Export Operations Overview (Singapore Customs web page)

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4. Export Operations Overview # Export Operations Overview Find out what your business needs to do during exportation of goods from Singapore in this essential guide, which covers registration, controlled goods checks, export permits and cargo clearance. Last updated on 24 February 2026 On this page - [Exporting Goods in General](#3686d8b7bc6b6f540ee1db0fcc8673cd) - [How to Export Your Goods](#9446d1c14cb7988c84c61cc5797d14e8)  General Export FlowChart Exporting goods from Singapore is straightforward if you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through the export process, from registration to cargo clearance.   ## Exporting Goods in General All exports from Singapore are regulated by several laws, including the Customs Act, the Regulation of Imports and Exports Act, and the Strategic Goods (Control) Act, as well as by rules issued by the relevant Competent Authorities (CAs).  GST and duty are not charged on goods exported from Singapore.   However, you must still declare all exports to Singapore Customs and obtain the correct permits.   ## How to Export Your Goods  Whether you are exporting from a customs territory, a licensed warehouse, a Zero-GST warehouse, or under special schemes, follow these five key steps:  ## Step 1: Register for UEN and Activate Your Customs Account Before you can export, your business must:  - Register with the [Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) ↗ (opens in new tab)](http://www.acra.gov.sg/) or the relevant UEN-issuing agency to obtain a [Unique Entity Number ↗ (opens in new tab)](http://www.uen.gov.sg/) (UEN)  - [Activate your Customs Account ↗ (opens in new tab)](https://www.tradenet.gov.sg/TN41EFORM/tds/sp/splogin.do?action=init_acct)  You need this if you plan to:  - Import or export goods in Singapore  - Apply for import, export, or transhipment permits or certificates  ## Step 2: Check if your goods are controlled  Some goods require approval from Competent Authorities before they can be exported. You should:  - [Check ↗ (opens in new tab)](https://www.tradenet.gov.sg/tradenet/portlets/search/searchHSCA/searchInitHSCA.do) your goods using their description, HS code, or CA product code  - Confirm licensing or authorisation requirements directly with the relevant CA if the goods are controlled  If you are unsure of the correct 8-digit [HS code ↗ (opens in new tab)](https://www.tradenet.gov.sg/tradenet/portlets/search/searchHSCA/searchInitHSCA.do), you can apply for an [official classification ruling](/doing-business/business-resources/hs-classification-of-goods/application-for-customs-ruling-on-classification-of-goods/) for S$75 per product. These rulings apply only in Singapore. ## Step 3: Apply for a Customs Export Permit You can:  - Appoint a [declaring agent](/doing-business/business-resources/directories-and-tools/directories-of-service-providers/) to handle the permit application for you, or   - Apply for permits yourself. You will need to [register as a declaring agent](/doing-business/getting-started/declaring-agent-authorisation/declaring-agent-account/) and [obtain a TradeNet user ID ](/doing-business/quick-links-for-traders/tradenet/what-you-need-to-know-about-tradenet/) All export permit applications must be submitted electronically via TradeNet, using:  - A TradeNet front-end solution from an [approved service provider](/doing-business/quick-links-for-traders/tradenet/tradenet-front-end-solution-providers/), or  - The [Government Front-End Application ↗ (opens in new tab)](https://www.tradenet.gov.sg/tradenet/login.portal)  However, do note that declaring agents may charge service fees. Fees can vary, so check costs upfront. Refer to [Permits, Documentation and Other Fees](/doing-business/valuation-duties-and-fees/permits-documentation-and-other-fees/) for more information. ## Step 4: Prepare Documents for Cargo Clearance  Export permits are issued with a validity period. Always ensure your permit is valid at the time of clearance.   You must present the permit and supporting documents when required by the permit conditions, or when exporting dutiable or controlled goods.   **1) Containerised Cargo**  For containerised shipments, be ready to produce:  - Approved Customs export permit  - Commercial invoice  - Packing list  - Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB) You must also provide the permit number at the point of cargo lodgement.   Example of conditions in the permit indicating this requirement: <table> <colgroup> <col style="width: 50%" /> <col style="width: 50%" /> </colgroup> <tbody> <tr class="odd"> <td><p>A2 </p></td> <td><p>Produce the following at a Free Trade Zone ‘Out’ Gate for Customs clearance/endorsement: </p> <ul> <li><p>Goods </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>Custom permits with invoice </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>BL/AWB  </p></li> </ul> <p>Unless it is directed to the ‘Green Lane’ at the time of clearance.  </p></td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td><p>H1 </p></td> <td><p>Produce the following at Woodlands Checkpoint/Tuas Checkpoint for Customs clearance/endorsement: </p> <ul> <li><p>Goods </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>Customs permits with invoice </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>BL/AWB </p></li> </ul></td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td><p>A3 </p></td> <td><p>Produce the following at an Airport Customs checkpoint or designated Customs office: </p> <ul> <li><p>Goods </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>Customs permits with invoice </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>BL/AWB </p></li> </ul></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> A Customs export permit is required for:  - Dutiable goods from licensed warehouses  - Goods from bonded warehouses  - Goods under the Temporary Export Scheme  - Re-exports under the Temporary Import Scheme  **2) Conventional Cargo**  For conventional cargo, the requirements are the same: - Approved Customs export permit  - Invoice  - Packing list  - Bill of Lading  You must present the permit number at cargo lodgement for verification purposes.   Example of conditions in the permit indicating this requirement:  <table> <colgroup> <col style="width: 50%" /> <col style="width: 50%" /> </colgroup> <tbody> <tr class="odd"> <td><p>A2 </p></td> <td><p>Produce the following at a Free Trade Zone ‘Out’ Gate for Customs clearance/endorsement: </p> <ul> <li><p>Goods </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>Custom permits with invoice </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>BL/AWB  </p></li> </ul> <p>Unless it is directed to the ‘Green Lane’ at the time of clearance. </p></td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td><p>H1 </p></td> <td><p>Produce the following at Woodlands Checkpoint/Tuas Checkpoint for Customs clearance/endorsement: </p> <ul> <li><p>Goods </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>Customs permits with invoice </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>BL/AWB </p></li> </ul></td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td><p>A3 </p></td> <td><p>Produce the following at an Airport Customs checkpoint or designated Customs office: </p> <ul> <li><p>Goods </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>Customs permits with invoice </p></li> </ul> <ul> <li><p>BL/AWB </p></li> </ul></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> A Custom Export permit is required for:  - Dutiable goods from licensed warehouses  - Goods from bonded warehouses  - Goods under the Temporary Export Scheme  - Re-exports under the Temporary Import Scheme  **Important**  Partial clearance is not allowed for cargo departing via Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints. Submit one permit per container or vehicle.   ## Step 5: Keep Your Trade Records  Businesses must retain all supporting documents related to the purchase, import, sale, or export of goods for at least five years from the date of permit approval.   You may store records as:  - Physical hardcopies, or  - Digital [images ↗ (opens in new tab)](https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/174/65d5d5db-3f5c-41d3-88f2-c9215b21e451/customs-guide-on-keeping-and-maintaining-records-in-image-system.pdf) You must be able to produce these documents to Singapore Customs upon request.   Back to [Export Operations](/doing-business/export-operations/) ## Other pages in Export Operations - [Export Procedures](/doing-business/export-operations/export-procedures/) [See all pages](/doing-business/export-operations/) Back to top ## Singapore Customs [At Customs](/at-customs/)[Personal Shipment](/personal-shipment/)[Permits & Licences](/permits-and-licences/)[Doing Business](/doing-business/)[Know Customs](/know-customs/)eServices (opens in new tab)[News](/news/) ### Reach us [Contact](/know-customs/contact-us/)[Feedback](/know-customs/contact-us/cant-find-what-you-need/) © 2026 Government of Singapore, last updated on 28 September 2026 Report Vulnerability (opens in new tab)[Privacy Statement](/privacy-statement/)[Terms of Use](/terms-of-use/)REACH (opens in new tab) [](https://www.isomer.gov.sg) Made with Isomer (opens in new tab)[](https://www.open.gov.sg) Built by Open Government Products (opens in new tab) ## Singapore Customs [At Customs](/at-customs/)[Personal Shipment](/personal-shipment/)[Permits & Licences](/permits-and-licences/)[Doing Business](/doing-business/)[Know Customs](/know-customs/)eServices (opens in new tab)[News](/news/) ### Reach us [Contact](/know-customs/contact-us/)[Feedback](/know-customs/contact-us/cant-find-what-you-need/) © 2026 Government of Singapore, last updated on 28 September 2026 Report Vulnerability (opens in new tab)[Privacy Statement](/privacy-statement/)[Terms of Use](/terms-of-use/)REACH (opens in new tab) [](https://www.isomer.gov.sg) Made with Isomer (opens in new tab)[](https://www.open.gov.sg) Built by Open Government Products (opens in new tab)