Save on tariffs when exporting from Singapore
Singapore is an open trading economy, which means that the vast majority of imports enter Singapore tariff-free.
As an exporter, make your originating exports more competitive by reducing the tariffs that your customers pay.
You may not need FTAs if:
- You are exporting products to a Free Trade Zone
- Your product already enjoys 0% import tariffs in your export market(s)
- There are existing WTO agreements that eliminate tariffs (e.g. the WTO Information Technology Agreement for IT products)
How to use FTAs
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If you export goods
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If you trade in services
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Determine the relevant FTAs for your market
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Check if your product benefits from lower tariffs
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Choose the relevant FTA
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Enjoy the reduced tariffs!
- Determine the Harmonised System (HS) code of your product
- Compare the tariff rate for your Singapore-originating product to the generic rate applicable to most countries (i.e. MFN rate)
- Check the FTA’s Rules of Origin (ROO) if your product qualifies as “Singapore-originating”
Choose the relevant FTA with the highest tariff savings, and follow the specified certifying procedures.
If a Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCO) is required:- Submit the relevant documents to Singapore Customs.
- Send the PCO to the customer for presentation to importing authorities.
If self-certification is required by your chosen FTA:
- Follow self-certification procedures as per FTA requirements.
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Determine the relevant FTAs for your market
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Check if the service(s) you want to provide is covered by the FTA
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Determine the mode of the service that you are providing
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Check the FTA’s commitment format for the specific mode of service tariffs
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If you qualify, contact us for next steps
- Business and Professional
- Communications
- Construction
- Distribution
- Education
- Environment
- Finance and Insurance
- Health and Social
- Tourism
- Recreation, Culture, Sports
- Transport
- Others
If you are providing services from Singapore to consumers based overseas in the FTA partner country.
Mode 2: Consumption Abroad
If you are providing services to consumers from the FTA partner country that travels to Singapore.
Mode 3: Commercial Presence
If you are setting up a company, subsidiary representative office, or branch in the FTA partner country to provide your services.
Mode 4: Movement of Natural Persons
If you are travelling to an FTA partner country to provide your services to consumers there.
Confirm that the service provided is on the positive list. Only listed services will benefit from the FTA.
For negative list:
Confirm that service provided is not on the negative list schedule (e.g. Annex of Reservation). All services that are not listed will benefit from the FTA.
Learn more about FTAs
In line with global trends, our FTAs are expanding to include more issues of interest, e.g. e-commerce, intellectual property rights, competition, government procurement and dispute settlement.
Other Singapore economic agreements
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Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs)
Increase business efficiency through established frameworks for digital trade.
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Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAs)
Access relief from double taxation of income.
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International Investment Agreements (IIAs)
Gain fair treatment and protection for your overseas investments.
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Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs)
Speed up entry into overseas markets for your exports.