Global Sales Potential: Learning how to start international shipping for small businesses opens a projected $8 trillion e-commerce market in 2026.
Streamlined Registration: Activate your Singapore Customs account with your UEN to unlock borders, a process that can be completed swiftly.
Price Clarity: Use the My Global Trade Services tool to calculate total landed costs and protect your margins.
Customer Loyalty: Use On Demand Delivery (ODD) to reduce cart abandonment by up to 23% by offering flexible delivery windows.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the engine of global trade. From Singapore, a strategic logistics hub, micro-multinationals ship everything from specialty coffee blends to high-tech components to global customers every day. With the global e-commerce market expected to exceed $8 trillion this year, your next best customer likely lives in a different time zone. Find a logistics partner that turns borders into gateways so you can focus on your product.
To export commercially from Singapore, your business must be registered with the government. Your first step is to activate your Customs Account with Singapore Customs. This digital registration links your business to your Unique Entity Number (UEN) and is essential for all trade activities.
Your legal baseline checklist:
Business ID: Ensure your business is registered with ACRA and has a Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Customs Account: Activate your free Customs Account online if you plan to export goods.
TradeNet® Registration: Register for a TradeNet® account to submit electronic export declarations.
Controlled Goods: Check if your products are considered controlled goods, which may require additional permits from specific Competent Authorities.
Speed and visibility are now standard requirements for global customers. A low-cost shipment that takes three weeks to arrive leads to service complaints and lost future sales. We handle complex border clearances through our in-house teams while your package is still in the air, ensuring a seamless connection from Changi Airport to the world.
Feature | DHL Express | Standard Shipping Services |
|---|---|---|
Speed | 1 to 3 bupiness days | 10 to 21 business days |
Tracking | Real-time, milestone-based | Limited or "last scan" only |
Customs | In-house brokerage included | Third-party (can cause delays) |
Reliability | 99-percent on-time delivery | Highly variable |
By using MyDHL+ , you get a workstation that remembers your preferences. The system guides you through the shipping process and ensures you have the correct labels and documentation for every destination.
This is the primary document customs agents use to determine duties and taxes in the destination country. Vague descriptions are a primary cause of inspection holds and delays. Use the My Global Trade Services tool to find the correct Harmonised System (HS) Code for your product before you ship.
Detailed Descriptions: Write "Men's 100% Cotton Knitted T-shirts" instead of "Clothing".
Accurate Values: List the actual transaction value for all items, even if they are samples or marketing materials.
HS Codes: Use the MyGTS tool to find specific codes. This helps prevent overpaying duties and ensures smoother clearance.
Currency: State clearly if the value is in USD or SGD.
The shipping price is only one component of your total cost. You must account for any import duties and taxes charged by the destination country's government. This combined total is the landed cost, and it's the final figure your customer cares about.
Many international customers now expect to see these costs transparently at checkout. You can use a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service to pay these charges on your customer's behalf. This prevents surprise bills at the door, which is a major factor in building brand reputation and securing repeat business.
The cost breakdown:
Shipping Fee: The cost of transport from your door to theirs.
Duties: A tax on imported goods that varies by product type and destination.
Taxes: Local consumption taxes like VAT or GST applied at the destination border.
Insurance: A small premium to protect against loss or damage in transit.
Your first international shipment is a critical marketing opportunity. Speed, control, and a seamless delivery experience define your brand in a new country. Understanding how to start international shipping for your small business means thinking about this final-mile customer experience from day one.
On Demand Delivery (ODD) gives customers in over 150 countries the power to choose how they receive their package. They receive a mobile notification enabling them to reschedule or redirect their delivery to suit their needs.
Why global customers love ODD:
Choice: Pick a delivery day when someone is home to receive the package.
Security: Authorise a Signature Release to have the shipment left in a designated safe spot.
Convenience: Collect from a nearby DHL Service Point or locker while running errands.
Sustainability: Cutting second-attempt deliveries lowers the carbon footprint of each shipment.
Run through this list before your first international shipment to ensure a smooth journey. A systematic checklist prevents common and costly errors.
Check the Weight: Ensure your Actual Weight matches your Volumetric Weight calculations.
Verify the Address: Double-check the postal code and format for the destination country.
Pack for the Journey: Use a sturdy, double-walled box and sufficient internal cushioning.
Secure Documents: Attach three copies of the Commercial Invoice in a clear, weatherproof pouch.
Don't wait for a peak season like ChristmasChinese New Year to discover issues in your supply chain. Start with small, manageable shipments and scale your operations as your confidence grows. Global trade is a marathon, and we are here to support you at every stage.
The world is waiting for your product. If you rely on basic shipping services, you leave your brand reputation and customer experience to chance. A professional, reliable logistics approach is the only way to scale effectively and compete globally in 2026.
Review your current shipping times and international customer feedback. If you see high cart abandonment rates or delivery complaints, it's a clear signal that it's time to change your partner. We can help you build a reliable and efficient path to your first international sale.
Start shipping with DHL Express and enjoy a myriad of reliable services. Open an account today to enjoy up to 70% off your international shipments.
Open an AccountStart by ensuring your business is registered with ACRA and has a UEN, then activate your Customs Account with Singapore Customs. Choose an express partner to manage border clearances and use the right tools to find correct product codes to ensure duties and taxes are calculated accurately.
In Singapore, you don't need a single "Export Licence" for most goods. Instead, your business must activate a Customs Account using your UEN. For certain controlled goods, you will need to apply for specific permits through the TradeNet® system.
Use the My Global Trade Services tool for a precise estimate of shipping fees, duties, and taxes. This ensures your products are priced accurately for international markets and there are no surprises for your customer.
We highly recommend it, particularly for your first few international sales. It provides peace of mind and protects your financial investment while you become familiar with the complexities of global trade.
Choose our GoGreen Plus service to reduce the carbon emissions associated with your shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This is a powerful way to appeal to eco-conscious global customers.
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