Launch Your Singapore Import/Export Company in 4 Simple Steps

Did you know that Singapore ranks among the top five globally for ease of doing business and trading across borders?
If you’re ready to tap into Southeast Asia’s thriving trade routes, launching an import and export company in Singapore is one of the smartest moves you can make.

This guide breaks down the entire process into four practical, easy-to-follow steps. You’ll learn how to register your company, activate your Singapore Customs account, secure the right permits, and manage your import costs like a pro.

Whether you’re a local entrepreneur, a foreign investor, or a seasoned trader, this guide ensures you launch import and export companies the right way—fast, efficiently, and legally.

TL;DR: Your Fast-Track to Import/Export Success 🚀

Want to launch your Singapore trading business without the paperwork headache? Follow these 4 simple steps:

Register Your Company – Get your UEN via ACRA (we handle it 100% online).
Activate Your Customs Account – Auto-activated post-registration; we’ll help you verify it.
Secure Permits & Licenses – Apply via TradeNet®; get extra licenses if your goods are controlled.
Manage Import Costs – Understand GST, duties, and when you can use zero-rated GST to save.

👉 Skip the guesswork. Launch your business with Grof today.

Step 1: Register Your Company – Lay the Foundation

Before you trade, you must register your business with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). This process legally establishes your business in Singapore and provides your Unique Entity Number (UEN)—your gateway to all future trade transactions.

Why This Step Matters:

You can’t apply for trade permits or activate your Singapore Customs registration without a UEN.
It helps you open corporate bank accounts, apply for loans, and build trust with partners.

How to Do It:

Choose a business structure (Private Limited Company is the most common for trading businesses).
Prepare your company name, address, and director/shareholder details.
Submit your application online via BizFile+.

We offer 100% online company incorporation services, ensuring quick approval and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Step 2: Activate Your Customs Account – Get the Green Light

Once your company is registered, your Singapore Customs account activates automatically—but you must verify it before conducting any import or export activity.

What Is a Customs Account?

It allows you to:

Transact with TradeNet®, Singapore’s digital platform for permit applications.
Apply for customs-related schemes or services.
Declare and track shipments across borders.

How to Check Activation:

Visit the Singapore Customs website and log in via CorpPass.
Ensure your company details match your ACRA profile.
Submit a Customs Account activation request if not auto-activated.

We guide clients through this process to ensure a smooth experience from incorporation to customs access.

Step 3: Secure the Right Permits – Trade Legally and Confidently

Your goods may require permits or licenses depending on their type. Failure to secure the right paperwork can result in costly delays or penalties.

Types of Trade Permits:

Import Permit: Required for goods entering Singapore.
Export Permit: Required for goods leaving Singapore.

Apply via TradeNet®—Singapore’s electronic permit system.

Controlled Goods Require Extra Licenses:

Some products fall under “controlled goods” and need additional approval from Competent Authorities:

Food & beverages: Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
Pharmaceuticals & cosmetics: Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
Electronic devices: IMDA

Actionable Tips:

Check if your goods are listed as controlled via Singapore Customs.
Apply early—licensing may take up to several weeks depending on the authority.

Step 4: Manage Import Costs – GST, Duties, and Smart Savings

Singapore remains one of the world’s most tax-efficient jurisdictions, but imported goods can still attract taxes and duties. Understanding them helps you price your products correctly and avoid financial surprises.

Paying GST on Imports

All goods imported into Singapore are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST)—currently at 9%.

You must:

Declare your imports on TradeNet®.
Pay GST upfront at the point of clearance.

Understanding Customs & Excise Duties

Singapore applies customs duties only on dutiable goods, including:

Alcohol
Tobacco
Petroleum products
Motor vehicles

If your imports don’t fall into these categories, you won’t pay customs duty—just the GST.

Tip: Leverage Zero-Rated GST for Low-Value Imports

You may qualify for zero-rated GST if:

The value of your goods is S$400 or less.
The goods are non-dutiable.
The shipment is by air or post.

This tax relief supports eCommerce sellers or test shipments. Learn more about zero-rated tax and GST in our detailed blog post.

You’re Now Ready to Launch – What’s Next?

You now have a crystal-clear roadmap to launch your import/export business in Singapore:

Register your company and get your UEN.
Activate your Customs Account and verify details.
Apply for the correct permits and licenses via TradeNet®.
Understand your tax responsibilities and reduce import costs where possible.

At Grof, we help businesses get started from incorporation to customs clearance—fast.

Ready to get started? Click here to incorporate your business in just a few days.

Or need a deeper dive into Singapore’s GST system? Check out our Ultimate Guide to GST for Businesses in Singapore to understand how to charge, claim, and optimise GST for your import/export company.

FAQs

Do I need an import license in Singapore?

Yes, if your goods are controlled (e.g., food, drugs, or telecommunications equipment). Otherwise, a general import permit will suffice.

What does Singapore import the most?

Electronics, machinery, petroleum, food products, and medical equipment are among the top imports.

Is Singapore import tax free?

Not entirely. While most goods are free from customs duties, they are still subject to GST. Only specific dutiable goods (like alcohol and tobacco) attract customs duty.