Country guide
How Do You Export from India to Singapore?
Everything Indian exporters need to know about selling to Singapore. CECA & ASEAN-India FTA benefits, near-zero import duties, 9% GST, regulatory compliance, shipping logistics, and re-export opportunities.
By Aaryan Kakani · · Updated · 7 min read
Why Export to Singapore from India?
India-Singapore bilateral trade exceeds $30 billion annually, making Singapore one of India's top trading partners in ASEAN. The relationship is anchored by the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA, 2005) and the broader ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA, 2010). Singapore's zero-tariff regime, world-class port infrastructure, and strategic location make it both a direct market and a gateway to Southeast Asia.
What Are India's Top Exports to Singapore?
| Category | Key Products | Approx. Share |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Products | Refined petroleum, petrochemicals, LPG | ~30% |
| Gems & Jewelry | Cut & polished diamonds, gold jewelry | ~12% |
| Chemicals | Organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes | ~10% |
| Machinery & Equipment | Industrial machinery, electrical equipment, auto parts | ~9% |
| Textiles & Apparel | Cotton fabrics, readymade garments, silk | ~5% |
| Agricultural Products | Rice (basmati & non-basmati), spices, marine products | ~4% |
| Iron & Steel | Flat-rolled steel, stainless steel products | ~3% |
Which Trade Routes Connect India to Singapore?
| Indian Port | Singapore Terminal | Transit Time (Sea) |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | PSA Singapore | 7-8 days |
| JNPT (Nhava Sheva) | PSA Singapore | 10-12 days |
| Mundra | PSA Singapore | 9-11 days |
| Kolkata / Haldia | Jurong Port / PSA | 8-10 days |
| Visakhapatnam | PSA Singapore | 7-9 days |
What Documents Do You Need to Export to Singapore?
Singapore Customs operates through TradeNet, a single-window electronic system for all trade declarations. Import permits are processed electronically and typically approved within minutes. Indian exporters must prepare documentation for both Indian customs (export side) and Singapore Customs (import side).
| Document | Purpose | Required By |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Goods description, quantity, value (FOB/CIF), HS codes, buyer/seller details | Both sides |
| Packing List | Itemized contents of each package with weights and dimensions | Both sides |
| Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | Contract of carriage; title document for sea freight | Both sides |
| Shipping Bill | Indian customs export declaration filed via ICEGATE | Indian Customs |
| CECA Certificate of Origin | Required to claim preferential tariff under CECA; issued by designated Indian authorities | Singapore Customs |
| TradeNet Import Permit | Electronic import declaration; importer files via TradeNet before goods arrive | Singapore Customs |
| IEC (Import Export Code) | 10-digit code from DGFT; mandatory for all Indian exporters | Indian Customs |
| SFA Import Licence | Required for food, meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables entering Singapore | SFA (food only) |
| AD Code | Authorized Dealer code from your bank; registered at customs port for FX repatriation | Indian Customs |
Does Singapore Charge Import Duties on Indian Goods?
Singapore is one of the most open economies in the world. There are no import duties on over 99% of tariff lines. Customs duty (excise duty) applies only to four categories of goods, regardless of origin country.
Which Goods Actually Attract Duty in Singapore?
| Category | Duty Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) | SGD 88 per litre of alcohol | Specific |
| Tobacco products | SGD 427 per kg for cigarettes; varies for others | Specific |
| Motor vehicles | 20% of OMV (Open Market Value) | Ad valorem |
| Petroleum products | Varies by product type (e.g., SGD 7.10 per dal for motor spirit) | Specific |
For all other goods (chemicals, machinery, textiles, gems, electronics, food, steel, pharmaceuticals) the import duty is zero. This applies regardless of whether the goods originate from India or any other country. Singapore does not differentiate between MFN and preferential rates for these categories since the MFN rate is already zero.
Is There a De Minimis Threshold for Small Shipments?
For GST purposes, the previous SGD 400 de minimis exemption for goods imported by air or post was removed on 1 January 2023. All imported goods are now subject to 9% GST regardless of value. There is no de minimis for duty since duty is already zero for most goods.
How Much GST Does Singapore Charge on Imports?
Singapore charges a flat 9% GST on all imports (increased from 8% on 1 January 2024). GST is collected at the point of import by Singapore Customs and must be paid before goods are released.
How Is Import GST Calculated?
Import GST = 9% x (CIF Value + Duty Payable)
For most Indian exports (non-dutiable goods), duty payable is zero, so GST = 9% x CIF Value. For dutiable goods (alcohol, tobacco, petroleum, vehicles), duty is added to the base before GST is calculated.
What GST Schemes Can Reduce or Defer Import GST?
| Scheme | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Major Exporter Scheme (MES) | Import GST suspended on goods for re-export | Singapore companies with >50% re-exports |
| Approved Import GST Suspension Scheme (AISS) | GST suspended on imports for approved traders | Approved "Tier 3" status companies |
| Free Trade Zone (FTZ) | No GST while goods remain in FTZ; GST applies only on release into Singapore market | Any importer using FTZ facilities |
| Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) | Foreign vendors collecting GST on B2C digital services and low-value goods | Non-resident vendors with >SGD 1M global turnover and >SGD 100K Singapore sales |
Do Indian Sellers Need to Register for Singapore GST?
If you sell B2C digital services or low-value goods (under SGD 400 per consignment) directly to Singapore consumers, you must register for GST under the Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime if your global turnover exceeds SGD 1 million and Singapore sales exceed SGD 100,000. For B2B physical goods, your Singapore importer handles GST.
What Compliance and Standards Must Your Products Meet?
Singapore's regulatory environment is streamlined but strictly enforced. Different agencies control different product categories. Non-compliance results in shipment rejection or seizure at the border.
| Agency | Regulates | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| SFA (Singapore Food Agency) | All food products, meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables | Import licence, accredited source, lab testing, labeling in English |
| HSA (Health Sciences Authority) | Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health supplements, cosmetics | Product registration, GMP compliance, import licence, adverse event reporting |
| IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority) | Telecom equipment, radio devices, IoT devices | Equipment registration, type approval, IMDA label |
| NEA (National Environment Agency) | Hazardous substances, pesticides, ozone-depleting substances | Permit for controlled substances, REACH-like compliance |
| Enterprise SG (formerly SPRING) | Consumer safety. 33 categories of Controlled Goods (electrical, gas, toys) | Safety Mark for controlled goods, conformity assessment, product testing |
| SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) | Fire safety products, petroleum & flammable materials | Storage licence, fire safety certification |
What Are Singapore's Labeling Requirements?
- Country of origin. Must be clearly marked on all products.
- Food labels. Must be in English with product name, ingredients list, allergen declarations, net weight in metric, country of origin, and importer details. Nutrition information panel required for pre-packaged food.
- Safety Mark. 33 categories of controlled goods (household electrical appliances, gas appliances, children's toys) must carry the SAFETY Mark and be registered with Enterprise SG before sale.
- Cosmetics. Ingredient list (INCI format), batch number, expiry date, product function, manufacturer/importer name and address.
How Do You Ship from India to Singapore?
Singapore is the world's second-busiest container port and a global transshipment hub. PSA Singapore handles over 37 million TEUs annually with industry-leading efficiency. Transit times from India are among the shortest of any major export destination.
| Method | Transit Time | Cost (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 7-12 days | $800- |