Singapore Customs administers the Temporary Import/Export Scheme (TIS), a facilitative regime allowing for:
- The temporary importation of goods for approved purposes for up to six (6) months with suspension of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and import duties.
- The temporary export and subsequent re-import of GST/duty-paid goods without additional tax incidence, provided the same goods are returned.
A recent advisory from Singapore Customs highlights recurring non-compliance areas, presenting material risks for clients and their declaring agents. Professionals should review internal controls concerning:
- Incorrect Permit Declarations: Misuse of declaration types (e.g., incorrect outward declaration) in trade documentation.
- Unauthorized Movements: Exporting goods without a valid Customs Outward Permit.
- Process Lapses: Failure to secure Customs approval for extensions beyond the standard 6-month temporary import period.
- Permit Condition Breaches: Including:
- Failure to present TIS goods for physical customs clearance and endorsement at checkpoints during both import and export.
- Unauthorized movement of GST-suspended goods intended for export or local consumption.
- Removal of Customs seals from containers without prior written approval.
Critical Implementation Requirements for Practitioners
Accountants and advisors should ensure client procedures align with the following mandated “Dos”:
- Pre-Import Verification: Confirm if goods are controlled by other Competent Authorities (e.g., Health Sciences Authority, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority) and obtain necessary pre-approvals.
- Security Lodgement: Ensure a valid security (Banker’s Guarantee, Finance Company Guarantee, or Insurance Bond) is lodged with Singapore Customs prior to shipment arrival. The security’s validity period must comprehensively cover the entire declared temporary import period, including any approved extensions.
Implications & Action Points
- Audit & Assurance: Review client processes for TIS utilisation, focusing on permit validity, security adequacy, and physical control of sealed goods.
- Tax Compliance: Confirm that GST suspension under TIS is correctly applied and that any diversion to local consumption is promptly reported and taxed.
- Risk Advisory: Highlight the financial risks of non-compliance, including potential forfeiture of security, penalties, and reputational damage from Customs enforcement actions.
- Client Guidance: Advise clients to establish robust record-keeping trails for TIS goods, including permit documentation, correspondence on extensions, and logs of seal integrity.
Source: Singapore Customs, 24 November 2025