Import apparel from the Philippines to Singapore

Almost always no. About 99% of Singapore imports enter duty-free, and most apparel lines (HS Chapters 61 and 62) carry 0% customs duty. Singapore Customs does apply a 9% GST on the CIF value when it exceeds S$400, so that is typically the only import tax line for apparel shipments from the Philippines. Excise duties apply only to alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, and petroleum - not to apparel.

Non-controlled, non-dutiable air imports (including courier parcels and air cargo) with a total CIF value of S$400 or below are granted GST relief and permit waiver at the Changi Airfreight Centre. Sea cargo does not get the same relief at the FTZ gate - your Declaring Agent files the permit and you pay 9% GST on the CIF value regardless of value. Small consolidated air consignments often clear quickly under GST relief if all three conditions (non-controlled, non-dutiable, ≤ S$400 CIF) are met.

Knitted garments (T-shirts, singlets, jerseys, polo knits) sit in HS Chapter 61 - HS 6109 for T-shirts and singlets, HS 6110 for jerseys and pullovers. Woven garments sit in HS Chapter 62 - HS 6203 for men's suits and trousers, HS 6204 for women's, HS 6205 for men's woven shirts. Fibre composition, knit versus woven construction, gender, and intended use all influence the final 8-digit classification, so confirm the line with a Declaring Agent or apply to Singapore Customs for a classification ruling (S$75 per product).

Sea freight from Manila or Cebu to Singapore PSA terminals typically runs 7–18 days end-to-end including feeder schedules and PSA berth windows. Air freight from Manila NAIA or Cebu to Changi is 1–3 days. Production adds 3–6 weeks after sample, artwork, and payment approval. Carrier schedules, transhipment, customs, and inland delivery can change the final timeline - confirm cut-offs with your nominated freight forwarder.

50 pieces per design for custom OEM/ODM production. Blank-stock MOQs depend on brand, colour, and size mix - Yalex, A2Z, Crown, Softex, and Blackhorse are all stocked in Metro Manila and can fulfil smaller Singapore re-orders when colours and sizes align with mill runs.

Yes. OEM/ODM orders can include buyer-approved size labels, care labels, brand labels, hangtags, folding, polybags, and export carton marks. Singapore does not require a separate textile labelling licence for finished apparel, but care and fibre composition must be accurate under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, so we recommend approving all label copy before production.

Most apparel already enters Singapore at 0% MFN duty, so ATIGA preferential treatment rarely changes the duty line. However, a Form D Certificate of Origin can simplify compliance for buyers who want a single trade preference on file, and it is a useful export-side document for PH suppliers to provide on request. Your Declaring Agent will tell you whether Form D is required for your specific consignment.

PHShirt can quote EXW (ex-works Metro Manila or Cebu), FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, or DAP Singapore depending on how much freight and insurance the Singapore buyer wants to arrange. For full-container orders, FOB Manila and CIF Singapore are common; for smaller LCL or air shipments, EXW plus nominated forwarder is often simplest.

You need a Unique Entity Number (UEN) from ACRA, an active Singapore Customs account on TradeNet, and an Inter-Bank GIRO arrangement (or an authorised Declaring Agent using theirs). Most first-time importers appoint a Declaring Agent to file the import permit on their behalf - Singapore Customs publishes a directory of approved service providers. Records must be kept for five years from the date of permit approval.