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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

Selected 1/4
Dimension
Singapore
SG →
IntroSingapore is a near-free port - most goods enter duty-free with only intoxicating liquors, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum attracting duty. GST 9% (2024) applies to imports. Every consignment requires a TradeNet permit. Strategic Goods Control Act aligns with Wassenaar, MTCR, NSG, AG lists. Singapore is a founding CPTPP party and RCEP member.
Primary authorities
  • Singapore CustomsImport/export/transhipment permits, dutiable & controlled goods.
  • IRASGST, income tax.
  • SFA (Singapore Food Agency)Food safety, meat/seafood/vegetable imports.
  • HSA (Health Sciences Authority)Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tobacco.
Licensing regimes
  • TradeNet permitEvery import/export/transhipment (via CrimsonLogic). · Singapore Customs
  • Strategic Goods PermitWassenaar/MTCR/NSG/AG-listed items. · Singapore Customs
  • SFA import licenceMeat, seafood, eggs, fresh produce. · SFA
  • HSA product licencePharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics. · HSA
Prohibited goods
  • · Chewing gum (except therapeutic).
  • · Endangered species (CITES).
  • · Chewing tobacco & imitation tobacco products.
  • · Firecrackers.
  • · Rhinoceros horn.
Restricted goods
  • · Strategic goods - Wassenaar dual-use, MTCR, NSG, AG lists.
  • · Cigarettes - SDPC (Standard Delivery Packaging Compliance) & GST/duty regime.
  • · Motor vehicles - COE + preferential registration tax.
  • · Precursor chemicals - Misuse of Drugs Act controls.
Labelling requirements
  • · English-language labelling for food, cosmetics, pharma.
  • · Country of origin on prepackaged food (Food Regs).
  • · Health warnings on tobacco per Tobacco (Control of Advertisements & Sale) Act.
  • · 'Nutri-Grade' front-of-pack for pre-packaged beverages.
Sanctions overlay
  • · UN Security Council sanctions applied under UN Act 2002.
  • · MAS notices and sanction lists - financial-sector obligations.
  • · No comprehensive autonomous sanctions programs but voluntary alignment with G7 measures on Russia (2022+).
Dispute resolutionSingapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) - the leading Asia-Pacific institutional arbitration seat. Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) for cross-border commercial disputes. NY Convention acceded 1986. FTA disputes under CPTPP Chapter 28, RCEP Chapter 19, USSFTA. Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) member.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.