Most traders find it simpler to have the entire process of importing/exporting handled by freight forwarders and cargo agents.
What Do Forwarders And Agents Do?
Why Use Forwarders And Agents?
What Are The Charges?
Where Can I Find Forwarders And Agents?
What If I Prefer To Do It Myself?
What Do Forwarders And Agents Do?
- They provide door-to-door services including:
- Goods & Services Tax (GST) and duty payments
- handling customs documentation
- customs clearance
- insurance
- pick-up and delivery
- warehousing and distribution
back to top
Why Use Forwarders And Agents?
- They have access to TradeNet® and can help you with all the documentation you need to import, export, tranship or transport goods.
- They can handle your logistics by providing door-to-door service, leaving you to focus on building your business.
- They are generally more experienced and more knowledgeable in the relevant customs procedures and related customs documentation requirements.
back to top
What Are The Charges?
- Handling fees vary, but the average minimum for handling a ‘loose-load’, meaning not a ‘container-load’, of imports by ship is about S$400. This would include handling procedures and documentation costs in the exporting country also.
- Freight fees are charged on top of this, depending on whether it is a source-paid or collect-paid load, i.e. whether the journey is paid for in the exporting country or importing country.
back to top
Where Can I Find Forwarders And Agents?
- You can contact any of these associations:
back to top
What If I Prefer To Do It Myself?
- If you choose to take care of all the documentation and paperwork yourself, you will need to apply for a TradeNet® account. You should be familiar with shipping and import/export documentation if you choose this option.
- If you prefer to handle the logistics yourself but would like some help with the documentation, you can also approach TradeNet® Service Centres. They have accounts with TradeNet® that you can “piggy-back” on.