Low-value goods are no longer GST-free
Since 2023, GST applies to imported low-value goods (value S$400 or less) bought from GST-registered overseas vendors, and on import for higher-value goods. Do not assume small parcels are GST-free.
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Teardown library
Aluminum phone stand
An anonymous phone stand teardown showing how finish, hinge quality, carton data, MOQ, and 3PL prep affect a simple-looking 1688 product.
Buyer context
Seller considering switching a simple accessory from marketplace sourcing to 1688
What a useful report contains
What a useful report contains
Continue, ask, sample, manual review, or stop decision
Product and supplier match evidence
Known costs, assumptions, and missing package fields
MOQ and cash-pressure notes
Product, compliance, prep, and route risk flags
Questions and next action before supplier payment
Local market context
What changes landed cost to Singapore
Singapore applies 9% GST to imports, including low-value goods, with low base duty on most categories. A low 1688 price is only the start.
GST 9%, low duty on most goods
Singapore's GST is 9%. Customs Duty applies only to a few dutiable categories (e.g. liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles, petroleum); most general goods are non-dutiable but still GST-bearing. Singapore Customs is the entry point.
Clearing customs is not permission to sell
Category rules (e.g. health products via HSA, controlled goods) still apply. 1688 listing claims do not prove Singapore compliance.
Official sources
For sourcing planning only. GST, any applicable duty, and category controls can change the final amount — confirm with Singapore Customs/IRAS before paying a supplier.
Samples are not customer proof or a guarantee
Sample reports are illustrative, privacy-safe decision records. Actual product quality, price, freight, duty, tax, clearance, and service scope depend on current evidence and official or manual review.