Whether you are planning on moving to Singapore for a new career or for personal reasons, it is likely that you’ll want to bring some of your most valuable and treasured household effects with you to your new home. The best approach is to use the services of a professional international shipper, with knowledge of the logistics of shipping goods internationally. Still, while a relocation company will take most of the stress out moving out of the equation, it is still wise to be aware at an early stage of some of the considerations.
Importing used household goods and personal effects
Under the Goods and Services Tax Order, an individual who is taking up permanent residence in Singapore may be granted Goods and Services (GST) relief, which will apply to used household articles and personal effects. These items are subject to the following conditions:

• The place of residence is being changed to Singapore.
• They are the personal property of the owner.
• They have been owned for a period of at least 3 months.
• They are imported by air or sea.
• They are imported within 6 months of first arrival in Singapore.
• The items are not disposed of within 3 months from the date of importation.
• Permanent residents and returning Singaporeans must have resided in a foreign country for more than 6 months to qualify for GST relief on importing personal effects.

Goods exempt from GST relief
Goods and Services Tax relief is only applicable to household articles and personal effects. The following items are excluded and may be subject to duty:

• Liquors
• Tobacco products
• Motor vehicles

If such items are included in a consignment of personal effects, the owner should inform the removal company carrying out the move, which will then include detailed descriptions of the items in the packing list.
Documents required
To ensure that your personal effects make it safely into Singapore, you will need to complete a Declaration of Facts. This will need to be arranged with a freight forwarding agent, who will submit the Declaration of Facts to Customs. The forwarding agent can then prepare a GST relief declaration. A Declaration of Facts will need to be accompanied by photocopies of the following documents:

• Passport details
• Employment pass
• Entry permit
• Bill of lading or air waybill (a receipt of shipment or air consignment note)

 
Controlled Items
There are several types of goods that will require a special import permit or authorisation from the relevant authority before they can be brought into the country. These include:

• Animals, birds and their by-products. Meat products, fish products, fruits and vegetables. (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore)
• Toy guns, pistols and revolvers. Bullet-proof clothing. Arms, explosives and weaponry. (Singapore Police Force)
• Films, videos and video games. Publications and audio records. (Media Development Authority)
• Pharmaceuticals and medicines. (Health Products Regulation Group)
• Telecommunication and Radio Communication Equipment. Toy walkie-talkies. (The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore)
• Microwave ovens, UV sunlamps, laser pointers. (Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Department)

Prohibited goods
There are several items that you will not be able to import alongside household goods, these include:

• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products.
• Chewing gum (except approved oral dental and medicated gum by HSA).
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape.
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products.
• Firecrackers.
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software.
• Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes.
• Seditious and treasonable materials.

If you are considering a move to Singapore, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you.
Information correct at time of publication.