If you own a landed home in Singapore, you already know the drill. You spend hours scrolling Taobao and 1688 finding the perfect light fixture for your living room, custom curtains for the bay windows, or that sleek bathroom vanity that costs half of what it would here. You add everything to cart. You pay. And then comes the question that every Singapore homeowner asks: how do I actually get this stuff to my doorstep without losing my mind?
Shipping personal purchases from China to Singapore doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're furnishing a new terrace house in Bukit Timah, renovating a semi-D in Serangoon, or just stocking up on smart home gadgets, this guide walks you through exactly how to get your haul home — with no hidden fees, no surprise delays, and no customs headaches.
Why Sea Freight Is the Smart Choice for Homeowners
Most Singapore homeowners discover Taobao and 1688 through small parcels — a few items shipped via air. But when you start buying furniture, lighting, tiles, or renovation materials, air freight gets expensive fast. A single sofa set can cost more to ship by air than to buy.
Sea freight is the sweet spot for larger hauls. Here's why homeowners choose it:
- Cost-effective for bulk: Sea freight is charged by volume (CBM), not by item. A 5 CBM shipment of furniture, decor, and renovation materials costs a fraction of what air freight would.
- No size restrictions: Oversized items like dining tables, king-size bed frames, and full-length mirrors are no problem.
- Consolidation-friendly: Buy from multiple sellers on Taobao and 1688, have everything sent to a China warehouse, and ship it all together in one go.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship Your Taobao Haul to Singapore
Step 1: Shop and Consolidate
Order your items from Taobao, 1688, or any China marketplace. Have them delivered to your China warehouse address. Most sellers ship within 1-3 days domestically. Your warehouse holds everything until you're ready to ship.
Pro tip: Wait until you have at least 1-2 CBM of goods before shipping. The sweet spot for cost efficiency is 3-5 CBM — roughly the contents of a small living room or a master bedroom set.
Step 2: Get Your Quote
Once your items are at the warehouse, use the Logify freight calculator to get an instant quote. Enter your total volume in CBM, and you'll see the full cost breakdown including sea freight, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
Current pricing is straightforward:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sea freight (per CBM) | S$95 |
| Customs clearance (flat) | S$50 |
| Last-mile delivery (lorry) | S$100 |
| Last-mile delivery (crane lorry 20-ton) | S$240 |
| GST | 9% |
Example: A 5 CBM shipment of furniture and decor = S$475 (freight) + S$50 (customs) + S$100 (lorry delivery) + 9% GST = S$572 total. No surprises.
Step 3: Customs Clearance
This is the part that worries most homeowners, but it's simpler than you think. Logify handles all customs documentation for personal shipments. Your goods are cleared under Singapore's import regulations for personal use items.
What you need to know:
- Personal effects and household goods are generally duty-free up to reasonable quantities.
- Restricted items (e.g., batteries, liquids, certain electronics) need special handling — your Logify agent will advise.
- The S$50 customs clearance fee covers all documentation and broker fees.
Step 4: Last-Mile Delivery to Your Home
Once cleared, your goods are loaded onto a lorry and delivered to your doorstep. For landed properties, a standard lorry works for most deliveries. If you have heavy items like a piano, bathtub, or large stone tabletop, the crane lorry option ensures safe unloading.
Delivery is scheduled at a time that works for you. You'll receive Telegram notifications at every milestone — from loading at the China port to arrival at your gate. Check our FAQ for more details on delivery scheduling.
Real Talk: What Actually Goes Wrong (And How to Avoid It)
We've seen it all. Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make when shipping from China — and how to avoid them:
Mistake #1: Not Measuring Correctly
That "1.5m wide" sofa from Taobao might actually be 1.6m when you account for the packaging. Always add 10-15% to listed dimensions for packing material. Use the Logify calculator with your actual packed dimensions, not the product dimensions.
Mistake #2: Mixing Personal and Commercial Goods
If you're buying 50 identical light fixtures, customs may classify it as commercial. Keep personal shipments to reasonable household quantities. If you're renovating multiple properties, consider splitting shipments.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Delivery Access
Landed properties in Singapore often have narrow driveways or low gates. If you're ordering a large item, check that a lorry can access your property. The crane lorry option is worth the extra cost if there's any doubt.
How Logify Makes It Easy
Logify was built for Singapore homeowners who buy from China. Not for businesses shipping pallets of inventory — for people like you, furnishing a home one Taobao haul at a time.
- Real-time tracking: Log in to your dashboard and see exactly where your shipment is — loading at the China port, at sea, clearing customs, or out for delivery.
- Telegram notifications: Get automatic updates at every milestone. No refreshing pages, no calling customer service.
- Transparent pricing: What you see in the calculator is what you pay. No warehouse handling fees, no "administration charges," no surprises.
- Dedicated support: Chat with Leo, our AI freight agent, for instant answers about your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight from China to Singapore take?
Typically 7-14 days from port to port, depending on the departure port and shipping schedule. Add 2-4 days for customs clearance and 1-2 days for last-mile delivery. Total door-to-door time is usually 2-3 weeks.
Can I ship renovation materials like tiles and sanitaryware?
Absolutely. Tiles, bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinets, and lighting are among the most common items we ship for homeowners. Just make sure they're properly packed at the China warehouse to prevent damage during transit.
What if my items arrive damaged?
Logify offers cargo insurance for peace of mind. You can opt in during the booking process. If items arrive damaged, file a report through your dashboard and we'll guide you through the claims process.
Do I need a business registration to use Logify?
Not at all. Logify is for personal shipments. Register as an individual, and you're good to go. We handle customs clearance for personal effects without requiring a UEN or business registration.
Ready to Ship Your Taobao Haul Home?
Stop worrying about how to get your China purchases to your doorstep. Logify handles the freight, customs, and delivery — so you can focus on making your home exactly how you want it.
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