If your supplier is sending the goods over, you have probably paid him for the shipment, so you will just pay the GST when the goods arrive. That is to say they will not be released to you until the GST is paid.
If you purchase FOB, which means Free On Board, you have to do the rest, pay fro transportation, insurance and customs clearance or you can set up an account with a freight forwarder, and they will do the customs clearance.
You will have GST to pay, and if you want to be fully legal, you should check if you need an import licence and check the goods for any illegal restrictions, this may relate to the materials the bags are made of.
It's important to see if bags are under the control of permits, check what is permitted and what is not, skins like leathers may require a permit, i don't know.
This link will take you step by step, if you have any questions let me know.
http://www.business.gov.sg/EN/BusinessT ... import.htm
I would think certain skins of animals will be banned for example. It is your responsibility as the importer to ensure you run your business in accordance with the laws of Singapore under the health & safety act.
Though the food industry is more strict for obvious reasons, ignorance of the laws is not an excuse, though I get the impression in Singapore that the majority of companies, are not legally covered in what they do and they don't care.
Tradenet you can use if you are importing or re-exporting I believe, though for your needs, I would just use it to collect information, to get a better understanding of import & export.
Your first step would be to understand your product, specifications and materials, and check if they are on the list of controlled products, skins of animals may well be, if unsure, you can take the handbag made of skin, to be checked with AVA, they can advise you....
I honestly don't believe any of the handbags being sold in Singapore are taken or tested by the importers, the health & safety risk is what you need to think about, if the goods are coming from a risk Country.
So basically if you have doubts, then get them tested with AVA. or the designated authority, always keep in mind, that you as the importer have the responsibility to the public.
Manufactures know its not their responsibility and will do anything as cheap as possible to produce goods and make money. It's your investment in the goods, you will lose if anything goes wrong, so it's always better to follow the procedures in place to be safe, especially importing food.
1. Country Risk for doing Business for import. Policy and guarantees for defects, solving the returns procedure for defects, normally you can negociate into your buying price. Or get full support.
2. Import restrictions = Technical hindrances in destination Country, health risks and hazards, taxes, duties if applicable and any other government hindrance in place, like restriction on quota's
3. Method of payment and security of payment...irreversible letter of credit is best, if you feel insecure with dealing with suppliers. Talk with bank for a good, safest deal.
