Hand-carried Temporary Imported Goods

Travellers bringing personal belongings into Singapore in reasonable quantities for personal use or consumption 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:

1. Proceed to the Customs Red Channel after immigration clearance

2. Declare your goods to the checking officer

3. Present:

   1. Your temporary import permit

   2. The goods for inspection

   3. 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 personal belongings brought into Singapore by travellers in reasonable quantities for personal use or consumption. 

For non-residents, such as short-term visitors, GST import relief is granted to items you owned before arriving in Singapore that you intend to temporarily bring in, provided the goods will be re-exported by you on the same day you leave Singapore.

For residents, GST import relief is granted to items you owned and brought with you before leaving 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.