HS code to confirm.

What is the GST rate for imports into Singapore in 2026?

9%. Singapore raised GST from 8% to 9% on 1 January 2024. This applies to all goods imported into Singapore, including those from China. GST-registered businesses can reclaim import GST as input tax.

How do I find a reliable Chinese supplier for my Singapore business?

Start on Alibaba (look for Gold Suppliers with verified Trade Assurance), then cross-check on 1688.com for factory-direct pricing. The safest approach is to use a China-based sourcing agent who can visit factories on your behalf and verify they are genuine manufacturers. Epic Sourcing provides this service for Singapore-based clients.

Can I use the ASEAN-China FTA to reduce duties when importing to Singapore?

Singapore already applies 0% customs duty to most goods, so ACFTA preferential rates rarely apply to mainland Singapore imports. ACFTA is more useful when you're re-exporting from Singapore to other ASEAN markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, or Thailand, where preferential rates apply.

How does Epic Sourcing help Singapore businesses import from China?

Epic Sourcing provides end-to-end sourcing services for Singapore-based businesses: supplier research, factory vetting, price negotiation, quality inspection, and freight coordination. Our bilingual team is on the ground in China and can handle everything from product development to pre-shipment inspection. Contact us for a free consultation.

How Epic Sourcing Helps Singapore Businesses Import from China

Epic Sourcing is a sourcing agency with bilingual staff based in China and Vietnam, serving Singapore and Southeast Asian businesses. We navigate Chinese supplier relationships, negotiate better FOB prices, arrange quality control inspections, and coordinate sea and air freight to Singapore.

From first-time importers to established businesses scaling their supply chain, we provide the ground-level presence in China that Singapore businesses need to source with confidence. Explore our full sourcing services or end-to-end sourcing offering.

Contact Epic Sourcing →