What type of GST permit is needed to import goods into Singapore?

When submitting a customs declaration in the Singapore TradeNet system, there are two types of GST permits to choose from: the IG permit and the ME permit. Furthermore, the IG permit can be processed under two different payment modes depending on whose account the GST is deducted from:

• 1. The GST is deducted from the declaring agent's (freight forwarder's) account.
• 2. The GST is deducted directly from the actual importer's account.

ME permit

• The ME permit falls under the Major Exporter Scheme (MES). Under this scheme, approved importers do not need to pay GST upfront at the time of importation. However, businesses must first apply for the scheme and obtain formal approval from Singapore Customs and IRAS.
• If an importer imports goods from China and wants DJcargo to handle their ME permit declaration, the importer must first authorize DJcargo as their declaring agent in the customs system.
• How to authorize DJcargo as your declaring agent in TradeNet?
• 1. Corppass Authorization (The Critical Step): The actual importer cannot just give a verbal or written confirmation. They must log in to their Corppass account (Singapore's corporate digital identity platform) and digitally assign the declaring agent role to your company.
• 2. TradeNet Linkage: (a) Search for DJcargo’s Unique Entity Number (UEN) or corporate name. (b) Select and authorize DJcargo as their Declaring Agent (DA). (c) Authorize the specific Permit Type (in this case, selecting/enabling MES / ME permits).
• 3. Customs Activation: Once the Corppass assignment is submitted, the link is virtually instantaneous in the TradeNet system. DJcargo’s customs brokers will then be able to input the importer's UEN, and the system will allow the submission of the ME permit without rejecting it due to "unauthorized agent" errors.

IG permit

• IG permit with G7
• Most GST-registered companies in Singapore utilize the IG permit with a G7 processing code, meaning the declaring agent pays the GST fee on behalf of the importer when declaring their goods in the TradeNet system, so DJcargo will collect the GST payment before delivering the goods to the consignee.
• IG permit with GF
• Some importers have linked their Inter-Bank GIRO (IBG) accounts with Singapore Customs. This allows the GST fee to be automatically deducted from their own account when DJcargo submits the TradeNet declaration. However, the importer must first activate their Customs account and authorize DJcargo as their declaring agent.