Freight Shipping between Vietnam and Singapore | Rates – Transit Times – Duties & Taxes
Do you need detailed information on shipping between Vietnam and Singapore? You’re attracted to the Vietnamese market, but how can you enter it most effectively? Online access to this kind of information is difficult.
This article covers all aspect of the goods trade between Vietnam and Singapore. You can learn about the various modes of freight, the customs clearance of Vietnamese goods in Singapore, and the bilateral economic connections.
Freight Shipping between Vietnam and Singapore
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Sea freight between Vietnam and Singapore
The cost of shipping cargo between Vietnam and Singapore depends on several factors such as the distance between the two countries, the type of cargo, the size of the cargo, freight rates, fuel costs, port handling fees and applicable taxes.
Sea freight rates are often based on the volume or weight of the cargo, according to which the higher rate is applied. Transportation costs may also vary depending on the desired speed of delivery, the type of transportation service (for example, full container or LCL) and additional service options.
In general, the cost of shipping freight between Vietnam and Singapore can vary between US$100 and US$500 per 20-foot container, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, it is recommended to contact shipping companies or freight forwarders directly to obtain a precise quote according to your specific needs.
Commercial trade between the two countries
Trade between Vietnam and Singapore has grown in recent years. Singapore is one of Vietnam’s main trading partners in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. According to data from Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, Vietnam’s trade with Singapore totaled US$26.1 billion in 2022. Vietnamese exports to Singapore totaled US$10.3 billion, while Vietnamese imports from Singapore reached US$15.8 billion. It should be noted that these figures are subject to revision and may be adjusted in the future based on subsequent economic and trade data.
Vietnam and Singapore have signed a number of trade agreements to strengthen their economic partnership, including the ASEAN-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement, the Comprehensive Regional Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), which is a free trade agreement between ASEAN and five other countries in the region, including Singapore. These agreements have facilitated trade and investment between the two countries.
Shipping companies operating between Vietnam and Belgium
Vietnam’s main seaports
Vietnam has several important seaports along its coastline, including:
- Hai Phong Port – located in northern Vietnam, is the second largest port in the country.
- Da Nang Port – located in central Vietnam, is the third largest port in the country.
- Ho Chi Minh City Port (formerly Saigon) – located in southern Vietnam, is the largest port in the country and the largest deep-water port in the Mekong Delta.
- The port of Vung Tau – located near Ho Chi Minh City, is mainly used for the export of petroleum products
- Quy Nhon Port – located in Binh Dinh Province, is one of the main ports in central Vietnam.
- Nha Trang Port – located in Khanh Hoa Province, is an important port for tourism and merchandise transportation
- The port of Cam Ranh – also located in Khanh Hoa province, is a deep-water port that is becoming increasingly important for freight transportation.
The main seaport of Singapore
- Port of Singapore: The Port of Singapore is the largest port in the city and one of the most active ports in the world. It is located at the mouth of the Singapore River and covers an area of more than 600 km².
- Port of Tuas: Located on the west coast of Singapore, the Port of Tuas is the second largest port in Singapore and specializes in bulk cargo, container and petroleum products.
- Port of Jurong: The Port of Jurong is located in the southwestern part of Singapore and is primarily used for bulk cargo and petroleum products.
- Port of Keppel: The Port of Keppel is located on the south coast of Singapore and focuses primarily on shipbuilding, ship repair and ship conversion.
- Pasir Panjang Port: The Pasir Panjang Port is located in southern Singapore and is primarily used for containers and petroleum products.
- Sembawang Port: Sembawang Port is located in northern Singapore and is primarily used for shipbuilding and ship repair.
These six ports are Singapore’s main seaports, but there are also other small ports and terminals throughout Singapore.
DocShipper Tip:
Cargo shipping is interesting if you prioritize cost-effectiveness over delivery time for your products.
There are various sorts of containers, but the three most prevalent sizes are:
Do I have to ship my goods in LCL or full container between Vietnam and Singapore?
The choice between bulk or full container shipping depends on several factors, including:
Quantity of goods to be shipped: If you have a relatively small quantity of goods, bundling can be more cost-effective as you share shipping costs with other shippers.
Type of goods: If you have fragile or high-value goods, choose a full container to minimize the risk of damage or theft.
Delivery times: If you have tight deadlines for delivering your goods, shipping in a full container can be faster and more reliable because you don’t have to wait for other shippers to fill the container.
Cost: The cost of shipping will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of the goods, the mode of transportation and transit time. In general, bulk shipping is cheaper than full container shipping, but this will depend on your specific situation.
In the end, the decision between bulk or full container shipping will depend on your specific situation. It may be wise to talk to a freight forwarder or logistics expert to evaluate your options and determine the best solution for your business.
There is now two methods of transportation :
LCL: Less than Container Load
LCL shipping is an appropriate choice if your goods do not fill the entire container. This is the ideal solution for small shipments, as you only pay for the space you use. Your merchandise will be placed next to that of another seller moving in the same direction.
FCL: Full Container Load
This means that, to reduce risks and costs, a customer uses the entire space of the carrier from the point of departure to the point of delivery to the consumer.
This is the best mode of transportation if you want to buy a lot of products.
For a larger quantity, the FCL will be safer and cheaper, even if you only fill part of it. Indeed, a complete container can be cheaper than the LCL from 15 m3.
Advantages of LCL
To put it simply, shipping through LCL will be the cheapest choice if they weigh between 2 CBM and 12/15 CBM (cubic meters). You’ll spend less on packaging and sorting.
Unlike aircraft, which has several limitations, the LCL is capable of transporting any type of cargo.
Disadvantages of LCL
The cost of packing, loading and unloading an FCL will be prohibitive (over 13 CBM).
Advantages of FCL
There is less handling, which increases your sense of safety and reduces the possibility of product damage (loading, temporary storage and unloading).
You must monitor the packaging of your items (palletizing is not necessary). The safety of your items is your responsibility.
It is the most affordable mode of transport, with a capacity of more than 16 MH.
Disadvantages of FCL
With a minimum of 15 CBM, it is used to transport large quantities of products.
It is the slowest mode of transportation.
Reefer container
Transit time between Singapore and Vietnam ports
-Transit period is 7-8 days between Ho Chi Minh Port and Singapore Port
-Transit time by sea between the port of Ho Chi Minh and the port of Tanjung Pelepas is approximately 3-5 days
-Transit time between Ho Chi Minh port and Tuas port is approximately 3-5 days.
-Transit time between Ho Chi Monh port and jurong port is approximately 4-7 days.
-Transit time between Ho Chi Minh port and Keppel port is approximately 4-7 days.
-Transit time between Ho Chi Minh port and Pasir Panjang port is approximately 3-5 days.
-Transit time between Ho Chi Minh port and Sembawang port is approximately 5-7 days.
DocShipper Advice
DocShipper Advice : Are you planning to ship goods from Vietnam or Belgium by sea? Whether it’s a groupage shipment or a full container, DocShipper takes care of all the procedures with the various players in the logistics chain.
A single point of contact, dedicated service, peace of mind, expertise… DocShipper makes importing and exporting more pleasant.
Air freight between Vietnam and Singapore
There are air cargo options between Vietnam and Singapore. Both countries have well-equipped international airports that serve cargo airlines.
To find cargo airlines, it may be useful to contact an air cargo broker who can help you find the best cargo options for your specific needs. They can also help you with the documentation and customs formalities necessary for the export and import of goods between Vietnam and Singapore.
The air freight companies
Some of the cargo airlines operating between Vietnam and Singapore are Vietnam Airlines Cargo, Singapore Airlines Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, and Emirates SkyCargo. Freight rates may vary depending on the size, weight and nature of the goods shipped, as well as the time of year and demand.
It is important to plan ahead and ensure all necessary documentation is in place prior to shipping to avoid potential delays or issues.
Cost of air freight transport between Malaysia and Singapore
How much does air freight transport between China and Indonesia cost?
DocShipper Tip
In case you have any doubts or any questions, do not hesitate to ask our experts for advice.
Door-to-door shipping from Vietnam to Singapore
Want the best peace of mind? Take the door-to-door service. Therefore, we take care of the whole process. We will pick up your shipments in Vietnam (with Packing/ Loading if necessary) and make the delivery in Australia (with Unloading/ Unpacking if necessary).
This comfort provided is really appreciated by our customers. Also, note that we are responsible for each phase of the transfer.
How are door-to-door services useful?
From A to Z ensures the fluidity of your transfer. Indeed, our employees in Vietnam and Australia will cooperate to avoid any delays or additional costs due to communication errors between all entities responsible for your freight. Thus, for example, customs clearance will be entirely under control, thanks to the competence of our collaborators with customs of Singapore and Vietnam.
Customs clearance in Singapore of goods imported from Vietnam
How much will I pay?
The amount you must pay for customs clearance of goods imported from Vietnam to Singapore depends on several factors, including:
- The value of your imported goods: The amount of duties and taxes payable will depend on the value of the imported goods. This includes transportation, insurance and transportation costs.
- The nature of your goods: Certain types of goods may be subject to additional import duties, special taxes or restrictions.
- The place of origin of your goods: Singapore has signed free trade agreements with certain countries, which can lead to a reduction in customs duties for goods imported from these countries.
- Mode of transportation: The cost of customs clearance may vary depending on the mode of transportation used, for example by air, sea or road.
Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code
To calculate customs duties for a product using the HS (Harmonized System) code, you must follow these steps:
- Find the appropriate HS code for your product using your country’s online tariff database. The HS code is a series of numbers that identifies the product in question.
- Use the HS code to determine the import duty rate applicable to your product. Import duty rates vary depending on the country of origin of the good and the country of destination, as well as the nature of the product.
- Determine the value for duty of your product using the purchase price, transportation and insurance charges, and associated costs. This is the amount on which the customs duties will be applied.
- Multiply the value for duty of your product by the applicable import rate to obtain the amount of customs duty. For example, if the import duty rate for your product is 10% and the value for duty of your product is $1,000, the duty payable will be $100 (10% of $1,000). It is important to note that tariffs are only a portion of the cost of importing goods. There may also be value-added taxes, brokerage fees, customs clearance fees and storage fees to be considered. It is therefore recommended to contact a customs broker or freight forwarder to obtain a complete estimate of the costs associated with importing your products.
Customs clearance process in Singapore
The customs clearance process in Singapore may vary depending on the type of commodity, the mode of transport and the complexity of the transaction. However, in general, the Singapore clearance process includes the following steps:
- Preparation of documents: Before the goods arrive, the declarant must prepare the necessary documents, such as the commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import permit, etc.
- Arrival of goods: Goods arrive in Singapore by sea, air or land and are unloaded at the port or airport
- Customs declaration: The declarant must complete a customs declaration, which includes information on the goods, their value, origin and destination.Payment of duties and taxes: Customs duties, consumption taxes and other charges must be paid before the goods can be released.
- Inspection and evaluation of goods: Customs authorities may conduct a physical or documentary inspection of goods to verify compliance with customs regulations.
- Clearance Authorization: If the good is found to be in compliance, the customs authorities issue a clearance authorization, which allows the good to be unloaded and delivered to its destination.
- Goods delivery: Goods can be delivered by truck, rail or boat to their final destination. It is important to note that customs regulations in Singapore can be complex, so it is recommended that you use a customs broker or freight forwarder to help you navigate customs procedures and assist you
How to calculate the applicable tariff with HS code?
What are the Licenses required (import & export)
Certificate of Origin :
The nation of origin of the items transported is verified by the certificate of origin. This document, necessary for international trade, contains information on the country of manufacture, which should not be confused with the country of origin of the goods.
Original Invoice :
Whether you are travelling to Malaysia or Vietnam, you must have the original invoice to liquidate your purchases. Ensure the quantity on the packing list matches the amount on the original invoice.
Bill of Lading :
The bill of lading, which is a document used to prove that the exporter has transported the specified items, is used to document this delivery. The bill of lading is another legal document to consider. In addition, it provides all the necessary data to properly process and bill freight.
Health certificate :
The health certificate is a document which certifies, after examination by the competent authorities, that the articles meet the criteria specified by law in terms of cleanliness of production, microbiological standards for foodstuffs and animal health.
Packing List :
For each link in the supply chain, shippers create a “packing list” document. This official document, which provides all the product(s) and packaging information that is included in each shipment, must be sent with each air and sea cargo shipment.
Declaration of Imported Goods Form :
An official document called an import declaration is a document in which you disclose information about the importation of services
Contact Vietnamese customs
Official name: General Department of Vietnamese Customs
Website: Vietnamese Customs
Contact singaporean customs
Official name: General Department Of Singaporean Customs
Website: Singapore Customs
Other logistics services
Warehousing and storage
We offer comprehensive warehousing services in China, with multiple distribution centers located in key urban areas to ensure efficient and timely delivery of your merchandise to Thailand. Our experienced team is equipped to handle complex logistics needs, including consolidation of orders from multiple suppliers or splitting of containers for later shipment. You can trust us to ensure the safe and secure storage of your goods with our advanced inventory management systems and strict security protocols. For more information on our warehousing services, please refer to our dedicated article : Warehousing services
Packaging and repackaging
Calculating the assurance for transportation involves multiplying the premium rate by the pronounced sum. The cost of insurance can vary based on several factors, including the mode of transportation, the nature of the cargo, and the insurance company. To accurately determine the cost, it is essential to declare both the shipping charges and the value of the goods. For further information on transportation insurance, we invite you to consult our dedicated article : Packing services
Transport insurance
The measure of assurance for transport is determined with premium rate x pronounced sum. The protection rate changes as indicated by the strategy for transportation utilized, the sort of merchandise and the insurance agency... In order to be aware of the exact amount, the supporter has to proclaim the measure of costs that is related to the transportation just as the worth of the merchandise. Check our dedicate article : Transport insurance
Supplier management in China
We take a proactive approach to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction. As such, we initiate contact with your supplier well in advance to provide a comprehensive service that guarantees the quality of the products you receive. Our team is proficient in evaluating product attributes such as CE standards, product condition, and packaging, and will ensure that the products are packaged appropriately before being dispatched under our close supervision. With our commitment to exceptional service, we guarantee a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Our team, which is fluent in Mandarin, English, and French, has the necessary expertise to verify crucial details such as accurate measurement and proper HS code classification of your goods. More information can be found on our dedicated page: Sourcing service
Shipment of personal effects
Are you in the midst of planning a relocation, or have you recently returned from a trip that has left you with a surplus of luggage to manage? Do you find yourself grappling with the complexities of packing, storage, packaging, or customs clearance? Let us alleviate the burden of packing, storage, packaging, and customs clearance for your upcoming move or unexpected return from a busy trip. We offer comprehensive solutions for transporting your belongings from China to Europe, or any other destination around the globe. Rest assured, we take ownership of the logistics and handle everything with care and attention to detail. More informations on our dedicated page : Moving services
FAQ | Freight from Vietnam to Singapore : the complete guide
The most efficient means of transit between sea and air cargo depends on the specific needs and requirements of the shipment. If the cargo is time-sensitive and requires rapid delivery, air freight may be the best option as it offers faster transit times.
However, if the cargo is heavy and/or voluminous, sea freight may be a more cost-effective option as it offers greater capacity and lower rates. Also, multimodal transportation solutions, such as sea-air or air-sea, may be the most efficient option for certain shipments as they combine the advantages of both sea and air freight while minimizing their respective drawbacks. Ultimately, the optimal transit mode will depend on factors such as the nature of the cargo, the required delivery time, and the budget of the shipper.