Singapore Custom Broker Services: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Singapore Export License
Updated: Oct 25
Correction, 21 October 2026: an earlier version of this guide said a shut-out permit covers goods sent abroad for repair. It covers goods that fail to board their vessel or aircraft. It also said Singapore Customs issues export licences. Licences for controlled goods come from the relevant Competent Authority. And it said registering with ACRA activates a Customs Account. ACRA registration gives you a UEN, and the Customs Account is activated separately. We also corrected how the Major Exporter Scheme works (it suspends GST on non-dutiable goods at the point of import, and IRAS administers it) and which exports need a permit.
It can appear daunting to sail through the complexities of exporting Singapore goods, but with apt handholding, the process is manageable. In this guide, we shall walk you through the process of procuring an export licence in Singapore, covering the role that custom broker services play and the advantage of utilising the services of a declaring agent like Declaration Nexus.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Understanding Export Licences in Singapore
Before going into the process of applying for an export licence, it is necessary to know why one is needed.
Most exports from Singapore need a Customs export permit. A few kinds of shipment are exempt, such as documents, parcel post and some low-value consignments. The exemption never applies to dutiable or controlled goods. Controlled goods also need a licence or approval from the Competent Authority that regulates them. These controls are to regulate strategic exports, save endangered species, and comply with international trading arrangements.
Depending on the nature of your commodities and the destination, the nature of the permit issued varies. They are:
Import Export Permit: The overall permit for the importation and exportation of goods.
Transhipment Permit: Issued in case of warehousing of goods in Singapore temporarily prior to export to a foreign nation.
Shut-out Permit: For goods that fail to board their intended vessel or aircraft and are brought back in. Goods sent overseas for repair go out on a temporary export permit instead.
Re-export Permit: Necessary if the products have been previously imported into Singapore and are being re-exported.
Hand-carry Permit: For the physical carrying of products across borders.
Businesses that import and export goods substantially can apply to IRAS for the Major Exporter Scheme (MES). Under MES, GST on non-dutiable goods is suspended at the point of import.
The Importance of Hiring Custom Broker Services in Singapore
A declaring agent, such as Declaration Nexus, is a middleman between you and Singapore Customs. We prepare and file the TradeNet permit from the documents you provide.
Need help with a permit or customs clearance? Talk to a Declaration Nexus declaring agent on WhatsApp. or call +65 6589 8122 · email enquiry@declarationnexus.com |
Step-by-Step Guide to Export Licence Application in Singapore
Obtaining a Singapore export licence involves some important steps. Here is a guide on how the process is accomplished:
1. Activate Your Customs AccountBefore you, or a declaring agent for you, can apply for a permit, your business needs two things: a UEN and an activated Customs Account. You get the UEN by registering with ACRA or the relevant UEN issuance agency. Then you activate the Customs Account online. A newly registered company can do this from the same ACRA portal. Singapore Customs charges no fee for activation.
2. Make Sure a Permit is NecessaryCarefully read through the regulations to determine whether your product needs an export permit. This involves learning about your country's importing conditions and the specific rules that surround the exportation of your commodities from Singapore.
3. Get Supporting DocumentsPreparation of documents is needed. The specific documents to be prepared will depend on the destination country and type of goods.
4. Appoint a Declaring Agent Having a declaring agent, such as Declaration Nexus, means the permit is prepared and filed from the documents you provide.
5. File Your ApplicationOnce all the documents are ready, the permit is filed through TradeNet, using either approved TradeNet software or the Government Front-End Application.
6. Obtain Your Export PermitOnce Singapore Customs approves your TradeNet application, you receive the export permit for the goods you declared. If your goods are controlled, get the licence or approval from the Competent Authority that regulates them before you apply.
7. Export ProceduresYou can now start the export procedures, as you already have an export permit. This involves arranging for transportation, taking care of the customs clearance at the port of departure, and fulfilling all the export regulations.
Understanding Import Requirements
You must know the importing requirements of the country you're exporting to before your export. It might be any kind of tariff, quota, or any special rules that are being put into practice. Failure to observe these conditions could lead to holdup, penalties, or refusal of your shipment.
Warehouses' Role in Export Procedures
Warehouses play a significant role in the export process, particularly in bulk shipments or consolidations. They provide secure storage, easy handling, and even the facilitation of customs clearance procedures. One must choose a warehouse that deals with exporting shipments.
Import and Export Registration of Goods
Before you import or export, your business needs an activated Customs Account. With it, you or your declaring agent can apply for permits through TradeNet.
Need to Register
Every business that imports or exports needs an activated Customs Account, not only frequent traders. This includes businesses that use a declaring agent. You activate it online, and Singapore Customs charges no fee.
Key Takeaways
Export from Singapore is a process that should be planned and regulated carefully. While the process may be complex, availing oneself of the services of a declaring agent like Declaration Nexus can make the process much easier.
Follow the steps in this guide, and have a declaring agent handle the filing where you need one.
Send us the product description, the HS code if you have one, and the supplier's invoice, and tell us what you're trying to work out. We'll tell you what we can do for you.
Need a declaring agent in Singapore?
Speak to a Declaration Nexus declaring agent about your next permit or clearance. Call: +65 6589 8122 WhatsApp: +65 8786 3987 Email: enquiry@declarationnexus.com Office: 60 Paya Lebar Road, Unit 07-54 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051 |
Our Customs Permit Services
 | Import / Export Permit · most relevant Price: request a quote Permit applications for goods imported into or exported from Singapore. |
 | Price: request a quote Permits for cargo transferred through Singapore between vessels or transport modes. |
 | Price: request a quote Permits and paperwork when cargo cannot be loaded onto its intended vessel. |
 | Price: request a quote Permits to export goods that were earlier imported into Singapore. |
 | Price: request a quote Permits for goods hand-carried through a Singapore checkpoint. |
 | Price: request a quote Permit support for businesses operating under the MES. |
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PUBLISHED BY Declaration Nexus Team Declaring agent and customs broker at Paya Lebar Square, Singapore |
Last updated 25 October 2026. Have a customs question? WhatsApp the Declaration Nexus team at +65 8786 3987. |
