Overview

Organisation Overview

Singapore Customs is a leading authority at the forefront of ensuring revenue and enabling trade, playing a pivotal role in Singapore’s economic resilience and growth. As a trusted partner of the Ministry of Finance, we ensure the collection of customs duties, import taxes, and excise duties, while enforcing strict compliance with trade regulations. This commitment not only protects the nation’s financial interests but also prevents revenue leakage and combats illicit trade activities.

At the heart of our mission is our dual role: ensuring revenue and enabling trade. By streamlining customs procedures, fostering international connectivity, and leveraging innovative solutions, we support businesses and promote Singapore’s position as a trusted global trading hub.

Our four-pronged vision is supported by a dedicated team of competent, innovative professionals driven by our core values of integrity, commitment, courage, responsiveness and teamwork. These values guide our actions to achieve operational excellence, empower our employees, and build strong partnerships with the trade community.

Through our unwavering commitment to these principles, we contribute to a thriving Singapore economy, ensuring the nation’s continued success as a trusted and vibrant player in the global trade landscape.

Our Vision, Mission and Core Values

Mission
We protect revenue and facilitate trade for a thriving Singapore economy.

Vision
A leading customs authority in the world.
A partner of MOF in ensuring revenue as a core strength of Singapore’s economy.
An enabler for Singapore’s trade and status as a choice global trading hub.
A team of committed, competent and innovative professionals.

Tagline
Ensuring Revenue. Enabling Trade.

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.