Shipping wine and other forms of alcohol to Singapore may seem like the perfect opportunity for a retail or food and beverage business, or even the perfect gift for family during the festive season. However, individuals must first navigate the unique set of rules and restrictions the import of alcohol to Singapore comes with.
Singapore customs rules pertaining to alcohol can be stringent if imported at a high volume and should be understood thoroughly before the shipment lands in the country. This article aims to provide insight into the types of alcohol allowed in Singapore, customs import taxes and duties required to be paid, Singaporean alcohol import licenses and permits, and how to label and package alcohol for international travel.
1. Alcohol and wine restrictions and prohibitions
As with most countries, Singapore has a list of prohibited and restricted items for import. Restricted items tend to need documentation and approved permits by the governing authorities for import. In Singapore, alcohol or alcoholic beverages are classified as restricted items, and as such, relevant research and methods must be undertaken for import into the country.
In order for alcohol to be accepted and shipped by DHL Express, the shipper needs to meet three criteria: the Alcohol By Volume (ABV) Percentage is within DHL Network Capability, the destination country accepts alcoholic beverages, and the requirement listed in ISD/GSD is met.
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2. Alcohol and wine import taxes in Singapore
Typically, alcoholic beverages are subject to substantial duties and taxes in many countries, which may also include excise or luxury taxes. Moreover, certain countries impose stringent licensing requirements to safeguard the local wine industry.
As one of the top trade countries in Asia, Singapore imposes a Goods and Services Tax on every import into the country. However, since alcohol classifies as a controlled substance in Singapore, it is a dutiable item under the Singaporean customs service, and as such, import taxes will have to be paid accordingly. Importing wine to Singapore does not require customs duty payments, but on the other hand, excise duties amounting to S$88 per litre will need to be paid instead.
3. Licenses and permits
When importing alcohol to Singapore, the importer must register with the Food Control Division of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA). This is further compounded with labelling requirements such as:
Product name
List of ingredients
Name and details of the manufacturer, importer, packer and distributor
Country of origin
Expiry date
The importer must also be a Singapore-registered company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) to be able to register with Singapore customs.
Seamless wine and alcohol imports into Singapore
While the import of wine and alcohol into Singapore can be a complex process, you can trust DHL Express Wine and Spirits Logistics to ensure that your imported alcohol reaches Singapore quickly and safely. With our advanced technology, secure warehouse and certified transport procedures, you can be assured that your wine and alcohol will reach your receiver’s table smoothly. Open a DHL Express account with us today to start shipping.
4. Shipping documentation
When preparing your shipment, the air waybill and the commercial or pro forma invoice are two key documents required to import to Singapore. It is essential that shippers provide highly detailed documents, whether it’s a commercial or personal shipment, as duties are charged based on the type of alcohol and the ABV percentage. Once you have registered with Singapore customs, you will receive a Unique Entity Number (UEN) which is necessary for the import of alcohol to Singapore. You may also need a bill of lading, packing list, and other documents should your shipment meet different requirements. Additional documents for alcohol and wine customs clearance can include:
Certificate of origin
Certificate of age
Relevant lab reports
Customs inward permit for movement of liquor to the warehouse for storage
Only by stating personal and product details meticulously and concisely will your customs procedure for the import of alcohol into Singapore be a smooth process. We recommend doing thorough research on the exact regulations and laws in reference to the alcohol you intend to import, such as reading Singapore's customs guidelines.
5. Packing and labelling of alcoholic products for import
As with all liquids for international transport, a proper water-tight seal is required, as well as ensuring that there is some space at the top of the bottle should the liquid expand during transport. Keeping the product in a water-proof container will also ensure that other products are not compromised if there is spillage during freight.
As per AVA requirements, the alcohol must be labelled with all necessary details accordingly. In addition, you should also have proper packaging to prevent your items from being damaged, and have a plan to deal with items that are damaged during shipping. It is common for alcoholic beverages to be packaged in glass bottles, so it is recommended that shippers take extra precautions to secure the bottles within the shipping container. This involves placing the bottles in the centre of the container and away from the walls and utilising sturdy outer corrugated containers to prevent damage during transport.
