Valuable Goods by Air Freight to Singapore

Valuable Goods by Air Freight: Security and Speed

Gold, diamonds, watches, art, jewelry, banknotes, and other valuable goods share two things in common: they are small (light shipments) and have an extremely high value per kilogram. Air freight is not only the fastest transport mode for these types of goods — it is also the safest.

Sea freight with a container full of valuables is a security nightmare: container theft, lengthy stays in ports, limited traceability. Air freight through secured cargo terminals with direct handling from plane to vault minimizes risk.

What Do We Ship as Valuable Goods?

• Precious metals: gold, silver, platinum (in bars or coins)
• Gemstones: certified diamonds, rubies, emeralds
• Luxury watches and jewelry (for brands, retailers, and private individuals)
• Art and antiques (with ATA Carnet for temporary import)
• Banknotes and securities (on behalf of banks and central banks)
• Smartphones and high-end electronics with high street value

Exporting to Singapore

Singapore is one of the most business-friendly countries in the world and a top choice for European companies looking to enter Asia. The country has no import duties on most goods and features a simple, fully digitized customs system (TradeNet). Changi Airport (SIN) ranks among the most efficient air freight hubs globally.

Customs & Documentation

Singapore applies a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST), but no traditional import duties. Documentation is straightforward: AWB, commercial invoice, packing list, and for certain goods, an import permit via TradeNet. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices require approval from the HSA (Health Sciences Authority).

Why Singapore?

• No import duties on most goods — resulting in low total import costs
• Ideal as a regional distribution hub for Southeast Asia
• Flight time approximately 12 hours — one of the longest routes, plan accordingly
• The EU-Singapore FTA provides additional tariff benefits for EU exporters

Important Notes on Valuable Goods

Secure Handling Mandatory

Valuable goods at Schiphol are processed exclusively through secure cargo terminals with access control, CCTV, and armed security when required. Aircargo.nl partners with specialized valuables handlers certified for high-value cargo.

Insurance

Standard air freight insurance covers a maximum of 22 SDR per kilogram — almost always insufficient for valuable goods. Aircargo.nl always recommends additional all-risk transport insurance based on actual value. We can arrange this insurance upon request.

Documentation

A detailed value declaration including serial numbers, photos, and certificates (e.g., GIA certificate for diamonds, authenticity certificates for art) is essential. High-value shipments are routinely subjected to extra inspections in some countries (e.g., India, UAE).

Routing & Splitting

For very high values (over €500,000), we advise splitting the shipment over multiple flights to reduce risk. This requires coordination with the recipient and possibly additional security measures at the destination.