About Us Overview

Singapore Customs is a leading authority at the forefront of ensuring revenue and enabling trade, playing a pivotal role in Singapore’s economic resilience and growth.

As a trusted partner of the Ministry of Finance, we ensure the collection of customs duties, import taxes, and excise duties, while enforcing compliance with trade regulations. This commitment not only protects the nation’s financial interests but also prevents revenue leakage and combats illicit trade activities.

At the heart of our mission is our dual role: ensuring revenue and enabling trade.

By streamlining customs procedures, fostering international connectivity, and leveraging innovative digital solutions, we support businesses and promote Singapore’s position as a trusted global trading hub.

Our four-pronged vision is supported by a dedicated team of competent, innovative professionals, driven by our core values of integrity, commitment, courage, responsiveness, and teamwork. These values guide our actions to achieve operational excellence, empower our employees, and build strong partnerships with the trade community.

Through our unwavering commitment to these principles, we contribute to a thriving Singapore economy, ensuring the nation’s continued success as a trusted and vibrant player in the global trade landscape.

Our Mission, Vision, Tagline and Core Values

Mission

We protect revenue and facilitate trade for a thriving Singapore economy.

Vision

• A leading customs authority in the world

• A partner of MOF in ensuring revenue as a core strength of Singapore’s economy

• An enabler of Singapore’s trade and status as a choice global trading hub

• A team of committed, competent, and innovative professionals

Tagline

Ensuring Revenue. Enabling Trade.

Core values

• Integrity
  
  We are upright and fair. We are incorruptible, trustworthy, and do not show favouritism.

• Commitment
  
  We pledge to be the best we can be. We strive for excellence, take ownership and deliver what we promise.

• Courage
  
  We do the right things despite risk and danger. We encourage different views and ideas, dare to change, and are not afraid to fail.

• Responsiveness
  
  We anticipate changing needs and act promptly. We keep ahead of changing realities, take quick and decisive actions, and continuously learn and adapt.

• Teamwork
  
  We work together to achieve Singapore Customs’ goals. We care for one another, share knowledge and put aside personal interests.

Our History

Customs Crest

Our crest symbolises our twin functions both as a collector of revenue and a facilitator of trade and travel.

It consists of the State Arms which surmounts the caduceus. This is the symbol of trade and commerce and the two keys pointing upwards and outwards project the department’s aim to achieve higher levels of trade facilitation while ensuring revenue protection. A pair of golden fronds encloses and supports the State Arms, the caduceus and the keys.

Beneath the fronds lies a red banner bearing the inscription “SINGAPORE CUSTOMS".

Organisation Structure

Organisational structure of Singapore Customs

Divisions and Branches

Singapore Customs is organised into several divisions and branches, each playing a vital role in supporting key functions.

Checkpoints Division

Branches

• Air Checkpoints

• Land Checkpoints and Operations

• Sea Checkpoints

Key roles

• Provide customs services at major checkpoints

• Strengthen supply chain security and resilience

• Harmonise clearance processes and operational policies

Compliance Division

Branches

• Company Compliance and Audit

• Permits Compliance

• Schemes and Licence Management

Key roles

• Conduct compliance checks and audits

• Validate companies for customs schemes

• Support mutual recognition discussions with other customs authorities

• Conduct investigation into technical offences

Data Division

Branches

• Data Analysis and Governance

• Data Engineering

Key roles

• Drive Customs’ data strategy

• Establish data governance frameworks

• Develop analytics, AI, and machine learning solutions

• Operate the Unified Data Platform

Human Resource Directorate

Branches

• HR Development

• HR Management

• HR Planning

• Learning and Organisation Development

• Singapore Customs Academy

• Lead Psychologist Office

Key Roles

• Attract and develop talent

• Enhance staff capability and employee experience

• Drive organisational culture and change management

Information Technology Directorate

Branches

• Application Services

• Digital Development

• IT Governance

• Technical Services

Key roles

• Drive digitalisation and business transformation

• Deliver secure and reliable digital services

• Govern ICT security, risk, and infrastructure

Intelligence and Investigation Division

Branches

• Analysis and Targeting

• Intelligence

• Operations Management

• Operations Policy and Development

• Prosecution

• Special Investigation

• Suppression and Community Engagement

• Trade Investigation

Key roles

• Conduct intelligence-led enforcement

• Investigate duty evasion and commercial fraud

• Prosecute customs offences

• Engage the community to uphold public confidence

Ops-Tech and Management Division

Branches

• Administration and Logistics

• Finance

• TradeNet Office

• Transformation Office

Key roles

• Manage financial resources, revenue collection, and administrative functions

• Operate and enhance TradeNet

• Drive organisational transformation

Planning, Communication and International Division

Branches

• Corporate Communications

• International Relations

• Planning and Research

Key roles

• Manage communications and media relations

• Participate in international customs and trade negotiations

• Drive strategic and corporate planning 

Trade Division

Branches

• Free Trade Zone

• Procedures and Systems

• Tariffs and Trade Services

• Trade Security

• Trade Strategy and Development

Key roles

• Administer customs schemes and FTAs

• Provide valuation, classification, and origin advice

• Safeguard trade through implementation of supply chain security frameworks, strategic goods control and United Nations Security Council sanctions

Networked Trade Platform office

Branches

• Operations

• Programmes and Engagement

Key roles

• Operate and enhance the Networked Trade Platform

• Enable data sharing across government and businesses

• Support international digital trade connectivity

Rank Structure

Rank structure under the Customs Unified Scheme of Service (CUS)

The Customs Unified Scheme of Service (CUS) defines the rank and progression structure for Singapore Customs officers, supporting operational effectiveness and leadership development across the organisation.