Overview

Organisation Overview

Singapore Customs, a department under the Ministry of Finance, is the lead agency for trade facilitation and revenue enforcement.

Reconstituted on 1 April 2003 to bring together revenue collection and enforcement, trade documentation, trade facilitation and security functions under one agency, Singapore Customs upholds customs and trade laws to build trust in Singapore’s external trading system, facilitate trade, and protect revenue.

We facilitate Singapore’s external trade, through collaboration with government agencies and businesses, robust regulations and effective enforcement.

We play a proactive role in balancing the intricate requirements of trade facilitation, security, and regulatory compliance to strengthen Singapore’s position as a global trade hub trusted by foreign trading partners and businesses operating in Singapore.

Our Vision, Mission and Core Values

Vision
A leading Customs that advances Singapore’s economy.

Mission
We protect revenue, and make trade easy, fair and secure.

Core Values

Integrity
We are upright and fair. We are incorruptible, trustworthy, and do not show favouritism.
Commitment
We pledge to be the best we can be. We strive for excellence, take ownership and deliver what we promise.
Courage
We do the right things despite risk and danger. We encourage different views and ideas, dare to change, and are not afraid to fail.
Responsiveness
We anticipate changing needs and act promptly. We keep ahead of changing realities, take quick and decisive actions, and continuously learn and adapt.
Teamwork
We work together to achieve Singapore Customs’ goals. We care for one another, share knowledge and put aside personal interests.

History

Year	Significant Event
1910	Creation of British Government Monopolies Department by British colonial administration during the Straits Settlement period to control opium and spirits revenue.
1938	Reliance on duty revenue results in name change to Excise Department in 1935, then to Department of Customs and Excise (CED) in 1938.
1969	Singapore’s first Free Trade Zones are established.
1975	CED becomes a member of the Customs Cooperation Council (now known as World Customs Organisation).
1989	Launch of TradeNet, the world’s first nationwide electronic data interchange system for paperless clearance of trade documentation.
1990	CED’s role in trade facilitation grows in importance. Represented Singapore in negotiations within organisations such as ASEAN, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and World Trade Organisation.
1994	With the introduction of Goods & Services Tax, all but four items (tobacco, intoxicating liquor, petroleum and motor vehicles) were removed from the dutiable goods list.
2003	CED is reconstituted as Singapore Customs, with trade facilitation and revenue enforcement roles.
2007	Singapore Customs launches TradeXchange, an IT platform that connects the trade and logistics community. Secure Trade Partnership, Singapore’s national supply chain security programme, is launched.
2010	100th anniversary of Singapore Customs.
2011	Launch of TradeFIRST, Singapore Customs’ one-stop trade facilitation framework.
2013	Opening of Pasir Panjang Export Inspection Station, Singapore Customs’ first inspection station to identify and target high-risk export containers for x-ray scanning and inspection.
2015	Opening of Brani Export Inspection Station, Singapore Custom’s second inspection station, equipped with technology that makes efficient and accurate non-intrusive checks of containers possible.
2018	Launch of Networked Trade Platform (NTP), a one stop trade and logistics ecosystem which supports digitalisation efforts and connects players across the trade value chain – in Singapore and abroad.
2019	Opening of the new Customs Operation Command building situated at Bulim Drive, equipped with modern facilities which caters to Singapore Customs’ current and future operational needs.