How to Efficiently Complete the Customs Clearance for Importing Equipment into Singapore? These 5 Key Steps You Must Know.

SingaporeEquipment ImportsInterpretation of the Three Major Characteristics

As one of the top five countries in the global trade facilitation index, Singapore will implement new regulations in 2025.Access Verification System for Electromechanical ProductsIt exhibits three distinct characteristics:

• Customs clearance efficiency requirements have been raised: The average clearance time for non-sensitive equipment is to be reduced to 48 hours.
• Digitization of Compliance Documents:It is recommended to verify through the following methods:The invoice, inspection report, etc. must be declared through the TradeNet system.
• The complexity of commodity classification has increased: AI devices now require reference to the newly revised HS code 8543.70.90.

Import Customs DeclarationCore Five-Step Process

Based on the latest operational guidelines from Singapore Customs in 2025, the following processes should be prioritized for equipment imports:

• Preliminary qualification verification
  • Verify the ACRA registration status of the importer
  • Verify whether the product involves IDA technology access restrictions.
• Commodity Classification and Coding
  • Refer to the latest version of the HS Code manual.
  • Mechanical and electrical equipment must be labeled with energy efficiency ratings.
• Customs clearance document preparation
  • The commercial invoice must specify the serial numbers of the equipment.
  • The certificate of origin must include detailed information about the manufacturer.
• Tax Calculation and Declaration
  • The GST rate will remain at 8% in 2025 (originally planned to increase to 9% in January 2025).
  • Some automated equipment may qualify for tariff reductions.
• Physical Inspection and Release
  • The probability of high-risk equipment triggering PSA detection has been increased to 30%.
  • Prepare copies of international certifications such as CE/SASO in advance.

Four core values of professional agency services

Compared to self-declaration, professional agency companies can create significant benefits for enterprises:

• Time - limit guarantee: Reduce declaration time by 30% through the pre-classification system.
• Risk avoidance: The latest case law database reduces the risk of misclassification.
• Professional support: Utilize the temporary admission system to save on warehousing costs
• Policy interpretation: Real-time synchronization of new regulations from regulatory authorities such as MOH and HSA

Key Focus Areas for 2025

In accordance with the latest announcement from the Singapore government, please be advised:

• Effective from March 1stSpecial Supervision for Lithium Battery Equipment, the UN38.3 test report must be attached.
• Medical imaging equipment is required to have local calibration certification.
• The import of second-hand equipment requires submission.Equipment Service Life Declaration

Common Issue Resolution Strategies

• Customs valuation dispute: Prepare the procurement contract and payment vouchers for future reference.
• Technical chargeback: Mitigating risks through the GTA advance ruling service
• Temporary import demand: Apply for an ATA Carnet.