01
Commercial terms are fixed before the goods move
The contract defines the parties and powers, specification, price and currency, taxes, delivery, title and risk, inspection, warranties, liability, force majeure, termination and dispute clause. Purchase order and general terms are consistent in priority, otherwise a battle of forms arises.
02
Governing law and CISG are checked separately
Selecting Singapore law does not automatically answer the question of whether CISG applies to international sales. The contract expressly sets out the applicable law, the inclusion or exclusion of the CISG, the language, the entire agreement, notices and the forum of the dispute. Mandatory customs, sanctions and product rules are preserved regardless of the choice of law.
03
Incoterms distribute logistics, but not all the risk of the transaction
- Rule
- Exact edition of Incoterms, named place/port
- Importer of record
- Who receives permits and pays GST/duty
- Title
- The moment of transfer of ownership separate from risk
- Documents
- Invoice, packing list, transport, origin, licences
- Claims
- Inspection, notice, cure, rejection and damages
04
Import starts with UEN, Customs Account and classification
The importer activates the Customs Account, determines the HS code, customs value, origin and the presence of controlled goods, then receives the Customs Import Permit through TradeNet - independently as a Declaring Agent or through a designated agent. Permit conditions are met at clearance; GST and duty are calculated according to the applicable regime.
FTZ may suspend certain payments prior to release into the domestic market, but permits, prohibited or controlled goods and documents are checked separately.
05
The export file confirms the product, route and recipient
Before shipping, HS classification, permit timing, Competent Authority approvals, country and end-user restrictions, origin evidence and transport data are checked. Singapore Customs requires supporting records related to purchase, import, sale or export to be maintained for at least five years from the date of permit approval.
06
Strategic goods cover goods and technologies
The Strategic Goods (Control) framework regulates export, re-export, transhipment, transit, brokering and transfer of related technology. For listed items and catch-all scenarios, permit type, end-user/end-use, destination, intangible technology transfer and red flags are defined. Control is carried out before signing an unconditional obligation to deliver.
07
The trade file must survive verification and dispute
Registry, ownership, authority, sanctions and credit.
HS code, specification, origin and permits.
Currency, bank route, GST, duty and TP.
Inspection, delivery, acceptance and notices.
08
Working transaction checklist
- 01
Check the parties, UBO, authority and regulatory restrictions.
- 02
Define goods, HS code, origin, value and controls.
- 03
Agree on Incoterms, importer/exporter of record and permits.
- 04
Link invoice, payment, GST/duty and banking evidence.
- 05
Record governing law, CISG, dispute forum and enforcement.