How to Send a Parcel to Singapore from the UK

Singapore is one of Asia’s most sophisticated eCommerce markets. With a population of about six million and an internet penetration rate of 94%, Singapore offers UK retailers access to an affluent and digitally engaged customer base with strong purchasing power.

The lack of tariffs makes this market even more attractive. You just need to learn how to send parcels to Singapore quickly and cost-effectively.

That’s what this article will help with. You’ll learn how to start selling in Singapore, which carriers to use, and anything else you need to be aware of.

Shipping to Singapore in 2026

UK retailers enjoy near-tariff-free access to the Singapore market thanks to the UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (UKSFTA), which came into force in 2022.

The agreement eliminates customs duties on virtually all UK exports to Singapore and significantly streamlines customs procedures. Singapore imposes a 9% Goods and Services Tax (similar to VAT), but relief is available for goods with a value under S$400 (approximately £230).

If you start shipping from the UK to Singapore, you’ll need:

• A commercial invoice detailing shipper and recipient information, product descriptions, quantities, unit values and total value

• Correct Harmonised System (HS) codes for each item being shipped

• An Air Waybill for air shipments

• A packing list for multi-item shipments

• Your UK EORI number on all customs documentation

Ensure you accurately identify and describe your goods using the correct HS codes to expedite customs clearance. An experienced international shipping partner like Pro Carrier can make sure all paperwork is accurate and filed ahead of the deadline.

Deciding who pays import charges when shipping to Singapore

Before you start selling in Singapore, you’ll need to decide who should pay import duties (if necessary) and when. Most retailers will choose between two options: DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) or DAP (Delivered at Place).

Shipping DDP means you pay any and all import duties, GST, and customs clearance fees, meaning the customer receives the parcel without any additional charge. It’s the most transparent way to send goods, eliminating surprise fees and reducing refused deliveries.

Shipping DAP means your customer must pay any import charges before receiving the package. Because of the UK’s trade agreement with Singapore, this may mean they pay nothing at all, but it could leave them with a significant fee if you sell very expensive items. Sending goods DAP is cheaper for retailers, but it can often lead to high customer dissatisfaction.

If in doubt, choose DDP shipping. It gives customers full visibility into the price of their goods and improves delivery rates.

What carrier services are available in Singapore

Multiple international carriers operate on the UK-Singapore route:

• DHL Express offers fast delivery with an extensive Asian network

• FedEx provides reliable international services with delivery within a few business days

• Royal Mail and Parcelforce offer economical options with longer transit times

There is also a range of local final-mile carriers you can partner with, including:

• J&T Express: Indonesian-origin express delivery provider with competitive pricing and an extensive e-commerce network across Singapore.

• Ninja Van: Singapore-founded tech logistics company specialising in last-mile e-commerce delivery with flexible options and parcel lockers.

• Pickupp: On-demand delivery platform offering same-day and scheduled services with real-time tracking.

• Lalamove: Hong Kong-based on-demand platform for same-day delivery with multiple vehicle options and instant booking.

• SingPost: Singapore's national postal service with comprehensive parcel services and a widespread locker network.

You don’t have to choose just one carrier and final-mile delivery partner, though. We offer a carrier-agnostic cross-border delivery service, which means you can switch delivery partners as you see fit. It also ensures you have access to the best rates and fastest delivery, saving you money and increasing customer satisfaction.

How long does it take to send a parcel to Singapore?

Transit times from the UK to Singapore vary depending on the service selected:

• Express air services can take 1-3 business days with carriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS

• Standard air delivery can take 3-6 days with economy air freight options

• Sea freight can take 4-6 weeks, depending on the carrier and route

How to format a Singapore address correctly

Correctly formatting the recipient's address is crucial for successful delivery. Singapore addresses follow a structured format that differs from UK addresses.

In Singapore, unit numbers use the hash symbol (#) followed by the floor number and unit number separated by a hyphen. Postal codes are six digits and unique to each building.

Here's an example you can follow:

Mr David Tan
Blk 201 Farrer Park Road
#20-102
Singapore 207226
SINGAPORE

Note, the word "Singapore" should appear twice, once before the postal code and once on a separate line at the end in capital letters.

Singapore public holidays and business closures

Public holidays can affect delivery operations and customs processing times. Key holidays include:

• New Year's Day

• Chinese New Year (two days, typically late January or early February)

• Good Friday

• Labour Day

• Vesak Day

• Hari Raya Haji

• National Day (9 August)

• Deepavali

• Christmas Day

Chinese New Year, in particular, can impact operations, as it's a two-day public holiday, and businesses often take additional time off. Plan shipments around these dates to avoid delays.

What items are prohibited or restricted?

Singapore maintains strict regulations on imports. Prohibited items include:

• Chewing gum (except therapeutic gum with permits)

• E-cigarettes and vaping products

• Firearms and weapons

• Illegal drugs

• Counterfeit goods

• Certain foods, including fresh meat, eggs and unpasteurised dairy

Restricted items that require permits include prescription medications, plants and seeds, certain processed foods, and tobacco products. Always check Singapore Customs requirements before shipping.

How can you track your package to Singapore?

Many major carriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS offer online tracking through their websites and mobile apps. But that quickly gets complicated if you’re using multiple carriers and final-mile partners.

Pro Carrier’s all-in-one supply chain platform, Horizon, consolidates tracking across all of your carriers, giving you complete visibility in a single pane. What’s more, customers receive regular updates in their preferred language and can even use the platform to initiate returns if necessary.

Ship to Singapore with Pro Carrier

Successfully sending a parcel to Singapore requires understanding free trade benefits, managing GST obligations, providing accurate documentation and ensuring products meet import regulations. You can navigate these requirements independently, but expert support makes operations smoother and more cost-effective.

At Pro Carrier, we specialise in cross-border e-commerce shipping. Our comprehensive platform integrates with every major eCommerce solution, allowing you to automate much of the process and manage order edits, carrier selection and customs documentation in one place.

Our experienced team handles all of the paperwork, too, often two weeks in advance, freeing you up to focus on growing your business.

Find out more about how we can help your brand establish or expand in Singapore by speaking to an expert today.