Skip to main content

Government officials will never ask for money or bank details via phone call, text message or email.

Only trust SMSes from gov.sg SMS Sender ID. Unsure? Call ScamShield 1799 or visit the ScamShield website.

Singapore Customs

Sealing and Customs Supervision for Unstuffing

Find out about Customs sealing and supervised unstuffing procedures, including when sealing occurs and the responsibilities of importers, freight forwarders, and declaring agents.

Last updated 1 February 2026

On this page

What is Sealing?
What is Customs Supervision? 
What to Do If Your Goods Are Sealed
Responsibility Checklist

During importation, officers at the checkpoint may seal your containers or packages at the entry point. When this happens, the goods within the sealed containers or packages must be unstuffed or unpacked under Customs supervision to ensure nothing has been tampered with.

What is Sealing?

Sealing occurs when a customs officer affixes an official seal to a package or container to prevent it from being opened without supervision.

What is Customs Supervision? 

Customs supervision is the process whereby Customs officers are present to oversee the unstuffing or unpacking of goods.

What to Do If Your Goods Are Sealed

Here are the steps to follow:

Before Unstuffing or Unpacking

  • Submit an online application for Customs supervision at least 1 working day before the intended operation.

During Unstuffing or Unpacking

  • Ensure that Customs officers are present before cutting any Customs red seal.

  • Follow the Customs officers’ instructions during the unstuffing or unpacking process.

  • Ensure sufficient manpower is available to facilitate checks by Customs officers.

After Unstuffing or Unpacking

  • A form will be issued to you by Customs officers after the unstuffing or unpacking operation. The form will include the findings of the operation and any follow-up actions required by you. In the event where discrepancies were detected during the unstuffing operation, traders are to send a letter of explanation and all relevant supporting documents to customs_company_compliance@customs.gov.sg.

  • Relevant supporting documents for the goods must be retained for a period of at least 5 years.

Responsibility Checklist

Before unpacking or unstuffing the goods, you or your local freight forwarder or declaring agent must:

  1. Submit the online application for Customs supervision at least 1 working day in advance. The details in the application form should be filled accurately.

  2. Ensure that the unstuffing or unpacking area is safe and accessible and sufficient manpower is available to facilitate checks by Customs officers.

  3. Undertake the payment of all customs supervision fees (if any).

  4. Relevant supporting documents for the goods must be retained for a period of at least 5 years.