Taxation
Buyandship established a network of self-operating (US, JP, CA and UK) and dedicated (KR, CN, TW, AU, IT, TH and ID) warehouses for users to enjoy fast and efficient delivery services. When it comes to shopping online overseas, we know one of the top concerns is getting taxed by the Singapore Customs.
To get a better understanding of the general rule, you can find a brief introduction of the taxation for Singapore below. Please note that the information provided below may be subject to change depending on government policies.
If there are any discrepancies or differences among the information of tax and duty, the information provided by the Singapore Customs or other government authorities shall prevail.
All prices listed on our website are in Singapore Dollar (SGD / S$).
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
According to the Government of Singapore, there is a Goods and Services Tax (GST) for most of the goods which includes goods imported to Singapore via online shopping. 8% on the total value will be charged for all goods and services. The cost, insurance and freight (CIF) plus other chargeable costs and the duty payable will be included in the calculation of GST.
Shipment with a value of S$400 or less
In most of the cases, there is a GST relief for shipment with a CIF value up to S$400. However, there are some exceptional cases. Please be mindful that any information/ decision from Singapore Customs will always prevail.
Shipment with a value of above S$400
If your shipment’s CIF value exceeds S$400, you will be required to pay the GST of the whole shipment.
What is CIF?
CIF refers to the cost of the imported goods, the cost of insurance, and the cost of freight. In general, most of the import duties and taxes payable are calculated on the sum of the CIF and the landing charges.
How does the GST calculate?
In general, the GST of the shipment is calculated based on CIF, which consists of the cost of the shipment value, the cost of freight insurance and the cost of freight. However, you may also need to pay other import duty charges which are imposed by the Singapore Customs if necessary.
How do I pay the tax?
Our courier partner will handle the process on your behalf and will inform you beforehand on the estimated custom tax and duty required to pay to the Singapore Customs. You have to settle the tax and duty fees and our courier partner who will then continue processing your shipment.
You shall pay the tax and duty fee, as well as the processing fee if any to our courier partners directly. Please note that Buyandship is not responsible for any Customs payments.
How is the value of the goods counted when I consolidate multiple shipments into an order?
The value of “the goods” is counted based on the total value of a shipment order containing multiple shipments, instead of the single shipment of the consolidated shipment order.If you ship two goods with a total value of over S$400 and each of them costs less than S$400, the shipment order containing multiple shipments will be regarded as the goods over S$400.
Apart from GST, is there any fee that I need to pay?
Our courier partners might charge a processing fee of each shipment order which needs to pay the tax. The processing fee may vary in cases and couriers.
Do I need to pay the processing fee if my shipment is tax-free?
No, you do not need to pay the fee if your shipment has a GST relief. Our courier partner will only charge the processing fee if any for those shipments requiring a tax payment.
Q: Want to know more about GST?
A: Please refer to the information provided by the Singapore Customs. You may also check the reference below.
