Shipping alcohol to Singapore with your household goods is possible, but it is not covered by GST relief for used household items. Duty and GST are charged on arrival, and a Customs In-Payment permit is needed. Duty is worked out per litre of alcohol, so strong spirits and large collections cost the most.
If you are planning a full relocation, our guide to moving to Singapore covers the overall process. This page explains the duty, GST and permit side of shipping alcohol to Singapore, so you can decide before packing whether the bottles are worth the cost. At CM Relocation, we guide clients through Singapore’s import requirements so they can make that decision with the figures in front of them.
How much duty do you pay when shipping alcohol to Singapore?
When shipping alcohol to Singapore, duty is charged per litre of alcohol, not per bottle: litres multiplied by the duty rate and by the alcoholic strength. Singapore Customs lists $88 per litre of alcohol on wine and spirits, and $76 on beer (as of October 2026). Strength and volume therefore matter more than the purchase price. See the Singapore Customs list of dutiable goods.
| Product | Customs + excise per litre of alcohol | Sample shipment | Litres of alcohol | Duty only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wine | Nil + $88 | 6 bottles, 75 cl, 13.5% | 0.61 | about SGD 53 |
| Spirits (whisky, gin, vodka and similar) | Nil + $88 | 6 bottles, 70 cl, 40% | 1.68 | about SGD 148 |
| Beer | $16 + $60 | 24 cans, 33 cl, 5% | 0.40 | about SGD 30 |
Duty = total litres x (customs duty + excise duty) x alcoholic strength. Rates from the Singapore Customs List of Dutiable Goods, checked October 2026. GST and freight are additional.
Duty rates and the GST rate shown here were checked against Singapore Customs and IRAS pages in October 2026. Confirm before you ship.
Duty is calculated as total litres, multiplied by customs duty plus excise duty per litre of alcohol, multiplied by the alcoholic strength. The stronger the alcohol and the larger the quantity, the higher the duty payable.
Different alcoholic beverages fall into separate categories, including:
- Beer and stout
- Wine
- Spirits and liquor
Rates differ by category. Wine, spirits and liqueurs share the same rate per litre of alcohol, while beer carries a lower combined rate. Spirits cost more per bottle because they contain more alcohol, not because the rate is higher.
Because of these calculations, importing alcohol can sometimes become expensive, particularly for large collections of wine or premium spirits.
How is GST charged when shipping alcohol to Singapore?
GST on alcohol is charged at 9%, according to IRAS current GST rates in October 2026, on the taxable value of the goods, which includes cost, insurance and freight plus customs duty where it applies. Alcohol is not eligible for GST relief, so GST is payable even when the rest of your household goods are relieved.
GST is calculated on the total value of the shipment, including:
- The cost of the alcohol
- Freight and insurance charges
- Customs duty, where it applies
Alcohol is not eligible for GST relief, so this GST is payable on top of the duty.
For individuals relocating to Singapore, this often means the total tax payable on alcohol can be significantly higher than expected. It is also helpful to understand other destination charges in Singapore that may apply when your shipment arrives. Used household goods can still qualify for GST relief for used household goods.
Do you need a permit for shipping alcohol to Singapore?
Yes. Shipping alcohol to Singapore means a permit: alcohol is dutiable and not eligible for GST relief, so it needs a Customs In-Payment (Duty and GST) permit before it can be cleared. This is separate from the GST relief used for your other used household goods. Your mover can prepare it from the details of each bottle.
The permit application includes information such as:
- The type of alcohol being imported
- Quantity and volume
- Alcohol percentage
- Declared value of the goods
Accurate documentation is essential to ensure smooth customs clearance. Working with experienced international relocation services can help reduce delays and paperwork errors. Any discrepancies between the packing list, shipping documents, and permit details can result in delays or additional inspections.
For this reason, many relocating individuals prefer to work with experienced relocation providers who are familiar with the permit process and Singapore Customs procedures.
What does duty on alcohol cost in practice?
Duty is a calculation, not a guess: litres, multiplied by the rate, multiplied by the strength. Six 75 cl bottles of wine at 13.5% come to about SGD 53 in duty, and six 70 cl bottles of 40% whisky to about SGD 148. GST and freight are extra, as the table shows.
The table above shows the duty alone on three sample shipments. Freight and insurance are added to the cost of the goods, and GST at 9% is charged on that taxable value. Your mover can give you the exact figure for your bottles before you ship.
Because of these additional charges, many people relocating to Singapore choose to ship only a small number of bottles or purchase alcohol locally after arrival.
Is it worth shipping alcohol to Singapore?
It is worth shipping bottles that have personal or collectible value, and rarely worth it for everyday wine or spirits you can buy locally. Duty and GST apply to every bottle you ship, so compare the landed cost of shipping alcohol to Singapore with local shelf prices before you decide.
Bottles of real sentimental or financial value can be worth shipping; everyday wine and spirits are often cheaper to buy locally.
Whether it makes sense to ship alcohol as part of your household goods shipment depends on several factors, including:
- The quantity of alcohol you plan to bring
- The value of the bottles
- Whether the items have personal or collectible value
- The total duties and taxes involved
For collectors or individuals bringing specialty wines or rare spirits, shipping alcohol may still be worthwhile. However, for everyday beverages, purchasing them locally in Singapore is often more cost-effective.
Consulting with a relocation expert before shipping can help you determine the most practical option for your situation.
How do you prepare a shipment that includes alcohol?
If you decide on shipping alcohol to Singapore, list every bottle on the packing list with its quantity, volume and alcohol percentage. Make sure the packing list, shipping documents and permit details match, because a mismatch can cause delays or extra inspections. Ask your mover to confirm the duty figure before you ship.
Helpful steps include:
- Declaring all alcohol accurately on the packing list
- Providing the correct bottle quantities and alcohol percentages
- Ensuring the shipment documentation matches the permit application
- Understanding the duties and GST that may apply before shipping
These steps can help prevent delays or unexpected charges when your shipment arrives in Singapore. Many people also choose door-to-door relocation services for a smoother import and delivery process.
How can CM Relocation help with shipping alcohol to Singapore?
CM Relocation can advise whether shipping alcohol to Singapore is practical for your move, prepare the documentation and customs declarations, coordinate the permit application and duty calculation, and manage customs clearance in Singapore. Request a quote and tell us what you plan to ship. See our international movers services.
Our team can assist with:
- Advising whether shipping alcohol is practical for your move
- Preparing documentation and customs declarations
- Coordinating permit applications and duty calculations
- Managing the customs clearance process in Singapore
With the right guidance, relocating your household goods to Singapore can be a well-organised process.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ship alcohol to Singapore with household goods?
Yes, but alcohol is dutiable and is not eligible for GST relief, so duty and GST are payable on arrival and it must be declared. Many people ship only bottles with personal or collectible value. Ask your mover to confirm the likely duty before you pack.
How is duty calculated when shipping alcohol to Singapore?
Duty equals the total litres, multiplied by the duty rate per litre of alcohol, multiplied by the alcoholic strength. Singapore Customs lists $88 per litre of alcohol on wine and spirits and $16 customs plus $60 excise on beer, as of October 2026. Confirm your product’s rate before shipping.
How much GST do I pay on alcohol imported into Singapore?
GST is 9%, according to IRAS in October 2026. It is charged on the taxable value of the goods, which includes cost, insurance and freight plus customs duty where it applies. Alcohol cannot use GST relief, so GST is payable on it even if your other goods are relieved.
Do I need a permit to import alcohol into Singapore?
Yes. Dutiable goods need a Customs In-Payment (Duty and GST) permit, and the application lists the type, quantity, alcohol percentage and declared value. The permit details must match your packing list and shipping documents, so accurate records of each bottle help avoid delays.
Is alcohol covered by GST relief for used household goods?
No. Singapore Customs lists intoxicating liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles, private aircraft, boats and yachts, and commercial goods as not eligible for GST relief. Your other used household goods can still qualify for relief if you meet the conditions, but the alcohol is assessed separately.
Is it cheaper to buy alcohol in Singapore than to ship it?
For everyday wine and spirits it often is, because duty and GST apply to every bottle you ship, plus freight. For rare or collectible bottles, the sentimental or financial value may justify the cost. Compare the full landed cost with local prices before you decide.
Where can I check the duty rate for my bottles?
Use the HS/CA Product Code Checker or the List of Dutiable Goods on the Singapore Customs website, which sets out duty per litre of alcohol by product type. Have the type, volume and alcohol percentage of each bottle to hand, and confirm the rate again close to your shipping date.
Can CM Relocation arrange the paperwork for shipping alcohol to Singapore?
Our team can prepare the documentation and customs declarations, coordinate the permit application and duty calculation, and manage clearance in Singapore. Tell us what you plan to ship when you request a quote, and we will advise whether it is practical for your move.
If you are planning a move to Singapore and would like expert advice on shipping alcohol to Singapore or other personal belongings, read our guide to shipping household goods overseas or request a quote from CM Relocation. Our team will be happy to guide you through the process and explain what to expect.