Hand-carried Temporary Imported Goods
Learn when travellers can bring personal goods temporarily into Singapore without paying duty or GST, with the intention of taking them out again upon departure.
Last updated 10 September 2026
Travellers bringing used articles and personal belongings into Singapore in reasonable quantities for personal use generally do not require an import permit or need to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST), as GST import relief is granted for these items.
However, if you are temporarily bringing personal belongings into Singapore for other purposes, such as those covered under the Temporary Import Scheme (opens in new tab) (TIS), you will need to apply for a temporary import permit. This includes items such as professional equipment, items for exhibition or display, items for repair, or specialised tools.
The TIS allows certain goods to be brought into Singapore temporarily, with duty or GST suspended, provided the goods meet the required conditions and are re-exported when you leave Singapore.
When a Temporary Import Permit is Required
You may need to apply for a temporary import permit before arrival if you are an individual traveller carrying goods such as:
Professional or specialised equipment for short-term use
Exhibition or display items you will take back with you
Trade or demonstration samples carried personally
These goods must meet Singapore Customs’ conditions under the TIS (opens in new tab).
How to Apply for a Temporary Import Permit
You can refer to the permit application procedures for temporary import (opens in new tab) for more information. You may appoint a local freight forwarding agent or declaring agent who is registered as a TradeNet user with Singapore Customs to obtain a permit. You may refer to the Directories of Service Providers (opens in new tab) for a list of freight forwarding agents.
You must obtain the permit before you arrive in Singapore.
What to Do Upon Arrival
When arriving in Singapore with temporarily imported goods under the TIS:
Proceed to the Customs Red Channel after immigration clearance
Declare your goods to the checking officer
Present:
Your temporary import permit
The goods for inspection
Any supporting documents (such as invoices or item lists)
Customs officers may inspect the goods to verify that they match the permit details.
What You Must Do Before Leaving Singapore
When leaving Singapore, you must take the goods imported under the TIS with you.
You may be required to:
Present the permit again, and
Show proof that the goods are leaving Singapore
If the goods are not re-exported as declared, duty and GST may be charged.
How This Differs from GST Import Relief
GST import relief is granted separately for used articles and personal belongings brought into Singapore by travellers in reasonable quantities for personal use.
For non-residents, such as short-term visitors, GST import relief is granted to items you owned before arriving in Singapore. You are expected to take these items with you when you leave Singapore.
For residents, GST import relief is granted to items you owned and took with you when you left Singapore.
Refer to Duty-Free Concession and GST Import Relief (opens in new tab) for more information.
Understanding the travel rules helps you avoid delays, penalties, or unnecessary permits.
If You Are Unsure
If you are unsure whether your goods qualify for temporary import:
Declare them at the Red Channel, or
Seek advice from a Customs officer at the checkpoint
Failing to declare goods correctly may result in fines or prosecution.