Singapore’s regulations on declaration of origin of goods
Singapore Customs has issued Circular No. 06/2025 reminding traders and declaring agents (DAs) about the importance of accurately declaring the “Country/Region of Origin” in all import, export, and transshipment permit applications via the TradeNet system
What Is Considered “Country/Region of Origin”?
According to the circular, the origin of goods refers to the country or region where the goods are wholly obtained or substantially transformed into their final form.
Singapore can only be declared as the Country of Origin if:
- The goods meet the origin criteria under Singapore’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), or
- They comply with Singapore’s non-preferential Rules of Origin.
When Can Goods Be Declared as Originating from Singapore?
There are two scenarios:
- Preferential Origin (FTA-based)
If the goods are to enjoy preferential tariff treatment under an FTA (e.g., Singapore–EU FTA, ASEAN–China FTA), they must satisfy the specific origin rules outlined in that agreement.
- Non-preferential Origin (No tariff preference)
Even if no tariff benefit is claimed, goods can still be declared as of Singapore origin only if:
- They are wholly obtained in Singapore, or
- They are substantially transformed in Singapore by fulfilling at least one of the following:
a) Local content of at least 25% (based on ex-works price)
b) Change in tariff classification at 6-digit HS level
c) Undergo a chemical reaction (for goods classified in HS Chapters 27–40)
What Processes Are Not Sufficient for Singapore Origin?
Goods will not be considered of Singapore origin if they only undergo minimal operations, such as:
- Preservation methods: drying, salting, ventilating, cooling, etc.
- Simple processing: sorting, labeling, washing, painting, cutting
- Packaging: bottling, repacking, affixing labels
- Simple mixing or assembly
- Slaughtering of animals
- Any combination of the above
Such minimal processes do not meet the threshold for origin status under Singapore regulations.
recordkeeping Requirements
Traders and DAs must retain supporting documents for at least 5 years from the date the permit is approved.
Inaccurate declarations of origin may constitute offences under the Singapore Customs Act and the Regulation of Imports and Exports Act.
Penalties may include advisory warnings, fines, or legal prosecution.
Key Takeaway
Singapore upholds strict compliance standards as a trusted global trade hub. Businesses engaging in trade with or through Singapore must ensure accurate declaration of origin and adhere strictly to customs regulations.
Misdeclaration of origin not only exposes companies to legal penalties but can damage credibility in global supply chains.
Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam
📌 Need Help?
If you are unsure whether your goods qualify as originating from Singapore or need assistance navigating FTA rules, our export-import compliance team can guide you through:
- Origin verification
- TradeNet declaration support
- FTA documentation
- Customs audits preparation
👉 Contact us today to ensure smooth and compliant cross-border trade with Singapore
📧 Email: contact@viettradehub.com
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