Ship a car to or from Singapore. This guide covers everything you need to know— from choosing the shipping method to understanding age restrictions, customs, tax, and duties.
Why Ship a Car To or From Singapore?
Singapore is a hub for both car enthusiasts and business travellers, with strict vehicle regulations that make shipping a practical option. Many people choose to ship a car to Singapore for relocation, work assignments, or purchasing specific models not easily available locally. Conversely, shipping a car from Singapore to countries like the UK ensures your vehicle arrives safely and meets local regulatory requirements.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
When you decide to ship a car, there are two primary methods to consider:
 Container Shipping – Your vehicle is placed in a secure container for maximum protection. Ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars.
 Roll-on / Roll-off (RORO) Shipping – Your car is driven onto a specialized vessel. RORO shipping is usually more cost-effective, though it exposes the vehicle to more external elements compared to container shipping. Age Restrictions & Vehicle Approval Different countries have age-based regulations that affect shipping:
 Shipping to Singapore: Vehicles must be less than 3 years old, with age calculated from the date of first registration in a foreign country. Import permits are required, and all vehicles must meet Singapore’s strict emissions and safety standards.
Older vehicles, typically those over 35 years old, may face additional restrictions, taxes, or may not be eligible for import.
 For shipping from Singapore to the UK, vehicles of any age can be imported, but regulatory requirements depend on the car’s age:
o Cars up to 10 years old may require full compliance with UK safety and environmental standards, including IVA if no EU/UK type approval exists.
o Vehicles over 10 years old may be exempt from IVA, but MOT and road-worthiness requirements still apply.
o Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify as historic cars, with reduced VAT (5 %) and potential duty exemptions.
Tax, Duty & Customs Clearance
When you ship a car internationally, taxes, duty, and customs clearance are important considerations.
Importing to the UK from Singapore
 Customs clearance: Import declarations must be made to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) via the NOVA system before DVLA registration.
 Duty & VAT: Standard import duty is typically 10 % of the customs value (vehicle + shipping + insurance), and VAT is 20 % of the total taxable value.
 Reliefs:
o Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief: Eligible individuals relocating to the UK may pay 0 % duty and VAT.
o Historic vehicles: Cars over 30 years old may pay 0 % duty and 5 % VAT if criteria are met.
 When relief doesn’t apply: Standard duty and VAT apply if conditions aren’t met.
Shipping to Singapore
 All imported cars must meet the age restriction, safety, emissions, and COE requirements listed above.
 You will also pay the registration fee, GST, and any applicable duties.
 Only vehicles meeting all compliance rules will be allowed on Singapore roads.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Before you ship a car, proper preparation is crucial:
 Clean the car inside and out to pass inspections.
 Document its condition with photos.
 Remove personal belongings if shipping via RORO and keep the fuel tank around ¼ full.
 Gather all necessary documentation — purchase invoice, export certificate, shipping documents, proof of ownership, copy of V5, copy of
Passport and ToR references if claiming relief for UK imports.
 Make required modifications depending on the destination country:
o UK imports may require speedometer conversion, lighting adjustments, and MOT/IVA compliance.
o Singapore imports must comply with local safety, emissions, and COE requirements.
At Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, we can support you with MOT, vehicle registration, and road tax for UK imports, so your car is ready to drive immediately upon arrival.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car to or from Singapore doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your shipping options, country-specific age and compliance requirements, and tax/duty obligations, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. If you’re planning to ship a car, proper preparation and guidance make all the difference.
Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Yacht and Boat Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment. Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk