Shipping from Dubai to SingaporeShipping from Dubai to Singapore, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to Singapore for businesses. We fly air cargo from DXB to Singapore Changi and ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to the Port of Singapore, including the Tuas and Pasir Panjang terminals. We check the TradeNet import permit and GST before the cargo leaves, and can route goods onward across South-East Asia.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to Singapore at a glance
Singapore is a free port with few duties, but most imports need a permit and pay GST.
- Flight time
- About 7.5 h DXB to Singapore
- Sea
- Jebel Ali to Singapore
- Customs
- Singapore Customs
- GST
- 9% on imports
Airports and seaports in Singapore we ship to
Many shipments use Singapore as a hub for onward delivery across South-East Asia.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | SIN | One of Asia's main air cargo hubs | |
| Seaport | SGSIN | One of the world's busiest container ports | |
| Seaport terminal | SGSIN | New mega-port consolidating terminals |
Air, sea to Singapore
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to SIN | About 1 to 2 days, plus clearance | Electronics, pharma, high value | |
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Singapore | About 2 to 3 weeks, service dependent | Stock and materials |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to Singapore | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to Singapore
- Emirates SkyCargo
- Singapore Airlines Cargo
We confirm current sailings and flights for each booking. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in Singapore: what the importer needs
The Singapore importer, registered with Singapore Customs, obtains a TradeNet permit before goods are released.
| Item | In Singapore |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | Singapore Customs |
| Declaration | Import permit through TradeNet |
| Importer registration | Unique Entity Number (UEN) and a customs account |
| Duty and tax | Duty only on liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum; 9% GST on most imports |
| Trade agreement | No UAE-Singapore CEPA in force that we can confirm |
Goods for re-export can be stored in free trade zones without GST.
Approvals to check before booking
Singapore agencies control some goods even though duty is rare.
- 01
Food (SFA)
Food imports need Singapore Food Agency licensing and checks.
- 02
Health products (HSA)
Medicines and medical devices need Health Sciences Authority approval.
- 03
Telecom (IMDA)
Telecom equipment needs IMDA registration.
- 04
Controlled goods
Strategic goods need permits.
- 05
Most imports need a permit before release.
- 06
Free trade zones
Goods can be stored for re-export without GST.
Documents for shipping to Singapore
Send these with your booking. We share the data the importer's agent needs for TradeNet.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, parties and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| Release from Singapore Customs | |
| Agency licences | SFA, HSA or IMDA where needed |
Restricted or banned in Singapore
- Chewing gum (most types)
- Controlled drugs
- Weapons without a licence
- Some food without a licence
- Counterfeit goods
Singapore enforces controls strictly; check before shipping anything unusual.
What UAE businesses ship to Singapore
Singapore is a key hub linking the UAE with South-East Asian markets.
- 01
Electronics and parts
Components and returns, by air.
- 02
Chemicals and plastics
UAE petrochemicals for regional distribution.
- 03
Re-export stock
Goods stored in Singapore for the region.
Dubai to Singapore shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneMost goods pay no duty, only GST. Singapore charges customs duty only on liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products. Most other imports pay 9% GST on the value plus any duty. An import permit through TradeNet is still needed for most goods before release.
- GST rose to 9% in 2024.
- Free trade zones defer GST.
It is Singapore's electronic import permit. The importer or a declaring agent applies through TradeNet before the goods are released, with the HS code, value and supplier details. Singapore Customs checks the permit and collects GST. Wrong codes or values can lead to penalties.
- We share the shipment data.
- Controlled goods need extra licences.
Yes, Singapore is a major distribution hub. Goods can be stored in its free trade zones without GST and re-exported across South-East Asia. Its port and Changi Airport connect widely across the region. This suits companies serving several Asian countries from one stock point.
- Plan re-export paperwork early.
- Air links are frequent.
Food, health products and telecom equipment need approvals. The Singapore Food Agency licenses food imports, the Health Sciences Authority regulates medicines and devices, and IMDA covers telecom equipment. Strategic goods need permits, and most chewing gum is banned. Check before shipping regulated goods.
- Approvals are held by the importer.
- Penalties are strict.