Singapore Import GST Calculator
Singapore charges no customs duty on most goods — but 9% GST applies to nearly every import, calculated on CIF value. Get the exact GST, duty (for the four dutiable categories) and total landed cost for any shipment into Singapore.
How Singapore import charges work
GST: 9% on CIF + duty
GST is computed on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) plus any customs duty. S$1,000 goods + S$100 freight = S$99 GST. For commercial importers, import GST is generally claimable as input tax if you're GST-registered.
Duty: only 4 categories
Intoxicating liquors, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products are the only dutiable goods. Everything else — electronics, clothing, machinery, food — enters Singapore duty-free. That's why Singapore is Asia's trading hub.
Low-value goods (≤S$400)
Since 2023, overseas sellers registered for Singapore GST collect 9% at checkout on low-value goods. The old duty-free postal threshold is effectively gone for e-commerce — budget GST on every online order.
Re-exporting? Use the schemes
Trading companies can defer or avoid GST with the Major Exporter Scheme (MES), Zero-GST warehouses, or the Import GST Deferment Scheme — critical for entrepôt traders moving goods through Singapore.
Singapore import GST — common questions
How much is import GST in Singapore?
9% GST applies to most goods imported into Singapore, calculated on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) plus any duty. Since January 2023 GST also applies to low-value goods (≤S$400) bought online from GST-registered overseas sellers.
Does Singapore charge customs duty on imports?
Almost never — Singapore is one of the world's most open economies. Customs duty applies only to four categories: intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles, and petroleum products. Everything else enters duty-free, but 9% GST still applies.
Do I pay GST on online orders from overseas?
Yes. For low-value goods (≤S$400) from GST-registered sellers (Amazon, Shopee overseas sellers, etc.), GST is collected at checkout. For imports above S$400, GST is collected at the border on CIF value + duty. Non-registered sellers' low-value parcels may still be GST-assessed on import.
How is Singapore import GST calculated?
GST = 9% × (CIF value + customs duty if any). Example: goods worth S$1,000 + S$100 freight/insurance = S$1,100 CIF. GST = S$99. For dutiable goods (e.g. liquor), duty is added before GST is computed.
What is the GST relief for travellers and imports?
Travellers get GST relief on goods up to S$500 (48+ hours abroad) or S$100 (<48 hours). The old S$400 postal import relief was removed for goods bought from GST-registered overseas vendors — most online purchases are now taxed from the first dollar.
Related guides & tools
Get the exact GST on your next shipment
Product + value + freight → 9% GST on CIF, duty where it applies, and the true landed cost. Free, no account needed.
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