Singapore

Distributing a product

Evolution of the sector

With the improved economy of Singapore, increasingly affluent consumers are more willing to spend. In addition, various new shopping malls such as VivoCity, Central and Ang Mo Kio Hub all stimulated the retail scene in 2007. Existing shopping malls such as Centrepoint, Tampines Mall and White Sands were also revamped, with new extensions built to accommodate more retailers in order to remain competitive. The influx of retailers to these new selling spaces further attracted consumers who increasingly visited them at weekends, boosting growth in 2007.

Market shares

The distribution sector in Singapore is similar to the western countries, with a domination of the large-scale distribution network which carries out the majority of retail sales. The high standard of living of the Singaporean and their taste for Western products attract a lot of foreign groups to this 640 km² territory.

Organizations in the retail sector

Singapore Retailers Association
The Association of Shopping Centers

Market access procedures

International Conventions

Member of World Trade Organisation
Party to the Kyoto protocol
Party to the Washington convention on International trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora
Party to the Basel convention on the Control of Transboudary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their disposal
Party to the Montreal protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer

International economic cooperation

Singapore does not belong to any Customs Union.It is a member of the Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

It is a member of the ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations).

It is a member of the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting).

It is a member of the SEAT (Six East Asian Traders)

Singapore is a signatory to multilateral and bilateral agreements with many countries. Visit: http:///www.iesingapore.gov.sg/wps/portal/FTA

Non tariff barriers

Import procedures in Singapore are very liberal. Most goods can enter the Singaporean territory without any restriction. Only a few products, such as chewing gum and weapons are banned. There is a license system required for about 6% of the total amount of imports and concerns fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, meat, animals, medicines, broadcasting products (automatic licenses) and also some sensitive products likely to represent a risk for health or the State (non automatic licenses). These licenses are generally issued by the International Enterprise Singapore. Some other institutions may be involved such as the Ministry of Health.

Customs duties and taxes on imports

0%

Singapore is duty free except for products like automobiles, gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol. For more details, visit: Tariff Schedule

Customs classification

Singapore applies the Harmonized Customs System.

Import procedures

Firms importing goods into Singapore require making an inward declaration, in addition to having an import permit.

For details, visit: Import Procedure

The case of samples

Goods entering the country temporarily for repair, stage performance etc. can do so without payment of duty or GST. Using an ATA carnet, foreign companies/exhibitors can import products into the country. For details, visit: Customs Singapore

For further information

Singapore Customs, Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI)

Organizing goods transport

Main useful means

Singapore has a well-developed and advanced transportation infrastructure.

The Port of Singapore , with 6 free-trade zones, is ranked second in the world in terms of container traffic. It is operated by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. It is also the world's busiest hub for transshipment traffic.

The airport of Singapore (international Changi airport) is considered as one of the best in the world. It is composed of two air terminals connected by monorail.

The road network consists of 8 highways. The objective of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), (under the Ministry of Communication and Information technology), is to promote ground transport for a better use of the city by developing public transport. The construction of 9 expressways and two highways (partially subterranean) of a total length of 155 km is in progress in the Eastern part of the island.

Ports

Port of Singapore

Airports

Changi Airport

Sea transport organizations

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Port of Singapore Authority

Air transport organizations

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

Road transport organizations

Land Transport Authority (LTA)
Public Transport Council (PTC)

Rail transport organizations

Land Transport Authority (LTA)