Export Market Guide - Singapore

All regulatory information for exporting wine goods to Singapore, including the regulatory environment, duties and taxes, and permitted additives.

Unless an exemption has been granted by Wine Australia, grape products exported from Australia must comply with the Food Standards Code. Accordingly, the labelling and wine standards information in Wine Australia’s Export Market Guides should be read in conjunction with Wine Australia’s Licensing and Compliance Guide which contains the requirements of the Food Standards Code and applicable exemptions.

Singapore is a city-state in South East Asia, comprised of one main island and over 50 smaller islands. The main island is linked to the southern tip of Malaysia by a causeway and bridge. Singapore is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

With a land area totalling 683 square kilometres, Singapore is one of the smallest sovereign states in the world. In contrast, Singapore has the second largest population density with an estimated 6,389 people per square kilometre. This small yet highly populated country does not have any natural resources and has even reclaimed land by importing soil from neighbouring countries as well as its own seabed. Singapore gained independence in 1965 after a long British occupancy followed by a brief Japanese takeover and a short-lived union with the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore has managed to build its economic strength through export-orientated manufacturing and services industries. 

The port of Singapore is considered the hub of entrepôt trade and a gateway to other Asian markets and is the second busiest port in the world. Alcohol is one of the few imports to which an excise duty is attached in Singapore making it an expensive commodity. Singaporeans have a high GDP per capita in comparison to other South East Asian countries and most Singaporeans enjoy a high standard of living. 

Australia has a good trading relationship with Singapore and the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed between the two countries and entered into force on 28 July 2003. Australia and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN (AANZFTA) in February 2009. In 2021, Australian wine exports to ASEAN countries exceeded AUD $260 million FOB. The tariff commitments are the same as in SAFTA.

English is the language used by Government administrations and is taught in schools. It is widely used and understood. 

Singapore is competing with Hong Kong for the status of Asia’s wine hub as growing numbers of wine collectors and connoisseurs spur the market. The projections for the wine market in this part of the world are significant. Logistics company CWT opened the largest wine storage vault in the region in Singapore spanning 750,000 sq ft. with a capacity to store 10 million bottles.

According to Global Trade Atlas, Singapore imported 32.3 million litres in 2021, valued at USD $851 million. It is estimated that around 16.9 million litres of imported wine are re-exported from Singapore, mainly to Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Thailand and Malaysia.  Consequently, the real wine market in Singapore is estimated at around 15.4 million litres. France is the number one supplier to the market with around 44 per cent share followed by Australia with 27 per cent. The remaining market share is made up of wines from Italy, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Chile. 

Australia’s close proximity and connectivity, strong brand recognition and high level of familiarity with Singaporean consumers outline Australia’s competitive edge. In 2021, Australia exported a record 8.7 million litres to Singapore, valued at approximately USD $195 million.

Singapore’s tax and excise structure inflict significant extra costs to a bottle of wine.