Import from Singapore to the UK
Research from the Singapore Department of Statistics shows that the UK was Singapore’s 8th biggest trading partner.
Singapore’s £21 billion trade relationship accounts for 40% of the UK’s total trade with Southeast Asia, with the two nations signing a Digital Economy Agreement to help businesses seize new trade opportunities.
In 2024, £14.7 billion worth of imports from Singapore made it the UK’s 21st largest trading partner.
Singapore’s £21 billion trade relationship accounts for 40% of the UK’s total trade with Southeast Asia, with the two nations signing a Digital Economy Agreement to help businesses seize new trade opportunities.
In 2024, £14.7 billion worth of imports from Singapore made it the UK’s 21st largest trading partner.
Why import from Singapore to the UK?
Strategic location
Geographically, Singapore is a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Shipping from Singapore to the UK offers businesses greater opportunities to engage with other Southeast Asian economies and provides easier access to other major markets, such as China and India.
Manufacturing sector
Singapore’s well-developed manufacturing infrastructure makes it a large global exporter of high-tech goods. The top imports from Singapore to the UK in 2024 included mechanical power generators and sound equipment.
Globally, the manufacturing sector contributes around 20%-25% of the country's annual GDP.
High-quality products
According to market research, there is a growing value placed on product quality in Singapore. The country’s electronics sector, particularly, is regarded as the ‘bedrock’ of the nation’s manufacturing industry.
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What products are commonly imported from Singapore?
The total trade in goods and services with Singapore totalled £21.5 billion in 2024. Imports accounted for £6.8 billion of this, and exports £14.7 billion. The top 5 imports from Singapore to the UK are as follows:
All imports from Singapore must first be cleared through Singaporean customs.
Once delivered to the UK, the importer must have arranged and submitted the correct paperwork to UK customs (this can be done with help from a customs agent or freight forwarder).
- Mechanical power generators (intermediate) £925.7 million
- Organic chemicals (£227.5 million)
- Medicinal & pharmaceutical products (£184.2 million)
- Telecoms & sound equipment (capital) (£156.6 million)
- Miscellaneous electrical goods (intermediate) (£154.1 million)
All imports from Singapore must first be cleared through Singaporean customs.
Once delivered to the UK, the importer must have arranged and submitted the correct paperwork to UK customs (this can be done with help from a customs agent or freight forwarder).
How to prepare for customs declarations
Shipping from Singapore can be cleared quickly by having the following documents to hand:
EORI number
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number serves as a unique reference required for all customs procedures. To import from Singapore, you must obtain an EORI through HMRC.
Inspection
An import licence may be necessary. For particular goods, including hazardous chemicals, controlled substances, and veterinary medicines, you must secure the appropriate licences or certificates.
Commodity code
This ten-digit classification helps customs determine import restrictions, duties, and VAT applicable to goods arriving from Singapore.
Pay duties & VAT
Duties on imports from Singapore must be settled before they can be cleared by customs. The applicable duties depend on the type and value of the imported items.
Marking and labelling
The UK’s product labelling regulations apply to specific items, such as precious metals, footwear, food and beverages, and children's products.
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How do I ship goods from Singapore to the UK?
Shipping from Singapore to the UK is transported mainly via air and sea freight.
Air freight
Air freight from Singapore can take anywhere from 3 to 11 days. While the exact delivery time can vary depending on flight schedules, it is the fastest option for international shipments.
Sea freight
Freight travelling via sea can take 20–50 days to reach the UK. Port congestion and weather conditions can affect delivery times.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Singapore?
Yes, the United Kingdom has a free trade agreement with Singapore. The UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (UKSFTA) was signed on 10 December 2020 and entered into force on 11 February 2021.
It allows UK companies to enjoy tariff elimination for goods trade and reduction of non-tariff barriers.
It allows UK companies to enjoy tariff elimination for goods trade and reduction of non-tariff barriers.
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