Before you can start trading, you should:

• Register Your Business
  All businesses, sole-proprietors, partnerships and companies must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore (ACRA).
  
  
• Apply for CR Number
  All businesses that wish to engage in import/export should apply for a Central Registration (CR) Number. This CR Number enables you to submit Import and Export Permit applications through TradeNet®. Your CR Number is processed free of charge.
  
  
• Apply for Licences & Permits
  You may need licences and permits to trade, sell, distribute or otherwise deal in certain types of goods, e.g. animals, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications equipment. You need these licences before you can import/export goods or apply for import permits.
  
  
• Register with Singapore Customs
  You need to register with Singapore Customs in order to pay duties and taxes on the goods and services that you import/export.

D-I-Y Or Professional Help?

• 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.
  
  
• Most traders prefer to use freight forwarders and cargo agents to handle the entire process of importing. These businesses can help you take care of:
  
  
  • GST and duty payments
  • customs documentation
  • customs clearance
  • insurance
  • pick-up and delivery
  • warehousing and distribution
  
  
• 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.