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Shipping from Malaysia to Singapore

Shipping port

Ways to ship items from Malaysia to Singapore

Loading cargo onto an airplane

Air freight

Air freight is the shipment of cargo via an air carrier. It is one of the fastest transportation methods and can be used to ship time-sensitive goods.

Sea freight

Sea freight uses sea vessels for the transportation of goods. Freight forwarders typically consolidate the items into shipping containers before they are shipped out. There are 2 methods of consolidation namely Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL).

Sea freight
Trailer truck driving on the road

Trucking

Trucking is the transportation of goods on land by trucks or lorries. It is used to transport items over a relatively shorter distance, like in door to door shipping from Malaysia to Singapore.

Searching for a reliable shipping services provider to transport your goods from Malaysia to Singapore? Contact us now!

How long does shipping from Malaysia to Singapore take?

On average, it takes about 9 days to ship your goods from Malaysia to Singapore.

The time taken for shipping depends largely on the mode of transportation used. Sea freight generally takes a longer time as compared to other modes of shipping such as air freight and trucking.

Commonly shipped items from Malaysia to Singapore

Some of the commonly shipped items include

  • Electronic equipment
  • Plastics
  • Food supplies like poultry products and seafood
  • Footwear such as shoes and slippers
  • Mineral fuels
  • Motor vehicles
  • Precious stones and metals

Controlled goods for import into Singapore

Controlled goods are items that require an import license or authorisation from Competent Authorities (CA) before they can be brought into Singapore.

You are advised to check if an item is subjected to control before importing it. This can be done by searching for an item’s Harmonised System (HS) code or CA product code.

According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, goods that are subjected to control include

  • Animals, birds, and their by-products
  • Seafood products
  • Medicine
  • Arms and explosives
  • Endangered wildlife
  • Fruit and vegetables

Prohibited goods for import into Singapore

The importation or possession of prohibited items is strictly forbidden in Singapore.

Some examples of these goods include

  • Chewing gum
  • Telecommunication equipment such as scanning receivers and military communication equipment
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Shisha

Import duties on shipment from Malaysia to Singapore

Customs duty and/or excise duty is imposed on dutiable goods imported in Singapore.

There are 4 categories of dutiable goods

  • Intoxicating liquors
  • Tobacco products
  • Motor vehicles
  • Petroleum products and biodiesel blends

Refer to the Singapore Customs’ website for the full list of dutiable goods.

Non-dutiable goods, on the other hand, are subjected to a Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is charged at 7% on the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value of the imported items.

What to prepare when shipping goods from Malaysia to Singapore

Nature of the goods

Before importing your goods into Singapore, it is important to check if they are subjected to authorisation.

Your cargo faces the risk of confiscation if you try importing them without authorisation from the relevant CAs.

Unique Entity Number (UEN)

You need to get a Unique Entity Number (UEN) to activate your customs import permit before importing goods into Singapore.

This number can be obtained by registering with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Alternatively, you may also get it from a UEN issuance agency.

Inter-bank GIRO account

Registering for an inter-bank GIRO (IBG) account allows you to pay for import tax, duties, and other relevant fees.

You can apply for an account by mailing your completed IBG application form to the Singapore Customs.

Security

Some acceptable forms of security include a Banker’s Guarantee or an insurance bond.

Customs import permit

The application for a customs permit must be submitted through TradeNet.

Documents for cargo clearance

Examples of the required documents include

  • Copy of the approved customs permit
  • Packing list
  • Air waybill
  • Bill of lading

Benefits of engaging a freight forwarder

Freight forwarders can take advantage of the large volume of goods shipped to help you attain lower shipping rates.

Freight forwarders have the resources to handle unforeseen circumstances in a proficient and timely manner. This saves you the trouble of having to deal with the problems personally.

Need a reliable forwarder to ship your items from Malaysia to Singapore? Contact us today to discover how we can help!

Why choose M&P International Freights?

High-quality shipping services

We are dedicated to ensuring total customer satisfaction, offering you the best service.

Highly experienced

Our team of experts are able to handle unanticipated situations that may arise during the shipping process, ensuring that your goods arrive safely and punctually.

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