Shipment
 

Hihi,

Because this is the first time I import merchandise from overseas thus please help me with this! If I'm using EMS ( A worldwide express mail service) to import my merchandise over, will it have to pass through Sing Post?

Re: Shipment
 

Hi, EMS is an overseas direct courier service , unless they're using SingPost as their sub courier,it is unlikely yr merchandise need to pass thru SingPost. However, if the merchandise exceeds S$400.00 u need to pay GST. U need to check with EMS with regards to their declaration.

My supplier uses EMS to deliver my merchandise to me...so far things went well.:)

Re: Shipment
 

oh~~ mayi know the cost of using ems to import goods to Singapore? If say the supplier does not provide this service what are ways can i import goods into singapore?

pls enlighten thanks!

Re: Shipment
 

Usually they should have their own arrangement with shipping companies, either EMS, the express services such as FEDEX, or other local freight companies since they have been supplying not only to you, but also I believe, to other customers as well.

However, if they insist that they have not shipped before/ do not provide shipping services, you can perhaps request them to help you to post it out through EMS via their post office, or alternatively, you can open an account with companies such as Fedex, DHL,TNT, UPS etc, or any freight companies, and give them your account number, ask your supplier to call the company to collect the goods. The rest of the things will be done by the freight company and all you need to do is to settle the bill on a monthly basis with the freight company.

For cost of imports, it will usually depend on the weight of your goods, and also, if the total value is above SGD400, Singapore GST will be imposed.:)

Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Re: Shipment
 

Thank for letting me know how it works! You mention that goods imported in below $400/- will not be taxable? Is there any reference that i can read about this? i read the GST section under the business . gov and had yet to come across this exemption. I think i read some one in the forum also did mention about this $400 'magic number' haha..

regards.

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Check out Singapore custom website! they have all the info on importing of goods and taxes!:)

Cheerios!

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The website is http://www.customs.gov.sg/

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Hey Thanks! I read about that on Singapore custom website... But just a curious thought... Does that meant that if i have multiple imports each at less than $400, to be sent to me, i do not have to pay for the GST? Isn't this some kind of a loop hole?

Re: Shipment
 

oops~ i thought that (thumbs down) icon was a question mark:o . well, anyway, have anyone tried using DHL or UPS service? care to share the experience? Is there any distintive pros or cons on choosing one over the other?

Re: Shipment
 

the easiest thing for you to do is to contact them (ie, via their website or call up) and request for information via whichever sales/account manager to you.

but, if you not intending to be a regular/volume customer, then not much difference. only singpost published their rates online clearly if not wrong.

I only managed to get DHL to reply me via few courriers I tried ;-p overall the servic is good ;-)

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Just imported some products from overseas and for info, our government very clever one lor... I have 4 different boxes coming in from the same source and all declared value is less than SGD 400, but combination of all the 4 invoice totals $500 plus and I can't siam, was slapped with the 7% GST.:( anyway, you won't be able to siam no matter what I think, the only issue is, how much you kenna only....

Re: Shipment
 

Were the 4 boxes delivered at the same time?
I had 2 boxes delivered at different times, 1 after the other...and no GST was imposed :)

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Ya, all 4 boxes shipped together and delivered at the same time.

But how come yours was delivered at different times in the same shipment??

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Erm...my shipment not big..so using those UPS, Fedex type courier...I juz ask the supplier to ship out 1 box first...then the next box another 3 days later lor...hehehe....

Yah, if come together, they will of cos detect and charge GST...

Another way if you know the supplier well is to underdeclare the value...but this one depends on you lor..cos if under declare...and lost package, ur insurance also lesser :)

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But if you get your supplier to ship the 2nd box on another day, will the delivery charges be more expensive? Coz the lower the weight, the higher the unit shipping charge, so won't that off set the savings in GST?? hmmm...

Re: Shipment
 

this is not bad, fast and alot cheaper than EMS. http://www.4px.cc/

Anyway, if your supplier have good bargaining power, they can actually bargain for lower prices compared to the normal shipment fees.

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Erm...not sure lei..cos I max out the weight of the first box liao....hehe hence the 2nd box....but the value declared was more than SGD400 liao...so I asked the supplier to help me post out later a bit...

:D Anyway for 1 box I always ask the supplier can under-declare a bit or not...always < USD200 lor heee :D

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Hi,

Can advise which shipping cmy is the cheaper? very confuss of the rate....
Singpost claim tht they are the cheaper..

thanks

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I can get good rates for importing merchandise from bangkok by freight, min 50kg. need any other info pm/email me.

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anyone got experience shipping from Guangzhou, China? How much would it cost to ship 30kg of stuff frm there?

Is there any webby where I can find out the shipping charges?

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If yours is like non-website - IE victoria secrets/this kinda big brands, its ok to seperate the boxes since they are based on weight. But im not sure about those big brand website coz i never ordered before. Anayway, "The lower the weight, the higher the unit shipping charge" this may not necessary be true.

If you look at singpost local charges. its quite stupid. the range for non standard mail is like this :
100g - 80c
250g - 1.00
500g - 1.50
1kg - 1.50
2kg - 2.55

so if you have 1.5kg of item, they charge you 2kg worth. Ultimately, you suffer from a loss. Given a choice, which would you choose? being charged slightly higher postage, or to pay the 7%. You may also wana check if EMS go by per gram instead of a range like singpost. If it really does go by per gram, theres really no harm in delaying your boxes 1-2 days. Its easier for your supplier too if they do not have a car :)

Re: Shipment
 

hi all.

my supplier used to send my goods fr USA to Singapore using UPS..so far no prob at all..and the best part is as most of my packages are over the SGD400 value,i have not been charged the GST..well,i guess they have their own customs officers to check or something like that lah..hehe

and what i like abt UPS is that i'm able to track down abt my pckg in details..so i know exactly where they are located at that moment of time..hope this helps

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Hi christinewsy, i would like to know about the details.. I cant find ur email nor PM u at all.. pls get back to me thanks..

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Can anyone explain how to import stuff to Singapore?
If the overseas supplier says that they will cover the shipping, do you still need to engage an agent to receive your goods from the ports and deliver to your place? Will companies like DHL, Fedex provide such services?
I thought other than GST, will still need to pay $300 to $400 for the agent's services