Singapore stands out as a premier destination for luxury watches and jewellery shopping, thanks to its strong presence of high-end brands. The global demand for luxury items, while facing some headwinds in 2024, remains strong, with the market projected to reach nearly €1.5 trillion in spending, driven by factors like rising affluence, particularly in emerging markets, and the increasing influence of younger generations. However, shipping delicate luxury items like watches and jewellery comes with unique logistical challenges.
Why Singapore is a Leading Hub for Luxury Watches and Jewellery
The combination of Singapore’s reputation in the luxury market and increasing global demand presents a significant opportunity for local businesses. Importers from Hong Kong, the United States, France, and China are actively seeking high-quality luxury goods, making it essential for Singaporean businesses to navigate international shipping effectively.
Key Challenges in Shipping Luxury Items
Shipping luxury watches and jewellery internationally requires meticulous care to ensure that these high-value items remain in pristine condition. Key challenges include:
- Insurance and Customs Costs: High-value items necessitate insurance and compliance with varying customs regulations, which can significantly increase shipping costs.
- Documentation Requirements: Luxury watches are classified as Restricted Commodities. Different countries require specific documentation regarding product origin, quality checks, and valuation certificates.
High-value shipment approval
DHL Express has a High Value Shipment Approval Policy that is to be followed for any shipment requests that involve either of the following: a commodity valued at €500 and above, or a commodity classified as 'restricted' under the PRCP that requires business case approval. There are maximum value limits for shipments, and these can vary between B2B and B2C transactions. Please contact us for more information on the specific limits.
Essential Tips for Exporting Luxury Goods from Singapore
1. Invest in Proper Packaging Materials | Use protective materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts to safeguard your items. Proper packaging minimises the risk of damage during transit. For detailed guidance, refer to our packaging guide.
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2. Get Your Luxury Export Items Insured | Ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect against financial loss. The insurance cost typically reflects a percentage of the declared value of your items.
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3. Document Customs Clearance Requirements | Familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of your destination countries. Prepare all necessary documents such as certificates of origin and quality checks to avoid delays. Our customs support services can assist you.
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4. Track Your Shipments Regularly | Utilise tracking tools to monitor your shipments in real-time. This allows for prompt responses to any unexpected delays, enhancing customer confidence and loyalty. |
5. Choose the Right Shipping Partner | Research potential shipping partners carefully. Look for reliability, cost-effectiveness, and speed when searching for the right courier service when shipping luxury goods. DHL Express exemplifies these qualities, making it an ideal choice for shipping luxury items.
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Create an account with DHL Express today and experience the convenience of sending luxury items abroad with the help of our shipping experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can ship jewellery through DHL, but each country will have its own set of restrictions when it comes to shipping high-value goods.
Yes, you can ship jewellery through DHL, but each country will have its own set of restrictions when it comes to shipping high-value goods. Please check on the specific restrictions for the destination country before shipping.
While DHL Express includes a level of standard liability coverage for all shipments, this may not be sufficient for high-value items like luxury goods. Therefore, we offer additional shipping insurance that provides more comprehensive protection against loss or damage. We recommend considering our shipping insurance to ensure your valuable items are fully protected during transit.
For guidance on navigating the complexities of international shipping and customs clearance, visit our MyGTS - Your Gateway to Easy International Shipping page for helpful resources and information.
Watches are classified as Restricted Commodities. Refer to our guidelines on restricted items for detailed information. Insuring a luxury watch makes it a High-Value Shipment, which necessitates approval from DHL. This approval process can take 2-5 business days, and the shipment will be held until completed.