Shipping from US

[a_poets_guitar]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to ship in from US but a little deterred by custom taxes.

Anyone has any idea how much do we have to pay for custom taxes?

Thanks in advance

 

[weckl-x]

Goods and Services Tax

There is a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on all goods, inclusive of new articles, personal effects, souvenirs, gifts, food preparations and dutiable products, imported into Singapore. GST is calculated based on the CIF value of the goods plus all duties payable. If the invoice value of goods does not include insurance and freight charges, the postage charge paid for the goods is to be taken as freight and insurance charges, and is to be added to the invoice value of such invoice for calculation of GST payable.

GST relief is granted on goods, inclusive of new articles, personal effects, souvenirs, gifts and food preparations but excluding dutiable products, imported by post to a total value not exceeding $400. Where the value exceeds $400, the entire sum would be subject to GST.

http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/cle/Internet+PurchasesPostal+Parcels.htm

It's pretty straightforward. CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight/shipping).

Examples:

$1000 (cost of goods) + $200 (shipping) + $50 (Insurance), you'll need to pay additional 7% for GST on $1250.
$300 (cost of goods) + $20 (shipping) + $10 (insurance), there's no tax to worry about as the total $330 is under $400.

Remember to convert to SGD. Given the current exchange rate, you're looking at about total US$300 before you'll get hit with GST.

 

[a_poets_guitar]

Thanks for the answers. I've been reading that page and didn't really get anything out of it. Thanks!

 

[sj2six]

Yup. In fact I mostly ship my equipments direct from US. Unless I need it urgently, then only I will get it in SG. Coz after doing some calculation, I find it cheaper to ship in than getting it directly in SG. Of corse, the difference is not alot, but if you ship in quite a few piece at one go, it's cheaper.

Alternatively, you can buy trusted used products from http://www.musiciansfriend.com/browse/used/products.jsp
This is definitely cheaper. I personally haven bought thru here yet, but a trusted friend of mine buy from here very often and he feedbacks that the condition of those used items are very good, some even as new as new ones.

Cheers!