Countries · SG

Singapore: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 118 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Singapore.Lists last checked .

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for Singapore in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Singapore may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

118 entries on the official lists name Singapore — as nationality, address, registration or flag. That links them to the country; it says nothing about other companies there. The same company can appear on several lists and is then counted once per list. Individuals are not included — Sanctioni does not process them.

ListEntries
US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)101
UK Sanctions List (FCDO)7
Switzerland SECO Consolidated Sanctions List5
EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List (FSF)4
UN Security Council Consolidated List1

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Logistics profile

Singapore: logistics and trade

Global transshipment and re-export hub for Southeast Asia

Singapore (SG) is a city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, on the shipping route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and one of the world's foremost trade and logistics hubs. As a free port it charges customs duty on only four categories of goods (liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products); all other imports carry only the 9 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST), levied by Singapore Customs and IRAS. Foreign trade is cleared electronically through the National Single Window TradeNet and the Networked Trade Platform, with permits typically approved in under ten minutes. The Port of Singapore, operated by PSA, is the world's largest container transshipment hub and surpassed 40 million TEU for the first time in 2024, while the new Tuas Port is being built towards a capacity of more than 65 million TEU. Changi Airport, with the Changi Airfreight Centre free trade zone, is among Asia's leading air cargo gateways. A dense network of free trade agreements (ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP, RCEP and agreements with the EU and EFTA) and strong export controls under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act underpin Singapore's role as a reliable regional distribution centre. The currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).

Capital
Singapore
Population
6,110,000
Area
734 km²
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Continent
Asia
Region
Southeast Asia / ASEAN
Economic area
ASEAN (AFTA/ATIGA)
Religions
Buddhism, Christianity, Islam
Access to the sea
Yes

Transport modes Sea · Air · Road

Current situation
Port operations stable according to MPA/MOT; early 2026 temporarily higher yard utilization (85–90 percent) and vessel waiting times of 1–1,5 days. Tuas Port still under expansion (final capacity over 65 million TEU); record throughput of 44,66 million TEU in 2025. (As of 2026-07-18)
Seasonal conditions
Equatorial climate, hot and humid all year round. The northeast monsoon (Nov-Jan) brings heavy rain and occasionally regional haze caused by fires in neighboring countries.

Main seaports

  • Keppel - (East Singapore)

    Keppel (SG KEP), Singapore: PSA container and transhipment terminal on the Strait of Malacca; operations move to Tuas by 2027. Reefer, DG, customs.

  • Jurong Island

    Jurong Island (SGJUR): Singapore's energy and chemicals complex for crude, refined products and chemicals — not a container port. Containers via PSA Tuas/Pasir Panjang.

  • Pulau Bukom

    Pulau Bukom (SGPUB), Singapore's refinery island, run by Aster since 2025: crude, petroleum products and petrochemicals, no containers. Box traffic via PSA Tuas.

  • Pulau Sebarok

    Pulau Sebarok (SGSEB): Singapore's liquid-bulk and bunkering island for fuel oil and gas oil, deep-water jetty to 160,000 t. No container traffic; use PSA terminals.

Main cargo airports

  • Singapore Changi AirportSIN

    Singapore Changi (SIN/WSSS): 2.08m tonnes of air cargo in 2025 (+4.5%), Changi Airfreight Centre free trade zone, SATS & dnata, capacity from 3m to 5.4m tonnes.

Road corridors

  • Johor-Singapore Causeway (Woodlands)
  • Second Link (Tuas - Malaysia)

Main trade lanes

  • Singapore - China
  • Singapore - Malaysia
  • Singapore - USA
  • Singapore - EU
  • Intra-ASEAN

Customs and import

Customs authority Singapore CustomsOfficial website ↗

Import customs system
Electronic declaration via the National Single Window TradeNet (increasingly the Networked Trade Platform NTP); approval usually within 10 minutes. Singapore is a free port; only 4 product groups are subject to customs duty.
Export customs system
Export and re-export likewise require authorization via TradeNet/NTP through Singapore Customs. Strategic goods require a separate permit under the Strategic Goods (Control) Act.
Import VAT
GST 9 percent since 1.1.2024 (previously 8) on CIF value plus customs duty/excise, levied by Singapore Customs/IRAS. Imports over 400 SGD are subject to GST.
Proofs of origin and trade agreements
Preference certificates per agreement: Form D (ATIGA), EUR.1/origin declaration (EFTA and EU), self-certification under CPTPP/RCEP. Application and issuance via TradeNet.
Restricted and prohibited goods
Prohibited include chewing gum (medical exception), e-vaporizers, fireworks, controlled drugs. Controlled: weapons, pharmaceuticals (HSA), food (SFA), animals/plants (NParks).

Typical import documents

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Bill of lading / air waybill
  • TradeNet import permit
  • If applicable: preference certificate

Typical export documents

  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • TradeNet export permit
  • Bill of lading / AWB
  • If applicable: certificate of origin / Strategic Goods Permit

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity
Low to medium
Customs delays
Low
Port congestion
Low to medium
Dangerous goods relevance
High
Pharma and cold chain relevance
High
E-commerce relevance
High

Trade

Top import goods

  • Electronics
  • Machinery
  • Mineral oils
  • Chemicals
  • Precious metals

Top export goods

  • Electronics
  • Mineral oils
  • Machinery
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Ships

Typical cargo

  • Electronics / semiconductors
  • Mineral oil / bunker fuel
  • Chemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Machinery

Upcoming public holidays

  • DeepavaliSun, 8 Nov 2026 · businesses closed
  • Christmas DayFri, 25 Dec 2026 · businesses closed
  • New Year's DayFri, 1 Jan 2027 · businesses closed
  • Chinese New Year (Day 1)Sat, 6 Feb 2027 · businesses closed
  • Chinese New Year (Day 2)Sun, 7 Feb 2027 · businesses closed
  • Hari Raya PuasaWed, 10 Mar 2027 · businesses closed
  • Good FridayFri, 26 Mar 2027 · businesses closed
  • Labour DaySat, 1 May 2027 · businesses closed

Latest logistics news

Logistics questions

What is the import tax (GST) in Singapore?

The GST (Goods and Services Tax) has been 9 percent since 1 January 2024 (previously 8 percent) and is levied on the CIF value plus any customs duties and excise duties. It is collected by Singapore Customs or the IRAS. Imports with a value above 400 SGD are subject to GST.

Do I have to pay customs duties in Singapore?

Singapore is a free port. Customs duties apply only to four product groups: spirits, tobacco products, motor vehicles and mineral oil products. All other goods are duty-free and are subject only to the 9 percent GST.

Which system does Singapore use for customs declarations?

Declarations are submitted electronically via the National Single Window TradeNet, which is increasingly being replaced by the Networked Trade Platform (NTP). Approvals are usually granted within ten minutes. The system is operated by Singapore Customs.

Which goods are prohibited or controlled in Singapore?

Prohibited items include chewing gum (except for medical use), e-vaporizers, fireworks and controlled drugs. Controlled items requiring authorization include weapons, pharmaceuticals (HSA), food (SFA) as well as animals and plants (NParks).

Which free trade agreements matter for Swiss and EU exporters?

Switzerland and the EFTA states are covered by the EFTA-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and the EU by the EUSFTA (in force since 21 November 2019). Singapore is also part of ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP and RCEP. Preference proofs are issued via TradeNet.

Why is Singapore such an important logistics hub?

Singapore operates the world's largest container transshipment port (over 40 million TEU in 2024, around 90 percent transshipment) and, with Changi, one of Asia's leading air cargo hubs. Combined with a dense free trade network, it serves as a central distribution hub for Southeast Asia.

What import GST applies in Singapore?

Since 1 January 2024 the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 9 percent (previously 8 percent), charged on the CIF value plus any duty and excise. It is collected by Singapore Customs and IRAS. Imports valued above SGD 400 are subject to GST.

Do I have to pay customs duty in Singapore?

Singapore is a free port. Customs duty applies to only four categories of goods: intoxicating liquors, tobacco products, motor vehicles and petroleum products. All other goods are duty-free and carry only the 9 percent GST.

Which system does Singapore use for customs declarations?

Declarations are filed electronically through the National Single Window TradeNet, which is increasingly being replaced by the Networked Trade Platform (NTP). Permits are usually approved within ten minutes. The system is operated by Singapore Customs.

Which goods are prohibited or controlled in Singapore?

Prohibited items include chewing gum (except therapeutic), e-vaporisers, firecrackers and controlled drugs. Controlled and permit-bound goods include weapons, pharmaceuticals (HSA), food (SFA) and animals and plants (NParks).

Which free trade agreements matter for Swiss and EU exporters?

Swiss and EFTA exporters benefit from the EFTA-Singapore FTA, while the EU is covered by the EUSFTA (in force since 21 November 2019). Singapore is also part of ASEAN/ATIGA, CPTPP and RCEP. Preference proofs are issued via TradeNet.

Why is Singapore such an important logistics hub?

Singapore runs the world's largest container transshipment port (over 40 million TEU in 2024, around 90 percent transshipment) and, with Changi, one of Asia's leading air cargo hubs. Combined with a dense free trade network, it serves as the central distribution centre for Southeast Asia.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗

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Powered by Freight Academy, verified 18 Jul 2026. Logistics information, not a sanctions source.

Indicator: the route rules of the Sanctioni check, curated from the published sanctions programmes of the UN, EU, UK, Switzerland and the US. Entries: the live version of each list (data sources), updated every 6 hours.

A preliminary screening aid — not legal advice and not a compliance clearance. The official publication of the competent authority prevails.

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