The global trade environment continues to evolve, shaped by shifting geopolitical priorities, supply chain realignments, and renewed focus on economic security. Recent US tariff policies have introduced both uncertainties and opportunities for businesses engaged in international commerce.

Whether you are exporting goods or managing cross-border partnerships, staying informed and adaptable is more important than ever.

Here are some resources to help you navigate the evolving trade environment.

Frequently Asked Questions


Rules of Origin and FTAs

  • How do I achieve ‘Singapore origin’ status for my goods? How about under the USSFTA?

    There are two ways to do so, by way of meeting the origin criteria for the Ordinary Certificate of Origin (OCO) or by meeting product specific rules of origin (PSRO) under the USSFTA.

    Singapore Customs does not require traders to obtain an OCO for exports from Singapore without an FTA. However, if a trade document is required to attest the origin of the good being from Singapore, an OCO may be obtained from Singapore Customs or from any of the 5 authorised TACs.

    To qualify as Singapore originating under the OCO framework, the final manufactured product must generally meet these key requirements:

    • Undergo substantial transformation in Singapore:
      • Manufactured in Singapore with a minimum of 25% local content based on the ex-factory price of the finished product; OR,
      • Attained a change in tariff classification at the 6-digit level (i.e., change in tariff sub-heading); OR,
      • Undergone a chemical reaction for products classified under HS Chapters 27 through 40.

    Products that have only undergone minimal processing in Singapore will NOT qualify.

    To qualify as Singapore originating under the USSFTA, the final product must meet the PSRO specified under the USSFTA. Each product, identified by its HS code, has specific origin qualification requirements outlined in the Agreement. Use the Tariff Finder Database or refer to Annex-3A of the USSFTA”s Product Specific Rules of Origin to identify the specific criteria.

    Similarly, under the USSFTA, products that have only undergone minimal processing in Singapore will NOT qualify.

  • Are there other FTAs that Singapore exporters can tap for an “exemption” from the 10% baseline tariff?

    No, Singapore does not have any other FTAs with the US beyond the USSFTA. Please note that the USSFTA does not exempt goods that are intended to be imported into the US from the 10% baseline tariff.


Tariff Information and Updates

  • How can I find or evaluate the tariffs on my products?

    Access the Tariff Finder to identify country-specific HS codes, and search for the latest information on tariff and non-tariff trade measures across more than 160 destinations. A corporate account will need to be set up to access the tool.

  • Is the Tariff Finder updated with the latest tariff information?

    Yes, the Tariff Finder is updated continuously to reflect current trade measures. An updated timestamp will be indicated for each search result.

  • What types of tariff information are available through the Tariff Finder tool?

    The Tariff Finder covers a range of information including FTA preferential rates, MFN rates, reciprocal and baseline tariff rates, and more.

  • Will the 10% baseline tariff be reduced to 0%?

    The 10% baseline tariff will remain in place with no further reductions.


Compliance and Supply Chain Considerations

  • How does the US verify ‘Singapore origin’ goods?

    The United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) may conduct verification of origin checks by requesting information directly from manufacturers or exporters, or through the US importer. Singapore Customs may also facilitate visits to Singapore-based manufacturers or exporters, if requested by US CBP, for this purpose.

  • Does the transfer of goods from country A through Singapore enable the good to be considered “Singapore originating” for final import into the US?

    No, the last country of substantial transformation is still country A, and will be considered as originating from country A.

  • Does the transfer of Malaysia manufactured goods through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) affect eligibility for ‘Singapore origin’ status?

    The Malaysia manufactured good will still be considered as Malaysia origin since the last country of substantial transformation of the good was in Malaysia.

  • Does conducting testing and quality control checks on the good in Singapore or the JS-SEZ confer ‘Singapore origin” status, if the good was manufactured in Malaysia?

    No, the Malaysia manufactured good will still be considered as Malaysia origin since the last country of substantial transformation of the good was in Malaysia.

For a full list of FAQs, please click here.

Have further enquiries?

  • For tariff-related matters, reach out to the Singapore Business Federation’s Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment team at fta@sbf.org.sg.

  • For all other business enquiries, connect with our SME Centre business advisors.