Research and Markets, the largest resource for market research information in world providing essential market research reports, industry research, industry analysis, forecasts, market studies, company profiles and country reports.
Welcome - Home - Register - Login - Help/FAQ - 0 items View Basket
Worlds Largest Market Research Resource - 722008 Live Reports
Search Research and Markets
  Search
Enter keywords, a title or
a report id number below.





Advanced   
Company search
Register for free email updates of market research
Currency
  Select a currency for use throughout the site



Viewing report

Order by Fax
Printer Friendly
PDF Brochure
Send to Friend
Enquire before Buying
| More
ElectronicAdd to Basket



Executive Report on Strategies in Singapore
ICON Group International, June 2007, Pages: 392


  Description  
  Table of Contents  
    
    
    
   
 Enquire before Buying  
 Send to a Friend  

How to Strategically Evaluate Singapore

Perhaps the most efficient way of evaluating Singapore is to consider key dimensions which themselves are composites of multiple factors. Composite portfolio approaches have long been used by strategic planners. The biggest challenge in this approach is to choose the appropriate factors that are the most relevant to international planning. The two measures of greatest relevance are “latent demand” and “market accessibility”. The figure below summarizes the key dimensions and recommendations of such an approach. Using these two composites, one can prioritize all countries of the world. Countries of high latent demand and high relative accessibility (e.g. easier entry for one firm compared to other firms) are given highest priority. The figure below shows two different scenarios. Accessibility is defined as a firm’s ease of entering or supplying from or to a market (the “supply side”), and latent demand is an indicator of the potential in serving from or to the market (the “demand side”).
Framework for Prioritizing Countries

Demand/Market Potential Driven Firm







Relative Accessibility

Accessibility/Supply Averse Firm








Relative Accessibility
In the top figure, the firm is driven by market potential, whereas the bottom figure represents a firm that is driven by costs or by an aversion to difficult markets. This report treats the reader as coming from a “generic firm” approaching the global market - neither a market-driven nor a cost-driven company. Planners must therefore augment this report with their own company-specific factors that might change the priorities.

Latent Demand and Accessibility in Singapore

This report provides an extremely detailed overview of factors driving latent demand and accessibility in Singapore. Latent demand is largely driven by economic fundamentals. But, latent demand only represents half of the picture. A country may at first sight appear to be attractive due to a high latent demand, but it is often less attractive when one considers at the macro level how easy it might be to serve that entire potential and/or general business risks.

Chapter 2 deals with macro-accessibility. While accessibility will always vary from one company to another for a given country, the following domains are typically considered when evaluating macro-accessibility in Singapore:
Openness to Trade in Singapore
Openness to Direct Investment in Singapore
Local Marketing and Entry Strategy Alternatives
Local Human Resources
Local Risks

Across these domains, a number of not-so-obvious factors can affect accessibility and risk. These are also covered in Chapter 2, which is presented from the perspective of an American firm, though it is equally applicable to most firms entering Singapore. This chapter has been authored by local offices of the U.S. Government. I have included a number of edits to clarify the provided information as it relates to the general strategic framework.

In Chapter 3, I summarize the economic potential for Singapore over the next five years for hundreds of industries, categories, and products. The goal of this chapter is to report my findings on the real economic potential, or latent demand, represented by Singapore when defined as an area of dominant influence. The data presented are the result of various spatial econometric and time-series forecasting models which, for each category presented, are applied to forecast and allocate latent demand across all countries of the world and major distribution centers or centers of dominant influence within each country. This is accomplished knowing that economic fundamentals (e.g. income) generally vary from one country to another within a given country over time. In this chapter, I report the allocation for each category for Singapore as an area of dominant influence in Asia and, potentially, the world.

The report concludes with trade indicators for Singapore. Often, the amount of trade flowing into and out of a country is a strong indicator of trading partners, trade openness, and related latent demand. Trade indicators are purely statistical in nature. Although international trade is not a direct measure of latent demand, it does provide an indicator of general market conditions with respect to trade flows and trade openness in Singapore.

As a whole, this report presents a strategic assessment of Singapore by considering an extremely broad set of factors affecting both latent demand and accessibility, as outlined in the following chapters.

MACRO-ACCESSIBILITY IN SINGAPORE
Political Risks
Economic Relationship with the United States

The U.S. and Singapore have a close relationship that is underpinned by co-operation on security issues and active economic ties.

Politics and the Business Environment

Singapore is a parliamentary republic, with a multi-ethnic population.  It prides itself on political and social stability and the predictability this atmosphere offers to foreign investors and traders.

Political System

Opposition parties, which hold two regularly contested parliamentary seats and one additional seat formally reserved to the opposition by the Constitution, do not usually espouse views that are radically different from the mainstream of Singapore political opinion.  The expression of political differences takes place predominantly in a non-confrontational way.  There has been no political violence in Singapore in over thirty years.  Tough internal security laws (e.g., the Internal Security Act) have not been used for politically-related detentions in recent years.  Such laws remain a factor in the maintenance of political order but are secondary to other economic, social and cultural factors.

Marketing Strategies
Creating a Sales Office

The Singapore Registry of Companies and Businesses (RCB) published an excellent guide that takes the first time registrant through the process of establishing an office.  General information on establishing a business in Singapore can be viewed at www.rcb.gov.sg. The process takes about one day for a sole proprietorship, while more complex business entities can take up to six weeks and require the assistance of lawyers and accountants to help with incorporation documents.  One point to bear in mind is that registration of a company does not automatically mean that expatriate staff can be assigned to Singapore.  Foreign staff must obtain employment passes from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

Joint Ventures and Licensing Options

Most Singaporean companies are open to joint venture proposals, and many are interested in manufacturing under license.  The Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore is active in matching American and Singapore firms for joint ventures not only in Singapore but also for third country markets.

Use of Agents and Distributors

Many American exporters use agents or distributors to serve the Singapore market and other markets in Southeast Asia.  Finding prospective partners presents no problem.  Singapore firms are aggressive when it comes to representing new products and usually respond enthusiastically to new opportunities.  Most American companies that use the U.S. Commercial Service (CS Singapore) business programs in Singapore find an array of interested agents or distributors.  CS Singapore offers a wide range of business programs and has an excellent record of success in introducing U.S. firms to the market.  A list of business programs offered by CS Singapore can be obtained from our Web site at www.buyusa.gov/singapore.

Hiring Local Counsel

U.S. and other foreign law firms are not allowed to practice Singapore law, cannot employ Singapore lawyers to practice Singapore law, and cannot litigate in local courts.  Legal matters involving Singapore law must be handled by a local attorney.  A list of local law firms is available through CS Singapore.

Performing Due Diligence

Anyone wanting to carry out a business in Singapore must register with the RCB.  U.S. firms can run a check on Singapore companies by accessing the RCB database via www.bizfile.gov.sg.  Other credit agencies include crimsonlogic Pte Ltd (www.crimsonlogic.com.sg), Yellow Pages Singapore Pte Ltd (www.yellowpages.com.sg), and DP Information Network (www.dpgroup.com.sg).

Distribution Channel Options

Singapore’s distribution and sales channels are simple and direct.  Most consumer goods are imported by stocking distributors who resell to retailers.  Some goods are imported directly for sale in the importer’s own retail outlets.

Pricing Issues

Depending on the type of product, importer mark-ups range from 20-40%, while retail mark-ups are often more than 100%.  Industrial goods are brought in by stocking distributors, who add on at least 20% before sale to end-users, or by agents whose commissions generally run about 7-10%.  These mark-ups are approximate, and will vary widely, depending on the product and the contractual relationship in question.

Franchising Activities

Franchising is growing in popularity.  Many Singaporean firms are looking for new growth opportunities and are interested in investing in foreign franchise concepts.  Franchisees usually buy franchise licenses for the Southeast Asian region and not for Singapore alone.  Most franchisees finance their purchases of franchises through bank loans, personal savings or pooling resources from family members. 

Direct Marketing Options

The direct marketing industry in Singapore began about 14 years ago and now includes direct mail, telemarketing, television sales, mail order, call centers, fulfillment and e-commerce firms.  The Direct Marketing Association of Singapore represents users and service providers who are engaged in database marketing, call center activity, fulfillment and e-commerce.  There are many creative consultants in Singapore who provide advice, market research, mailing lists, printing and mailing services.  Several companies provide telemarketing services and are involved in direct marketing through television.  Typical products sold through direct marketing in Singapore include consumer goods such as gifts, cosmetics, health supplements, stationery, fitness equipment, household appliances, bags and accessories. The direct marketing industry is well supported by service companies including Singapore Post, Singapore Telecom Call Center, Teledirect, TNT International Mail, Dun & Bradstreet, Ogilvy One and MMS Consultancy.  The Singapore government also actively supports the industry through its Direct Marketing Program by assisting companies (through financial incentives) in using direct marketing for their trading activities.

Direct Selling Options

Direct selling entails the sale of a consumer product or service in a face-to-face manner, away from a fixed retail location.

The Direct Selling Association of Singapore (DSAS), a self-regulatory body, was set up 27 years ago in 1976.  It provides a forum for all direct-selling companies in Singapore to discuss problems of common concern and to codify a high standard of business practices throughout the industry.  The DSAS has adopted a Code of Conduct by which member-companies in the Association are to adhere to in every aspect of the business. Through the Code of Conduct, DSAS aims to further inculcate the spirit and practice of ethical direct-selling within its member-companies, setting examples for others to follow.

In Singapore, the Direct Selling practices comes under The Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2000, which came into operation on June 1, 2000.  An Exclusion Order was made at the same time that the Act was amended. Under the Order, there are classes of programs that are automatically allowed to operate. Any company could, on the strength of the legal advice they presumably sought and received, make the case that they are excluded by the Order, as long as they fulfill the criteria for one of the excluded classes of programs. There is no application for approval required for any of these excluded programs.  The following are criteria that a company might be looking at when evaluating whether they can operate in Singapore. Note that the onus of making sure a compensation plan complies with the Exclusion Order lies with the company.

Under Exclusion Order 2 (1) (c), any program or arrangement, or any class of such   program or arrangement, must satisfy the following conditions:
Any benefit received by any promoter or participant in the program or arrangement accrues as a result of the sale, lease, license or other distribution of a commodity to any other person, and not as a result of the recruitment of one or more persons to be additional participants in the program or arrangement
Promoter of the program or arrangement shall not knowingly make, or cause to be made:
Any representation relating to the program or arrangement, or relating to the commodity, which is false or misleading
Any omission in a material particular relating to the program or arrangement, or relating to the commodity
Promoter of the program or arrangement shall not make, or cause to be made, any representation to any person that benefits will accrue under the program or arrangement in a manner other than as specified in sub-paragraph (1)
Commodity shall be distributed with a refund or buy-back guarantee that is exercised on reasonable commercial terms, and every participant in the program or arrangement and every consumer of the commodity shall be informed of the existence of the guarantee and the manner in which it can be exercised.

Selling Strategies

Price, quality and service are the main selling factors in Singapore.  Prospective exporters to Singapore should be aware that competition is strong and that buyers expect good after-sales service.  Selling techniques vary according to the industry or, the product involved, but are comparable to the techniques used in any other sophisticated market.

Advertising and Trade Promotion

There are many specialized trade magazines in Singapore and scores of trade fairs that can be used to promote U.S. goods and services.  The major English-language daily newspapers are the Straits Times and the Business Times.  They are available at http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg and http://business-times.asia1.com.sg.  The leading business magazine is Asian Business and Asia Inc.  The major Chinese daily is Lianhe Zaobao (http://www.zaobao.com).  E-commerce web sites can be found at www.ida.gov.sg and at www.sg. Leads for local advertising and promotional service agencies can be found at www.yellowpages.com.sg. Contact CS Singapore for a list of specialized trade magazines and trade fairs.

Pricing Issues

Pricing is very competitive.  Major department stores and retail chains offer fixed-price merchandise, while the smaller shops expect buyers to bargain.  Hard bargaining is common in the commercial and industrial sectors as well, where buyers usually want a discount and vendors inflate their initial offers accordingly.  Credit terms of 30-60-90 days are common.  Buyers will often retain 10% of the sales price for major electronic equipment purchases until the vendor has installed the machine and it is performing according to specifications.

Supplying Customer Service

Good sales and customer support are vital in Singapore.  The market is so price competitive that good sales support or customer service can make a big difference.  Singapore distributors respond well to training on new products, and if properly supported by the U.S. manufacturer will do a good job cultivating old customers and developing new ones.

Public Sector Marketing

U.S. firms generally find Singapore to be a receptive, open and lucrative market.  The Singaporean government procurement system is considered by most American firms to be fair and transparent.  Bidders must meet the specifications set out in the tender and offer a competitive price in order to be successful.  Government procurement regulations are contained in Instruction Manual 3, available from the Ministry of Finance or through CS Singapore.  The Singapore Government also advertises its tenders on their Web site at www.gebiz.gov.sg.

Import and Export Regulation Risks
Trade Barrier Risks

Singapore has very few trade barriers.  There are restrictions in a few sectors, such as in broadcasting, news media, legal services, some financial and banking services, professional engineering services, trade in tobacco products and residential property. However, the telecommunications, power, financial and legal services sectors are slowly being liberalized, allowing more freedom for market forces in the economy.  In the area of intellectual property rights, the Singapore Government does have laws to protect against piracy and copyright infringement, but it relies on the private sector to take the lead against transgressors.  Under the US-Singapore FTA, Singapore has agreed to implement changes to the “self-help” policy, while committing that the government will continue to assume primary responsibility for enforcement.  In general, Singapore maintains one of the most liberal trading regimes in the world.

Customs Regulations

In Singapore, valuation for customs purposes is based on the Brussels Definition of Value (BDV).  The basic principle of the BDV is that dutiable value is the normal price or import price of goods at the port or place of importation.  It pre-supposes that the sale has taken place in the open market between an independent buyer and seller.

Where goods are dutiable, ad valorem or specific rates may be applied.  An ad valorem rate, which is the most commonly applied, is a percentage of the assessed value of the imported goods.  A specific rate is a particular amount per unit of weight or other quantity.

Cost, insurance, freight, handling charges and all other charges incidental to the sale and delivery of the goods are taken into account when duty is assessed.

Exporters are required to ensure that the declared values of goods for customs purposes are correct.  If the goods have been undervalued, the Customs and Excise Department will increase the values declared.  Severe penalties may be imposed on traders attempting to evade duty.

Tariff Rates

Singapore is generally a free port and an open economy.  More than 99% of all imports into Singapore enter the country duty-free.  The only exceptions are heavy tariffs on the import of motor vehicles, liquor, petrol, and cigarettes / tobacco products.

Import Tariffs and License Requirements

The Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a tax on domestic consumption within Singapore.  It is paid whenever customers buy goods or services from GST-registered businesses within Singapore.  The GST Act says, “...Goods and Services Tax shall be charged on the supply of goods and services in Singapore...and on the importation of goods and services...to Singapore.” 

GST is a multi-stage tax and is collected at every stage of the production and distribution chain.  A registered trader/company will be able to claim credits from the Comptroller for GST paid on goods or services imported and used within the production chain.

All imported goods (whether for domestic sale or re-exports), are taxable unless the goods are specifically given GST relief by the Comptroller of GST (A list of GST reliefs is available from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore).  If the goods are kept in the Free Trade Zones (Changi Airport and the seaports of Pasir Panjang, Keppel, Jurong and Sembawang) they are not treated as imports; GST is not charged until the goods leave the Free Trade Zones (FTZ) for sale in Singapore (re-exported goods from the FTZ are exempt from all GST).

Outside the FTZ, when goods are imported, GST (Input Tax) must be paid to the Customs and Excise Department at the point of importation, irrespective of whether the importer is a trader or a final consumer.  At the point of importation, GST is charged, on the landed CIF (Cost of Insurance and Freight) value inclusive of actual duty (if dutiable and as assessed by Customs).

When a Singapore company/agent imports goods on behalf of an overseas non-taxable person who has no business establishment in Singapore, the Singapore company will be treated as the principal importing the goods, irrespective of whether the Singapore company calls itself an agent or not.  The Singapore company must pay GST Input Tax to Customs and Excise Department.

Assuming that the non-resident person is liable for GST because of an agent agreement with the Singapore company/agent importing on behalf of a non-resident person, it is required to account for GST Input Tax on behalf of that non-resident.  A liable non-resident person is defined as having a business turnover of more than S$1 million and not physically operating in Singapore but conducts trading activities through a Singapore agent.  Turnover of less than S$1 million will mean that the agent is liable for payment of the GST Input Tax.  The agent must register in the name of the non-resident exporter whose turnover exceeds S$1 million.  Separate accounts must be kept for the taxable non-resident.

For more information on GST-related topics pertaining to U.S. exporters, please contact the following (Chinese family names often precede given names; they are indicated in upper case letters):

Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
55 Newton Road
Revenue House
Singapore 307987
Tel: (65) 6356-8633   
Fax: (65) 6351-3553
E-mail: gst_ge@iras.gov.sg
Web site: www.iras.gov.sg
Contact: Mrs. ENG Li Ming, Director, Tax Payer Audit

Singapore Customs
55, Newton Road
#07-01 Revenue House
Singapore 307987
Tel: (65) 6355-2000   
Fax: (65) 6250-9606
E-mail: customs_documentation@customs.gov.sg
Web site: www.customs.gov.sg
Contact: Mr. LEE Nee Chiat, Deputy Head, (Permits, Manifest & GST), Documentation Branch

Licenses Required for Imports

Companies must make an inward declaration for all goods imported into Singapore.  Most goods can be imported freely without licenses.  The import of a few items such as lighters in the shape of pistols or revolvers and fire crackers is prohibited. Generally, the import of goods which the government says pose a threat to health, security, safety and social decency are controlled.  Licenses are required for pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals, films and videos, arms and ammunition.  Companies wanting to export controlled items to Singapore must apply for licenses from the appropriate government agencies.

Entering Temporary Imports

For goods entering Singapore on a temporary basis, companies can apply for an ATA Carnet with the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce.  The ATA Carnet serves as a guarantee against payment of import duties/taxes should the temporary admission period be exceeded.  Goods imported under a carnet may not be sold and must be re-exported within the temporary admission period.  If the items to be imported are subject to controls, companies must obtain endorsement/approvals from the relevant Government agencies before importing the goods into Singapore.

Bona fide trade samples may be imported without payment of duty if they are imported solely:
For the purpose of soliciting orders for goods to be supplied from abroad; or
For demonstration in Singapore to enable manufacturers in Singapore to produce such articles to fulfil orders from abroad; or
By a manufacturer for the purpose of copying, testing or experimenting before he produces such articles in Singapore.

Import Regulations for Health Supplements

Vitamins with very high dosages of certain nutrients must be licensed or registered.  However, most over-the-counter vitamins and dietary supplements need not be licensed.  If a U.S. company has any concerns regarding licensing of its products, these can be addressed by contacting the Health Sciences Authority or by requesting its potential distributor to submit samples to the Health Sciences Authority.

There is also labeling and advertising legislation which applies to the sale of vitamins and dietary supplements.  Generally, labeling laws require that:
Composition of the products be disclosed in English
Labels/packaging materials do not contain any reference to diseases/conditions as specified in the schedule to the Medicines (Advertisement & Sale) Act
Advertising/sales promotion of the product in the public media be approved by the Health Sciences Authority’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Administration

The Regulations which govern the sale of vitamins and dietary supplements in Singapore include:
The Medicines Act 1975 & Its Subsidiary Legislation,
The Medicines (Advertisement & Sales) Act,
The Sale of Drugs Act and Its Regulations,
The Consumer Protection (Trade Description & Safety Requirements) Act 1975,
The Poisons Act and The Poisons Rules

The sale of Vitamin B15 (Pangamic Acid) and Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin) is prohibited under the Sale of Drugs (Prohibited Drugs) Regulations 1985.

Pharmaceuticals Imports Regulations

All medicinal products, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, imported or sold in Singapore are required to be licensed by the Centre for Pharmaceutical Administration, Health Sciences Authority.  The onus of applying for a product license rests with the license holder, ie; a locally registered company that is responsible for the safety, quality and efficacy of the product.

Labeling Issues

Labels are required on imported food, drugs, liquors, paints and solvents and must specify the country of origin.  Repackaged foods must be labelled to show (in English) the appropriate designation of the food content printed in capital letters at least 1/16 inch high; whether foods are compounded, mixed or blended; the minimum quantity stated in metric net weight or measure; the name and address of the manufacturer or seller; and the country of origin.

A description (in English) of the contents of the package may be added to the face of the label, providing the additional language is not contrary to or a modification of any statement on the label.  Pictorial illustrations must not mislead about the true nature or origin of the food.  Foods having defined standards must be labelled to conform to those standards and be free from added foreign substances.  Packages of food described as “enriched”, “fortified”, “vitaminized” or in any other way which implies that the article contains added vitamins or minerals must show the quantity of vitamins or minerals added per metric unit.

Special labels are required for certain foods, medicines and goods such as edible and non-edible animal fats as well as liquors, paints and solvents.  Processed foods and pharmaceuticals must be inspected and approved by the Health Sciences Authority and the Ministry of Environment’s Food Control Section.  Electrical goods must be checked by Singapore Power before they can be installed, while paints and solvents are the responsibility of the Chief Inspector of Factories, Ministry of Manpower.

Restrictions on Imports

A full list of prohibited products and controlled goods can be obtained from the Singapore Customs Web site, www.tradenet.gov.sg, under “Imports & Exports, List of Controlled Goods - Imports.”

Warranty and Non-Warranty Repairs

Dutiable goods are allowed to be imported for repair without payment of duty on condition that they are re-exported within three months of the date of importation.  If the goods are not re-exported after the expiration of the given period, duty will become payable.  This facility/provision is also extended to dutiable goods which are imported for trade exhibitions, fashion shows and displays.

Controls on Exports

Companies must make an outward declaration to export or re-export their goods out of Singapore.  Except for selected items, there are very few controls on exports of goods from Singapore.  Quantitative restrictions exist for certain textiles and textile products to Canada, EU countries and the U.S.  Items such as rubber, timber, granite, satellite dishes and receivers, and chlorofluorocarbons are subject to export control and licensing.  Items under export control must be endorsed or licensed by the appropriate government agencies before they can be exported.  More information may be obtained at www.tradenet.gov.sg.

Local Standards

Singapore uses the metric system.  While industrial standards applied in the engineering and construction fields are basically those used by other developed countries, PSB Corporation, a corporatized entity of the Standards, Productivity and Innovation for Growth (SPRING) Singapore, has developed standards for certain electrical, sanitary and building products.  PSB Corporation assists the industries by providing independent testing and certification of products through the Product Listing Program (PLS).  PLS is a third-party product quality assurance program where the safety and performance of a product is subjected to type-testing and surveillance testing/inspection.  Under the program, products which comply with the relevant standards, will be listed and issued with a PSB Certificate of Conformity and provided with a PLS Label.

PSB Certification Pte Ltd, as Singapore’s national certification body, provides third party ISO 9000 certification.  It gives recognition to companies that have properly designed and implemented quality management systems by awarding them the relevant part of the SS ISO 9000 series of standards.

Under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Program 2002 which initially came into effect in 1991, 45 products are listed as controlled goods.  These include adaptors, LPG systems, cooking ranges, electric irons, gas cookers, hair dryers, microwave ovens, televisions, video display units, video cassette recorders, table fans, high-fidelity equipment, immersion water heaters, kettles, refrigerators, rice cookers, room air-conditioners, vacuum cleaners and washing machines which are considered potentially hazardous to consumers, must be registered and declared safe before they can be sold in Singapore.  For more information, please visit www.spring.gov.sg.

The “safety mark” is a compulsory stamp of approval given by the Government of Singapore safety regulator, SPRING Singapore, to ensure that consumers are safe from hazards such as fire, explosion and electrical shock when using these appliances.  However, test reports issued by accredited testing laboratories and national certification bodies are recognised by SPRING Singapore.  A list of accredited laboratories and national certification bodies is also available from SPRING Singapore.  U.S. suppliers of these products planning to expand sales into Singapore should check with the Consumer Protection Agency and SPRING Singapore before exporting.  More information can be obtained from the Web site, www.safety.org.sg.

Similarly, telecommunications equipment imported for use in Singapore is subject to “Type-Approval” by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore.

For the construction industry, the Building and Construction Authority uses the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) to objectively rate building works. Details of the system are available at their Web site, www.bca.gov.sg.

Free Trade Zone Options

Singapore has seven Free Trade Zones (FTZ); six for sea borne cargo and one for air cargo (Singapore Changi Airport), within which a wide range of facilities and services are provided for storage and re-export of dutiable and controlled goods.  Goods can be stored within the zones without any customs documentation until they are released in the market, and they can also be processed and re-exported with minimum customs formalities.

The FTZ’s at the port facilitate entrepôt trade and promote the handling of transhipment cargo.  They offer free 72-hour storage for import/export of conventional and containerized cargo and 14-day free storage for transhipment/re-export cargo.

The Port Authority of Singapore (PSA) is the single largest owner of warehouse space in Singapore, managing over 500,000 sq. meters of space.  It manages the Tanjong Pagar, Alexandra and Pasir Panjang Distriparks.  Located close to the port and within easy reach of the airport and Jurong Industrial hub, the PSA distriparks are home to many established multinationals.  The distriparks in varying designs and sizes cater to a host of Central Distribution Center operators, manufacturers, traders, forwarders and others.

Adherence to Free Trade Agreements

Singapore is a party to the World


Customers who bought this item also bought

Telecommunications in Singapore

Nutritional Supplements in Singapore: A Strategic Reference, 2007

The Pharmaceutical Market: Singapore

Snapshots Singapore Hotels 2007

Beer in Singapore

Spirits in Singapore

Wine in Singapore

Foodservice in Singapore

Environmentally Sustainable Buildings in Singapore: A Strategic Reference, 2007

Oil and Gas Field Machinery in Singapore: A Strategic Reference, 2006

Hazardous Waste Treatment Equipment in Singapore: A Strategic Reference, 2006

Port Handling Equipment in Singapore: A Strategic Reference, 2006



Top of page


   All rights reserved. © Copyright 2009 Research and Markets
   Terms and conditions Privacy Policy Publishers Employment Opportunities Site Map Link to us Webmaster


Research and Markets RSS Feeds