Whether you’re a business owner exporting products, a student sending personal items home, or just mailing a gift to a loved one, shipping from India to Singapore is easier than ever—if you know how to navigate the process.
In this post, we’ll break down the best shipping options, estimated delivery times, costs, and customs considerations to help you ship confidently.
Shipping Methods: What Are Your Options?
A. International Courier Services
Perfect for small parcels, documents, or urgent items.
Top Couriers:
- DHL Express – Fast, reliable, excellent tracking.
- FedEx – Great for business and time-sensitive shipments.
- UPS – Global reach, secure handling.
- Aramex – Budget-friendly with solid tracking.
- India Post – Affordable for lightweight packages.
Delivery Time: 2–7 business days
Tracking: End-to-end tracking available
Ideal For: E-commerce orders, personal parcels, small packages
B. Freight Shipping (Air or Sea Cargo)
Best for bulk shipments or commercial cargo.
- Air Freight:
- Fast (2–6 days)
- More expensive
- Ideal for high-value goods
- Sea Freight:
- Cost-effective for large volumes
- Slower (15–30+ days)
- Can be FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load)
Popular Freight Forwarders:
- Maersk
- DB Schenker
- Kuehne + Nagel
- Freightos (for comparing quotes)
Shipping Costs
Costs vary based on:
- Weight & Dimensions
- Service Level (Express vs. Economy)
- Insurance
- Type of Goods
For example, a 2 kg parcel via DHL or FedEx may cost SGD 40–80, while sea freight for a cubic meter of goods could start from SGD 200+.
Tip: Use online rate calculators from each courier for accurate pricing.
Customs, Duties & Documentation
India’s customs regulations are strict. Make sure you’re prepared with:
Required Documents:
- Commercial invoice or packing list
- Receiver’s KYC documents (for clearance in India)
- Import license (for certain categories)
Duties & Taxes:
- Gifts below ₹5,000 (~SGD 80) may be duty-free
- Most items are subject to GST (IGST) and customs duty
- The receiver typically pays these upon delivery
Tools for E-Commerce Sellers
If you’re selling from Singapore to India:
- Use platforms like Shiprocket, Shyplite, or Easyship for automation
- Integrate your Shopify or WooCommerce store
- Offer tracking, label generation, and rate comparison
Final Tips
- Compare rates between carriers before shipping
- Package securely to avoid damage during transit
- Declare items honestly to avoid customs delays
- Track your shipment and share tracking info with the receiver
Conclusion: With the right courier and documents, international shipping from Singapore to India can be smooth and efficient. Whether you’re sending a care package or growing your cross-border business, you have plenty of options tailored to your budget and timeline.
