SIngapore is a known global hub for international trade and commerce. Due to this, the country has developed a robust customs system that protects the market from being exploited by businesses unconfirmed with their legal identity as well as that with the validity and safety of the products that they distribute to the market.
For this reason, businesses that aim to work with the Singaporean market are required to comply with the rules established by the Customs department.
In this post, be guided on how you can go through these procedures more efficiently to help you secure your custom clearance fast and easy.
Understanding Singapore Customs
What is the role of Singapore customs in terms of keeping commercial security in the country? The customs department is responsible for the regulation of import and export activities in the country. This includes the control of incoming and outgoing goods in the country.
It makes sure that the businesses are legally recognized and are given the full capacity to control and distribute the products that they want to trade within the country. Through this approach, the department is able to ensure that illegal activities are kept off from within the borders of the country while legitimate trade activities are property facilitated.
Key Steps for Custom Clearance
The process of custom clearance in Singapore involves these primary steps:
STEP 1: Pre-Arrival Procedures
This process is considered even before your goods arrive in the country. This phase of preparation helps in creating an easier pace of going through each procedure involved in securing custom clearance.
During this phase, the process includes classifying your goods under the Harmonized System or the HS Code. This is very important as incorrect classification can lead your business to incurring delays and penalties.
You need to prepare necessary documents during this phase. From commercial invoices, the packing lists, the certificates for operation and origin of business, and other permits and licences that prove the legitimacy of the business; all these should be prepared accordingly.
It is also during this phase that businesses are encouraged to choose the right customs broker to partner with to help in the accomplishment of these particular permits. Hiring your declaration agent for this phase will help you reduce the time spent on processing the papers and securing all permits required by customs for your business to operate fully and for trade to follow through with ease.
STEP 2: Arrival and Declaration
Upon arrival of your goods at the port or the airport, you will need to submit the documentation of customs declaration. If you have a declaration agent to help you to streamline this process, this will be an easy phase to consider.
In the documentation, certain details are outlined which includes the identification of the goods, their value and their intended use. This is better done through the online declaration systems of the Singapore customs.
STEP 3: Customs Examination
The Singapore custom may select your shipment to be examined. What goes on in the inspection includes verification of the accuracy of declaration papers to ensure legitimacy of the entrant of your product.
STEP 4: Duty and Tax Payment
Once the examination process is complete, you will need to pay any duties and taxes that may be dimmed necessary by the department. Payments can often be done through digital banks to reduce time constraints.
STEP 5: Goods Release
The release of your goods for market distribution is approved after the payment and clearance procedures are accomplished.
Do You Really Need Help to Accomplish Your Custom Clearance Approvals?
The short answer would be βyesβ. While you may opt to do this on your own and navigate through the process on your own, businesses have found it more practical to get a declaring agent to help them in securing custom clearance to avoid any delays and mishaps in the process.
Doing so will give you a chance to work with an expert who knows and understands the system well – giving you the time and money to be allocated to other more important aspects of doing business in Singapore. Consider it as an investment to a long-term partnership that secures the integrity of your business in the country.