Shipping to Singapore from the USA works with both USPS and UPS in 2026: USPS Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International each accept up to 66 pounds, and UPS Worldwide Express, Worldwide Saver and Worldwide Expedited deliver door to door, often within 1 to 3 business days. Singapore charges almost no import duty, but 9% GST applies to imports, and large overseas sellers must collect it at checkout even on low-value orders.
This guide covers the services on the lane, realistic transit times, Singapore’s GST rules, the controlled items that get parcels seized, and how to address a parcel for an HDB block or condo. To price a specific box, compare live USPS and UPS rates to Singapore in the ParcelPath rate calculator.
Before you print a label, double-check the delivery address itself: our Singapore address format guide walks through the block, unit number and six-digit postal code SingPost expects.
Which carriers ship from the US to Singapore?
USPS hands Singapore-bound mail to SingPost for final delivery, while UPS carries parcels on its own network and clears customs for the recipient. USPS hasn’t suspended service to Singapore, but its International Service Alerts page lists Singapore among the countries where the Priority Mail Express International delivery guarantee is suspended.
| Service | Expected delivery | Max weight to Singapore | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Worldwide Express / Worldwide Saver | Typically 1 to 3 business days | Per UPS package limits | E-commerce orders, B2B and time-sensitive parcels |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | Typically 2 to 5 business days | Per UPS package limits | Heavier parcels that still need door-to-door tracking |
| USPS Priority Mail Express International | 3 to 5 business days to many major markets (guarantee suspended for Singapore) | 66 lb | Urgent documents and small parcels |
| USPS Priority Mail International | 6 to 10 business days to many major markets | 66 lb; Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes 20 lb | Gifts and personal parcels with tracking and insurance |
| USPS First-Class Package International Service | Varies by destination | 4 lb | Light, low-value items |
USPS merchandise insurance is available on Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International to Singapore, while Global Express Guaranteed has been suspended since September 29, 2024. FedEx and DHL Express also serve Singapore if you book them directly; our FedEx shipping overview and DHL Express overview cover those networks.
How long does shipping to Singapore take?
UPS express services usually reach Singapore in 1 to 3 business days, and USPS Priority Mail International typically takes 6 to 10 business days. Singapore is a compact city-state with one main air gateway at Changi, so there’s no long domestic leg after clearance and most delays come from customs holds rather than distance.
Customs clearance in Singapore is fast when paperwork is complete. Parcels slow down when they contain a controlled item that needs a permit, when the declared value looks too low, or when the recipient can’t be reached. The busiest periods are the late-year holidays and the weeks before Chinese New Year.
What GST and duty apply when shipping to Singapore?
Singapore is essentially a free port: nearly all tariff lines carry zero duty, and U.S. exports qualify for duty-free entry under the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Customs duty and excise apply mainly to alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products. The tax most parcels meet is the Goods and Services Tax, levied at 9% on imports.
- Low-value goods (SGD 400 or less): since January 1, 2023, the SGD 400 import relief no longer covers goods sold by large overseas businesses. Sellers with global turnover above SGD 1 million and more than SGD 100,000 of low-value goods sold to Singapore must register under the Overseas Vendor Registration regime and charge GST at checkout.
- Proof of GST charged: SingPost recommends that registered sellers show their GST registration number and the GST amount in the exporter reference field of the customs form or on the commercial invoice.
- Goods above SGD 400: GST is assessed at import on the value of the goods plus insurance, freight and any duty.
Personal gifts from friends and family rarely face duty, but they still need an accurate description and value. Our shipping calculator guide explains how carriers price an international parcel by weight and dimensions, separately from any GST the recipient owes.
What can’t you ship to Singapore?
Singapore’s list of prohibited and controlled goods is short but strictly enforced. Many merchandise types also need an import license, so confirm the recipient can obtain any permit before you ship commercial goods.
- Arms, firearms and parts, and butane gas lighters and refills
- Coins (other than ornamental), banknotes, traveler’s checks, jewelry, precious stones and other valuables
- Bullion above SGD 50 and lottery tickets or advertisements
- Advertisements for charms, amulets and talismans
- Meat and meat products, which need an import permit from the relevant Singapore authority
Beyond the postal list, Singapore bans imports of chewing gum other than approved dental and medicinal gum, and of e-cigarettes and vaporizers. Medicines and health supplements are controlled by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority, so check before sending anything beyond small personal quantities.
How do you prepare and address a parcel for Singapore?
- Use the full block and unit number. Singapore addresses use a block number, street name, and a unit number written as #floor-unit (for example #12-345), followed by “Singapore” and the six-digit postal code.
- Add the recipient’s phone number. SingPost asks for it on Priority Mail Express International, Registered Mail and goods items, on the customs form or address label.
- Describe items specifically. List each item with quantity, value and country of origin. Generic descriptions invite inspection.
- Include GST details for online orders. If you’re a registered seller, show your GST number and the GST charged so the buyer isn’t taxed twice.
- Leave out banned items. No chewing gum, vapes or lighter refills, even as small extras in a gift box.
ParcelPath is free to use, with no subscription, per-label fee or minimum, and offers up to 89% off USPS and up to 85% off UPS on international labels. For nearby markets, see our guides to shipping to Hong Kong, shipping to India and shipping to Bangladesh, or the overview of shipping to Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way of shipping to Singapore?
For gifts and personal parcels, USPS Priority Mail International is usually the lowest-priced tracked option for shipping to Singapore, accepting up to 66 pounds with merchandise insurance available. Items under 4 pounds can go by First-Class Package International Service. UPS Worldwide Saver can be competitive for heavier business shipments that need delivery in 1 to 3 business days, so compare both for your parcel.
How long does shipping to Singapore take from the US?
Shipping to Singapore usually takes 6 to 10 business days with USPS Priority Mail International and 3 to 5 with Priority Mail Express International, though USPS has suspended the express delivery guarantee for Singapore. UPS Worldwide Express and Saver generally deliver in 1 to 3 business days. Because Singapore is compact, almost all delay comes from customs, not distance.
Do I have to pay GST when shipping to Singapore?
Singapore levies 9% GST on imports. For goods above SGD 400, GST is assessed at the border on the value plus freight and insurance. For goods of SGD 400 or less sold by large overseas businesses registered under the Overseas Vendor Registration regime, GST is charged at checkout instead. Customs duty applies mainly to alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products.
Can I ship chewing gum or vapes to Singapore?
No. Singapore bans imports of chewing gum other than approved dental and medicinal gum, and it prohibits e-cigarettes and vaporizers, so parcels containing them can be seized and the recipient may face penalties. Leave them out of gift boxes entirely. Butane lighter refills are also on the USPS prohibited list for Singapore.
Sources
- USPS International Mail Manual: Singapore
- USPS International Service Alerts
- USPS: Priority Mail International
- USPS: International Shipping
- UPS: International Shipping Services
- U.S. International Trade Administration: Singapore import tariffs
- Singapore Customs (customs.gov.sg): prohibited and controlled goods
