Hello from a newbie, plus a question on shipping from UK

[BenS]

Hi all.

I've been lurking and browsing the forums for some time now, which have been invaluable with planning my imminent arrival from the UK.

I've received my in-princible approval letter, the flight's booked and I've got my first month's accomodation sorted.

I've done a search but hope someone could answer me a question about shipping our stuff through customs. I'm aware we need to list an inventory of each box with values for Singapore customs but hoping someone can advise on how specific we need to be. I.e. for a box of my girlfriends toiletries including most potions known (and unknown) to man, do we need to list every bottle, or will we get away with "Box of Toiletries"?

I'm sure many questions will follow, thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.

Ben

[Ratpick_2000]

Toiletries will suffice - unless you are bringing some kind of whizz bang potion such as Codeine (which would be a big no-no).

The more vague you are, the more likely customs are to open and inspect your items, but remember its not in their interest to do so - just keep a relatively straightforward tally of "big ticket" items.

Good luck with your move - we have prepared some proper british rain for your arrival at present.

[BillyB]

Unless you are planning on bringing through a pile of unopened stuff that could be deemed for commercial use you'll be fine by packing them in your case. I wouldn't have thought there is any need to list the items if they are in your personal luggage.

My G.F brought enough toiletries to last for a decade and our cases were jam packed with all sorts of stinky things and we didn't get any questions or get stopped at customs.

I could be mistaken here, or rather naive, but I don't see any issue with bringing in as much as you need provided you have checked customs restricted items and removed then prior to departure.

Might be useful to double check the SG customs site to be on the safe side:

http://www.customs.gov.sg

[BenS]

Thanks for the speedy replies.

Billy, these won't be things we bring in with us, rather in boxes we're shipping from the UK direct to Singapore. I'm just trying to assertain how detailed our lists of what's in each box needs to be, as it's going to make packing a slow proces!

Glad to hear I have lots of rain waiting for me..

B

[BillyB]

Gotcha. I'd list the items in more detail if thats the case - either way you are being transparent and there will be no surprises if they choose to inspect the goods, which in all likelihood they will. Usually its a random inspection of 1 or 2 of the boxes to check for consistencies with the items you list / the descriptions you use compared to the contents.

If you are using a shipping company then they should know the procedures and complete the paperwork etc. Unless you packed and arranged this yourself?

So much hassle for stuff you'll probably get rid of after a few months in SG!!

[BenS]

Unfortunately we're packing ourselves Billy. I work for a distribution company, so they're shipping everything for us but we need to box it (and therefore compile the lists).

[ksl]

If you are packing yourself, you have no need to be so specific, 240 CD's 100 DVDS and Toiletries is enough, however to make an inventory is also to keep track of the items in case they go missing, so use your logic if it matters or not. Customs will choose to open a box or not.

From an Insurance point of view, you need the items itemised or they will not pay out in case of damage or missing items and in reality any item that is not on the list can easy go walkies and you can do nothing about it.

So if you have expensive perfumes, put them on the list values the customs or not too worried about, its the insurance companies if you are claiming is it used or unused. If you have too much unused stuff the customs will want to see the receipts of any significant value, over what you are allowed in. As they maybe classified as duty payable if you purchased a week before arriving. however if they are several months before and unopened they will give you the benefit of doubt.

Through a moving company you have a stipulated time limit to submit claims. I had 30 days with Pickfords in Singapore to claim for damage.

[BenS]

Thanks KSL - That's exactly what I was hoping to hear!

We will of course be listing all the high value items, but it's good to know we woun't be pulled up for just putting "sun creams" as an example, rather than having to list them all.

Right - back to the box packing... :O)

[Saint]

We packed a lot of the boxes but that was mainly clothes, books etc we left the high value and breakable items to the moving company to pack purely for insurance purposes. What I would recommend is that you pack a "first to open box" that has all the essential items that you want to unpack first, silly things like corkscrew/bottle opener, a couple of glasses, plates, cutlery etc

[BenS]

Cheers Saint - Good point!

[ksl]

Saint:silly things like corkscrew/bottle

Trust you to get your priorities right