Canadians are expanding their economic connections with Singapore and the pacific region in general thanks to Singapores open economy and the CPTPP free trade agreement.
Jet Worldwide is backed by over 35 years of international logistics expertise. Our team offers transparency, advise on best practices (which often involves recommending alternative options) and unique global parcel shipping solutions.
A few quick points to consider when shipping international between Canada and Singapore
This post provides a deeper dive and explores of the main elements of international shipping between Canada and Singapore:
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Importing Canadian Goods to Singapore
Items shipping to Singapore must be accompanied by an invoice for customs or other supporting documents.
Some duties and always Value Added Tax charge:
Imported goods are subject to GST and/or duty payment. A customs permit is required to account for the import and tax payment of the goods. Dutiable goods, which incur both GST and duty include alcohol, tobacco products, motor vehicles, and petroleum products. Ad valorem or specific duty rates may be applied for dutiable goods.
All other goods (not mentioned above) are non-dutiable and incur GST only. GST is levied at 7% of the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value, which includes duties (if it is a dutiable good) and other charges, costs and expenses incidental to the sale and delivery of the goods into Singapore, whether or not shown on the invoice.
DUTY FREE ≠ TAX FREE TO SINGAPORE
It is important to understand that CPTPP applies to duty assessments but not taxes. All goods - even those cleared duty free - are subject Singapore's General Sales Tax/ GST of 7%.
Import Requirements for Shipments from Canada:
Before the actual importation, the importer is required to obtain a customs permit. The importer is the party who imports the goods into Singapore:
Shipping packages to Singapore via Canada Post
Canada Post offers low cost delivery for individuals shipping small packages to Singapore and all of Singapore. Packages sent via Canada Post are imported to Singapore and delivered by Singpost (the state owned provider of postal services in Singapore).
Canada Post Delivery Services to Singapore Include:
For shipping small parcels to Singapore via Canada Post
For shipping Canada post parcel to Singapore
Shipping packages to Singapore via FedEx and UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS are the largest carriers in North America and, along with DHL, offer dependable international express services from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and all of Canada to Singapore.
FedEx and UPS Canada shipping Options to Singapore Include:
Delivery to Singapore via Purolator Courier
Purolator Courier, a subsidiary of Canada Post, offers international parcel delivery from Canada to Singapore via partners, such as UPS.
Shipping Singapore from Canada via Jet Worldwide
Contact Jet: For a quote for shipping online orders, regular volumes and logistics support; provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).
Shipping Terms to Consider When Shipping to Singapore
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is delivery duty unpaid. Common carriers use the term EXW which essentially assigns all import related costs (duty, taxes, and other fees) to the receiver/ importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver via a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options that many carriers offer. See our blog on Incoterms and shipping terms for packages and online orders.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of the import fees are often from Singapore's 7% value added tax that the importing business may otherwise be able to claim back.
Shipping Personal Effects Singapore from Canada
Some notes on sending personal effects To Singapore:
Shipping of excess baggage to Singapore: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (discussed above).
Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects Singapore from Canada via economy air. Get a shipping quote international from Canada via Jet.
Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.
Duty Free Clearance Canadian goods to Singapore Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Singapores Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rates are generally applicable to imports from Singapore. Duty free preferential import under CPTPP apply to goods imported to Singapore that meet the rules of origin outlined in the agreement and accompanied by the necessary certification.
The CPTPP Free Trade agreement allows duty free - or reduced duty - entry of Canadian goods imported to Singapore. In order to qualify for duty free status, the parcel must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and other supporting paperwork.
CPTPP CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN TO SINGAPORE: REQUIRED DATA
“I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification.”
For full details regarding the minimum data requirements for the certification of origin, please refer to Annex 3-B of the CPTPP agreement.
Common Carrier Options for Shipping Canada from Singapore
The common carrier options for shipping Canada from Singapore include the Singpost (preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items), DHL, FedEx and UPS.
FedEx and UPS Shipping Services to Canada from Singapore Include:
Importing Goods to Canada Shipped from Singapore
Goods imported to Canada valued over CA$20 are subject to duty and taxes. Consignments valued under CA$3,300 can be imported via Canada's low value system (LVS).
Singapore origin goods may qualify for preferential duty free entry under Canada Singapore CPTPP free trade agreement regardless of value.
Simplified Origin Statement for Shipping Canada from Singapore
For imports not exceeding $3,300 to Canada, the requirement for proof of origin is waived. The requirement on the importer to maintain records (for example, commercial invoice and B3) applies even if the CBSA does not require a certification of origin or if a requirement for a certification of origin has been waived.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) online portal streamlines the process of importing commercial goods to Canada.
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking shipping quotes between Singapore and Canada for parcels pallets, and online orders. For a quote, please provide:
For a quote for shipping online orders, provide details including shipping volume, item(s) being shipped, average value and weight of each parcel. The more details the better :).
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