Mail order and GST/ Import duty

[Guest]

I'm thinking of buying some clothing from america - anyone knows how much the GST/Import tax threshold is?

[Guest]

I believe you only pay taxes from America? The shipping and taxes will be able to buy you alot more in Singapore.

[no tax]

If you are having things shipped here from a US online store, you most likely will not pay any tax on the items. Not all US states impose sales tax on internet purchases, so it usually depends what state you are having it shipped to & since you will be shipping here, there probably will be no tax. Shipping costs will likely be around US$30 or more depending on the size & weight of your order. I order things via the internet from the US all the time - I have never had to pay any GST or import duties. I'm pretty sure it depends on the $ value of the order. Check with Singapore Post to see what the value limit is before a customs charge is imposed.

[yoongf]

http://www.customs.gov.sg/faq/mainfaq.h ... tofdutyGST

Goods below value of $400 not subjected to GST.

[Sojourner]

Hello,

I have a store, Sojourner, at Tanglin Mall. I import clothing from the States all the time. Since I am a business, I pay 5% GST on everything that is shipped to me, but I believe that applies to resale goods only.

I would think you don't need to pay any tax. When we go to the US (I am American), custom's there, always wants to know what we spent overseas so that they can charge us a duty on those purchases. But in the years I have been living in Singapore, I don't remember filling out any forms for the value of the things I bring back that are not for resale.

Also, I don't know what charges are involved but the Singapore internet bill paying service vpost, has been promoting buying things through them, from America. I believe they have affiliations with some stores there. By looking at their site, you might find a definite answer to your question.