India is a major trading partner for Singapore, with bilateral trade reaching USD 35.6 billion in 2023. But shipping to India requires careful preparation – strict customs, documents, and restricted goods.
This blog covers prohibited items, required documents, customs clearance, and how to book via EasyParcel.
Table of Contents
Main Exports from Singapore to India
Singaporean businesses commonly ship these product categories to India:
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Product Category
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Examples
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|---|---|
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Petroleum products
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Refined oils, lubricants
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Electronic and machinery equipment
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Semiconductors, computer parts, industrial machines
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Iron and steel products
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Metal sheets, pipes, structural components
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Inorganic and miscellaneous chemicals
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Industrial chemicals, compounds
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Mechanical appliances
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Engines, pumps, household appliances
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Prohibited Exports from Singapore
Before you ship from Singapore to India, ensure your parcel does not contain these prohibited exports:
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Prohibited Export
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Reason
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|---|---|
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Rough diamonds
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Strict international certification requirements
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Meat products
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Health and safety regulations
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Rhinoceros horns
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Wildlife protection laws
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Animals
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Quarantine and import restrictions
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Chemicals (certain types)
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Safety and environmental regulations
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Prohibited Imports into India
These items cannot be imported into India under any circumstances:
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Category
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Specific Items
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|---|---|
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Antiquities
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Historical artifacts, ancient items
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Narcotic substances
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Drugs, psychotropic substances
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Counterfeit goods
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Pirated products, fake branded items
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Wildlife products
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Animal parts, human skeletons
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Aero models
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Drones, remote-controlled aircraft (restricted)
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Incorrect maps
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Maps and literature showing Indian boundaries incorrectly
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Obscene materials
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Pornographic content
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Chemical weapons
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Any chemical agents designed for harm
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Required Documents to Ship from Singapore to India
Proper documentation is critical for smooth customs clearance. Here are the essential documents you need.
1. Commercial Invoice
A commercial invoice is mandatory for all non-document shipments to India. It serves as a legal document detailing the goods sold, their value, and the terms of sale. Indian customs authorities rely on this invoice to assess duties and taxes.
What to include:
- Detailed description of goods (not just “electronics” – specify “Samsung 256GB SSD”)
- Quantity and unit value
- Total value
- Country of origin
- Terms of sale (Incoterms)
2. Air Waybill (AWB)
The Air Waybill is your shipping label. EasyParcel generates this automatically when you book. Ensure all details match the commercial invoice and KYC documents.
Avoid Customs Delays – Ship Smart to India
Restricted & Controlled Goods – Special Requirements
Some items require special permissions, licences, or additional documentation.
Alcoholic Beverages
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Scenario
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Requirement
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|---|---|
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As a free gift
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Maximum 1 litre bottle typically permitted
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Commercial shipment
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Consignee must provide State Excise permission
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Destination restrictions
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Some Indian states ban alcohol – confirm with consignee
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Coal, Firewood, Plants, Animal Fur, Tobacco Products
- Special import permission or government licence required
- Consignee must confirm possession of licence before shipping
- Declare correct market value – failure results in seizure with no return option
Computer Software
- Consignee must provide paperwork for any duty exemption claims
- Essential for smooth customs clearance
Cosmetics
- Potential clearance delays: 2-6 working days
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) required from Additional Drug Controller (ADC)
- NOC only processed at BOM, BLR, DEL, and MAA gateways
- Manufacturer’s name, batch number, and expiry must be on commercial invoice
Drugs (Prescription & Non-Prescription)
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Type
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Requirement
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|---|---|
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Personal medicines
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Consignee must provide Form 12B
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Narcotic/psychotropic medicines
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Valid import licence required from consignee
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All medicines
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NOC from Assistant Drug Controller required
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Missing licence
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Shipment will be abandoned – no return option
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Fabrics & Textile Articles
- NOC required from Textile Committee Office
- Laboratory test report from accredited agencies (SGS, Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas) helps reduce delays
Foodstuffs (Grain, Fruits, Flowers, Vegetables)
- Potential clearance delays: 2-6 working days
- NOC required from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- NOC only processed at Bombay, Delhi, and Chennai gateways
- Some items may face 10-15 days additional delay for laboratory testing
Mobile Phones, Accessories & Components
- Mandatory: Brand name, model number, and IMEI number on commercial invoice
- Refurbished mobile parts are not permitted – shipment will be destroyed, no return
Passports
- Only shipped by or to embassies or regulatory bodies
- Not permitted from individual to individual
- Original letter from relevant embassy must accompany the package
Telecommunication Equipment (Laptops, Smartwatches with RF signals over 4800 MHz)
- WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) licence required from consignee
- Ship only after consignee confirms they possess the licence
Used / Refurbished / Secondhand Goods
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Requirement
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Detail
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|---|---|
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Approval needed
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From Indian National Committee on Organisation of Government (INCOG)
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Ministry approval
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Consignee must obtain prior approval from Ministry of Environment and Forest
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Import licence
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Mandatory for consumer goods (computers, laptops, printers, mobiles, televisions)
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Individual consignee
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Not permitted – shipment will be seized
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Consequences
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Fines and penalties on both consignee and courier – no return permitted
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Customs Clearance – Express vs Formal Clearance
When you ship from Singapore to India, parcels typically go through one of two clearance processes.
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Feature
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Express Clearance (Courier Mode)
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Formal Clearance (Freight Mode)
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|---|---|---|
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Best for
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Low-to-medium value goods
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High-value shipments, bulk goods, regulated items
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Value threshold
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Typically under 100,000 INR
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100,000 INR or above
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Examples
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Documents, personal gifts (up to 5,000 INR duty-free), samples (up to 10,000 INR)
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Commercial bulk orders, restricted items, high-value electronics
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Paperwork
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Minimal (AWB, invoice, KYC)
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Extensive (+ licences, NOCs, permits)
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Customs broker
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Not required
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Often required
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Clearance time
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Same day
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Several days to weeks
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Proper Packaging Tips
To ensure your parcel arrives safely when you ship from Singapore to India:
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Tip
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Why It Matters
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|---|---|
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Choose appropriately sized boxes
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Prevents items from shifting during transit
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Fill voids with foam peanuts or bubble wrap
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Protects fragile items from impact
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Label your package clearly
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Ensures correct delivery
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Use strong, double-walled boxes
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Withstands handling and stacking
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Why Book via EasyParcel to Ship from Singapore to India
Multiple Couriers
10+ International courier services – see rates side by side
Save Money
Instant quotes include fuel surcharges and taxes – no hidden fees
Track in Real-time
EasyTrack shows your shipment from pickup to delivery
Parcel Protection
EasyCover up to S$5,000 for loss
Smart HS Code
Auto-generates correct HS Codes for India – avoid clearance delays
Prepay Customs
DDP available – no surprise fees for your recipient
How to Ship from Singapore to India
For International Delivery:
1. Click on “International” Tab.
2. Enter your origin and destination postcodes as well as parcel weight and click “Quote & Book” button.
3. Choose your preferred courier services and book now.
4. Fill in the sender’s, receiver’s details and parcel details then proceed to payment.
